Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Advent is quickly drawing to a close. Cold, winter days have arrived. The period of Christian waiting, around the globe, is drawing to a close. Four candles have been lit. --

At this time, our Faith-Formation office staff , and all of our OLFE colleagues, say to you:

Thank you for your ministry and service to the Archdiocesan Church of Louisville and in your local school or parish faith community. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Let's all work to make this holiday season 2010, and the new year of the Lord soon to come, a spiritually uplifting, happy, safe, and hope-filled period for everyone, everywhere.

Catechist-Formation: Looking Ahead to January 2011

Once the New Year gets here, the Archdiocesan Office of Lifelong Formation & Education (OLFE) will sponsor a number of catechist- and other faith-formation opportunities during January 2011. Here's what's up:

January 12 (Wednesday) -- Theology of the Church
Location: St. Stephen the Martyr Parish -- 7:00 to 9:30 PM
Presenter: Sal Della Bella, Archdiocesan Director of Faith-Formation -- Fee: $10.00
Credit: 2.5 Contact Hours toward Theology/Church requirements
Register: Contact OLFE at lmclemore@archlou.org or 502.448.8581, x. 1324

January 22 (Saturday) -- Justice Workshop: Solidarity with the Poor
Location: Cathedral Undercroft
Presenter(s): Justice Team -- Fee: $25 (includes lunch)
Credit: 6 Conact Hours in Theology/Justice area
Register: Contact OLFE at lmclemore@archlou.org or 502.448.8581, x. 1324

January 26 (Wednesday) -- The Development of the Church I *
Location: St. Stephen the Martyr Parish
Presenter: Deacon Mark Rougeux (from St. Patrick Church) -- Fee: $10.00
Credit: 2.5 Contact Hours applied to Theology/Church requirements
Register: Contact OLFE at lmclemore@archlou.org or 502.448.8581, x. 1324

* Note: Development of the Church II follows on Wednesday, February 9 (2011).
Same location, fee, and credits as for Part I (on January 26th) above.

January 29 (Saturday) -- An RCIA Team Day
Location: Flaget Center -- 9:30AM till 3:00 PM
Presenters: Parish Initiation Team Leaders -- Fee: $25 --
Credit: 4.5 Contact Hours toward Catechetics requirements
Register: Contact OLFE at lmclemore@archlou.org or 502.448.8581, x. 1324

For faith-formation opportunities scheduled beyond January 2011 -- see
http://images.acswebnetworks.com/2019/226/ALMIOLFE20102011WebCalendar.pdf

Retreat on December 18: Winter Solstice

A short-notice news announcement -- but a great opportunity!

A one-day retreat, on December 18, called Winter Solstice: Celebrating Light and Darkness, will take place at Nazareth Retreat Center, in Nazareth KY (near Bardstown).

Scheduled for December 18 (Saturday), from 9:30 AM till 6:00 PM -- this event will be led by the Rev. Joseph Mitchell, C.P. The retreat will center on spiritual presentations, contemplative prayer and reflection, and a concluding Vigil Mass around 4:00 PM (followed by a light supper).

For more information, contact the Nazareth Retreat Center. A retreat fee of $25.00 will include presentations and meals.

Web: http://www.nazarethretreatcenterky.org/
Phone: 502.348.1513
E-Mail: cmckean@scnly.org

Juan Diego: A Patron Saint for Catechists & Lay Ministers

This week, on December 9, the Church will observe the feast of Saint Juan Diego. In some ways, we can refer to him -- an indigenous, simple Mexican by birth -- as an original lay minister and catechist in North America, who was (centuries later) canonized a saint. The story of Juan Diego is also initmately tied to beliefs and traditions, in North and Latin American countries, centered on the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the holy site of Tepeyac Hill.

Though key historical details remain much in dispute (e.g., the first historically-sound writings about Juan Diego did not actually appear until about 1650), it is generally said that the Mexican native, named Cuauhtlatoatzin ("Talking Eagle") at birth -- later baptized as Juan Diego, was born around 1474 and grew up in a pre-Columbian village, about twenty miles north of today's Mexico City. With his wife, a Mexican peasant who who took the European name Maria Lucia, he welcomed the first Franciscans into their territory around 1525, after Cortes had brought his army from Spain. They agreed to be baptized and join the local mission church. According to limited scholarly information available, Juan Diego and his spouse remained quietly faithful, had no children, lived peacefully, and helped the local Christian (mission) community grow via their witness and marriage. However, sadly, Maria Lucia became ill and died unexpectedly in 1529.

Two years later, on his usual walk to Saturday morning Mass, on a cold December 9th (1531), the simple widower Juan Diego experienced an apparition (a personal appearance or revelation) of the Virgin Mary. She told him that a special shrine should be built on the spot, Tepeyac Hill. Soon, Juan Diego -- and other believers -- began to think of the holy young woman he had seen as 'La Virgen de Guadalupe,' and sometimes "the dark Virgin" because her skin-tone and overall likeness bore both Spanish and native-Mexican characteristics. The mysterious Virgen also commanded Juan Diego to inform the local bishop about what she wanted. After some time, that nearby bishop, a Franciscan, and the Spanish bishop of the overall region accepted that Juan Diego had indeed seen the Mother of God -- the patron saint of all the Americas. Quickly, once word of Juan Diego and La Virgen de Guadalupe became more widely known, large numbers of people in Mexico were inspired and were baptized Catholic.

In 2002, after much study and sharply-pointed discussion, John Paul II canonized Juan Diego. The Pope praised him for being a model 'of simple faith' who was nourished by the Eucharist and by catechesis --- who in turn ministered to others and catechized them, in light of the revelations he received from the Mother of God. Juan Diego's annual feast day was set on December 9, for obvious reasons.

Juan Diego remains a model of faithfulness, bold proclamation, and humility for today's catechists and lay ministers. Legend has it that he claimed to La Virgen, on Tepeyac Hill, that 'I am nobody. I am only a small rope. A little ladder. The tail end, a leaf.' Several years ago, in the United States, the National Association of Lay Ministry (NALM) established its new, annual Juan Diego Award -- an award for outstanding service by an ecclesial lay minister in the U.S. church.

December 9th has rolled around again. St. Juan Diego, pray for us all.

-- Butch Ekstrom

Feeling a Little Off-Balance?

Self-Care: Finding Balance in Your Ministry!

Here's a practical workshop that will help you establish better balance in your life and ministry -- given the many activities, expectations, and possibilities of every day.

Date: Saturday, December 4 (2010)
Time: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Place: Flaget Center -- 2nd Floor www.archlou.org/flagetcenter
Fee: $10.00 per Participant
Presenters: Sharon Benton, Archdiocesan Coordinator of Planning Services + Team
Sponsor: Archdiocesan Office of Lifelong Formation & Education (OLFE)
To Register: Call 502.448.5451, x. 1324, or E-Mail to lmclemore@archlou.org

Time to Give Thanks

Please join us, the OLFE Faith-Formation staff, in pausing to give thanks to God for all the gifts, blessings, and challenges that have been given to us. We wish your family, parish community, school community, ministry staff, and -- of course -- you a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday and beginning of the Advent season !

Like other Archdiocesan offices, we will close on Wednesday, November 24, at 2:30 PM. OLFE will re-open on Monday, November 29, at 8:30 AM.

Time For You

Take time. Take care. Mark this Fall season with a spiritual-growth opportunity or two.

Fall Retreat Day -- A Spirituality of Waiting

A retreat oriented toward Advent that will focus on the
paradox of both longing for and discovering God in our lives.

Saturday, November 20 (2010)
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Flaget Center -- Fee: $25 (includes Lunch) www.archlou.org/flagetcenter
Presenters: Various Team Members
Sponsored by: Office of Lifelong Formation & Education
To register: 502.448.8581, x. 1324, or lmclemore@archlou.org

Self-Care: Finding Balance in Your Ministry

A workshop that will help you better balance your life, given the
many commitments and stressful expectations of our day.

Saturday, December 4 (2010)
9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Flaget Center -- Fee: $10.00 www.archlou.org/flagetcenter
Presenters: Sharon Benton, Archdiocesan Coordinator of Planning Services + Team
Sponsored by: Office of Lifelong Formation & Education
To register: 502.448.8581, x. 1324, or lmclemore@archlou.org

Team-Training for Why Catholic? Program -- November 15-20 (2010)

The next phase of team-preparation and training -- for the Why Catholic? program in the Archdiocese -- has been scheduled for November 15-20 (2010).

The title of this team-training phase will be "Catholic Evangelization: Creating a Parish Plan." Workshops have been scheduled over four days:

Monday, November 15, 7:00 - 9:00 PM -- @ St. Margaret Mary Parish (Hospitality Room)

Tuesday, November 16, 9:00 - 11:00 AM -- @Maloney Center (Rooms 1-2)

Tuesday, November 16, 7:00 - 9:00 PM -- @ St. James in Elizabethtown (Gymnasium)

Wednesday, November 17, 9:00 - 11:00 AM -- Epiphany Parish (in Community Center)

Wednesday, November 17, 7:00 - 9:00 PM -- @ Flaget Center (Gymnasium)

Thursday, November 18, 7:00 - 9:00 PM -- @ St. Augustine in Lebanon (Parish Center)

Note: Parish teams need to attend only one of the workshop options.

This training experience is designed to help pastors and parish team members to better understand the process of Catholic evangelization. Also, the relationship between evangelization and catechesis will be examined. Finally, concrete and practical strategies for outreach and invitation -- particularly to to nominal and inactive Catholics -- will be discussed.

Each of the November 15-18 sessions will be presented in English. The facilitator for each meeting will be Sr. Pat Thomas, O.P., a member of the RENEW International staff, from New Jersey.

Two presentations of the workshop "Catholic Evangleization: Creating a Parish Plan" will be offered on Saturday, November 20, in Spanish.

Saturday, November 20, 10:00 - 12 Noon -- @ St. Rita Parish in Okalona (Parish Center)

Saturday, November 20, 2:00 - 4:00 PM -- @ St. James Parish in Elizabethtown

The twin Spanish language sessions will be presented by Mr. Manuel Hernandez, also from the RENEW International staff in New Jersey.

For additional information, contact Sal Della Bella at the Office of Lifelong Formation and Education (OLFE) at 502.448.8581 or SDB@archlou.org -- or see the Archdiocesan webpage www.archlou.org/whycatholic

Visit OLFE @ Hispanic Heritage Fiesta (October 30)

On Saturday, Ocotber 30, persons from many places throughout the Archdiocese will gather for a day-long celebration called Dia de la Raza (Hispanic Heritage Festival), sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Minstry. It will be held from 11 AM to 7 PM at the Flaget Center.

This fiesta for local Catholics will be a first of its kind. It will mark the gifts and presence of the many Hispanics within our Archdiocese, and will also unveil the recent pastoral plan -- published by the Louisville archdiocese -- on initiatives in Hispanic Ministry.

OLFE will exhibit at the Dia de la Raza. Look for us there and visit us! Learn what we have to offer to parishes, schools, and individuals.

A Pause for Spiritual Refreshment

In need of a spiritually refreshing break today? Like you will be again tomorrow? And the day after that . . . ? Many busy and over-scheduled catechists, and others in ministry, use podcasts to help them pray right at their work computers, on a home PC, on an i-Pod player in the car, at the grocery, or during periods of exercise.

Many persons new to this idea ask, What is a podcast?

The word podcast first appeared around 2004. It is a blend of the term iPod (Apple's very popular, portable media player) and the word broadcast. Podcast has fast become a term more widely used than its fore-runner, 'webcast.' A podcast is a digital media file (or several files), featuring audio or video, or both. Podcasts can be one episode long, or stretched over several parts. A computer-user (like you) "catches" -- or "grabs" -- a podcast by accessing its file(s) over the internet. If you have the right computer hardware and software, the podcast is 'grabbed' from the webpage of the person or company, such as Loyola Press below, that innovated the program. After the download, the podcast appears on your PC monitor, on your iPod, or can be saved and stored for use some other time.

Some good news. Certain podcasts can help busy people, in modern ministries, to take a spiritually-refreshing pause at any time -- especially during a complicated work day.

Here are a few podcasts to sample. Note: if you happen upon a spiritually-helpful podcast not mentioned, post information about it in Comments below. Let's pray on. And keep this conversation going.

The Divine Office http://divineoffice.org/

The SaintCast http://web.mac.com/pcamarata/SaintCast/Home.html

Daily Inspirations www.LoyolaPress.com/daily-inspirations.htm

The Other 6 http://www.other6.com/

(The Other 6 is actually a virtual community -- and a standing invitation, to you, extended by Loyola Press -- that is dedicated to finding God during the other 6 days of the week besides Sunday.)

3-Minute Retreats http://www.loyolapress.com/online-community-3-minute-retreats.htm

Online Retreat (Ignatian Spirituality)http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/cmo-retreat.html

On another final note, if you'd like to follow a thoughtful and practical faith formation blog (besides this one, of course) -- take a look at Catechist's Journey, by author and 8th grade catechist, Joe Paprocki. Joe always seems to have something interesting to say.

(You can also get Catechist's Journey by e-mail) -- http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/

Announcement: Media Resource Center

Announcement. Yes, we now have a temporary webpage for our Media Resources Center.

www.archlou-olfe.com

Want more help or information?

Call 502.448.8581, x. 1325 -- or e-mail: BHagan@archlou.org

Saint Francis of Assisi and Other Radical Followers of Christ

October is an eventful month for the praying Church, during which we celebrate our respect for all human life, the Rosary, and some of our most beloved saints: Therese of Lisieux, the "Little Flower" (October 1), Teresa of Avila, reformer and mystic (Otober 15) -both Doctors of the Church - along with St. Luke (October 18) and Saints Simon and Jude (October 28), as well as the Guardian Angels (October 2).

Perhaps one of the most widely known and yet often misunderstood saints is Francis of Assisi, whose feast we celebrate on October 4. Often sentimentally depicted, Francis sometimes is reduced to one aspect of his belief - the importance of caring for all of God's creation - while ignoring the richness of his more complex spiritual legacy. A lively description of his life and heritage can be found in an entry by Fr. James Martin, SJ on the October 4, 2010 edition of the America magazine blog "In All Things" at www.americamagazine.org.



"We adore you and we bless you, Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all the churches which are in the whole world, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world" (St. Francis).

NALM Workshop on October 28 -- Telling Our Ministry Story

Here's a new announcement. A one-day, regional gathering for all persons involved in lay ministry -- Telling Our Story -- will be held on Thursday, October 28, from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. It will take place at Immaculate Conception Parish, in LaGrange KY. Interested parties are invited.

This special, one-time event will be presented by the National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM). The Archdiocesan Office of Lifelong Formation & Education (OLFE) and Immaculate Conception Parish staff -- in the Archdiocese of Louisville -- are working with NALM to coordinate and implement this workshop.

The official invitation to Telling Our Story says:

Gather with lay ministers from across the regional area to discuss your ministry, various lay ministries, and the future of lay ministry. An interactive workshop process will include storytelling, table dialogues, and a presentation by Mr. Chris Anderson, the executive director of NALM. This will be a unique gathering across diocesan and state lines, while drawing a particular focus on your
local ministry situation.

The fee for the workshop, materials, and lunch will be $20 per person ($30 after October 22). All comments, questions, and/or meeting registrations should be directed to the NALM office in Washington D.C. -- http://www.nalm.org/ -- (e-mail) nalm@nalm.org and/or (phone) 202.291.4100.

Catholic Internet Guide -- Readers' Choice 2010

The number of Catholic-centered websites grows day by day. Trying to keep focused on those that are truly useful is hard. There are particular "classics" and, of course, hidden treasures waiting, in cyberspace, to be discovered. But how to keep track of it all . . . . ?

During August, Our Sunday Visitor published the third edition of its annual Catholic Internet Guide -- Reader's Choice 2010 (www.osv.com). This simple and practical Guide is organized into six categories:

-- Catholic applications (a.k.a. apps) -- News and other resource websites
-- Christian spirituality webpages -- Opinion blogs and webpages
-- Community-building webpages -- Catholic bloggers' favorite websites

Some webpage recommendations are obvious keepers. Others are internet resources that largely remain hidden to the average, Catholic web-surfer.

The OSV Catholic Internet Guide 2010 can be found via the long weblink below. By the way, this webpage offers easy access to a printer-friendly version of the Guide for you, your ministry colleagues, staff members, parents, and others. Other interactive features include (a) a tool to e-mail the Guide to whomever, (b) a tool to post ('share') this Guide on Facebook or Twitter, etc., and (c) an opportunity to make comments to the OSV Guide staff and other users of the Guide.

Weblink: http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/6762/OSVs-Catholic-Guide-to-the-Internet--Readers-ch.aspx

I spent several hours digging into this practical resource guide recently, and learned quite a bit. If you try it, too, as the OSV editors say, 'May your web surfing deepen your faith!'

Faith Formation Celebration 2010

The ministry of catechesis is especially highlighted at the annual Faith Formation Celebration, which coincides with Catechetical Sunday. The celebration began on Friday evening, September 22nd with Liturgy presided by Archbishop Kurtz at the beautiful, newly remodeled St. Lawrence Church. Those who completed significant faith formation endeavors were recognized and congratulated for their success and dedication to their faith formation. A festive reception followed after the ceremony which allowed participants to share stories and laughter about their experiences in faith formation.

The Thomas Duerr Award recognizes parishes and schools that are noted for Excellence in Catechesis. The recipients are: St. Brigid, John Paul II Academy, St. Nicholas Academy, and Sacred Heart Academy.

The Roncalli Award recognizes those who made a notable difference through the ministry of catechesis. The recipients are: Rev. Robert Stuempel, Mrs. Lois Hunn, and Mrs. Margaret Polin.

Mrs. Sandy Key was recognized and presented with an award for her 27 years of service as a volunteer catechist.

The photos give a taste of what a festive night it was for all those present. Many thanks for your commitment to ongoing formation!

Featured Speaker (Sept. 18) -- "Strong Marriages" Workshop

The Office of Lifelong Formation and Education (OLFE) sponsored, on September 18, a workshop called "Building Strong Catholic Marriages -- Through Lifelong Catechesis." The featured presenter was Daniel Mulhall, M.A.

E-Mail: dmulhall@rclbenziger.com
Webpage: http://www.rclbenziger.com/

The workshop, in honor and celebration of of Catechetical Sunday 2010 in the U.S. Church, was attended and well-received by 45 persons from parishes throughout the Archdiocese. It centered on lecture material, by Mr. Mulhall, and periodic, spirited responses, comments, and questions by those in attendance.

About the Speaker

Daniel Mulhall, M.A. is a native of Louisville KY. He is graduate of PRP High School – and went on from there to attend and graduate, with a Bachelors degree, from Bellarmine University. Dan also has earned a Master of Arts degree, in Theology, from The Catholic University of America, in Washington, DC. He earned a second graduate degree – a Master of Arts in Adult Christian Community Development --from Regis College in Denver, Colorado.

After serving for many years at the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops’ headquarters, in Washington, as a national catechetical and multi-cultural ministry specialist, Dan has changed jobs quite recently. He now serves full-time as the National Catechetical Advisor for the RCL Benziger publishing company. In describing his presentation for the September 18 workshop on "Building Strong Marriages," he says, 'Catechesis has (a role in) promoting and supporting the Sacrament of Marriage. My presentation will offer suggestions on what the role of catechesis should be, from cradle to the grave, towards building healthy marriages. Also, Dan will offer a specialized session, later in the workshop, entitled “Involving Parents in the Faith Formation of Their Children.” He lives with his wife of over 30 years, Kathleen (they were wed in Holy Family Church here in the Archdiocese), and they have three young adult children and one grandson of whom they are very proud.

What Some People Are Saying about the "Why Catholic?" Program

Have you been curious about the upcoming Why Catholic? program?
Many groups of Why Catholic? participants will start meeting during Lent 2011 in our Archdiocese. Right now, an important period of team-formation and team-building, training, and program-planning is underway, currently, in over 90 parishes in our Archdiocese!
Of course, this will be a major undertaking overall for our Church. And Why Catholic? will help us all address, in a united way, key elements of our current Archdiocesan strategic plan.
For a worlds-eye view of Why Catholic? – in English or in Spanish (PorQue Ser Catolico?) -- visit the website of RENEW International: www.renewintl.org




Here, below, are a few things that people have said once they have had the Chance to experience Why Catholic? --

Church Leaders in the U.S.

"When the Catechism of the Catholic Church first came out, I was delighted since it is a comprehensive, up-to-date formulation of our beliefs and joys as Catholics. But I wondered how we might unpack its content for Catholics in the pews. Why Catholic? is a fine answer to my question. The material is arranged for use by small faith-sharing groups, thus enabling participants to better understand their faith and share it. The questions are thought provoking and interesting. I heartily recommend Why Catholic? "
Most. Rev. Michael Sheehan
Archbishop of Santa Fe (NM)

"Why Catholic? seeks to be an instrument for faith formation and a call to holiness. Saints in everyday life are the strength of the Church, which is always renewing itself in fidelity to the mission of Christ and in service to the needs of our society. I heartily commend this effort in making the Catechism of the Catholic Church more accessible to the faithful."
Most Rev. John J. Myers, J.C.D., D.D.
Archbishop of Newark (NJ)

"I am very grateful for all that you have done to bring Why Catholic? alive in our Diocese. This program and process is really helping all of our people to understand better why they are Catholics and to live their faith in a more dynamic manner."
Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI
Bishop of San Angelo (TX)

“The Why Catholic? program is well serving the needs of both Anglo and Hispanic people.”
Most Rev. Wilton D. Gregory
Archbishop of Atlanta (GA)

" . . . . the members of our diocesan team contacted directors from other dioceses that were already doing the program. The response we got from them was very enthusiastic. There was a consensus that the RENEW staff was excellent and that the materials and input they offered was very helpful."
Jim Kemna,
Director of Religious Education, Diocese of Jefferson City (MO)

“(It’s) well organized. It made me feel very enthusiastic about going with the program."
Patricia Spiegel
Stewardship and Adult Formation Coordinator
St. Lawrence the Martyr Church, Sayville, NY

"All parish organizations as well as small Christian communities, can be effective vehicles for evangelization and adult faith formation by using Why Catholic? It combines the best of faith-learning, faith-sharing, and faith-living!

Very Rev. E. Michael Camilli, M.S.C., Director of Adult Faith Formation, Diocese of Allentown PA

"The benefit of Why Catholic? . . . allows the truths of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to touch the realities of everyday life. Any individual or any group who chooses to participate in this will benefit significantly from learning how to live within the context of a greater and more Catholic relationship."
Dorothy Berman, MA
Youth Director, Mt. Manresa Retreat House


Small Group Participants

“I want my kids to believe. Why Catholic? is deepening my faith and teaching me how to pray. It is helping my faith seed out into my children.”
Amy M.
Toronto, Ohio

“Why Catholic? is great! I may now actually read, and even study, the Catechism rather than occasionally just looking up a topic or two.”
Louise A.
Atlanta, Georgia

“The sign of the cross has always been a gesture of habit… Since I started Why Catholic? I stop and reflect on the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Veronica M.
Flemington, NJ

“Before Why Catholic? I shied away from religious questions. Now, by learning more about the richness and traditions of my Catholic faith, I share faith more confidently.”
David M.
Prattville, Alabama

“The most rewarding thing was this—we had a person in our group who had not been very involved in the Church. She was a product of Catholic schooling, but she had not been to confession in 33 years. After our discussions, she decided to go to our Penance Service. I feel Why Catholic? was definitely a new beginning for her.”

Jacque B.
Peachtree City, Georgia

“Why Catholic? helped strengthen my marriage. We use this as our tool to reconnect . . .
Greg N.
Daphne, Alabama

“Why Catholic? has reminded me of my roots and why I am Catholic. My mother always said being Catholic is more than a religion—it’s a way of life.”
Kimberly D.
Atlanta, GA

Marriage Resources for Catechetical Sunday

As we prepare to celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 19th, with the theme of “Matrimony: Sign of Enduring Love”, here are some resources to assist you in your ministry. All are available in the Media Center.


After the Glass Slipper: 8 Proven Steps to Lasting Love
BK5080 Adult
This book continues the fairy tale, revealing that Cinderella and the Prince also experience marital conflicts.

Annulment: The Wedding That Was
BK5227 Adult
This book addresses the question: There was a wedding…but was there a marriage?

Handbook for Catholic Moms: Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul
BK5081 Adult
This book draws from the deep tradition of the Catholic faith in coaching Catholic moms to care for themselves.

Happy Together: The Catholic Blueprint for a Loving Marriage
BK5077
This book identifies and focuses on six key aspects of a loving marriage and uses stories and examples to illustrate each.

Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan
BK5072 Adult
This is the most recent publication by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops on marriage.

Sacrament of Matrimony: Past, Present, Future
DVD0187 High School and Adult
This DVD leads viewers through the development and history of this sacrament.

Sacraments: We Commit: Marriage
VC4161 Grades 4-6 and Junior High
This video discusses the lifelong love and service through marriage.

When a Catholic Marries a Non-Catholic
BK5082 Adult
This book offers a pastoral approach to dealing with the difficulties Catholics face in marrying someone from another faith background.

LIMEX Graduation

Spring is a season of graduations, and this year a very special commencement was celebrated in the Archdiocese of Louisville. The first group of learners completed the Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX) and received their degrees and certificates. The graduates completed an extensive program of study in order to earn either a Master's degree or certificate in Pastoral Studies offered through Loyola University in New Orleans. LIMEX is designed to enable adults to complete graduate studies locally while still working and being with their families. For more information on what LIMEX has to offer, please see the detailed description at www.archlou.org/article24587.htm. Congratulations to the graduates! Many thanks to Michelle Herberger and Art Turner for serving as facilitators and to Archbishop Joseph Kurtz for his continued support.

Dawn Ellen DellaBella

Master of Pastoral Studies

Laura Norris Graven

Master of Pastoral Studies

Donna Marie McHugh

Master of Pastoral Studies

Denise Meyer

Master of Pastoral Studies

William "Bill" Moss

Certificate of Pastoral Studies

Rhonda Lynn Orman

Certificate of Pastoral Studies

Cecelia Hart Price

Master of Pastoral Studies

Mary Catherine Rademaker

Master of Pastoral Studies

Julie Ann Stuart

Master of Pastoral Studies

Joy Marie Trimble

Master of Pastoral Studies

The Loyola Institute for Ministry Scholar Award

The Loyola Institute for Ministry Scholar Award recognizes excellence in Scholarship, Leadership and Service in a graduate from the Loyola Institute for Ministry.

Dawn Ellen DellaBella

The Month of Mary

Hail, O Tabernacle of God the Word;

hail, Holy One, more holy than the saints.

Hail, O Ark that the spirit has gilded;

hail, sacred Glory of reverent priests.

Hail, unshakable Tower of the Church;

hail, unbreakable Wall of the Kingdom.

Hail, O you through whom the trophies are raised.

hail, O you through whom the enemies are routed.

Hail, O Healing of my body;

hail, O Salvation of my soul.

Hail, O Bride and Maiden everpure.

(Akathist Hymn)

This prayer from the Byzantine tradition honors Mary as the Theotokos or God-bearer. An akathist is a hymn in honor of Mary or a saint which is traditional in the Eastern Churches. Many of these prayers were composed to illustrate the virtues of the Blessed Mother and highlight her role in salvation history. Icons are often designed to mirror the descriptions or titles of Mary within the prayer. The icon pictured above is of the Theotokos Merciful. More information on, and an ancient example of, the akathist prayer form can be found at www.stsymeon.com/akathist.html. The poetic and reverent language of this prayer may inspire an increase in your own devotion to the Blessed Mother.

This translation of an akathist can be found in Mary 101: Tradition and Influence, a new book by Mary Ann Zimmer, ND, PhD from Ligouri Publications. This text offers an introduction to Mary and some of the traditions surrounding her. It includes an exploration of Mary in Scripture, Church teaching, prayers, and devotions. Marian apparitions and artwork are examined, along with background information, reflection questions, and suggestions for further reading on Marian issues. It is available in the Media Center (BK5083.1).

May is traditionally "Mary's month". Take some time this month to learn more about the Mother of God and our Mother. You may find something new to enhance your prayer and spiritual practice.

And They're Off!

On Thursday, May 6, Flaget Center was transformed into Flaget Downs for the PCL Appreciation event, "A Day at the Races". Parish Catechetical Leaders from across the Archdiocese of Louisville came together for prayer, food, (wooden) horse racing and festivity. Many of the ladies (and at least one gentleman) arrived wearing Derby hats and a grand time was had by all.

Awards for years of service were presented, followed by a delicious Derby-themed luncheon and lively conversation. Those honored for twenty or more years of catechetical ministry included: Dr. Bruce Jacobs (20), Margee Joseph (20), Monica Lucas (22), Brenda Rickert (21), Marie Seaman, SFCC (45), and Marian Stenken, SCN (25).

The pictures offer only a glimpse of the excitement and laughter that ensued when PCL jockeys mounted their horses for two energetic races. In the PCL Oaks, winning jockey Theresa Secord on Bingo's Dead made a great showing on a fast track. Lucky bettor Mike Luescher profited nicely from the win. After a reverent singing of "My Old Kentucky Home", the fun continued in the PCL Derby, where winning jockey Dawn Della Bella swiftly brought Immaculate Harry around the track to victory. Pat Finck happily took home the winnings.

Many thanks to the Parish Catechetical Leaders who bring faith to life in our Archdiocese. May you be blessed with every grace and gift for your ministry. You are all winners!