Are you a parent of an infant, toddler, or young child?  Do you have a baby on the way? Are you an experienced parent or family member who has raised young children in the community?

Many of us at St. Charles look after both the practical and spiritual needs of young children. How can we support each other?

All are welcome to the first gathering of the Young Family Fellowship group next Sunday, February 6 after the 11:15 AM Mass. This first session focus on introductions and setting up topics of interest for discussion for our monthly meetings.

You can join in-person — the gathering will be held in the back of the church. If you can’t make it to the church, please feel free to tune in via Zoom around 12:15 PM.

We are excited that next Sunday, January 30, we will be joined by Bishop Brennan, who will celebrate the 7 PM Mass.

We encourage anyone who is able to attend. Let’s give our new bishop a warm St. Charles welcome.

Our final synod discussion session will be next Sunday, January 30, around 12:15 PM once the 11:15 AM Mass ends. We’ve had several good discussions in December and thank those who participated. If you didn’t have a chance then, you can join us next Sunday either in-person at church or via Zoom.

As Fr. Bill mentioned, Pope Francis organized the synod for us to discern the Church’s future together. We want to hear you. No topics are off the table.

We will be reflecting on the following questions:

1. In what areas is the Church not hearing you?
2. What have your experiences been in talking about your faith with others both within and outside our faith community?
3. How might the Church be more inviting? How do we get people back in the pews?
4. Is there anything else that the Holy Spirit is calling you to say? What would you like to hear from the Holy Spirit?

This week, the federal government and USPS launched a website where you can order four free at-home COVID test kits to be shipped to you. It’s recommended to order your test kits now so you have them when you need them.

You can order your at-home COVID test kits by visiting https://special.usps.com/testkits.

If you or someone you know does not have Internet access, help is available this Sunday morning (Jan. 23). Parish volunteers with computers will be available in the back of the church following the 9 AM and 11:15 AM Masses to help you fill out the website form to order the test kits.