Archdiocese of Seattle

Faith Formation Newsletter

May 22, 2017

 


Dear Catechetical Colleagues,

We hope you are all coming to the conclusion of a grace-filled school year! This is also a time to celebrate and to evaluate where we have been and where we hope to go in future years. As part of that process, we are looking forward to seeing you on June 7th at Isaac Orr from  9:00 - 3:00.
 
As a reminder, June 7th will bring together prayer, music, fun, updated faith formation information, and a chance to take home some "gently used" items from our Library! We also will providing you with some new formation days beginning with our New Minister's Orientation on September 5th and also including a very creative retreat in Spring 2018!
 
Our "Essential Concept" this week is Church Order: Hierarchy, Magisterium, Infallibility. As many of you know, on Wednesday, May 31st our new Auxiliary Bishop Mueggenborg will be ordained at St. James Cathedral. We also have some great videos celebrating the gift of our Pope and Bishops.
 
Cornerstone Conference registration is now open! There will be keynote addresses from the Bishops of Washington State, as well as: Bishop Robert Barron, Helen Alvaré and Ralph McCloud. Please take a moment to checkout the website for more information and to register!
 
One last quick note - this newsletter won't be coming out the next few weeks, due to Anne travelling to the National Conference for Catechetical Leaders and Memorial Day weekend.


In Christ,

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

Essential Religious Education Concepts
videos
Church Order: The Hierarchy and Magisterium/Infallibility- [874-896] 

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
 
  


The Gift of the Papacy

  
  
   
Bishop Barron on Papal Infallibility

  
  
 
What is the structure of the Church?

 

  Dogma, Doctrine, and Meat on Fridays
 
 
 
   
Looking for an archived newsletter? Check this link for all previous editions. 
Resources for May: We Honor Mary

5 Children's Books Perfect for Celebrating Mary- Besides knowing that Mary is the mother of Jesus and their participation in a May Crowning, what else do our children know about Mary? There are some excellent children books out there about Mary.

Marian Resources-Mary has a unique and privileged place in salvation history and in the Church. Because she responded yes to becoming the Mother of God, she is our first model of discipleship and our model of grace and trust in God.

Rosary Activities-Includes handout meditations on each mystery of the Rosary to help young people not only recite the prayers but enter into the mysteries of the lives of Christ and Mary.
 
 

Contact the library to request items. Our online catalog is also available to search for books and DVDs.
 
Spanish Faith Formation/Formación para la Fe en Español

TAREAS DE LA CATEQUESIS.
 
El Directorio Nacional para la Catequesis nos dice que "la tarea fundamental de la catequesis es: formar discípulos en Cristo y enviarlos a su misión. Siguiendo el ejemplo de Jesús el maestro, la catequesis abarca seis tareas diversas." En esta ocasión mencionaremos la primera y cada semana agregaremos una:
  
Tarea 1: La catequesis promueve el conocimiento de la fe. La Catequesis responde al deseo de darle a los creyentes un conocimiento de la Sagrada Escritura y de la Tradición de la Iglesia, introduciendo al creyente al Credo a través de todas las etapas de su vida.  
Upcoming Catechetical Events
ordinations  
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.
 
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Take a look at the flyer for a variety of events taking place around the area. Events are held at various parishes: St. James Cathedral, Seattle-St. Louise-Bellevue, or St. Luke-Shoreline.
 
2017 Ordination Schedule
There are several ordinations occurring around the Archdiocese. Please click here to see where and when!
 
Annual Conference of Parish Catechetical Leaders (UPDATED)
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 I Isaac Orr Conference Room, Chancery Bldg. I 9:00-3:00 I Presenter: Steve Angrisano I Click here for complete information. Please register by May 30th.
 
New Ministers Orientation & Youth Ministers Fall Gathering
September 5th, 6th 2017 I ABRC @ Palisades I More details to come!

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.

Formation Opportunities
 
opportunitiesFoundations 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.
 
Leadership Development Workshop (NEW)
Saturday, June 10, 2017 I 9 am - 3 pm I St. Thomas Church, Tukwila I 25.00 per person (includes lunch) I Sponsored by the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women I Featuring: Linda Clark, Business Consultant and Trainer -Develop a broad and deep understanding of issues affecting organization, such as changes in leadership, accountability, and member management. Learn more about membership development and retention. Gain skills to assist you in starting or revitalizing your women's group or parish organization. View the flyer or use the registration form. Please register by June 5th.
 
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 hereNow open to priests, parish staff, and lay people. All are invited to attend this retreat.!!
 
Register for 2017 Cornerstone Catholic Conference (UPDATED)
Registration is now open for the 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. If you register by June 20, you can take advantage of the special early bird rate of $65.00.
   
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.

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
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, [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 (UPDATED)
Grief Support Group-meets Wednesdays, June 21st through August 2nd, 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 (UPDATED)
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

CYO Summer Camps
Registration is Open!  We are starting to fill some of our more popular programs. Register today to reserve your spot!

 
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 (Sixth Week of Easter) Catholic Communication Campaign Resource Guide This bilingual (English and Spanish) guide provides resources for parishes participating in the collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) on May 27 and 28. The CCC connects people with Christ through the internet, television, radio, and print media. Most dioceses retain fifty percent of the funds collected to support local communications projects. 

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

Are you New to Adult Faith Formation?  A Seasoned Veteran looking for fresh ideas-  Watch an exciting and informative webinar on the Faith Formation for the Generations and Seasons of Adulthood. Catechesis is most successful when adults can relate the practice of the faith to their everyday lives.  In this webinar John Roberto, shared keys ideas and strategies for making your adult faith formation sessions more relevant to the specific needs of your audience. Join the on-going discussion with catechetical leaders from around the country as we strive to enhance the practice of adult faith formation today! 


To learn more about this organization and view their resources, visit the website.
Featured Websites
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
Christians in Africa
 
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.
Fr. Mike Schmitz Podcast

Fr. Mike's popular Ascension Presents video series in audio form, so that you can listen on the go.
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!
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

 

 

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.

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.

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.