Dear FAST Participants, Volunteers, and Families-
 
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to you today.  Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and falling participant numbers, we will be cancelling the in-person FAST this year.  Understandably, families continue to be hesitant to gather in groups, which is significantly affecting our numbers.  The FAST is always an uplifting, joyous event that not only raises money for worthy charities, but also builds and fosters our parish community.  The last thing we want to do is to put on an event that feels forced and emphasizes the restrictions that we are currently having to observe.  We would much rather hold off gathering in person for a year, so that we can truly come together to celebrate our youth, our parish, and most importantly, the amazing work that these charities do on a daily basis.
 
In lieu of gathering together, we will be moving the FAST to an at-home experience.  We are asking the entire St. John Neumann community to Fast for 24 hours during the weekend of August 7-9, 2020.  Recognizing that everyone is not able to fast from food, we ask each member of the community to prayerfully consider what he/she is willing to fast from that weekend.  Ideas include:
 
Fasting From:

• Food
  • This could be food entirely.  Or, you may choose to fast from desserts, snacks, a favorite food, etc.
• Electronics
• Bad Habits
• Social Media
• Video Games
• Sitting on the couch
• Yelling
• TV
• Ordering out
• Movies
• Spending money
• Or you could choose to do something.  Ideas for this include:
• Say a Rosary/Devotion
• Read the Bible
• Being polite
• Doing something nice for someone
• Doing chores without being told
• Accomplishing something on the House To-do List
• Eating only healthy food
• Exercising
• Collect food for Food Pantry
• Collect money for Our FAST Charities

We will be asking parishioners to send in notes and pictures about how their FAST is going and posting them online at our Facebook page to keep everyone connected.
 
Having said that, we do still need to collect any monies that have been raised for this year’s recipients.  The money will be collected and divided equally amongst the five charities.  Please make arrangements to drop off in the parish office any donations that you have gathered.  We will, once everything is collected, send out a report detailing the amount raised and the top adult, youth, and family money raisers.
 
Also, our food pantry is always in need of food and supplies.  We collect an enormous amount of food for the pantry leading up to and during the FAST.  Given the current food pantry needs, this year, more than most, donations are sorely needed.  Anything you could donate to the SJN pantry will be greatly appreciated.  I have attached the FAST food pantry flyer, for your convenience.
 
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all of you for your hard work in planning the FAST and raising money, and for your willingness to give up 30 hours of your time to help our larger community.  Each and every one of you is a true blessing to St. John Neumann and our communities.  Thank you.
 
I look forward to gathering next year for the annual FAST and hope that each of you will join with me once again to make the 2021 FAST a huge success.
 
Teri Schmitt
Faith Formation Secretary