Monday, November 5, 2012

Five Things to Know About the Catholic Catechism



To honor the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church . . . .

Pope Benedict XVI has announced a Year of Faith.  It began on October 11, ends November 24, 2013, and is meant to strengthen the faith of Catholics and draw the world to faith by their example. The pope has encouraged Catholics to study the Catechism as part of the Year of Faith.

Alissa Thorell, catechism specialist for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis, offers

"Five Things Catholics Should Know About the Catechism."

Thorell explains:

1. It's universal in its scope. Promulgated in 1992, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is the first book of its kind in 450 years, an effort by the world's bishops to convey the content of the Catholic faith to the whole Church. Following the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the bishops recognized the importance of providing a more complete presentation of the Catholic faith and teachings to Catholics living in the modern world.

2. It's universal in its content. The Catechism compiles the living Tradition of the Catholic Church and divides it into four sections: what Catholics believe (the Creed), how the faith is transmitted (worship and sacraments), how Catholics are called to live (moral life) and prayer. The contents of these four parts are interwoven, providing an organic presentation of the faith.

3. It's a resource for education. The main goal of the Catechism is to help bishops, pastors, catechists, parents and all who teach the faith. It provides a foundation that encourages bishops' conferences to develop teaching materials from it.

4. It's an invitation prayer. The Catechism draws from the richness of the Catholic Church, including Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, the teaching documents of Church and the lives of the saints. This makes it not only useful for learning about the Catholic faith, but for growing in one's faith through meditation and prayer.

5. It's for Catholics of all ages. Learning and living the faith is an ongoing process throughout a person's life, and the Catechism can help Catholics come to know and love Christ. At almost 700 pages, the Catechism can be intimidating, but it contains short summaries at the end of every section for easy reference. Further, the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers an explanation of each section of the Catechismthat is accessible for all readers.

How Catholics can live the Year of Faith:

www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Lake Barkley Conference Coming Soon! -- Webpage and Brochure


The Mid-South Catholic
Leadership Conference


November  4 - 7,  2012


Here are the webpage and brochure for the 2012 conference event!  Register now.

        http://www.rcdok.org/schools/midsouth_catholic_leadership_conference.php


Line dancing -- one of many activities
to enjoy with friends and colleagues!

Mr. Daniel Mulhall,  RCL Publishing -- One of our
main presenters and cantors at the 2012 conference

Registration is now open!


For many years, the Lake Barkley State Resort Park has provided the perfect meeting place. If you are new to the conference, or have been coming for many years, see the website to plan additional activities during your stay:

 




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Monday, October 22, 2012

U.S. Bishops Consider Challenges of Social Media



     A headline in a recent national catechetical news bulletin reads like this: 

               Bishops To Address Challenges, Opportunities In Digital Age


     The U.S. bishops will discuss a possible official Church statement on doctrine in the digital age at their November 12-15 (2012) meeting in Baltimore

     Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, chairman of the Doctrine Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), will present the statement "Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities for the Exercise of the Teaching Ministry of the Diocesan Bishop." Later, it will be voted on by the entire assembly of bishops.



      The draft document cites the "quantum leap" in the speed of mass communications since the invention of the internet. It demands that bishops "respond immediately when Church teaching is challenged or misrepresented." The bishops also face the challenge that amidst many voices in the digital world -- "a bishop's voice on the Internet can appear to be just another in the competition for attention" requiring bishops to explain to people the nature of their authority.

     Cardinal Wuerl's writing also notes that the new digital media "constitute a blade that can cut two ways"

     New social media "create new difficulties for bishops in the exercise of their teaching office" yet "they also offer powerful new tools for more effective ministry."

      A key benefit of most new media is "that they offer the bishop the possibility of communicating with people in a relatively unmediated fashion," the statement says.



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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

7 Key Things About the New Evangelization


Seven Things Catholics Should Know About the New Evangelization


by Peter Murphy, D.Min.
Executive Director -- Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

(Peter Murphy is the Executive Director -- Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He writes from Rome as an auditor of the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization)

"Seven Things to Know About the New Evangelization" are:

1. It's not new in content, but new in energy and approach.
The New Evangelization re-proposes the faith to a world longing for answers to life's most profound questions. It's a call to share Christ and bring the Gospel, with renewed energy and through ever-changing methods, to new and different audiences.

2. It begins with personal conversion.
The New Evangelization begins internally and spreads outward. We are called to deepen our own faith in order to better share it with others. Then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger described this in the Jubilee Year 2000 as daring to have faith with the humility of the mustard seed that leaves up to God how and when the tree will grow. Conversion to Christ is the first step.

3. It's for believers and non-believers alike. Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap., recently observed that the most difficult people to evangelize are the ones who think they've already been converted. So whether it's someone at Mass every Sunday, an inactive Catholic or someone for whom religion is not part of life, the New Evangelization invites all people to discover faith anew.

4. It's about a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Before a person can share Christ with others, they must first experience Christ in their own life. The New Evangelization is about promoting a personal encounter with Christ for all people, wherever they are in their lives. Whether that means finding faith for the first time or spreading the Good News, the most authentic and effective efforts are the ones closest to Christ.

5. It's not an isolated moment, but an ongoing practice. Personal conversion and the encounter with Christ is an ongoing experience that lasts a lifetime. Catholics are blessed to encounter their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the Sacraments. Catholics are called to live in a way that reflects the love of Christ. God's love is shared with our neighbors through caring for the poor and welcoming those who feel distant from God.

6. It's meant to counter secular culture. G.K. Chesterton wrote that "each generation is converted by the saint who contradicts it most." The New Evangelization responds to Western society's ongoing move away from religion by urging Catholics to enthusiastically share Christ in word and through the credible witness of their lives. This is why Pope Benedict encourages Catholics to study the lives of the saints during the Year of Faith and learn from their example.

7. It's a priority for the Church. Blessed Pope John Paul II made it a major priority of his 26-year pontificate. Continuing this, Pope Benedict launched the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization in 2010 and made it the theme of the 2012 Synod of Bishops. The U.S. bishops issued a document in April, "Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization," focused on welcoming inactive Catholics back to the faith. The New Evangelization has an urgency about it, an urgency for all Catholics to embrace the grace of their baptismal call and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with their family, friends and neighbors.


New Evangelization is available online: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Sacramental Catechesis: Best Practices


Best Practices for Catechesis on the Sacraments

A Handbook by the Wisconsin Directors
of Religious Education Federation

      Catechetical Leaders from across the state of Wisconsin contributed over 80 different catechetical lessons and activities designed to engage children, teens, and adults in learning about the sacraments. While some of these can be used in preparation for first reception of the sacraments, most are for ongoing catechesis.

     Samples of the Best Practices: Collage on the Sacraments, Baptism Certificate made by Children, Readiness Signs for First Communion, Inside the Mass, Candidate and Sponsor Meeting for Confirmation, Night of Reflection for First Reconciliation, Abundance that Makes a Marriage Last, Holy Orders Bingo. Complete plans are included for each lesson or activity, including how much time is needed, a list of materials, and the number of adult assistants needed.

     This book-on-CD contains Microsoft Word files to make it easy for leaders to make adaptations for their settings.

     Best Practices for Catechesis on the Sacraments is published by the Wisconsin Directors of Religious Education Federation. It can be purchased from the NCCL office (www.nccl.org) or the NCCL bookstore --  http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20  -- for $15.95.

Friday, October 5, 2012

50th Anniversary -- Opening of the Second Vatican Council



‘10 Ways That Vatican II Shapes The Church Today’


    By  Most Rev. Gregory Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans LA

    Online Source:   http://usccb.org/news/2012/12-155.cfm

    Dateline:  October 1, 2012

WASHINGTON—The Catholic Church marks the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council by Blessed Pope John XXIII on October 11. The Council ran from 1962-1965, producing 16 documents over the course of four sessions. Over 2,000 bishops from around the world participated. The Council introduced major reforms and stands among the most significant religious events of the 20th Century.

To honor this anniversary, as well as the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI called for a Year of Faith, beginning October 11 and ending November 24, 2013, to strengthen the faith of Catholics and draw the world to faith by their example.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship, offers “10 Ways Vatican II Shapes the Church Today” to help Catholics appreciate the Council and how it relates to the Year of Faith:

1. Vatican II presented a renewed vision of what it means to be the Church. The Council document Lumen Gentium on the nature of the Church called the Church a light for the world and the source of salvation. The document Gaudium et Spes on the Church in the modern world said the Church shares the joys and sufferings of the world. Both documents refer to the Church as the People of God, reflecting a new appreciation of lay people that surfaced repeatedly at the Council.

2. It called the Eucharist the source and summit of the faith. The Council’s document on the liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, describes Holy Communion as the main source of God’s grace for Catholics. In the Eucharist, Catholics encounter the person of Christ. In this way, it is truly the foundation of the Church.

3. It reformed the liturgy. The changes to the Mass, perhaps the most well-known conciliar reform, promoted “full and active participation,” which led to the Mass being translated into the vernacular, or local language, and celebrated as a dialogue between the celebrant and the congregation.


4. It said every Catholic is called to holiness and to be a missionary. The document on missionary activity, Ad Gentes, expanded the view of how the Church evangelizes. Missionaries were no longer sent just to remote areas of the world to spread the Good News; now all Catholics play a role in evangelizing through their lives.

5. It emphasized the importance of the family. According to Lumen Gentium, the family is the “Domestic Church.” While the faith of the Church flourishes in parishes, dioceses and nations around the world, before all else is the family. It is the family that provides a strong foundation for each believer.

6. It reshaped the Church’s relationship with other Christians and other religions. At Vatican II, the Church adopted a spirit of respect and dialogue toward other faith traditions. Ensuing dialogues have built bridges of understanding and strengthened relationships with Orthodox Christians, Jews, Muslims, Protestants and others.

7. It promoted collaboration. The document Christus Dominus encouraged “collegiality,” or collaboration within the Church. Bishops, priests, religious and lay people all work together in a way that didn’t in the past. Bishops collaborate through episcopal conferences like the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and state-level Catholic Conferences. The Council also encouraged “subsidiarity,” by which authority is divided up and decisions are made at the appropriate level. 8. It updated the Church… John XXIII saw Vatican II as a chance for renewal in the face of the “signs of the times” and said he called the Council to open a window and let in fresh air. This resulted in reforms that made the Church more accessible to the modern world, such as Mass in the vernacular and dialogue with other believers, and the openness of the Council was reflected in the presence men and women religious, lay people and even non-Catholics among its official observers.

9. . . . but it also returned the Church to its roots. Vatican II also reformed the Church through a back-to-basics approach. This meant renewed appreciation for Scripture, the Church Fathers and the restoration of ancient traditions such as the permanent diaconate and the multi-step process for adults joining the Church.

10. Then-Father Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) played a significant behind-the-scenes role. The bishops at Vatican II were assisted by brilliant theologians. These assistants, or periti, included Joseph Ratzinger, who assisted Cardinal Josef Frings of Cologne, Germany. Father Ratzinger was involved in drafting speeches, shaping documents and defining the overall trajectory of the Council.

More information on the Year of Faith is available online:   www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/index.cfm


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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Oct. 16 -- Professional Webinar Series



Okay. I'm called be an agent of what?

Catechists and Teachers: Agents of the New Evangelization

In partnership with the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, the National Association for Lay Ministry, and the National Federation of Priests' Councils,

Ave Maria Press is pleased to present this FREE Webinar.


Presenter: Lori Dahlhoff
Executive Director, NCEA Department of Religious Education




Tuesday, October 16, 2012  --  3:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

Register Here:  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/849120416

Lori Dahlhoff, Executive Director of the NCEA Department of Religious Education, will explore what the Church means by the "new evangelization" and how it fosters discipleship through religious education. She will show how catechists and teachers are both agents of evangelization and witnesses to ongoing conversion in Christ.



For a full schedule of presentations in the Ave Maria Press Professional Development Webinar Series click on the blue link below --
https://www.avemariapress.com/webinars/?utm_source=Webinar%3A+Dahlhoff+-+PMR+%5BHeather%5D&utm_campaign=Webinar%3A+Dahlhoff+-+PMR&utm_medium=email




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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

The Catechetical Leader in the Third Millennium


     The Catholic Bishops of New York have published a new, official statement that should be of interest to those who follow this blog.

     The paper is called "The Catechetical Leader in the Third Millennium." It was published on September 27, 2012 by the Bishops in conjunction with the (Arch)Diocesan Directors of Religious Education throughout New York state.

      This new work -- "The Catechetical Leader in the Third Millennium" -- is a companion piece and a collaborative follow-up to a jointly written pastoral vision, for catechists, by the New York Catholic Conference during 1998 called The Catechist in the Third Millennium.

      This early document affirmed the primacy of catechesis in the mission of the Church and called for a renewed commitment to the recruitment, formation and ministry of the catechist as a top priority in parishes and Catholic schools. It also provided a framework for forming catechists in New York state, earning it a national award for articulating a provincial, unified vision of catechist formation.

      The newly-released statement asserts, by echoing the official National Directory for Catechesis in the United States, that 'the single most critical factor in an effective parish catechetical program is the leadership of a professionally trained parish catechetical leader.'




     Thus, today’s catechetical leader must be first and foremost a disciple of Christ. But he/she also needs particular competencies to address challenges faced by the contemporary church. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) says in its National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers identifies criteria for these competencies -- including formation in doctrine and tradition. 

The new profile, "The Catechetical Leader in the Third Millennium," builds on those competencies, then identifies five additional areas of proficiency for parish catechetical leaders:

            Evangelization, the Changing Parish Landscape, the Family, Cultural
            Realities and Technology.

     In conclusion, the Bishops of New York State now commit to preparing today’s catechetical leader for the variety of parish faith-formation issues and demands encountered in their ministries. In addition, they pledge support for all diocesan efforts to address, faithfully and with flexibility from diocese of diocese, the professional development parish catechetical leaders at the local level.


     Here is a web link to the New York statement:

     http://www.nyscatholic.org/2012/09/2001/

Friday, September 28, 2012

Night to Remember -- Annual Catechetical Recognitions Dinner



       A spirited dinner gathering with the Archbishop, plus a catechetical ministry achievements ceremony -- sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Lifelong Formation and Education (OLFE) staff, were the centerpieces of  the recent, annual  Archdiocesan Catechetical Ministry Recognition and Honors celebration at the Flaget Center, on September 27, at 6:30 PM.

      Under the guidance and leadership of the Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D., Archbishop of Louisville, he and the OLFE staff honored the many year-round ministries of Catholic faith-development, in parishes and schools throughout the Archdiocese, and the hundreds of catechists and catechetical leaders who work hard day-by-day to implement them. A lively crowd of over 170 persons attended the evening program.



Picture Tweeted by Archbishop
Kurtz from the Awards Ceremony


Once supper had been served, the Archbishop delivered an address on the subject of "Catechetics and the New Evangelization." He stressed the importance of catechists in introducing persons young and old to a living relationship with Jesus. In addition, Archbishop Kurtz spoke about the key role that the Catechism of the Catholic Church -- now approaching its twentieth anniversary since publication -- plays in the faithful transmission of Scripture and Tradition to all who come to our churches and schools for catechesis.

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz

The program then proceeded with a number of honors, awards, and recognitions for catechists, parish and school ministry leaders, and others for distinguished catechetical-formation accomplishments during 2011-2012. (See lists below.)

The celebration was capped off with several awards and recognitions given for long-time service within the Archdiocese.

The Roncalli Award of the Archdiocese of Louisville was given to three recipients:

     Ms. Carolyn Denning  --  Good Shepherd Catholic Church
     Ms. Vicki Johnson  --  St. Peter Church and St. Andrew Academy
     Ms. Karen White  --  Saint Xavier High School 

An award for Volunteer Catechist with 25 Years of Service was also given to:

     Ms. Cindy Davis  --  St. Bernadette Catholic Church

Two local, Catholic schools received the Fr. Thomas Duerr 2012 Award for Excellence in Catechesis. These schools are:

      St. Frances DeSales High School
      Sacred Heart High School

Ms. Bernadette Hagan with (l to r) Archbishop
Joseph Kurtz, Dr. Brian Reynolds, Chancellor, and
Mr. Sal Della Bella, Director of Faith-Formation 

The final recognition this year and a parting gift was given to Ms. Bernadette Hagan, who is retiring on September 28 from the Faith-Formation staff of the Office of Lifelong Formation and Education, after the thirty years of work for the Archdiocese.

 
For more information about the annual Catechetical Ministry Awards Celebration, contact the Office of Lifelong Formation and Education at  OLFE@archlou.org  or 502.448.8581.


2012 Awards and Honorees

Loyola University Institute for
Ministry Extension Program  (LIMEX)


Karl Dolson  --  Master of Pastoral Studies
Sarah Fellows  -- Master of Pastoral Studies
Denise Puckett  -- Master of Pastoral Studies
Judy Stinson  --  Certificate in Religious Education


Concentration in Catechetical Leadership


Bill Ash
Therese Carroll-Caruso
Darlene Fowler
Sr. Mary Jo Gramig
Margaret Joseph
Amy Kramer
Glory Kramer
Emmett Luescher
Tara Mattingly
Lynn McDaniel
Marilyn McNeill
Mary Anne Powers
Kathaleen Stout Riggs
Kathleen Louise Shannon
Judy Stinson
Bob Sugrue


Initiation Team Training


Fred Avis
Insub Beckley
Rhonda Beckley
Mary Ellen Bianco
Grover Bolton
Bill Cochran
Rosie Cochran
Susan Cole
Ken Cundiff
William Daisey
Martha Grimes
David Hernandez
Lynn Hernandez
Chris Mullins
Louis Peters
Jami Sandusky
Kathleen Louise Shannon


Catechetical Ministry  --  Associate Level

Aurora Arellano
Maria Beltran
Ann Brussell
Nicole Burnette
Janice Clan
Ashley Davenport
Dorothy DeYoung
Erin Hagan Fahringer
Trish Feltner
Olga Garcia
Kathryn Garrett
Jesus Betzabe Matias Gibbons
Mary Ann Hale
Terri Harpool
Kristen Kischnick
Ana Lane
Gladys Martinez
Jennifer Meirose
Karen Meredith
Chrissy Miles
Tere Noveron
Juanita Richardson
Sr. Doris Schepers
Meredith Scherr
Kari Sims
Kate Stockton
Sara Young
Alex Zaboranek


Catechetical Ministry  --  Advanced Level

Mary Jo Borho
Mary Arlayne Burks
Mary Margaret Cecil
Dennis Comella Jr.
Mary Jo Ellis
Mandy Kumle
Donna Laemmle
Marilyn McNeill
Carol Meirose
Terry Rogan
Maureen Rogg
Rebecca Romero
Judy Stinson
Nancy Turner
Diane Nave Walsh
Laura Walsh
Lynn Wilt
Elaine Wnorowski


Catechetical Ministry  --  Master Level

Susan Argabright
Pamela Boone
Mary Jo Borho
Elsie Boyd
Mary Margaret Cecil
Dennis Comella Jr.
Michelle Cornwell
Suzanne Fogle Fulk
Mandy Kumler
Candice Nieves
Bernadette Porter
Terry Rogan
Maureen Rogg
Judy Stinson
Nancy Turner
Kristina Vogt


Concentration in Youth Ministry

 

Janice Clan
Deacon Andy Heinsohn
Joan Heinsohn
Joan Huber
Pat Kessinger
Kim Lincoln
Chrissy Miles
Michelle Osbourne
Kristina Vogt
Sr. Sarah Yungwirth, OSB




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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Catechetical Ministry Celebration -- September 27



     On the evening of September 27, the Archdiocese of Louisville will host its annual Catechetical Ministry Celebration awards ceremony.

     The central purpose of this event will be to recognize and honor the many forms of Catholic faith-formation implemented throughout the Archdiocese and the many forms of catechetical ministry which church members fulfill.

      This year, the evening celebration will also include a dinner for all participants, plus an after-dinner address by the Most. Rev. Joseph Kurtz, D.D., the Archbishop of Louisville. He will speak on the topic of "Catechetics and the New Evangelization."


Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, D.D,

     The proceedings will be held at the Flaget Center, 1935 Lewiston Avenue, at 6:30 PM. The host agency for the evening will be the Archdiocesan Office of Lifelong Formation and Education (OLFE).

      The 2012 celebration will also feature recognition of all catechists and catechetical leaders, in parishes and schools, who have completed one or more of of the OLFE's ministry formation programs. In addition, there will be awards given to those who have served as catechists for twenty-five years, to two Catholic Schools that have qualified for the Fr. Thomas Duerr Catechetical Excellence, and to those who have been named 2012 recipients of the Archdiocese's Roncalli Award.

      For more information, contact the Office of Lifelong Formation and Education (OLFE) at OLFE@archlou.org or 502.448.8581.



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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Thanks for a Great Workshop, Everybody!



     We were proud to host a dynamic and practical workshop on Saturday, September 15 --


A Catechist's Toolkit: Survive and
Thrive in Religious Education This Year


      Many thanks to our gifted and fun presenter, Dr. Joe Paprocki, author, blogger, and national representative for the Loyola Press of Chicago, and the 100+ workshop attendees. You each made the day more valuable by your presence and active participation. 

Joe Paprocki, D.Min.
      The morning session centered on the “why’s" of certain Catholic practices that form Catholic identity, like  a sense of sacramentality, commitment to community, respect for the dignity of human life and commitment to justice, Tradition, and deep faith and hope. How to teach about central Catholic themes was also addressed.


Joe Paprocki with Local PCL, Tom Morton


      During the afternoon, the workshop sessions focused on methods, techniques, and tips for catechists -- both experienced ones and the many new 'volunteers on the job’ in Catholic parishes.


     Thanks again to Joe, to the Loyola Press representative present, Ms. Bev Bryan, and to all who took part in the presentation.

Note:  Joe's blog for catechists and catecehtical leaders can be found 24/7 at

                                       http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/



Afternoon Workshop Session




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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Workshop on 9-15: Survive and Thrive as a Catechist


A Catechist’s Toolkit:


Survive and Thrive in Religious Education


September 15, 2012


Presenter: Joe Paprocki, D.Min

Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
At:  Flaget Center, Gym       http://www.archlou.org/flagetcenter/
1935 Lewiston Drive,  Louisville KY


      Come to an exciting and practical workshop! The morning session will look at the “why’s of ke
      Catholic practices that form Catholic identity: a sense of sacramentality, commitment to
      community, respect for the dignity of human life and commitment to justice, Tradition, and 
      deep faith and hope.” In addition we’ll talk about how to teach such central Catholic themes.
      During the afternoon, the workshop will focus methods, techniques, and tips for catechists, 
      both experienced and new volunteers ‘on the job,’ in Catholic parishes.


Our Presenter

Dr. Joe Paprocki is the national consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press of Chicago. He has over 30 years of experience as a pastoral minister and classroom catechist in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Doctor Paprocki hosts the popular web blog called Catechist‘s Journey and regularly presents webinars on line sponsored by the Loyola Press. He is also the author of numerous books which include Practice Makes Catholic, The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Well-Built Faith, Tools for Teaching, Living the Mass, The Bible Blueprint, and his new 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness. He works and resides in Chicago with his family. He can be reached via his personal Facebook page.

Pre-Registration and Other Information

 Sponosred by the Archdiocesan Office of Lifelong Formation and Education (OLFE)



Info:  OLFE Office

Registration:  Linda McLemore

Phone: 502-448-8581

Fax: 502-448-5518



Workshop Fee: $25 per person (includes lunch)

Catechist Credit:   5 Contact Hours in Catechetics





Monday, September 10, 2012

Catechetical Sunday -- Coming Up on September 16



      The theme for Catechetical Sunday 2012 is

"Catechists and Teachers as Agents of the New Evangelization"

     The U.S. Bishops' Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis has prepared a variety of materials to assist catechists and Catholic school teachers to embrace Pope Benedict XVI's invitation to be evangelists. These resources will assist parishes in celebrating Catechetical Sunday during September and throughout the 2012-2013 year.

     Materials are provided free of charge in both English and Spanish at:







Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Prayer for Labor Day USA


      Labor Day Blessing

        Heavenly Creator,
        Maker of heaven and earth,
        we praise You for your glory.

        Bless + us as we continue to do our work,
        and bless all that we do for You.
        Help us to carry out all our activities
        for Your honor and glory
        and for the salvation of Your people.




        Guide us in all we do,
        and help us build Your                                                                               
        kingdom and come to our reward
        through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

                                                           Amen.

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