Archdiocese of Seattle

Faith Formation Newsletter

October 24, 2016

 

Dear Catechetical Colleagues, 
 
We are delighted that so many people have already registered to participate in our regional trainings on the newly mandated Touching Safety program for the youth in our parish faith formation and youth ministry programs. If you are not already registered, please check out the sign-up genius webpage to look at the available trainings and to access the lesson plans and other resources you will need to successfully implement this program in the winter or spring of 2017. Please contact Jenna Gardner, Safe Environment Program Manager if you would like to schedule a workshop in your area.
 
The Catholic Youth Convention is quickly approaching. Here is the link  for registration access and information about this year's program, Reckless Mercy.
 
As many of you are aware, Christifideles is an archdiocesan sponsored program offering financial and other support for parish ministers, who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in pastoral studies from Seattle University, the University of Portland, or the University of Dallas. Here is more information, if you or one of your colleagues is interested in learning more about this wonderful opportunity!
 
Our "Essential Concept" this week is, Eucharist. As we know, Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. We have multiple resources, including online videos, to support you in teaching this very important aspect of our faith! Additionally, there are upcoming local workshops and webinars to support those of you seeking to learn more about liturgical music and the RCIA.
 
Thanks to all of you for the grace-filled ministry you are providing to so many youth and adults seeking to deepen their knowledge of our awesome Catholic faith! If there is any way we might serve you more effectively, please let us know!
 

In Christ,

Anne Frederick, Ed.D.
Director of Religious Education [email protected]
 
Lisa Hillyard
Library Media Center Manager [email protected]


Essential Religious Education Concepts



The Eucharist-Who, How, When and Where the Mass is Celebrated 
  [1135-1167, 1322-1419]

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 2- Liturgical Education - Students recognize the presence of Christ and enter into communion with Him through active, full, and conscious participation in the Liturgical celebrations and Sacraments of 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
 
 
 Here are four thoughts for making connections between the Mass and class discussions.


3 Reasons Catholics Genuflect

 

3MC- What is the Eucharist?
  


Sacraments 201: Eucharist (what we believe)
 
  
       
 

Resources from the LMC on The Eucharist
     
 
Consuming the Word: The New Testament and the Eucharist in the Early Church (Scott Hahn) Dr. Scott Hahn undertakes an examination of some of Christianity's most basic terms to discover what they meant to the sacred authors, the apostolic preachers, and their first hearers. Moreover, at a time when the Church is embarking on a New Evangelization he draws lessons for Christians today to help solidify their understanding of the why it is Catholics do what Catholics do. Anyone acquainted with the rich body of writing that flows so inspiringly from the hand and heart of Dr. Hahn knows that he brings profound personal insight to his demonstrated theological expertise," writes Cardinal Donald Wuerl in the foreword to the book.  Consuming the Word continues in that illustrious tradition.  It brings us a powerful and welcome guide as we take our place in the great and challenging work in sharing the Good News.

From Mass to Mission Understanding the Mass and Its Significance for Our Christian Life (Trish Sullivan Vanni) From Mass to Mission: Understanding the Mass and Its Significance for Our Christian Life, Leader's Guide provides faith formation leaders with the tools for leading effective formation sessions about the Mass. A companion DVD provides a variety of downloadable materials that will enhance your sessions and assist with advertising and connecting with adults in your parish. Available in versions for children, teens and adults.

Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (DVD, Ascension Press) Altaration addresses head-on one of the biggest problems we all face: how do we get Catholic teens to appreciate the awesome beauty and mystery of the Mass...and to actually look forward to attending and participating? Through a unique learning experience, including powerful cinematography and workbook resources, teens will come to see the Mass and the priesthood in a dramatically new way. Altaration is designed to stir thought, create conversation, dispel myths, and inspire young souls to a deep and lasting love for the Mass. The goal of Altaration is not to fill teens' heads with information but to pierce their hearts with transformation.

Don't Drink the Holy Water! Big Al and Annie Go to Mass (Fr. Joe Kempf) Don't Drink the Holy Water! explains the Mass with creative, full-color illustrations and simple descriptions that resonate with kids. A special section at the back of the book helps adults answer kids' questions about the Mass. Included is a 50-minute DVD-broken into 20 small segments, for engaging kids and offering opportunities for questions and reflection.
 
Library Media Center Resources
Resource Lists
 
The Library Media Center has several of the materials listed available. Contact the library to request items. Our online catalog is also available to search for materials.
 
October Check It Out-Monthly newsletter highlighting new materials added to the Library Catalog each month- new picture books for children on Mother Teresa.

Upcoming Catechetical Events
christifideles
  
Religious Education Standards Deanery Workshops
Contact the Office of Catholic Faith Formation for information, registration, and scheduling a future workshop.

PAFF Deanery Meetings
Religious Education Standards and Touching Safety Training (Updated)
Olympic Deanery-Wednesday, November 2nd I 10:30 am I Holy Trinity Church, Bremerton
Northern Deanery-Thursday, November 3rd I 10:00 am I St. Mary Church, Anacortes
South Seattle Deanery-Tuesday, November 8th I 10:00 am I  Holy Rosary Church, Seattle
Pierce Deanery-Thursday, November 10th I 10:30 am I St. Charles Borromeo Church, Tacoma
Southern Deanery -Tuesday, November 15th I 10:00 am I  St. Rose Church, Longview
Eastside Deanery -Thursday, November 17th I 10:00 am I St. Jude, Redmond
Snohomish Deanery-Friday, November 18th I 10:00 am I St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Bothell
  
Christifideles Program (NEW)
The Christifideles program offers graduate formation in Theology & Ministry [ Seattle U's School of Theology & Ministry, University of Portland's MAPM Program, University of Dallas' School of Theology & Ministry] partnered with formation & Archdiocesan certification for Lay Ecclesial Ministers.  Recruitment is now taking place for the 2017-2018 academic year.  Please contact the Office of Catholic Faith Formation, 206-382-4096; [email protected]

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.

The Rocks and Stones will Start to Sing (NEW)
Saturday, January 28th, 2017 I 10:00am -3:00pm I Isaac Orr Conference Center, Chancery
Presenter: Tony Varas, Director of Worship, Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey. Click here for more information and to register.

PAFF Workshop/Retreat on February 9-10, 2017
February 9-10, 2017-Save the Dates!-More information to come.
Formation Opportunities
 
Venerate Relics of Pope Saint John Paul II and Saint Faustina Kowalska
The Liturgy Office can coordinate the scheduling of those parishes who wish to arrange for the relics of St. John Paul and St. Faustina to be conveyed to the parish for veneration by the faithful.  You may reach the Liturgy Office at 206.654.4652 or by e-mail at [email protected] in order to reserve the relics for your parish, campus ministry, or faith community. For more information regarding the process, click here.

Foundations of Our Catholic Faith - CCP Program
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.

"Those We Will Never Forget" Day of Remembrance
Saturday, October 29, 2016 I 9:00 am - 3:00 pm I St. Anne House of Prayer, Seattle
Honoring our Relationship with the People in our Lives who have Died. A one day retreat with Jane Fleming, MPM, hospice grief counselor and Trica Wittmann-Todd, MDiv, MSW, Pastoral Minister. For more information, click here. Registration deadline, October 24th.

Reckless Mercy - Catholic Youth Convention (NEW)
Saturday & Sunday, November 12-13, 2016 I Washington State Fair Grounds
The theme for the 2016 High School Catholic Youth Convention challenges us to lead lives of mercy with no limits, reaching beyond borders, and to be instruments of mercy.  Pope Francis challenges us to listen and respond to the following, "Jesus is inviting you, calling you, to leave your mark on life." Join us for a weekend filled with interactive and engaging sessions, breakouts, prayer experiences, local youth keynotes and national Catholic presenters. For more information and to register, click here.

"Self-Care and Avoiding Compassion Fatigue" Workshop (NEW)
Saturday, November 12th I 2:30 pm I St. Benedict Church, Seattle I Students, graduates, and supporters of Cabrini Ministry Training are invited to explore ways to stay energized as care-givers and pastoral ministers; facilitated by chaplain and spiritual director, Kathy Heffernan.  Join us at 2:30pm in the dining room of St. Benedict parish in Seattle and stay for mass at 5pm.  RSVP at [email protected]    or 206-760-0583 x3.

Parenting in an Ignatian Spirit (Small Group Reflections for Parents)
2nd Mondays of the month (exceptions asterisked*): Nov 14, Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 20*, Apr 10, May 15* I 7:00-9:00 pm I   St. Joseph Parish Center, Seattle I You and fellow parents will deepen your sense of yourselves, come to an awareness of the spiritual foundations of your parenting, share experiences in the context of a small community, and develop a set of Ignatian-inspired practices to help ground you in moments of challenge. For more information and to register, click here. Registration Deadline is November 7th.

Cabrini Ministry Training
Invites you to BRING MERCY, BE PRESENT, & CHANGE LIVES! When you enroll in one of our training programs, you will be transformed.  You will learn profound techniques that enable you to effectively and compassionately share God's mercy and the gift of your presence with others who are isolated or afflicted.  This will transform THEIR lives.  Classes will be held in Kirkland on Tuesdays from 12:30-2:30pm beginning Oct. 25. For application and information contact [email protected] , 206-760-0583 x3 or visit www.cabriniministry.org .



Grief Support Ministry
Listed in this section are some upcoming events and resources that are occurring in the specified parishes related to grief support. As new events and resources become available, they will be added to this section. Please let us know if there are related events happening around the Archdiocese that should be shared here.
 
St. Michael Church, Olympia
Bridge of Hope Grief Support Ministry-8-week group meetings where those who are grieving come together to pray, learn and share with each other.
Catholic Support Groups- A list of support groups available at St. Michael Parish.

St. James Cathedral
Grief Support Group-A new 6-week grief support group facilitated by St. James Cathedral  staff-Nancy Granger, Suzanne Lee, and Rosanne Michaels.
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.

Venerate Relics of Pope Saint John Paul II & Saint Faustina Kowalska
The Liturgy Office can coordinate the scheduling of those parishes who wish to arrange for the relics of St. John Paul and St. Faustina to be conveyed to the parish for veneration by the faithful.  You may reach the Liturgy Office at 206.654.4652 or by e-mail at [email protected] in order to reserve the relics for your parish, campus ministry, or faith community. For more information regarding the process, click here.

The Arts & Faith Top 25 Films on Mercy
These films show us visions of a world so often lacking in mercy, as well as worlds in which one merciful act alters the landscape of human experience forever. Produced by the Arts & Faith online community, this list spans 93 years of cinema, from 1921's The Kid and The Phantom Carriage to 2014's Love & Mercy.

Maryknoll Year of Mercy Resources
Maryknoll has developed various resources to use for the Year of Mercy:
Watch a Mercy Movie, Record a Mercy Moment, set up a Parish Mission for your community, and more. Email Anna Clarke at [email protected] with any questions or requests.

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.

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, Stanisław, 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or 206-264-2086.
 
Archdiocesan News
OYYAE Website
Exciting news! Announcing the official launch of oyyae.org, their new online home! Feedback is welcome and encouraged! Please let us know how we can improve this new home, as well as serve you better.

NW Catholic App
The 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 (Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time): A Rosary for Life: The Sorrowful Mysteries October is the traditional Month of the Rosary and is also observed in the US as Respect Life Month. These meditations on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, which are traditionally prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays, are offered as a prayer for all life from conception to natural death.
 
October Meditation on Mercy Each month during the Jubilee of Mercy, we 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.  The monthly reflections are based on scripture passages and Misericordiae Vultus, the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee of Mercy. English  Spanish 


To learn more about MyUSCCB and to sign up for this helpful resource, visit the USCCB website for more information.
NCCL-Catechetical Update     
     
The National Conference of Catechetical Leaders publishes a weekly newsletter following the Six Tasks of Catechesis. 


The four Catholic organizations comprising the Strong Catholic Families national partnership (NFCYM, NCEA, NCCL and NACFLM) are collaborating together this fall/winter to host a free four-part webinar series for pastoral and ministry leaders and teachers on Amoris Laetitia entitled The Pastoral Response in Accompanying Families in Faith.  Our goal is to inspire leaders to come up with authentic pastoral responses to Amoris Laetitia, and to engage them in accompanying families in bringing home the faith. 

To learn more about this organization and view their resources, visit the website.
Featured Websites
Respect Life Program-Moved By Mercy
 
What is the Respect Life Program?

NEW materials are produced each year to help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with supporting the dignity of the human person, and therefore the gift of every person's life.  Materials are developed for use in parishes, schools, and faith-based ministries, but are also suitable for individual use. The program begins anew each October (Respect Life Month) and continues through the following September.
 
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship ( en Espanol), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. We urge our pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good will to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. The statement lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order. Hard copies and the DVD are available for loan from the Library Media Center.
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.
 
Pope Francis' Monthly Prayer Intentions on Video
 
October 2016
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.

Word On Fire Show

A weekly podcast from Bishop Robert Barron on faith and culture. Each week, the Word On Fire Show will release a new episode featuring Bishop Barron and our Content Director, Brandon Vogt. To learn more information and find out how to subscribe (iPhone, Android, PC, etc.)  to this great resource, click here!
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

 

 

A collaborative effort by four national Catholic organizations to help church leaders envision how the Catholic Church can more effectively partner with parents to help bring home the faith.

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.
 
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.

TeamRCIA
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.