FAITH FORMATION NEWS
Dear Pastoral Assistants of Faith Formation,

 We would like to share with you a change in our newsletter communication to you. We are moving to a monthly newsletter sharing with you the same content as before but with a more intentional and a more informative focus. We are highlighting faith formation news, online resource web page updates, Archdiocesan events in faith formation and a continued effort to focus on the essential concepts and sharing new and updated resources related to the liturgical calendar. This is an evolving process and we welcome any feed back of suggestions related to content you would like to see added to assist with your ministry.
The Archdiocesan Faith Formation Commission (AFFC) has met twice online since the COVID - 19 pandemic shelter at home mandate has been in place. The first meeting was a chance to get together for a "digital" check in. The second online meeting was a regular scheduled meeting where the current faith formation policies were reviewed in order to publish a revised version. The revised policies will be available in the near future.

  • Erica Cohen Moore (Pastoral Ministries) and Sandy Barton Smith (Catholic Schools) took part in the meeting to share resources and information on Inclusion Ministry and how to incorporate resources and best practices in faith formation and the parish community.
  • Future AFFC meetings may occur in other locations, possibly by deanery and also using online conferencing platforms to meet as well.

Sacramental Preparation Policies are next to be looked at for revision and updating. Now that the Faith Formation policies are in the final stages of revision, priority will be on reviewing the Infant Baptism policies. More information to come.
We asked for you to share your faith formation stories amid the COVID- 19 quarantine. Many of you have sent us what ways you have been staying connected to your students and larger parish community. We have posted many to our Facebook page (with permission) to share with others. If you have a unique and inspirational story or idea you would like to share, please let us know!
May 16-24th is Laudato Si week . Pope Francis' encyclical on care of our common home, marks it's fifth anniversary and Pope Francis has called Catholics around the world to unite in solidarity for a more just and sustainable future. To learn more about Laudato Si and how you and your parish community can become more involved, visit laudatosiweek.org. View Pope Francis' video message here.
SIX TASKS ~ ESSENTIAL CONCEPTS ~ LITURGICAL CALENDAR
May is the month of Mary. During the COVID-19 quarantine, we look to Mary, Mother of the Church for comfort and support. On Friday, May 1 – the U.S. bishops joined the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in renewing the consecrations of the two nations to the care of Mary, Mother of Our Church. Learn more here .

The Ascension of Our Lord , May 21st and a holy day of obligation, celebrates the day that Christ, in the presence of His apostles, ascended into Heaven. Explore the Sunday readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter to learn more.
Pentecost is May 31st, known as the birthday of the Church, marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the presentation of the Spirit’s gifts that enables the apostles to leave the Upper Room and preach the Gospel. This is also knows as the birthday of the Church.
As always, check the Liturgical calendar pages in both English and Spanish. These pages now contain who and what the Church celebrates specifically in the month of May.
ONLINE RESOURCE PAGE UPDATE
Several of the pages on the online resource website have been updated. Most recently, we have added new content to the Inclusion Ministry pages, both family and parish. Links to popular books and curriculum resources plus new videos are some of the new materials to look for.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual PAFF Conference: June 4, 2020 at Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center, Federal Way. Sponsored by Sadlier. Save the Date! This may
become a virtual event-stay tuned!

NCCL - WITNESS: A Two Week Virtual Event: May 13-15 and May 19-21, 2020.   Featuring networking, professional development, workshops, resources, and opportunities for prayer. Click here to learn more and to register.
RELIGIOUS CURRICULUM PUBLISHER NEWS
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Free Growing With God faith and health lesson to support schools and parishes during the COVID-19 outbreak. In both English and Spanish.
Free Digital Resources for Home Faith Formation including free access to curriculum, family resources, and parish support.

Spiritual Guidance & Resources during COVID-19. Featuring live Rosary, free study access, and other live events.
Online learning support for students, resources for parents, ebooks, and prayer resources.
Free downloadable resources, prayers, activities and more.
How to Lead VBS - Even in a Year with COVID-19
POP-UP CATECHESIS

Joe Paprocki with Catechist Journey is providing one-minute videos on how to keep faith alive in the home. Topics covered are reading the Bible as a family, May Crowning in the home, praying the Rosary as a family, liturgical calendar and more.
ARCHDIOCESE OF SEATTLE
Office of Marriage, Family Life, and Formation