Archdiocese of Seattle

Faith Formation Newsletter

August 21, 2017

 


Dear Catechetical Colleagues,
 
Attached is the updated flyer and registration information for our New Minister's Orientation on September 5th and our Ministry Formation Day with Bishop Mueggenborg on September 6th. Both events will be at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center, include lunch, and are FREE!!! Overnight lodging is also only $50.

Faith Formation offices are relocating to new spaces on the top floor of the 907 Terry building (this is the original chancery and will also be where all of the Evangelization, Formation and Discipleship personnel will be now located). The good news is that we are once again cleaning out boxes and boxes of resources, which will be given away on September 6th! There are some real treasures to share!

I hope many of you have seen the postings for a Director of Youth Ministry, Director of Young Adult Ministry, and a Director for CYO Athletics. If not, here is the link to the job descriptions for these positions.
 
The "Essential Concept" this week is Vocation. Please take a look at the section of resources on this important topic!

Please also check out the information on the wide range of upcoming events!

We are looking forward to seeing you in September! Our event with Bishop Mueggenborg promises to be a very inspirational beginning for our upcoming school year!

 
In Christ,

A nne Frederick, Ed.D.
Director of Faith Formation [email protected] 
 
Lisa Hillyard
Media Center Coordinator [email protected]
 
 

Essential Religious Education Concepts
videos
Vocation-Holy Matrimony, Priesthood, and Religious Life   [914-933] 

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 5 - Education for Community Life - Students study and participate in the life and mission of the Church-the Body of Christ and the community of believers-as expressed in the Church's origin, history, ecclesiology, the Communion of Saints, and their family, the Domestic 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
 
Catechist Journey- Catechists as Missionary Disciples 
Catechetical Sunday, with its 2017 theme of "Living as Missionary Disciples," is a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on why we do the challenging work of catechesis. How do we live as missionary disciples? 

USCCB Vocations Page-The USCCB is pleased to highlight various ways that vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life can be promoted by featuring resources that are currently used by archdioceses and dioceses throughout the United States, or available through various organizations. Visit the page for prayers and readings that the USCCB offers to assist in the discernment process.


What Is a Catholic Priest?



Discerning God's Plan for Your Life
  

    
 Matrimony (why make it Catholic)

    
     
Looking for an archived newsletter? Check this link for all previous editions. 
Spanish Faith Formation/Formación para la Fe en Español
 
 
DOMINGO CATEQUETICO 2017:"VIVIR COMO DISCÍPULOS MISIONEROS"

Este año, la Iglesia celebrará el Domingo Catequético el 17 de septiembre de 2017. El tema de 2017 será "Vivir como discípulos misioneros". En este día, los catequistas formalmente son comisionados para el ministerio a la comunidad. El domingo catequético es una maravillosa oportunidad para reflexionar sobre el papel que desempeña cada bautizado en la entrega de la fe y en el testimonio del Evangelio. El domingo catequético es una oportunidad para que todos se rehúsen a esta misión como comunidad de fe.

La catequesis es un ministerio distinto y especial en la Iglesia. Como deja en claro el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica: "La catequesis está unida íntimamente a toda la vida de la Iglesia... su crecimiento interior, su correspondencia con el designio de Dios dependen esencialmente de ella" (no. 7). Este ministerio de enseñar en nombre de la Iglesia tiene una profunda dignidad, y es por ello que los catequistas son comisionados formalmente por la Iglesia. Por tanto, es natural que reservemos un día para resaltar este ministerio e invitar a toda la comunidad de la Iglesia a pensar en nuestra responsabilidad de compartir nuestra fe con otros.
  
Gracias por su entrega y generosidad al Ministerio Catequético.

Upcoming Catechetical Events
events  
Join the CRS Parish Ambassador Corps!
Over the past 2 years, the Missions Office of the Archdiocese of Seattle has been engaged in a pilot initiative developed by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) called the "Parish Ambassador Corps" (PAC). PAC is a corps of local Catholic volunteers who are passionate about global solidarity and want to take action by helping with Rice Bowl in their parish as well as two other initiatives over the course of the year. Visit www.seattlearchdiocese.org/crs or contact the Missions Office for more info: [email protected] ; (206) 382-4580. 
   
New Ministers Orientation
Tuesday, September 5th, 2017 I ABRC @ Palisades I Please pass on this date to all of your new parish staff in faith formation, youth ministry, and  RCIA. We will be providing all participants with a treasure of resources for parish ministry and contact information. If attending both the New Ministers Orientation and the Fall Gathering on September 6th, an option for overnight accommodation is available.

Youth Ministers and PAFF Fall Gathering (Updated)
Wednesday, September 6th, 2017 I ABRC @ Palisades I All Youth Ministers and PAFFs are encouraged to join us for a day of formation and networking, with the opportunity to meet Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg and Deacon Eric Paige and celebrate Mass. Lunch will be provided. Overnight accommodations the day before will be available.  

Catholic Youth Convention (CYC) (New)
November 11-12 2017 I Washington State Fair Grounds, Puyallup, WA I Save the Date and spread the word! CYC is a weekend convention for high school teens who want to grow deeper in their relationship with God. We hope to see your youth there! Flyer with more information coming soon!

Catechetical Sunday 2017
This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 17, 2017. The 2017 theme will be "Living as Missionary Disciples." Those who the Community has designated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. 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.

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.

Formation Opportunities
 
opportunities
St. Catherine of Siena Mental Health Ministry Team Educational Forum
Thursday, August 31, 2017 I 7:00-9:00 pm I St. Catherine Parish, Seattle I Jared will share "Stella", a 4-year old Bernese Mt. Dog that was recognized in the Karstetter Family as a dog that possesses special skills and traits.  Jared will discuss how the family noticed how Stella would key in on Jared's grandson who is on the Autism Spectrum and how she later became certified as an Emotional Support Animal for an array of behavioral issues such as disabilities, PTSD and trauma regarding kids.  Finally, Jared will discuss how a number of the region's gangs are recruiting young children that are on the Spectrum but placed within the mainstream public education system.  For more information and to register, click here.
 
Tribunal Advocate Introductory Training
September 13, 14, 15, 2017 I ABRC @ Palisades, Federal Way I Please see the attached  letter and registration form for complete information. The candidates for advocate must be approved by parish leadership. Therefore, please ensure that the pastor or parish coordinator approves of any registrant. Please note: any registrations received after August 28 will be accepted only f space is available and a $30.00 fee will be applied.

Cabrini Ministry Training-Share the Compassion of Christ
Are you being called by God to bring a compassionate presence to those in need?  Are you interested in learning the listening, communication, and prayer skills that can increase your effectiveness as a lay minister?  Then Cabrini Ministry Training is for you!  Register now for our 6-month formation program that begins in October, or for our 1-day Accompaniment Workshop scheduled for Saturday, September 16.  To register, click here.

Catechist Formation Opportunity - Going Forth in Joy!
Tuesdays October 10, 17, 24 from 6-9PM - We the Church are called to embody the love of God in and for a world in need. Join us for our Going Forth in Joy!  Ministry Formation Training , a weekend of encounter, discernment, and formation for living the Gospel within and beyond the walls of your parish, school, or office! The Missions Office of the Archdiocese of Seattle and Maryknoll invite you to join us in this program which offers Catholic ministers and educators the knowledge, skills, and resources to better help your communities go forth as agents of encounter and positive Christian change. For more information and to register, click here  

Cornerstone Catholic Conference 2017
Cornerstone Catholic Conference:  An opportunity to gather with other Catholics and hear inspiring presentations by Bishop Robert Barron, Professor Helen Alvaré, and other great speakers including the Washington State Bishops. It all takes place October 20-21 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. Go to CornerstoneCatholic.org  to sign up.

2017-2018 Retreat Calendar
There are many opportunities for retreats at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades. Please take a look at the retreat schedule and see what great retreats are coming up! To learn more about the Retreat Center, 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 While the current program is being updated, Year 2 & 3 will be available for current participants as on-demand webinars, beginning this Fall.

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.

   
Healing Ministry for Divorced Catholics
St. Joseph Parish, Vancouver offers a 12 week DVD and discussion program called " The  Catholic's Divorce Survival Guide". Many people find themselves stuck in pain and anger after the breakdown of their marriage, but the church is here to help. The group facilitator will guide you and others who are separated or divorced through the DVDs in a private, confidential group support environment. Contact Diane Boggs 360-823-2828, [email protected].
   
St. Louise, Bellevue
Bereavement Support Ministry - Our mission is to support the grieving process after the death of a loved one. This is achieved with one-on-one contact and a monthly support group which includes prayer, sharing our stories and learning from one another. Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7PM in the Parish Center. Contact Kathy Riley at 425-4450-x5466 or [email protected]

Beginning Experience Program
Beginning Experience - Divorced, Widowed or Separated? If you are ready to deal with the grief of being widowed, divorced or separated, there is help.  As a faith-based organization, Beginning Experience offers men and women the opportunity & skills to build deeper self respect, to cope with the pain of loss, and to move into the future with renewed hope. Join us for a weekend away for a lifetime of change - available twice a year, in April & October.
    
St James Cathedral, Seattle
Grief Support Group- The grieving process has no timeline and is unique to each individual, but meeting with others who are going through a similar experience can provide support and help us cope. You are invited to join a new 6-week grief support group facilitated by St. James Cathedral Staff- Nancy Granger, Suzanne Lee, and Rosanne Michaels

St. John the Baptist, Covington
Grief Ministry- meets every 2nd Weds at 7 PM, providing compassionate and confidential support to parishioners and families who have suffered a loss. Various tools are provided that will help manage the grieving process, fostering hope through faith, prayer, and fellowship, with God's love and grace as our guide. Meetings are open to anyone in the Archdiocese. (Richard: 949.290.8670, Page: 253.569.5326, or Frank 425.241.9190)
   
St. Michael Church, Olympia
Faith Based Support Groups-Support groups offered for those who are grieving and have a heavy heart.

Safe Crossings-A Children's Grief Support Program-A program for children who are facing or have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Archdiocesan News
    
NW Catholic APP
Northwest Catholic is your source for Catholic News and information in Western Washington and the Archdiocese of Seattle. The mobile app is packed with features to help you catch up on current news, pray, learn, and interact with the Catholic community.

 
NW Catholic Movie & Book Reviews
Check out the latest reviews on TV, movies and books. Also, check out the crossword puzzles-a great way to learn more about the Catholic Faith!
 
 
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 (Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time) God's Servant First: Not by Bread Alone Rebecca Samuel Shah, senior fellow at the Religious Freedom Institute and associate director of the South and Southeast. Asia Action Team, reflects on the importance of considering the spiritual dimensions of human nature in the creation of effective development policies and programs.
 
The Boxes We Create Blogger Mary Jo Weiss writes about  the perceived divide between those who choose to educate their children at home, and those whose children attend Catholic or public schools. She suggests that parishes might find ways to bring parents together to foster support, encouragement, and fellowship in raising and educating their children no matter how they choose to do so.

To learn more about MyUSCCB and to sign up for this helpful resource, visit the USCCB website for more information.
NCCL-Catechetical Update     
       

Webinars of Faith Formation Practices 
In partnership with Ave Maria Press, the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership's Adult Faith Formation committee presents a webinar series on faith formation practices for various ages. Scheduled webinars begin September.  For more information and to register, click here.
 
To learn more about this organization and view their resources, visit the website.
Featured Websites
YNIA-Young Neighbors In Action

Young Neighbors in Action helps youth encounter Christ through a week long Catholic experience of service, community, and prayer. Since 1994 over 50,000 youth and adults have participated in over a million hours of service. Take some time to pray and consider this amazing opportunity for your community.
V ENCUENTRO       
 
What is the Goal of the V EncuentroThe main goal of the V Encuentro is to discern ways in which the Church in the United States can better respond to the Hispanic/Latino presence, and to strengthen the ways in which Hispanics/Latinos respond to the call to the New Evangelization as missionary disciples serving the entire Church.
 
To learn more, get parish resources and watch a video with a special message from Bishop Elizondo, check out the Archdiocese of Seattle's V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry page.
Pope Francis' Monthly Prayer Intentions on Video
For Artists
 
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!
TeamRCIA
  
TeamRCIA 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.

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
Real Life Catholic's purpose is to ignite a bold, contagious faith in the heart of every Catholic in America, by building a movement of Catholics who share the beauty, power and truth of the Gospel with a world that has largely forgotten.

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.

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.