Archdiocese of Seattle

Religious Education Newsletter

April 11, 2016

 

Dear Catechetical Colleagues, 

Pope Francis is blessing our Easter Season with his new Apostolic Exhortation on the Family, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love).  Hopefully all of us will find time in the upcoming weeks to review this document and to consider how our faith formation programs help enrich all of the families we serve. Also, our essential concept this week is the Our Father, which is a great prayer to reflect on in light of the new papal document.
  
As mentioned in our newsletter last week, we are looking forward to seeing you on April 28-29 for our Best Practices on Catechetical Leadership workshop .  The Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center is handling the registrations (link).  More information about the event can also be found below in the Catechetical events section.
 
We also sent out a  survey last week regarding job titles and the grades/age groups you oversee with your faith formation programs .  If you did not receive an email about this survey, which only takes three minutes to complete, you can go to the link   We definitely appreciate you providing us with this information, as it will help us more effectively serve you in the future.
 

In Christ,
 
Anne Frederick, Ed.D.
Director of Religious Education anne.frederick@seattlearch.org
 
Lisa Hillyard
Library Media Center Manager lisa.hillyard@seattlearch.org
Upcoming Catechetical Events

Religious Education Standards Deanery Workshops
Contact the Office of Catholic Faith Formation for information, registration, and scheduling a future workshop.
 
Liturgy Workshop Opportunities
Spread the word about these liturgical workshops, events and formation opportunities from the Liturgy Office. Please see the Liturgy Office Workshop & Events page  for more information.

Cabrini Ministry 2016 Graduation Mass
April 18, 2016 I St. James Cathedral, Seattle I 7:00 pm I Come support this year's graduates of Cabrini Ministry Training, learn about our program, and connect with other pastoral care ministers.  Alumni are encouraged to participate in the liturgy by renewing their own commitment to Cabrini Ministry.  Reception immediately following in the Cathedral Place Hall.

ATTENTION PLEASE! Engaging Children & Teens in Their Faith in a Culture of Distractions Tested Tips for Teachers, Catechists, and Parents
April 21, 22, or 23, 2016 I Free Event! The Archdiocese of Portland We live in a culture of distractions. There is more information, relevant or not, flying at us today than ever before.  The pervasiveness of electronic media ensures that we are never far from a status update, a greeting from a friend, or a sales ad.  Today's kids have grown up in this media-saturated environment, and it is affecting the brain.  Come learn practical ways to better reach today's young people and hand on the faith. Presenter: Dr. Joseph White - Click here for more information and to register.

How Can I Take Up Your Cross? Being Simon of Cyrene: Tools to Serve Those in Need
April 23, 2016 I St. Michael Parish, Olympia I 9:00 am to 3:00 pm I Free event, donations appreciated-lunch included. View the flyer for registration and more information.
  
Best Practices for Catechetical Leadership
For the Newly Revised Parish Elementary Religion Standards
April 28-29, 2016 I ABRC @ Palisades I Visit the OCFF Events & Resources page for more information.

Revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony Regional Workshop
The Office for Liturgy is working with the FDLC on hosting a northwest regional workshop on the revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony. May 27, 2016 (for Clergy) & May 28, 2016 (for other ministers) I Holy Family Church, Kirkland I 8:30 am to 3:30 pm I Online registration is required and will soon be available at www.fdlc.org/marriage-rite-workshops with a cost of $55 per person to include lunch, USCCB presenter costs, and workshop materials. Please see the letter from Andrew Casad, Director of the Liturgy Office for more details. Questions can be directed to 206-382-4838 or Andrew.Casad@seattlearch.org 
 
 Annual PAFF Conference
Wednesday, June 1, 2016 I ABRC @ Palisades I  Joe Paprocki: A Church on The Move: Getting Mission and Mercy in Motion I 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Formation Opportunities
 
The Dance of Christian Life: The Camino de Santiago & Our Spiritual Journey Retreat
April 29-May 1, 2016 I ABRC @ Palisades, Federal Way I Join Fr. Scott Connolly as he reflects on the Camino de Santiago journey he made in 2012, and the spiritual highs and lows we all experience along our earthly pilgrimage toward Heaven.  His stories from the Camino - humorous, poignant, and insightful - will uplift and inspire you. Visit the webpage for more information and to register.

Continuing Our Catholic Walk Day Retreat
Saturday, April 30, 2016 I 10:00 am to 3:00 pm I Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Eatonville I All Catholic Women and friends are invited to continue their Catholic Walk at a day retreat in the scenic town of Eatonville near the foothills of Mt. Rainier. Come learn and celebrate Mary, Mother of Counsel, Wisdom, and Mercy with the Seattle Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women at the parish of our patron, Our Lady of Good Counsel. Join Fr. Peter Tynan from St. Martin University for Eucharist, reflection, fellowship and presentations ending with Outdoor stations and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Visit our website for information and registration: http://www.seattleaccw.org/  or call Laurie Coykendall at 360-509-9395. 

Cabrini Ministry Training Spring Retreat/Luncheon
Saturday, May 7, 2016 I  10:00 am to 1:00 pm I Blessed Sacrament Church, Seattle I
"Sharing Communion and Mercy with Those in Isolation" Explore how God's mercy is made available to us through the Eucharist and how we can share that mercy with others who are afflicted or isolated.  Join us for prayer, reflection, and lunch!  Presented by John Simpson, CMT teacher and Carla Loucks, CMT Executive Director. Registration required: www.cabriniministry.org   Questions: 206-760-0583 x3 Free-will offering encouraged.  All are welcome!

Foundations of Our Catholic Faith - CCP Program
Southern Deanery Summer Program: June 20-24, 2016 I St. Joseph Church, Vancouver
Seattle Summer Program: June 27-30, 2016 I Isaac Orr Conference Center-Chancery This program includes Scripture, Theology, Catechetics, and Church History to support the Church's mission to evangelize. FOUNDATIONS...provides an opportunity to hear the Gospel message, understand the Church's teachings, and grow in the fullness of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. For class schedules, registration and more, visit the CCP webpage.
 
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 Formation Course
Presented by Joann Terranova, MAPS and Lynne Shioyama
January to November 2016 For more information, see flyer or contact Claudia Petursson at Holy Family Parish 452-822-0295, ext. 122 or claudiap@hfkparish.org

Notre Dame Center for Liturgy-Summer Study Weeks
In the summer of 2017, the Center for Liturgy will be hosting three study weeks for those involved in liturgical formation, sacramental catechesis, and liturgical music ministry. For study week descriptions and other information, visit  Notre Dame Center for Liturgy
June 19-23, 2017: The Liturgy of Time and Space
June 18-22, 2018: The Eucharistic Life
June 15-19, 2019: Sacraments for the Life of the World

Notre Dame Center for Liturgy Symposium: Liturgy & the New Evangelization
June 20-23, 2016 I The 2016 Symposium seeks to discern how liturgical prayer, sacramental formation, and liturgical catechesis can contribute to the new evangelization. For more information and to register, visit the Center for Liturgy website.

Parish Notifications
 
Free Vacation Bible School Items
If your parish is planning on using the Our Sunday Visitor Totally Catholic Cave Quest program this summer, St. Michael Parish in Olympia has all of the corrugated cardboard signage that is used for the program available. If interested, please contact Anne Kunkle at 306-292-7114 or akunkle@saintmichaelparish.org    
 
Job Opportunities Announcement
 
St. Joseph Church-Vancouver
Pastoral Assistant for Social Concerns Ministry - Seeking person to collaborate with the pastor and other pastoral staff to lead and empower parishioners in direct service, advocacy, social justice education and spirituality. The Pastoral Assistant is a resource to consultative leadership, the pastoral staff, the school and wider church communities to help raise awareness and act for justice, based on respect for life, social justice and Catholic Social Teaching. The Pastoral Assistant will serve as a liaison to social service agencies in the community who serve the marginalized. This is a full time position serving two parishes and a mission.  Salary and benefits according to Archdiocesan guidelines. Bachelor degree required and Master's degree and experience in social concerns ministry preferred.
Application materials are available at http://stjoevan.org/know-st-joes/parish-staff/parish-job-openings/ . Completed application materials may be mailed to St. Joseph Catholic Ch urch, Atten: Carrie Moschetti, 6600 Highland Drive, Vancouver WA 98661 or emailed to carriem@stjoevan.org.

St. Joseph Church-Vancouver
Pastoral Associate - Seeking person to collaborate with the pastor in coordination of pastoral life in a 1900 household parish, with specific responsibilities for liturgy. The Pastoral Associate will collaborate with the pastor, the Pastoral Assistant for Administration and the school principal to assure oversight of pastoral programs and services. The Pastoral Associate will coordinate all aspects of liturgy to assure full, conscious and active participation in worship. This is a full time position serving on a parish staff committed to collaborative ministry. Salary and benefits according to Archdiocesan guidelines. Bachelor degree required and Master's degree and experience in parish ministry, with an emphasis in liturgy coordination preferred. Application materials are available at http://stjoevan.org/know-st-joes/parish-staff/parish-job-openings/. Completed application materials may be mailed to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Atten: Carrie Moschetti, 6600 Highland Drive, Vancouver WA 98661 or emailed to carriem@stjoevan.org.

Essential Religious Education Concepts

Our Father: Summary of the Gospel [2746-2865]

The Essential Concepts come from the Table of Contents for the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). They have been re-organized to fit under the Six Tasks of Catechesis. CCC articles numbers associated with each Essential Concept are listed throughout this document. Referencing CCC article numbers is a recommended resource for catechist preparation.
 
TASK 4 - Learning to Pray - Students experience and engage in Catholic expressions of prayer to deepen their relationship with God and the Church.  

Implementation Ideas for the Classroom:
 
*Please note the Library's Essential Concepts list is a working document, being updated on an ongoing basis.
 
 
Online Resources-Links and Videos
 
Prayers by Heart: The Catholic Children's Prayer Book 
Daily prayers, memorized by heart, are a wonderful way for children to stay close to God. Prayers by Heart: The Catholic Children's Prayer Book, only from Saint Mary's Press, was created to support the Archdiocese of Seattle's Faith Formation Standards and designed to introduce young children to the beautiful prayers of our Catholic faith. Incorporating these prayers and family blessings in their daily life will help children learn to talk to and listen to God while being reminded of how He is always with them, and how much He loves and cares for them. Order copies here
 
Click the link above to access the PDF version of the USCCA.
 

 
Let's admit it. Prayer can be boring and if we're not careful, our students will only think of prayer as a boring activity to do. Even the Apostles fell asleep while Jesus prayed at the Mount of Olives. Saints, like St. Therese of Liseiux, admit to falling asleep in prayer. Sitting and praying is not typically the most energizing activity. To add a little excitement-while keeping a sense of piety-I introduced students to a fun activity to learn to pray (and learn) the Our Father (the Lord's Prayer). Jared Dees-The Religion Teacher

How is the Our Father or Lord's Prayer central to praying in Scripture? The Our Father is called the "Lord's Prayer" because Jesus, our Lord and model of prayer, is its author. There are two versions of the Lord's Prayer in the Gospels. St. Luke's account of the event contains five petitions. St. Matthew's lists seven. The Church's liturgy follows Matthew's version.
 
Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. 
 

  
Fr. Robert Barron on The Lord's Prayer
Bishop Robert Barron talks about the Lord's Prayer- "The Great Our Father that Jesus taught his disciples and through them, all of us. Whenever we pray, the Church Father said, we are doing a version of the Our Father. It's the prayer of prayers".
 
     
I Know My Prayers - Our Father
Rosie teaches Billy Ball what she's learned about the Our Father while sitting on the teacher's desk during Religion class. A full explanation of the meaning of the Lord's Prayer for children.
 
 
Resources from the LMC on Our Father: Summary of the Gospel
 
The Our Father: A Guided Discovery for Groups and Individuals (Kevin Perrotta) Presents the Our Father as the ultimate model for prayer, given to us by Jesus himself. The book guides readers to ask important questions, such as what are we asking for, what are we committing ourselves to, and what does the Our Father teach us about how to pray?

Our Father: Reflections on the Lord's Prayer (A.J. Simonis) The Lord's Prayer has for many centuries been central to the religious practice and spirituality of both Catholic and Protestant Christians all over the world. Besides encompassing the whole of the Christian gospel, the Lord's Prayer is also a steadfast source of devotional inspiration.
 
The Heart of Catholic Prayer: Opening the Our Father and the Hail Mary (Mark Shea) To learn and understand the Our Father and Hail Mary is to learn the deepest contours of the Church's interior life, for both are prayers that come from the Holy Spirit, who is the soul of the Church. Dissects the two anchors of our faith line by line in a journey into the Church's deep tradition of prayer, drawing us more deeply into the heart of the mystery of God's love. It's no coincidence the Our Father and the Hail Mary are closely intertwined in the heart of the Church..

Lessons, Prayers and Activities on the Teachings of Jesus (Lee Danesco) How do you explain to children what poor in spirit means? How do you talk about meekness, righteousness, or discipleship so they will understand and really live Jesus words? Use this creative and engaging activity book to help you teach children in first grade and beyond about Jesus teachings on loving God and neighbor. The activities, reproducibles and prayers cover everything from the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes to the Golden Rule and the Our Father. A thorough and practical activity book for every classroom.

The Lord's Prayer: The Prayer that Jesus Taught Two Thousand Years Ago (Lois Rock) In spare yet elegant language, the author explains to children of all faiths the meaning of one of the world's best-known prayers. First she introduces the man named Jesus who taught the prayer and recounts his parable of the prodigal son. Jesus ended the parable by comparing God to the prodigal son's loving father. The author then repeats the words of the Lord's Prayer, for each phrase adding a clear explanation every child can understand. Richly colored illustrations have a simplicity that appeals to all ages.

Kids and Prayer (DVD, Paraclete Press) Introduce your kids, your classroom, to prayer with this lively video presentation in four sessions, each asking a basic question. These four segments include explanations from Br. Mickey, interviews with kids, onscreen storyboard Bible teaching featuring Br. Mickey's illustrations, and "on the road" field trips to look at each question from a different angle. Your class will enjoy paying attention to this engaging instruction! Please note: For the five forms of prayer, the video omits blessing/adoration and adds confession which is actually part of Petition (CCC 2629-2631).


Library Media Center Resources

Find new resources recently added to the library catalog!
 
Earth Day - April 22
 
Online Resources

10 Catholic Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Earth Day (April 22, 2016), takes on a special meaning in light of the publication of Laudato Si', Pope Francis's encyclical "On Care for Our Common Home." The Holy Father's message is loud and clear: caring for our environment is a fundamental tenet of our Catholic faith. As such, Earth Day presents a golden opportunity for teaching about Laudato Si' as well as the Catholic principle of Care for God's Creation, one of the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Here are  10 ways to make your observance of Earth Day a truly Catholic experience. (From Catechist's Journey)

Earth Ministry-Caring for All Creation  For nearly 25 years, Earth Ministry has been the statewide leader in engaging the religious community in environmental stewardship and advocacy. Through education, outreach, organizing, and training, Earth Ministry builds a powerful moral constituency of people of faith taking action for the health of our communities and the environment. Visit the website for more information.
 
Books and Videos
 
On Care For Our Common Home (Laudato Si) United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2015. Pope Francis draws all Christians into a dialogue with every person on the planet about our common home. We as human beings are united by the concern for our planet, and every living thing that dwells on it, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. Pope Francis letter joins the body of the Church's social and moral teaching, draws on the best scientific research, providing the foundation for the ethical and spiritual itinerary that follows.

On Care for Our Common Home: Group Reading Guide (Twenty-Third Publications) This guide offers a summary of every article in Pope Francis' groundbreaking document and a group reflection process to help everyone read it and understand it. The article numbers in the original are retained for ease in moving between the guide and the actual encyclical. The six small group sessions outlined here include group reading, discussion, prayer, and action suggestions (for communal or personal use) making it ideal for; Youth ministry-Confirmation programs- Parish leaders- Small communities- Clergy groups- Adult formation- The RCIA- Families.

10 Things Pope Francis Wants You to Know about the Environment (Michael Wright) Pope Francis made headlines when he penned his new encyclical, Laudato Si, and called on the world's people to protect God's creation. In this booklet, author Michael Wright identifies 10 key themes from the popular encyclical, explaining what they mean for everyday Catholics.

Catholics Going Green: A Small-Group Guide for Learning and Living Environmental Justice (Walter Grazer) A six-session program for small groups designed to introduce participants to various aspects of their relationship with God, nature, and others, based on the core principles of Catholic social teaching.

Green Street Park (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) This is a story about Philip who loves his neighborhood. However an area of the Green Street Park is in need of improvement. Philip learns about how St Francis of Assisi loved God's world and cared for it. His teacher, Sr. Mary Clare, challenges Philip to act as St Francis would. As you listen to the story, think about how you would feel and what you might do if you were Philip.

Manufactured Landscapes (DVD, Zeitgeist Films) A feature length documentary on the world and work of renowned artist Edward Burtynsky. Burtynsky makes large-scale photographs of landscapes transformed by industry -- quarries, recycling yards, factories, mines, dams. This film follows Burtynsky to China as he travels the country capturing the evidence and effects of China's massive industrial revolution. This film extends the narratives of Burtynsky's photographs, meditating on human impact on the planet without trying to reach simplistic judgements or reductive resolutions.
Jubilee Year of Mercy
Pope Francis has called the special Jubilee Year for Mercy to begin  Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. It will close on Nov. 20, 2016, the day celebrated that year as the feast of Christ the King.

by Fr. Thomas Rosica-Salt & Light blog.

Meditations on Mercy
Each month during the Jubilee of Mercy the USCCB will offer a
Meditation on Mercy-a resource that can be used with small groups to foster a greater awareness of God's call to act with mercy in our lives.

A Year of Mercy-Young Adult Retreat
April 8-10, 2016 I ABRC @ Palisades I Join Fr. Sean Raftis as he reflects on Pope Francis' call for a "Year of Mercy." Click here to register and for more information.

Archdiocesan Webpage for The Year of Mercy
Please take a look at all of the resources and current information found dedicated to the Year of Mercy. Be sure to check back often for added events and resources.
   
Library Media Center Year of Mercy Resources
Here is a printable annotated bibliography of resources available from the Library Media Center. Materials may be added to the list, so check back for new titles.

The Original Image of Divine Mercy-Documentary Film
A timely documentary, The Original Image of Divine Mercy features key witnesses to the mysterious case of a painting that survived the Soviet Occupation of Vilnius, with exclusive commentary by Bishop Robert Barron, George Weigel, Christoph Cardinal Schönborn of Vienna, StanisÅ‚aw, and many others including a special footage with Pope Francis. For more information about how to bring the film to your community, contact the production office at tour@divinemercyfilm.com or at 210-232-7647.
 
Online Courses for the Year of Mercy-Diocese of St. Cloud
Three online courses available Titles include: Forgive All Offenses/Injury; Comfort the Afflicted; and Shelter the Homeless/Welcome the Stranger.
 
Divine Mercy for Kids
You can find a dozen free downloadable worksheets for various age groups that explain the Divine Mercy image and devotion. Visit TheDivineMercy.org

Divine Mercy & The Divine Comedy
During this Year of Mercy (December 8, 2015-November 20, 2016) Pope Francis has asked us to use Dante's Divine Comedy as a "spiritual guide." Knowing how intimidating this project sounds, the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Rochester has put together a reading plan along with a group of theologians, literary scholars, and other lovers of Dante's work to help us all mine the riches from one whom Pope Benedict XV called "the most eloquent singer of the Christian idea."

A Biblical Year of Mercy
A 13-part series is being published from December 2015 to December 2016 in  Arkansas Catholic, the weekly newspaper for the Diocese of Little Rock. These articles are being written by the staff of Little Rock Scripture Study for the Holy Year of Mercy. Each one includes questions for group study.

CRS Year of Mercy Resources
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has developed a number of resources that illustrate how Catholics in the United States can participate in acts of mercy through CRS.  Click here for details.
 
Archdiocese of Seattle Year of Mercy Prayer Card
Here is a printable prayer card for use in your parish. The prayer card can be printed out using Avery 8387 labels.

Year of Mercy App
Our Sunday Visitor's FREE  365 Days to Mercy app, is designed to accompany you on a spiritual journey during the Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis.  

St. James Cathedral Tours
St. James Cathedral is inviting both parishes and school groups to set up visits for the Year of Mercy, which can be just a time of prayer and pilgrimage, or can include a guided tour as well.  Corinna Laughlin claughlin@stjames-cathedral.org or 206-264-2086.
 
Archdiocesan News
CYO Summer Camp
Camp Don Bosco and Camp Hamilton Summer sessions are filling up! If you want your child to have the experience of a lifetime at camp, be sure to register today. Click here to register today!

NW Catholic App
The new NW Catholic App is now available! Download it for Apple or Android.
 
NW Catholic Movie & Book Reviews
Check NW Catholic for the latest reviews on books and movies

MyUSCCB     
       
This Week in Ministry provides timely content every week formatted for use in a variety of ways: parish bulletins, websites, E-newsletters, social media and more.
 
 
Featured This Week (Third Week of Easter): The Beauty of Easter Transformation
Oblate Father Crossin, executive director of the Secretariat of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, reflects on how the "graceful energy of the spirit of the risen Christ transforms the universe and can transform us."

To learn more about MyUSCCB and to sign up for this helpful resource, visit the USCCB website for more information.
Catechetical Weekly-NCCL 
     
The National Conference of Catechetical Leaders publishes a weekly newsletter following the Six Tasks of Catechesis. 
  
Featured This Week (Third Week of Easter): 
Question of the Week: Theme: Jesus feeds us so that we can feed and serve others.

Jared Dees, Author of To Heal, Proclaim, and Teach-April 12, 2016, 3 - 4 pm EST
Using strategies and stories from his book To Heal, Proclaim, and Teach , Jared Dees offers ten highly practical and easy-to-implement approaches to evangelizing ministry that have the potential to transform your parish. These approaches are based on the work of thriving ministers and ministries seeing growth in the number of people who are passionate about the Catholic faith. You will be able to immediately implement all of the strategies presented in this webinar. No strategic planning meetings or big programs will need to be scheduled. No special gifts in preaching or teaching are required. You will get simple, effective ways to start transforming yourself and your ministry today.

For archived newsletters and to learn more about this organization visit the website.
Featured Websites
Pope Francis' Monthly Prayer Intentions on Video
 
April Prayer Intention: Small Farmers
Apostleship of Prayer receives monthly prayer intentions from the Pope and urges Christians throughout the world to unite in prayer for those intentions. Each month Pope Francis will film his monthly prayer intention and it will be distributed on social media. Check back for a new video on the next month's prayer intention.
The Living the Eucharist Mobile App

Living the Eucharist Daily Devotional app from Paulist Evangelization Ministries. 3 seasonal devotionals that will ignite your spiritual growth-start with From Passover to Pentecost, an inspiring daily devotional for the Easter Season. You can preview the first week for free! Free video guides on how to use the seasonal devotionals and Lectio Divina, an ancient Catholic method of prayer, to personally encounter Christ in the Scriptures and live a life more fully as a missionary disciple of Jesus
Catholicism School Enrichment
 
Word on Fire has partnered with the Archdiocese of New York to create 46 video vignettes and companion lesson plans, drawing from the award-winning CATHOLICISM series and the vast expertise of twelve New York teachers.  These materials can be used creatively by any teacher to enhance core religion curriculum in middle or high school, and bring the beauty, truth, and goodness of the Faith more vividly into the classroom.
 
Liturgy Training Publications
 
Designed specifically for teachers and catechists, this series invites all those who work with children to engage in formation and training throughout the year.
 
Catholic Publishers

Loyola Press                                              St. Mary's Press

 

Our Sunday Visitor                                    Ave Maria Press

 

Sadlier                                                        Ascension Press

 

RCL Benziger                                             Lighthouse Catholic Media

 

Ignatius Press                   

Helpful Links
Serving Catholic leaders in their ministry of evangelization with curated knowledge, approaches, strategies, and resources to reach out to those who have never heard the gospel proclaimed, to re-engage those who have lost a living faith in their daily lives, and to engage those who are faithful and need to be renewed with increased catechesis

The Garaventa Center from the University of Portland explores and deploys the fruits of faith, reason and imagination that constitute the Catholic intellectual tradition to illuminate and enliven something that is implicit but often unregarded: the working of grace in human communities. Weekly podcasts are available by visiting the website or subscribing to their weekly newsletter.
 
Sharing the Journey of Teaching the Catholic Faith. Joe Paprocki's blog that features practical tips and resources on sharing the gift of the Catholic faith.

eCatechist.com is a blog from Dan Pierson, that provides ideas, inspiration, and learning
resources for catechists, parish catechetical leaders, and parents.

In response to God's word revealed through all generations and impelled by our belief in the intrinsic sacredness of family life we, the members of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers, join together to be a prophetic voice for family in Church and society, to foster professional development, and to provide mutual support for those who minister with families.

TeamRCIA.com is a free online resource for Catholic parishes and dioceses that want to form Christians for life. Offers a variety of online and in-person training for church ministers and volunteers, through webinars, e-mail courses, downloads, discussion forums, and training events led by experts in the field of initiation ministry.

Teaching Catholic Kids is a valuable tool for parents, teachers and catechists. Free downloadable activities and teacher resources are updated each month and made available from the best of Our Sunday Visitor books, workbooks and writers.

Vibrant Faith at Home
Vibrant Faith @ Home supports Christian leaders and families who are intentional about their faith and religious practice as they raise the next generation of committed Christians.

Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a nonprofit global media apostolate that supports the work of Father Robert Barron and reaches millions of people to draw them into- or back to- the Catholic faith. Word on Fire is evangelical; it proclaims Jesus Christ as the source of conversion and new life. Word on Fire is Catholic; it utilizes the tremendous resources of the Roman Catholic tradition-art, architecture, poetry, philosophy, theology, and the lives of the saints- in order to explain and interpret the event of Jesus Christ.