| Archdiocese of Seattle Faith Formation Newsletter March 20, 2017 |
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Dear Catechetical Colleagues,
 As we enter into our Third Week of Lent, our "Essential Concept" focuses on the Five Forms of Prayer: Blessing/Adoration; Petition; Intercession; Thanksgiving; and Praise. If you haven't taken time to explore our Archdiocesan "Prayers by Heart" book, this would be a great time to do so! Page 65 of this book describes the Five Forms of Prayer. We also would recommend you look at the many blessings included in pages 34-41.
Have you looked at the
Ignatian Spirituality information from Loyola Press? We especially recommend the
Arts and Faith section that offers some great meditations for Lent and other Sunday readings.
Please do remember to invite your families with special needs to the Mass and dance on April 1st at St. James Cathedral. It definitely is a day to celebrate!
Now is also the time to make sure you have your calendars scheduled to attend our Annual PAFF Conference on June 7th. Our presenter will be Steve Angrisano, who will delight us with music and catechetical formation. The day promises to be both uplifting and informative! Registration information will be posted soon!
We would also like to remind you about a summer retreat with Fr. Bill Watson, SJ - "A Parish Built to Last." Fr. Watson is specifically inviting faith formation leaders and for those of you who have experienced his "Sacred Story" program know how awesome his programs are!
In Christ,
A
nne Frederick, Ed.D.
Lisa Hillyard
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Essential Religious Education Concepts
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Forms of Prayer-Blessing/Adoration, Petition; Intercession; Thanksgiving; and Praise
[2623-2649]
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
C4: Ignite Your Catholic Faith - How Am I Supposed to Pray?
Beginning of Holiness
Resources from the LMC on Forms of Prayer
 Leading Intercessions: Creative Ideas for Public and Private Prayer (John Pritchard) A resource for individuals and groups involved in the important task of leading prayers in public worship. This user-friendly handbook covers a rich and broad spectrum 'from traditional services, to worship with children and young people, to group prayer, to personal devotions. Each section begins with practical principles and is filled with easy-to-use ideas for ways to improve presentation and creative suggestions for enlivening the prayers. Sample prayers are included, as well as material for seasons, major festivals, and special events.
 Prayers by Heart: The Catholic Children's Prayer Book (Saint Mary's Press) Prayers by Heart: The Catholic Children's Prayer Book, 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-when they awake, when they eat, at Mass, or before they go to sleep, 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.
 Introducing Children to Silence and Prayer: For Catechists and Parents (Luis Benavides) Through prayer, very young children can learn to talk with God and to build their faith and trust in him in the greatest and hardest of times. Author Luis M. Benavides, explores this belief. By walking catechists and families through the process, he helps them to get to know God and to communicate with the God who loves them. Furthermore, Benavides helps us to reexamine our own attitudes about prayer, as he offers a different perspective to help children begin the journey and deepen their relationship with God.
 Being Catholic: How Catholics Pray (Videos with Values) Whatever form it takes, prayer is, at its heart, a communication with God; an acknowledgment that God is present to everyone, is speaking with everyone, and invites everyone to respond. All prayer is, in effect, directed to God, even if addressing Mary or the saints. The saints are asked to join and intercede with the Father and creator, in Jesus' name, prompted by the Holy Spirit. In addition to prayers of intercession, the program explains other types of prayers common in Catholic faith.
Looking for an archived newsletter? Check this link for all previous editions. |
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Library Media Center Resources
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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.
Lenten Resources
These stations relate to Jesus' teachings about the Kingdom of God and the reason his vision of this Kingdom led to his death. Find a quiet place to watch these stations, and as you do the devotions be open to how God is speaking to you through the Stations of the Cross.
Lenten Resources for Catechists- Here are links to the various Lenten resources that we have to offer. We hope they are helpful to you as we journey together through this holy season!
A Lenten Journey with ODB Films (formerly Outside Da Box) Beginning Ash Wednesday, ODB invites you to participate in a unique Lenten experience. Encounter Christ during this 7-week journey through artfully made, spiritually rich short films, questions for personal reflection, and Scriptures for meditation.
Helping Families Celebrate Lent We spend hours planning activities and celebrations that we hope will impact the families we serve. The reality may be sobering. Sometimes we plan too much. Do families really care about the season of Lent, and all of its signs and symbols, all of its opportunity and potential? What can we do to help the families in our charge get the most out of this sacred time without overwhelming them with the choices?
The Significance of Ash Wednesday
They may just be ashes, but Fr. Mike points out that what they represent goes far beyond mere dust of the earth. With a simple cross on the forehead, we are recognizing that we are far from perfect, but that God loves and redeems us-not despite our brokenness, but in the midst of it. If you want to start off your Lent with a reminder of Ash Wednesday's deeper meaning, listen to Fr. Mike's heartfelt words in this video.
Ash Wednesday and Lent in Two Minutes
Always a great video to share each year, this brief video explains the what and why of Ash Wednesday and Lent, from the history of wearing ashes dating back to the Old Testament, to the practices of Catholics and Christians during Lent.
From Passion to Pentecost: A Lenten Reflection (Webinar) "Were you there when they crucified my Lord . . .?" This familiar hymn is a staple in many churches on Good Friday. Have you ever thought about those who would have answered "yes"? What would Mary Magdalene or Simon of Cyrene tell us about their heartbreaking experiences and the aftereffects on their lives of faith? Join Kathy Hendricks for a meaningful Lenten webinar in which we'll reflect upon six witnesses of Jesus's Passion and Death and the connections each one makes to our own experience. For more information, click here
Teaching Second-Graders the Beauty of Lent- The beauty of Lent offers a time for the Church to relive salvation history. By practicing the penitential disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, many adults savor this transformative season. But how does an untrained teacher who meets only briefly with her wiggly second-grade faith formation class communicate the beauty and relevancy of Lent in language they can understand? The short answer: by acting out Christ's desert experience in a way that highlights how fasting, prayer, and almsgiving give us strength as we walk with the Lord.
Maryknoll Lenten Reflection Guide 2017- Contains reflections, questions, prayers, and actions based on each week's Gospel reading and the written reflections and recorded discussions by the 83 Catholic peacemakers who attended the Nonviolence and Just Peace conference in Rome in April 2016. Lent offers us all a special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism. Use this guide individually or in small groups to reflect upon our life patterns, to pray more deeply, and renew our spirits to face the realities of our world.
Best Lent Ever- (Dynamic Catholic) Sign up for Best Lent Ever, a FREE, video-based email program featuring internationally acclaimed speaker and New York Times bestselling author Matthew Kelly. From Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, Matthew will help you identify what stands between you and happiness . . . and what to do about it. Are you ready for your best Lent ever?
Library Media Center February
Check It Out newsletter-
NEW LENT RESOURCES and items added to the catalog-new DVDs and books!
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Upcoming Catechetical Events
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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.
Seattle Catholic Men's Conference: Iron Sharpens Iron 2017
Saturday, April 8, 2017 I St. Pius X Church, Mountlake Terrace I We invite men of all ages and ethnic backgrounds to build up their families through prayer and sacrificial action. By sanctifying all attendees may the Holy Spirit put its leaven of truth and love into the culture of the Pacific Northwest and the world. For more information and to register, click
here.
Sacred Songs with Dan Schutte
Saturday, April 29, 2017 I 7:30-9:00 pm I St. Cecilia Church, Bainbridge Island I For more information, contact Terry Markuly: 206-842-3594 or
tmarkuly@saintcparish.org. View the
flyer for more details.
Cabrini Ministry: Remembering our Identity as Children of God Workshop
Saturday, April 29, 2017 I 9:30-1:00 I St. Bridget Church, Seattle I Facilitated by Dr. Brian DesRoches. In Scripture, Jesus invites us the call upon the Holy Spirit to "remember all that I have told you." Come learn what the Bible and the Catechism have to say about our identity as children of God and explore practical steps offered by spiritual neuroscience to remember and live out that spiritual identity.$25 suggested donation. For more information, click
here.
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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.
Guatemala Immersion for Religious Educators
(Extended Due Date!!)
June 14-22, 2017- Discover Christ in our Guatemalan sisters and brothers. Every day, these neighbors of ours from Central America make the perilous journey into the United States. Deepen your faith and enliven your ministry through encounter with their hopes, joys, and struggles. Meet and learn from the lay and religious missioners walking with them, and discern how you can invite your own community into a spirit of encounter with our sisters and brothers on the margins, in Guatemala and here in western Washington. Applications due APRIL 1st! For complete information and to apply, click here.
A Parish Built to Last Retreat for Pastors and Faith Formation Directors
June 30-July 2, 2017 I Led by Fr. Bill Watson, SJ. I ABRC@Palisades, Federal Way I Built to Last is the most fully resourced parish Ignatian program available today.
Forty Weeks and the Whole-Life Confession help parishes accomplish what Sherry Weddell did in her important book,
Forming Intentional Disciples, which says it is needed for activating the new evangelization that Popes from St. John Paul II to Francis has been calling individual Catholics and parishes to make a reality. This evangelization retreat will include the theological and spiritual components of
Forty Weeks and
The Whole-Life Confession presented by Fr. Watson. It will also include presentations from laity and clergy from Seattle Archdiocesan parishes who have been successfully implementing the both programs in their parishes. For more information and to register, click her
Mass & Celebration with our Community with Special Needs
Saturday, April 1, 2017 I Mass: 11:00 am I St. James Cathedral, Seattle I Reception and Spring Dance to follow Mass at O'Dea High School, Seattle. For more information, contact Erica Cohen Moore 206-382-4852 | ericac@seattlearch.org
Cornerstone Catholic Conference: Together for Life and Justice
(NEW)
October 20-21, 2017 I Tacoma I Save the date!-More information and registration details will be available in the coming months.
2016-2017 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.
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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
Beginning Tuesday, March 7th, the parish will offer 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,
dianeb@stjoevan.org.
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
Kathy@stlouise.org
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.
This coming Spring"s Puget Sound area weekend is Friday to Sunday, March 31 to April 2, 2017 at historic Carnation Farms in Carnation, WA.
Please call Chris, our Beginning Experience Registrar, at (253) 223-2645 for more information and a brochure.
St James Cathedral, Seattle
Grief Support Group-meets Wednesdays, January 25-March 1, 2017.
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
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OYYAE Website 
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
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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 Lent) Catholic Relief Services Collection Parish Guide The collection for Catholic Relief Services will be taken up in most parishes on the weekend of March 25-26, 2017. This bilingual (English and Spanish) guide provides resources to assist parish participation in the collection. The collection helps six different Catholic agencies to answer the knock of Jesus in disguise around the world, through services for immigrants, humanitarian aid in the wake of natural disasters, refuge for the displaced, and advocacy for peace and justice around the world.
Prayer: The Easy Out for Lent Jeannine Marino, an assistant director of the USCCB Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis, offers some simple ideas for keeping a commitment to prayer during Lent.
To learn more about MyUSCCB and to sign up for this helpful resource, visit the USCCB website for more information.
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NCCL-Catechetical Update 
A 4-Day Journey through Transformational Encounters...
Monday, May 22 - Contemplation - Personal Transformation
Tuesday, May 23 - Imagination - Prophetic Communal Transformation
Wednesday, May 24 - Vision - Articulating a Catechetical Future
Thursday, May 25 - Missionary - Leadership for the World
The Joy of Adolescent Catechesis, developed over the past three years by the Partnership for Adolescent Catechesis, has been contributed to by members of all three partnering organizations (NFCYM, NCCL, and NCEA) and is scheduled to be published in mid-April through NCEA. The thirty page document puts forth a vision and outcomes of adolescent catechesis and examines some of the foundational elements necessary for successfully forming young people to serve as missionary disciples in the world. The document also contains over twenty -five reflection questions for leaders and catechists to use as a means of discussing, applying, and integrating the principle points highlighted throughout the document. A complimentary copy of the resource will be sent to all bishops and diocesan offices upon publication, and additional copies will be available for sale online through NCCL for $12 each. A culturally sensitive Spanish translation will also be available this spring and can be purchased along with the English version, as a pdf download for $10. At #NCCL2017, membership will hear more about this document during a daily Membership Assembly.
To learn more about this organization and view their resources, visit the
website.
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Fr. Mike Schmitz Podcast
Fr. Mike's popular Ascension Presents video series in audio form, so that you can listen on the go.
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V ENCUENTRO 
What is the Goal of the
V Encuentro?
The 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.
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Fashioning Faith
Fashioning Faith is a subscription website designed especially for parish catechetical leaders that provides access to hundreds of program, strategies, and resources for promoting faith formation with people of all ages. New features make Fashioning Faith even easier to use and new resources easy to find! This includes resources delivered each year that help to gather the whole community of faith, connect families to children's faith formation, and build faith in families at home.
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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.
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Pope Francis' Monthly Prayer Intentions on Video
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Support for Persecuted Christians |
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.
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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!
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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 @ 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.
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