South Central Homeschoolers of Our Lady at 386 N. Castell, New Braunfels, TX 78130-5021 US - Activity Guide

Children 4th grade and up may serve as altar servers. They are trained by a deacon in early September. Children comfortable reading in front of the congregation may read the Mass readings or the responsorial psalm. The readings and psalms are given to them beforehand. A schedule for both servers and readers is set up for the school year (Sept-May).

Meetings after Mass

When we have a meeting after Mass, we will all gather in St. Mary’s Hall. The children will meet in a circle on the floor and begin by being led in a prayer. On Saint Days and “Sharing our Faith” Days (approximately twice a month) we will listen to a short talk about traditions of our Catholic faith. Then we will break into 3 groups for the activity: pre-school, elementary, and middle school. We hope to better serve the various age groups in this way.

Saint Days

On these days, the TORCH group learns about the life of a saint whose Feast Day falls in the current month. The adult leading this activity shares biographical information and any interesting facts and stories about the saint. This is followed by a relevant activity, game, service project or craft. You may choose your own saint for the month or follow the suggested saint taken from the liturgical calendar.

Sharing our Faith Days

Another something new! These days involve a time of more in depth learning about our unique and beautiful Catholic faith through the Liturgical Year. Examples include Mary’s birthday, preparation for the seasons of Advent and Lent, Holy Week, the Rosary, tour of our Church, Stations of the Cross, and the May crowning of Mary. Confession We will have a priest available following the Wednesday Mass for the Sacrament of Reconciliation approximately once a month. We hope to help each other out so that those with younger children may also receive the sacrament.

Park Days

We will go to a park after Mass on scheduled Wednesdays. We will start with Landa Park or Cypress Bend Park near the library but please let us know of you have a great playscape in your neighborhood!

Children’s Adoration

Families are invited to come together for Eucharistic Adoration on the 1st Friday of each month from 7-8 p.m. in the Adoration Chapel. Families are led in prayer, readings, reflective questions, and songs. Song sheets are distributed. Fellowship follows in the Family Room.

Symphony

The TORCH group attends 4 performances of the San Antonio Symphony Youth Series (2 in the fall and 2 in the spring) at Laurie Auditorium-Trinity University. The 45 minute program begins at 9:45 and are presented in a child-friendly manner. The conductor interacts with the audience between pieces. Out of respect for other groups, please remember to take distracting children to the lobby if necessary. Their website includes lesson plans for the yearly theme of the series and you may purchase a CD of all four programs. Paint to Music In the spring, groups are invited to listen to certain pieces and produce a “painting to the music.” At the final symphony performance, 3 are chosen from each group to be a part of the slide show accompanying the final performance.

SW Craft Center

The TORCH group attends the SW School of Arts and Crafts in downtown SA for 3 Saturdays during the month of November from 9-11:30 a.m. Artists assist the children and encourage parents to take part in the following activities: pottery making, stained glass, mosaics, silk screening, weaving and seasonal crafts. This is a free activity, but space is limited and early registration is encouraged. We will have a group sign-up list.

VEXLER Children’s Theater

TORCH families may sign up to attend up to 2 performances at this community theater throughout the year. The productions range from musicals to plays taken from children’s literature. Following the show we usually picnic and play at nearby Walker Ranch Park.

All Saints Day Party

Children dress up as a saint and share clues about whom they have chosen. We try to “guess the saint.” The children enjoy refreshments and participate in fun games, activities, and crafts relevant to saints.

Saint Nicholas Party and Toy Drive

A celebration that includes a visit from Saint Nicholas, fun activities and crafts, refreshments and the wrapping of a present brought for the toy drive. Gifts are taken to underprivileged children by the Sts. Peter and Paul youth ministry group.

Mardi Gras Party

Following the 5 p.m. Mass we will gather on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday in St. Mary’s Hall for a potluck dinner and some fun with our family and friends. As we look ahead to Lent, our preparation for Easter, we ask Jesus to be in our hearts as we grow closer to him.

Saint Valentine’s Party

The children participate in a valentine exchange after Mass by bringing valentine cards for the group and a decorated box or bag. The children then make a craft (bookmark, card, door hanger, etc.) to deliver to nursing home residents.

International Night

An evening where TORCH families gather to present information they have learned about a specific country. Food, costumes, interesting facts, geography, customs and traditions about the country are all shared in a variety of ways.

Science Fair Night

Students participate by displaying a science experiment, project or collection. All ages are encouraged to participate. Families enjoy a potluck dinner after viewing the projects.

Awards Night

On this night children share their school year by using a table to “display their year.” Items shared in the past include projects, notebooks, music learned, scouting, achievements, athletic awards, collections, etc. Certificates of achievement are handed out. After a potluck dinner, the evening concludes with a “variety show” of any skill they would like to share, i.e., musical performances, karate demos, poetry or speech recitations, etc.

Mom’s Night Out

On these evenings moms gather to encourage, inspire and help each other as well as have fun!

Life Chain

Life Chain is a peaceful and prayerful public witness of pro-life Americans standing for one hour praying for our nation and for an end to abortion. It is a visual statement of solidarity by the Christian community that abortion kills children and that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception.

PSIA (Private Schools Interscholastic Association)

PSIA is an extracurricular academic program for students in grades 1st through 8th which inspires student achievement through academic competition. Our TORCH home school group is classified as a private school and is therefore eligible to participate.

Nursing Home Visits

Small group visits will take place monthly to celebrate resident’s birthdays.

Speech Club

This is a public speaking class for 5-12 yr olds that meets on Fridays from 3-4 p.m. at Christ Presbyterian church. This Christian group welcomes all interested in gaining confidence in speaking in a non-threatening environment. We have successfully helped children gain skills of communication through exercised like self-introduction to adults, reciting poetry to the club, and telling jokes for the amusement of all parents and kids alike. Parent participation is expected. The class is coached by TORCH parents Bill and Patti Davis. A debate and speech club for 13-18 yr olds meets from 4- 7 p.m.

Blue Knights

This is a Catholic boys club for ages 5-9 that teaches the concept of knighthood based on virtue. Boys have a great time participating in this program and growing in their faith. It is not exclusively for homeschoolers.

Little Flowers

This is a Catholic girls club for ages 5-14 that teaches about the Virgin Mary, St. Therese of Lisieux and other saints of the church. It is not exclusively for homeschoolers.