For the nine days preceding the Solemnity, let us offer our prayers to Christ the King

for the freedom of the Church with a Novena to Christ the King.

Novenas offer us an opportunity to purposely dedicate some time each day to prayer, communally or individually, to remember that we are called to be consistent and persistent in prayer.

The word novena derives from the Latin word for nine (novem), and it refers to nine days of private or public devotion and prayer; the days can be consecutive or spread over weeks/ months but usually on specific days. Novenas usually consist of a novena-specific prayer that is repeated every day, some type of litany or petition/response prayer, often a brief scripture passage, and sometimes with a hymn or canticle.

To pray the Novena to Christ the King, begin on Friday, November 15

and pray each day until completion on Saturday, November 23.

Use the links below for a printable of the novena prayers and intentions

or they can be viewed on the USCCB website.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has been a pious custom in the Church since time immemorial, and the custom of having at least two persons present at all times has been the rule.

Perpetual adoration occurs when parishioners, religious orders and communities, and other interested people arrange their visits to Church in an organized way. Typically, two or more people, taking turns, spend an hour, in prayer and silence, before the Blessed Sacrament. The hours of the day or night are so divided that adoration is considered perpetual or extended over a period of time.

Why is it required to have two people present? Safety!

To ensure a safe and secure environment for the adorers while at the same time insuring that the Most Blessed Sacrament exposed in the monstrance is not left unattended.

Why should we not leave the Most Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance unattended?

First, out of courtesy, and second for safety, because — while in the monstrance — the Eucharist is vulnerable.

Use the link below (or the QR code on the image above) to sign-up for Adoration at the time that is most convenient for you and your family on November 22 or 23.

My morning was full of surprises! I found my office decorated (thank you Mrs. Rochelle!), got so many birthday wishes from Cathecists and the sweet littles of RE, and had the pleasure of EDGE singing the birthday song TWICE! After sharing birthday treats and all the fun, they decided I should have a birthday EVERY Sunday, haha!

It continued in the afternoon when I walked into HSYG and the Teens surprised me by jumping out from EVERYWHERE! (They got me really good!) They had even snuck in early and decorated the whole Youth Room! They were so kind to bring lots of treats to share (most made by them!), surprised me with gifts, showered me with birthday wishes, and made it a party! It was made even more precious when Fr. Aiden stopped in with a card from the St. Nicks staff and had the Teens gather round to join in prayer as he gave me a blessing.

Many many thanks to my wonderful husband Clay for going above and beyond to bring so much birthday fun to the Youth Room during EDGE and again at HSYG so that I could celebrate with some of my most favorite people!

It brought me so much joy & gratitude to share these moments that made me feel very loved & blessed. It was an extraordinary day making lots of memories that I will always cherish!

THANK YOU! 🎉-Mrs. Beth

We opened in prayer and then all of the Youth surprised me by singing the birthday song! They are beautiful singers. We were starting to review our last session when cake and candles arrived. I was blessed with another round of singing and then we all shared yummy birthday treats! See video below.

Once we could calm down again, we continued with our review and began Part 2 of Lesson 1. We learned why the Bible is the Word of God and that it is important for us to read and know His Word. Then the Youth completed worksheets by answering questions about themselves to then insert into a prewritten paragrah, similar to Madlibs. Those who were not able to share theirs will get a chance next Sunday.

Next, we went to the Social Hall to play Grab the Coin. Youth divided into groups of two standing opposite each other with a sticky hand to Grab the Coin and slide it to the edge of their tables. It was fun but difficult and they were really concentrating! We then returned to the Youth Room to close in prayer. See video below.

Thanks to Miss Karissa for her continued assistance in EDGE!

The Youth will cover the Early World, Part 1 in Lesson 2 of Encounter.

After I was so dearly welcomed with an exciting birthday surprise from the Teens (see video above in Announcements), we began HSYG with a prayer for the dead, especially the Poor Souls in Purgatory. We were starting to review our last session when another surprise arrived that turned into a party!

Once we had shared lots of treats and gifts, we continued with our review and began Part 2 of Lesson 1. We learned that the Bible is like a letter from God to us. Then each couch of Teens were assigned a scripture passage to find, read, and discuss. They then shared their scripture and explained to all of us what each passage meant. See video below.

Fr. Aiden was the next surprise when he stopped in to give birthday wishes and included the Teens in giving me a lovely birthday blessing.

Next, we went to the Social Hall to play Grab the Coin. Teens again divided into groups, they were given a sticky hand, and a coin on a table. The object of the game was to Grab the Coin and slide it to the edge of their tables. It was a lot harder than expected, and as usual it was hilarious chaos! See video below.

We then returned to the Youth Room for a few minutes of Free Time before closing in prayer.

Many thanks to Shannon & Rob Blackburn for blessing us with their ongoing assistance in HSYG!

The Teens will cover the Early World, Part 1 in Lesson 2 of Venture.

The St. Nicholas Knights of Columbus have graciously offered to donate all proceeds to SNYM from their upcoming Pancake Breakfast on November 17th!

All KofC asks is that our Youth & Teens volunteer to assist.

Please let me know if you are interested & available to volunteer!

Bring a pie to share after Mass the evening before Thanksgiving!

Next class will be on Sunday Nov 10th.,

1:30-3pm in the Youth Room.

It is mandatory for both the Catholic Parent

and the Candidate to attend the sessions.

Ages 5-17 years old are invited to Oratory at 1pm every Saturday at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Learn more about Oratory (including the schedule) at https://sacredheartak.org/oratory.

While we have had quite a few wonderful parishioners volunteer to assist in EDGE & HSYG, their schedules do fluctuate and it would be very helpful to have more who are willing to assist.

Per the Diocese policy for the safety of everyone, a minimum of 2 certified adults are required to be present for all Youth Ministry activities.

Please prayerfully consider completing your certification, and/ or asking individuals who you think would be a willing volunteer. Or, you can submit suggestions for me to contact. Thank you. -Beth

All youth ministry volunteers must have current certification for the course of Serving Vulnerable Populations and a Criminal History Record Check on file with the Diocese.

More information can be found by visiting Adult Training on the Diocese of Fairbanks website.

Diocese of Fairbanks - Adult Training - Fairbanks, AK

Call or Text 907-978-4786

Email stnicksym@cbna.org

Sundays 10am-7pm

Please call, text, or email for

appointments Monday-Saturday

It is a privilege to work with St. Nick's Youth!

As always, please never hesitate to contact me for any reason.

I pray you are having a blessed week.

In Christ's love, Beth