March 2021
Faith Formation/Youth Ministry Update
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This monthly e-newsletter serves catechetical and youth ministry leaders in the Diocese of Green Bay by furnishing them with updates, events and other resources helpful to them in their ministry of fostering households and communities of discipleship.
Discover Jesus. Follow Jesus. Worship Jesus. Share Jesus with others.
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The Dream of St. Joseph, by Anton Raphael Mengs, 1728-79.
Learn more at:
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Our Diocesan Year of St. Joseph Comes to a Close
But the Universal Church's Year of St. Joseph continues!
Some resources for your consideration:
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Notices, Updates, Events
Generally useful information.
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Pause, Praise & Prayer w/Bishop Ricken
Monday, March 8; 6:30-8:00pm
Virtual Event
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Take some time to pause for prayer and praise with Bishop Ricken during this Lenten season. Bishop will guide us through music, Scripture, and prayer as we give praise and glory to God who is a God of hope, light, and new life. All are welcome to participate in this virtual event!
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Meeting ID: 869 9363 0041
Same link/ID for both sessions. See you there!
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Two RE/YM Office Hours in March:
Yes, Two!
Thursday, March 11at 1pm and
Thursday, March 25 at 1pm
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Looking forward to seeing you!: On March 11th, we'll continue our discussion (with your brainstorming!) about Inviting Families back to Mass.
On March 25, the Office of Safe Environment (Deb Knauss and Courtney Coopman) will join us to explain requirements, lesson plans and answer questions about this critical aspect of your ministry!
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And Speaking of Safe Environment |
The Office of Safe Environment has asked us to pass along this letter to you about Safe Environment requirements for employees and volunteers within faith formation/youth ministry programs, as well as classroom lesson requirements. Please read through it so you're up to date on this critical responsibility. |
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Employment Contracts for DRE's |
PDF version of 2021-2022 contract documents and directives were sent to Pastors/Parish Leaders and School Administrators last month via Parish Pages. A contract for DRE's is only required if the DRE holds a Master's Degree. All others are "at-will" employees. Contract deadline: March 15.
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ProCLAYM:
Professional Organization for Catechetical Leaders & Youth Ministers
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ProCLAYM's annual Spring Fling will take place on Thursday, March 18 (1-3pm) at Julie's Cafe in De Pere. If you'd like to have lunch (buy your own), come at noon!
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Nuts & Bolts for New Catechetical Leaders/Youth Ministers
Thursday, March 25; 9:00am | Via Zoom
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This will be the final of a series of four virtual sessions that cover a myriad of topics of interest to catechetical leaders and youth ministers who are new to their ministry, new to their parish or new to the Diocese. Whether you've attended the first three sessions this year or not, you are very welcome to join us for this finale of the 2020-21 year.
Topics that will be covered include (end-of-year activities; record retention guidelines; recruiting next year's catechists. That, plus prayer (including your special intentions) and a chance to check-in, ask questions and 'meet' your peers .
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Vaccination Eligibility
Catechetical leaders, youth ministers, catechists, and youth ministry volunteers should be included in Phase 1b of the state's distribution plan under the category of education and childcare, and specifically under the "out-of-school time programs" designation.
If you want the vaccine please check with your medical care provider or your local health department about where and how you can receive the vaccine once you are eligible.
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It's March: Worried about ACRE? Don't Be.
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Due to the uncertainty, disruptions and additional procedures and adjustments required by the current COVID pandemic, the ACRE requirement for 2021 for all parish religious education programs and all Catholic Schools has been waived. |
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Rural Life Scholarship Money ($500) . . . Deadline March 15!
This scholarship worth $500 is sponsored by the Rural Life Committee of the Diocese of Green Bay. High school seniors are eligible to apply. All information about the scholarship, the application, and the pastoral recommendation form can be found HERE. The scholarship deadline is March 15, 2021.
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Parish Life Line: March Topics
Wednesday Mornings @ 9:30; via Zoom
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One thing we've heard in our virtual visits is that catechetical leaders value the Parish Life Line. It is moving to a bi-weekly format with the following upcoming topics: |
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- March 3: Ministry for Mission w/Catholic Charities
- March 17: Recognizing Thin Places & St. Patrick's Day w/Julianne Stanz
- March 31: Re-engagement of Parishioners w/Peter Murphy
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WI Catholic Youth Rally 2021
March 12; New Berlin
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This will be a in-person AND livestream event, held March 12/13 at Holy Apostles Parish, New Berlin.
Slated to be a powerful and prayerful, day-long worship experience for high school and middle school students from all over Wisconsin.
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Adaptation/Change to LBH:
June 20-23 in De Pere will be MS! June 27-July 1 in Appleton will be HS!
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Camp Tekakwitha is open for summer camp and retreat season! Whether you’re looking for a Catholic summer experience for your students or desiring a retreat day spent in the great outdoors, Camp would love to welcome you. Feel welcome to email camptekakwitha@gbdioc.org or visit camptekakwitha.org for questions and further information. Come join us!
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Steubenville Trip Determination |
Due to uncertainty brought about by COVID, including new variants of the virus in addition to added costs due to COVID mitigation, we have decided not to send a diocesan sponsored or a diocesan led pilgrimage to any out of state events this year including both the mini and the extended Steubenville trips.
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We hope to monitor the possibility for 2022 Steubenville pilgrimages and will keep you updated through the next year.
As an alternative, we are hosting our Green Bay Youth Conference at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help on June 5th, 2021. The day will follow a similar format to Steubenville with dynamic speakers and topics, engaging in the Sacraments with Adoration and Mass, as well as heartfelt worship from Sonar Worship Band who provides music for Steubenville Conferences.
More information regarding GBYC, including registration, will be forthcoming. Thank you so much for your understanding and patience as we continue to navigate youth ministry opportunities amid COVID-19.
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When you are down in the Apparition Oratory at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help for private prayer and reflection, located just behind the statue of Our Lady is the new reliquary case that contains the first-class relics of the Apostles, the first-class relics of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Saint Faustina Kowalska, as well as the first-class relics of parts of the trees between which the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared.
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Calendar
Upcoming dates you should know about.
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Our upcoming events have been updated and will continue to be updated throughout the year.)
Dates to Keep in Mind:
Mar 4: Love Begins Here Info Session via Zoom
Mar 8: Pause, Praise and Prayer with Bishop Ricken
Mar 11: Office Hour: Inviting Families Back to Mass
Mar 18: ProCLAYM Spring Fling Member Gathering
Mar 25: Nuts & Bolts for New Catechetical Leaders/Youth Ministers
Mar 25: Office Hour: Safe Environment
Apr 1-5: Diocesan Offices closed in observance of Triduum, Easter
**FCC and Ongoing Formation schedules are available through www.gbdioc.org/fcc Please contact hosting parish/school to register for a class or get more information about location, parking, etc.
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Catechetical Certification
Discover Jesus: One course per year for steady growth!
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Looking for Something to Do Online?
Links to Online FCC Courses
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Online courses follow the same lesson plan as classroom sessions and may be used to take the entire course or specific sessions as make-ups. Participants are responsible for submitting completion form. |
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Resources
Studies, media, and materials to help you do what you do.
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Our at-home resource page can be found HERE!
it gets updated as new information becomes available.
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All about Lent:
Bishop Barron's new Lenten Gospel Reflections is available for FREE (plus S&H). Order now.
Catholic Relief Services "For Lent For Life" has everything you need to know about its Operation Rice Bowl including Stories of Hope, Reflections, Lenten Recipes and other Resources.
Discover during Lent, a deeper understanding of forty Catholic customs in Scott Hahn's book, "Signs of Life". Bulk pricing available for parish giving.
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And more . . .
RCL Benziger has updated its Echoes of Faith catechist formation series (Emmaus edition) and makes it available in various platforms for parish leadership.
"Parent Chat with Sr. Pat" is a new video series available from Bayard Faith Resources. $49 for the entire series which is suitable for individual or group viewing. Practical support for the whole-person formation of children. Watch the trailer and sample.
Catholic Current is your one-stop-shop for ministry needs that gives your parish/organization access to an incredible online library filled with relevant, reliable content that supports the liturgical calendar and more. From prayers to social media graphics, you’ll find everything you need on this project of the USCCB.
Don't forget that the Compass offers worksheets and other resources for use by teachers and catechists as part of Compass in the Classroom. See a video explanation and testimony.
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Share Your Wisdom!
Have a resource that you've found helpful in training staff or engaging students? Watched a video that deepened your faith and led you closer to Jesus?
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If you need anything; prayers, a listening ear, or other support, please do not hesitate to contact us. We appreciate ALL that you are doing to advance His kingdom!! May God bless you this Lenten season!
Maximus Cabey, Director
Callie Kowalski, Assistant Director
Child & Youth Faith Formation
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Find us on facebook!
"Diocese of Green Bay RE/YM"
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Families & Schools of Discipleship | Diocese of Green Bay
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