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.