Many have inquired about guidelines and how to conduct faith formation classes this fall. The Faith Formation Office along with the Office for Catholic Schools and the Archdiocesan TaskForce have worked very hard to provide thorough and complete guidelines.

You will receive a letter responding to your inquiry and we will update the Faith Formation resource website in the next few days in order for you to identify the model that best fits your parish and have a central space to find all of the resources and links necessary to start your programs.

Additionally, starting September 8, 2020 you can join a Zoom support meeting for pastoral assistants for faith formation to respond to any questions, provide a space to share good practices, and to support each other during this uncertain time. Information on how to join the Zoom meeting will be provided soon.

Parishes have been continuing to celebrate the sacraments around the Archdiocese. Pictured is Elliana Weatherbie and Fr. Jesus Sanchez, Parochial Vicar at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Bothell, after her First Holy Communion on August 5.

As parishes continue to welcome back the parish community in various stages, the document Pastoral Ministry in COVID-19 and Beyond can provide some guidelines.

Web Platform Software Training: Zoom Sessions During the month of August and continuing into early September, Joseph Tancioco in the Faith Formation Office offered several introductory trainings on how to use Zoom for online meetings and formation get-togethers. Basic use and best practices were discussed and showcased. More training sessions were added as each date offered filled up! If you would like a training in Spanish contact Carlos.

Catechetical Sunday 2020 “I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you.” Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. Click here for several free resources from the USCCB to use in your parish.

Video Series on the New Directory of Catechesis from USCCB The USCCB is providing a video series on the new directory that will provide insights into eight new emphases which it proposes. Click here to view the first video - Introduction: The Evangelizing Mission of Catechesis.

Magnify: A 4-month Virtual Event on the New Directory for Catechesis Magnify is a series of virtual events over a 4-month span that will introduce participants to the new Directory for Catechesis and explore each of the chapters in depth. Magnify begins with a 2-day virtual event September 18th and 19th. Magnify continues with 1-day virtual events in the months of October, November, and December. Learn more.

Families Growing Together Online Retreat & Education Program Over the summer the Archdiocese of Seattle participated in a regional online program for people who have disabilities and their families. It was met with great success and there have been more dates set for the upcoming months. Registration information: English and Spanish. In collaboration with all archdioceses in Region 12.

Catechetical Certification Program (CCP) For parish staff, volunteers, adult learners, and parents of homeschoolers. This program provides the foundation for knowing, living, and teaching our Catholic faith.  Registration is currently open to online cohorts. Sessions begin in October. Visit the CCP webpage for full details.

Year of the Eucharist Archbishop Paul D. Etienne invites everyone to

celebrate a Year of the Eucharist. To learn more on how you and your parish community can celebrate, view the Overview Flyer. To read the complete pastoral letter, click here. Check out the resource page for additional resources on the Eucharist and the Spanish Eucaristia page to find materials for both adults and children.

The Sacrament of Confirmation Please note-any inquiries and support needed regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation is now being handled by the Office of Faith Formation. Please contact the Faith Formation Office or visit the Confirmation page of our website.St. Joseph Parish Confirmation with Archbishop Etienne. Photo credit: Katie Kolbrick.

The Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows This devotion goes back to the Middle Ages but has gained new popularity following the Church-approved Marian apparitions in Kibeho, Rwanda in the 1980s. In her apparitions, Our Lady of Kibeho recommended that people pray the Chaplet (or Rosary) of the Seven Sorrows to obtain the favor of repentance.

As always, check the Liturgical calendar pages in both English and Spanish. These pages will contain who and what the Church celebrates specifically in the month of September.

New RCIA Resource Page: Check out the collection of materials we have collated on the topic of RCIA. We have added helpful resources for parish leaders and also those those currently in RCIA. Click here to take a look!

Racism Resource Page: We have recently compiled resources to assist in combating racism. Please check out our resources organized by grade level and focus. Feel free to share this resource with your parish, school and larger community.

"New to Seattle" Young Adult Mass - September 3, 2020. New Catholic young adults who want to connect to the young adult community are invited to celebrate Mass with Archbishop Etienne at St. James Cathedral. 125 young adults can join us in person at St. James Cathedral and everyone else can participate via livestream! Registration is required to attend in person.

Virtual New PAFF Orientation - September 15, 2020. This orientation is for any newly hired Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation in the last year or anyone transitioning into this role. Register here.

Betrothed: A Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage - September 18-20, 2020. A Virtual Retreat for Engaged Couples. Led by Dr. Sarah Bartel & Nathan Bartel, Ferdinand & Debra Ricard. This retreat fulfills the diocesan marriage preparation requirement and offers a rich integration of catechesis and theology. Learn more.

Religion Publisher Materials Please take a look at this concise table for a quick glance at what our approved publishers have to offer for your parish faith formation programs. As more programs provide online information, the list will be updated.

Here is fun and interesting way to help students learn the books of the Bible, resembling the periodic table!

The upcoming school year may look different this time around but it is always a gift to start it off in prayer and blessing. As we prepare our lessons and classrooms for online and in-person instruction, let's remember to pray for each other, catechists, parents and students.