Merry Christmas!

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing... (Isaiah 9)

May the the light of Christ surround you and those you love in this Christmas season and give you reason to rejoice at the coming of our Lord!

Fourth Week in Advent

Within Our Reach: Joy
— by Fra Giovanni Giocondo

Fra Giovanni Giocondo (c.1435–1515) was a Renaissance pioneer, accomplished as an architect, engineer, antiquary, archaeologist, classical scholar, and Franciscan friar. Today we remember him most for his reassuring letter to Countess Allagia Aldobrandeschi on Christmas Eve, 1513.
I salute you. I am your friend, and my love for you goes deep. There is nothing I can give you which you have not. But there is much, very much, that, while I cannot give it, you can take. No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant.

Take peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. There is radiance and glory in darkness, could we but see. And to see, we have only to look. I beseech you to look!

Life is so generous a giver. But we, judging its gifts by their covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering, and you will find beneath it a living splendor, woven of love by wisdom, with power. Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel's hand that brings it to you.

Everything we call a trial, a sorrow or a duty, believe me, that angel's hand is there. The gift is there and the wonder of an overshadowing presence. Your joys, too, be not content with them as joys. They, too, conceal diviner gifts.

Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty beneath its covering, that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven. Courage then to claim it; that is all! But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together, wending through unknown country home.

Third Week of Advent

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near. Have no anxiety… (Philippians 4-6). The third week of Advent calls us to be filled with joy - an exceedingly abundant joy that fills our hearts and minds with the peace and love of God. In the midst of the hustle and bustle these final few days of preparing for Christmas, allow some time to take a holy pause and reflect on the deep joy of knowing we are embraced by God’s love and how that love has made a profound difference in our lives.

Second Week of Advent and the Immaculate Conception

Luke 3:1-6 and Luke 1:26-38

The second week of Advent brings together two key figures of the season: John the Baptist and Mary, the Mother of the Savior. John is featured during the second Sunday of Advent as the one “crying out in the desert”; Mary, of course, has a special day honoring her Immaculate Conception. What do they have in common? Both said “yes” to their respective callings to serve God; in fact, they completely surrender their wills to the Father. This is why John is free to make his controversial proclamations in preparing for “the way of the Lord” and why Mary could willingly embrace the responsibilities of pregnancy before she is actually married. Contrast their “yes” with the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the first reading for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. In the end, both John and Mary were obedient to God. Can we allow our Advent journey to lead us to a renewed sense of obedience to God’s invitation? What keeps us from saying “Yes”? This Advent season, may we find our voice and the courage to say “yes” to our calling.

First Week of Advent

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

The Gospel for the first Sunday of Advent is filled with fearful apocalyptic imagery which may cause one to ask, “What does this have to do with Advent?” The Gospel reminds us that the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes is also the cosmic Christ who will return in glory, bringing about a transformation of the world that is unlike anything humanity has experienced. Our response is to be ready-to “stand erect” and be a people of hope in the midst of the chaos. In a world filled with fear, financial uncertainty, terrorism, and poverty, the challenge of the Gospel is certainly relevant for us now. Advent reminds us that the disciples of the infant are called to wait and witness with vigilance and intention, looking beyond the everyday cares of life to find that glimmer of the Kingdom that Jesus promised.

Resources for Advent

As another new liturgical year begins, here are some resources to assist you in your ministry and personal prayer. All are available in the Media Center.

Advent and Christmas: Wisdom Series from Ligouri

This series from Ligouri offers daily reflections that can be used for personal or communal prayer and meditation during the Christmas cycle of the liturgical year.

Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton
BK4721.1 Adult

Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen
BK5048.1 Adult

Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Padre Pio
BK5049.1 Adult

Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Pope John Paul II
BK5050.1 Adult

Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi
BK5052.1 Adult

Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from St. Thomas Aquinas
BK5053.1 Adult

In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
BK4758.1 Early Childhood – Adult
This is a beautiful children’s book which describes various images of God and how they are reflective of God’s true identity.
It is also available as a computer-animated video (VC2206.1).

Joshua
VC4200.1 Junior High – Adult
Based on the best-selling novel by Joseph Girzone, this is an inspirational story about a stranger whose mysterious “supernatural” powers influence a whole town.

Juan Diego: Messenger of Guadalupe
VD0035.1 Early Childhood – Middle Grades
The story of how the Blessed Mother chose Juan Diego for a key role in a miracle that would transcend cultures is presented in English, Spanish, and French.

Prepare the Way of the Lord: Instrumental Music for Advent and Lent
CD0153.1 Adult
This CD of instrumental music by David Phillips contains traditional hymns for these seasons.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We set aside a day to feast with family and friends and offer thanks for our many blessings. As we gather with loved ones this week, let us remember the Lord and Giver of Life who provides for all of our needs. May you and your family find peace and joy in this time of rest and celebration.

Discovering Your Strengths

Do you find yourself dwelling on your weaknesses a lot?
Do you know what your strengths are? Can you describe them in detail?
Are there any activities at which you consistently excel?
What percentage of a typical day do you spend doing things that play to your strengths?

These are just a few of the questions more than 100 parish and agency leaders came together to reflect upon during last week’s Archdiocesan Leadership Institute (ALI) “Discovering your Strengths”. Thirty-four dominant signature themes with thousands of possible combinations were introduced utilizing the Clifton StrengthsFinder, a 25-year, multi-million dollar effort by Gallup to help a person identify their most prevalent strengths. We concluded the day with teams creating a model that represents their understanding of collaboration (see pictures). To find out more about how you might discover your strengths, contact us today. Books are still available or a member of our team can come out and facilitate the process for you and your staff.

Equipped for the Ministry

Catechists do not merely instruct their students about Christ; they lead them to him (NDC, no. 55). The fundamental task of catechesis is to hand on the faith and help others to learn how to live as disciples in Christ. As catechists, we learn what it means to be disciples in Christ through our own education and formation in the faith. During the Faith Formation Celebration, Archbishop Kurtz highlighted the training and formation programs in the Archdiocese as an opportunity for catechists to be equipped for the ministry by developing “more deeply as a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ in how you think, in how you feel and how you act, your whole person.”

The Specialization in Catechetical Ministry is designed to educate and form catechists in their esteemed role in the church. It has the following three-fold purpose to equip catechists for their ministry: 1) to provide spiritual growth, 2) to increase theological knowledge, and 3) to expand skills in teaching methods. With all three areas of formation, catechists gain the confidence, knowledge, and competency to carry out their task in catechesis.

Over 150 catechists were recognized during the Faith Formation Celebration for their achievement in completing one or more of the three levels of Catechetical Specialization. Their dedication and commitment to learning about their faith, taking time to nurture their faith, and developing skills signify the value they place on their call as a catechist. As we continue in the ministry of catechesis, may we, as catechists, diligently walk the path of discipleship through our own education and formation in the faith, so that we may effectively echo the good news of Jesus Christ to others.

Following are pictures of some “joyful catechists” having a great time at the Faith Formation Celebration.

Faith Formation Celebration at the Cathedral

There was a large and joyful crowd gathered at the Cathedral of the Assumption on Tuesday evening, September 22, celebrating the faith formation activities throughout the Archdiocese of Louisville. Recognition was given to more than 200 people for their completion of one or more areas of training in the area of faith formation this past year. Archbishop Kurtz gave a wonderful homily which highlighted the importance of being properly prepared for ministry. We thought that you would like to hear and reflect upon his insights. Click on the icon below.

Adult Faith Formation: New Ideas and a Workshop with Tom Zanzig

Many of our parishes struggle with how to engage adults in lifelong learning. We often hear the lament:"They just won't come to anything!" Even when we offer a wide array of programs and formation opportunities, the numbers in attendance may be low. People say that they want certain things - Scripture studies, faith-sharing groups, guest speakers on Catholic teaching, etc. - but then few people show up for the actual event. What's wrong with this picture?

Tom Zanzig, a veteran catechetical speaker and author, thinks that we are going about this the wrong way. Instead of simply asking people to come to the parish for programs, he offers new ways to equip adults to undertake their own spiritual journeys and develop a mature faith. His approach emphasizes helping people to take responsibility for their own formation and allowing them to emply a wide variety of methods to do so. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the USCCB pastoral plan Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us it seems appropriate to reflect on what we have accomplished so far and re-examine our priorities and approaches to Adult Faith Formation.

On Saturday, October 17, from 9:30 AM - 4 PM at Flaget Center we are hosting a workshop with Tom Zanzig that he calls, "Adult Faith Formation: If It Is Broke, Let's Fix It!" This day is designed for all those who work with adults - in any capacity (which means everyone, at some point) - in order to help us guide others in their own formation. Adult Faith Formation leaders and teams, RCIA coordinators and teams, Parish Catechetcial Leaders and catechists, Pastoral Associates, Principals and teachers, Youth and Young Adult Ministers, Priests and Deacons are all encouraged to attend. Please invite anyone in your parish who is interested in seeing Adult Faith Formation grow and flourish. It will be an energetic and enlightening day, so plan to bring a group and share in the adventure! To register, please contact Linda McLemore at lmclemore@archlou.org or 502-448-8581. For the complete registration form and details, go to our OLFE main page at www.archlou.org/article27595.htm and look for the AFF workshop title.
The registration deadline is October 9th. We look forward to seeing you there!

Pastoral Supervision

The Faith Formation cluster is forming new pastoral supervision groups to begin in January, 2010. Each group (3 persons) meets once a month for 2 ½ hours at a location convenient to the members. Groups have a supervisor trained in pastoral supervision.

Pastoral supervision is a nonjudgmental process that helps the minister look at his/her strengths as well as those parts of the self to which one is often “blind” and yet nevertheless get played out in ministry. The following is a testimony given by a pastoral associate who has been in supervision for five months.

I joined a ministry supervision group at the beginning of spring. I had been a participant in ALMI’s “Discipleship Specialization” and greatly enjoyed the program. It had given me time to meet and form bonds with others in a small group setting. We were able to talk and reflect upon our experiences in order to discern to what and where God was leading us. I really missed that and when I saw the opportunity for that sort of experience in supervision, I felt it may help fill that void.

In supervision, I have been able to meet and form relationships with others who are in similar ministry positions. The three of us are in large parishes in the Archdiocese. In the largest of parishes, it is easy to become isolated in your ministry. There is so much that goes on all the time that you sometimes slip into a pattern of doing, but not always being conscious of what you’re doing or even why. You often make decisions in your ministry and after the situation occurs, wonder “why did I do that?” It’s often hard to discuss this with those you work with for various reasons--confidentiality, office relations, etc. And finally, ministry sometimes becomes lonely.

Supervision has helped me with all of these difficulties. When I get together with my group, I can relay situations that have happened and get quiet time to reflect upon these times. I’m able to discuss it with people who will be vigilant in their confidentiality and most importantly, non-judgmental. We can discuss it as peers. In my case, it helps that they are also from large parishes as there is a certain understanding in how the operations in these churches work. And finally, it’s a great thing to be with people who, while they may not have the same situation, are in similar positions and can understand you on a different level. I know that when we get together, there will be time to talk, time to be quiet and time to pray.
I have greatly enjoyed this experience and would encourage everyone to take the time to do this for their ministry and themselves.

For more information regarding the process of pastoral supervision please contact Michelle Herberger, or to find out dates and locations of upcoming groups contact Linda McLemore, at 502-448-8581.

Resources for Catechetical Sunday

As we prepare to celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 20, you may find the following resources helpful. All of them are related to this year's theme of "Catechesis & the Proclamation of the Word" and focus on various uses of Scripture. All are available in the Archdiocesan Media Resource Center. The resource number and appropriate age level are listed for each one.

A Walk Through the New Testament: An Introduction for Catholics by Margaret Nutting Ralph
BK5009.1 Adult

This book is designed to be a companion for adult Catholics who want to read and better understand the New Testament.

Catholic Spirituality for Adults Series: Listening to God’s Word
by Alice Camille
BK4904.1 Adult

This book inspires us to not only appreciate God’s Word but to live it and know the peace and joy that comes from it.

Echoes of Faith Plus: The Scriptures
DVD0108.1 Adult

This DVD explores the central themes and message of the Bible and explains why it is considered the holy book of the Christian community.

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Helene Delval
BK4827.1 Early – Primary

This collection of Psalms, paraphrased for young readers, uses simple yet powerful imagery to help children express their feelings.

Scripture: Nourished by the Word by Margaret Nutting Ralph
BK2160.1 Adult

This book presents the primary themes and basic concepts in Scripture, including covenant, kingdom, creation, salvation, and conversion. The Spanish edition of this book is also available.

The Bible Blueprint: A Catholic’s Guide to Understanding and Embracing God’s Word by Joe Paprocki
BK5003.1 Adult

This book cleverly uses a blueprint metaphor to help Catholics gain a solid understanding of the structure and organization of the Bible, and to help them build confidence in navigating its pages.

The Four Gospels: Catholic Personal Study Edition
by Little Rock Scripture Study
BK5011.1 Adult

This book lends itself to both quick reference and more in-depth study or meditation of Scripture.

The Revolutionary, Parts I and II
VC3159.1 and VC3232.1 High School – Adult

This two-part video shows how Jesus changed the world as none other before or since, and how his message is more compelling today than ever.

What is the Bible?
VC4043.1 Middle – Junior High

This video helps children appreciate and understand the Bible as God’s Word for their daily lives.

Women and the Bible
CD0160.1 Adult

This 12-part series presents women in the Bible who have always been central to the faith and who have played vital and often surprising roles.

Faith Formation: Something to Celebrate

On August 27, 50-plus Parish Catechetical Leaders, along with the Faith Formation Cluster of the Office of Lifelong Formation & Education, gathered to share information, find support with one another and welcome the following new PCL’s through ritual and prayer:

Pat Kessinger – St. Rita

Sam Thomeczek – Cathedral of the Assumption

Agnes Kovacs – St. Patrick

J.J. Singer – Immaculate Conception, LaGrange

Marie Seaman, SFCC – St. Joseph, Bardstown

Darlene Fowler – St. Francis Xavier, Mount Washington

That following Saturday an additional 50-plus catechists gathered for our first “conference style” Saturday morning catechist formation. Here is what they had to say: “Continue Saturday mornings, this was great!”; “ I learned that I am not alone in my journey”; “ I wish I would have started this process years ago”.

Let us not forget all the fine efforts of all those involved in catechetical ministry at parishes and schools within the Archdiocese of Louisville. Yes, Faith Formation is truly something to celebrate!

Join us as we publicly acknowledge these efforts with Archbishop Kurtz at the Cathedral on the 22nd of September at 7PM. Email Linda at ALMI@archlou.org to register today and come ready to celebrate!

Feasts of Saint Monica & Saint Augustine

This week we celebrate two great saints of the Church: Monica (August 27) and Augustine (August 28). Saint Monica (322?-387) was a devout Christian woman married to a pagan husband, Patricius, in Tagaste, North Africa. She was the loving mother of three children and a patient caregiver for a cantankerous mother-in-law. After years of Monica's heartfelt prayers, both her husband and mother-in-law eventually were baptized. Her eldest son, Augustine (354-430), lived an immoral life, fathered a child, and was an ardent supporter of the Manichean heresy before his conversion. Monica followed him when he travelled, tirelessly praying that he would repent, and lived to see her prayers realized when Augustine not only came to faith but soon thereafter became a priest and later a bishop. His prolific writings, especially his Confessions and many of his sermons, remain spiritual classics. One of his most quoted statements is: "You have made us for Yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You."

May we be as persistent in prayer as St. Monica and as passionate in our zeal for God as St. Augustine!

Marian Resources

This week contains two great feasts of the Blessed Mother: the Assumption (August 15) and the Queeenship of Mary (August 22). To celebrate these days, we offer here a small sampling of the Marian resources available in the Media Resource Center. The resource number and appropriate age level are listed for each one.

Behold Your Mother: Priests Speak About Mary by Stephen Rosetti
BK4726.1 Adult

In this collection of inspiring reflections, ten esteemed priests share the role that the Blessed Mother has played in their personal spiritual lives.

Blessed Art Thou: Mother, Lady, Mystic, Queen by Rev. Richard Fragomeni and Br. Michael O'Neill McGrath
BK4523.1 Adult

Inspired by titles from the Litany of Loreto, one of the oldest prayers of the Catholic Church, these 20 images celebrate various loving and reverent names for Mary with a somewhat contemporary twist.

Catholic Spirituality for Adults Series: Mary by Kathy Coffey
BK4910.1 Adult

This book inspires us to see the mother of Jesus as our spiritual mother and as a model for women everywhere.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus by Tomie DePaola
BK4840.1 Early - Primary

Drawing upon scripture, legend and tradition, this children's book retells the story of Mary's life in fifteen beautifully illustrated segments.

Mother of God: A History of the Virgin Mary by Miri Rubin
BK4935.1 Adult

How did the Virgin Mary, about whom little is said in the Gospels, become one of the most powerful and complex religious figures in the world? This book investigates the ideas, practices and images that have developed around Mary from the earliest decades of Christianity to about 1600. Drawing on a variety of sources (including music, poetry, theology, art, scripture, and mriacle tales) this book reveals how Mary became embedded in our culture.

O Mother of God: Hymns to Mary by New Horizon Singers & Pacific "Pops" Orchestra
CD0040.1 Middle - Adult

A collection of fourteen hymns to Our Lady that includes both classical and contemporary selections, including three original compositions.

Picturing Mary
DVD0044.1 High School - Adult

This moving program takes viewers on an artistic journey spanning almost two thousand years and crossing four continents. Narrated by Jane Seymour with dramatic readings by James Keach, it includes English and Spanish versions.

Theology of Mary for the Third Millenium by Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ
CPO0125.1 Adult

Drawing from scripture, tradition and Vatican II, this audio tape describes Mary as God's friend and prophet.

Third Millenium: Vatican II (Part 08): Mary
VC1380.1 High School - Adult

In this video presentation, Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ of Catholic University leads viewers to a deeper appreciation of Mary as the first believer and model of faith.

Happy Feast of the Assumption!

Previews of Coming Attractions

Welcome to our blog! This site will be the future home of the Faith Formation blog of the Archdiocese of Louisville. Come and visit us as we enter the blogosphere! We will be under construction until August 15th. See you soon!

Peace and blessings,
The Faith Formation Team
Office of Lifelong Formation and Education
Archdiocese of Louisville