Catholic Alliance Gatherings
We will all gather in St. Mary's Hall at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels, TX.. The children will meet in a circle on the floor and begin by being led in a prayer. On "Saint Days" and “Faith Days" (approximately twice a month) we will listen to a short talk followed by a craft or enrichment.

Saint Days
On these days, the Catholic Alliance 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
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.

Adoration and Children's Holy Hour
Our group will attend Eucharistic Adoration on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Adoration Chapel at Sts. Peter and Paul. Children of all ages and their parents are encouraged to attend and offer an hour of Glory and Praise to our Lord! This is a beautiful devotion, which is truly meant for all our children, no matter how young.

Symphony
The Catholic Alliance 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. http://www.sasymphony.org/e_young.php

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 Catholic Alliance 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.

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.

Mardi Gras Party
Following the 5 p.m. Mass we will gather on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish 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.

Geography Fair
An evening where Catholic Alliance 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
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.

Mom’s Night Out
On these evenings moms gather to encourage, inspire and help each other as well as have fun!

Additional Enrichment Activities:

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 Catholic Alliance home school group is classified as a private school and is therefore eligible to participate.

Children's Fine Arts Theatre:
Eric Carle Treasured Stores, Dec. 6
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, Jan. 20
Cinderella, Feb. 17
Are You My Mother?, Mar. 9
Rapunzel, June 15

Slim GoodBody, January 27