 | Our Monthly catechetical meeting gathered at the Good News Center, Utica for the rollout of the newly revised Sacramental Guidelines Handbook for Parishes. We had a wonderful turnout of 50 people. If you did not attend the presentation and receive your handbook, please know that your binder will be at the Eastern Region Office. The guidelines will also be available as a downloadable PDF on the diocesan website shortly. As with any gathering, we began in prayer. Please take time to use the prayer for your own meditation. The prayer can be found by following this link and is also included at the end of this blog. This entry is also available in the weekly updates. The notes from our meeting along |
with other items follow the posted hours for the next two weeks.
Hours this week and next:
- Monday, April 18: Open 9am -4pm
- Tuesday, April 19 Open 9am - 4pm
- Wednesday, April 20 Open 9am - 4pm
- Thursday, April 21, Open 9am - 4pm
- Friday, April 22, Not Available (EARTH DAY)
- Monday, April 25 : Open 9am -4pm
- Tuesday, April 26 Open 9am - 4pm
- Wednesday, April 27 Open 9am - 4pm
- Thursday, April 28 , Open 9am - 4pm (LIMEX will be meeting from 11am-2pm)
- Friday, April 29 , Open 9am-2pm
1. Summary Newly Revised Sacramental Guidelines Handbook for Baptism, Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation.
You can view the presentation for the Sacramental Guidelines at:
http://bit.ly/sacramentalguidelines
The presentation encouraged the notion that Sacramental preparation for any sacrament is a time to engage families in conversations, faith development and re-connection to the church. It is a time of evangelization. When you receive your guidelines handbook, please go through it carefully. You will notice, as with the last revision, that there is an excellent summary of the theology/history of the sacrament. This is especially useful for those new to preparing students who may not have had any prior background. You will also find the roles and responsibilities of godparents, sponsors and parents. There are liturgical notes and preferred practices which are asked by Rome, ie to celebrate the sacraments within the weekly Eucharistic celebration. One item added which is very helpful for catechists and parents is the "one page summary of expectations". This can be copied for parents with an understanding that this is what the diocese expects during the preparation of the sacrament.
One of the reasons for the development of revised sacramental guidelines with a launching to invite all parishes, is that it is hoped that parishes have consistent requirements from parish to parish so that parish "shopping" comes to an end. Also, all students should be receiving their preparation for any of the sacraments at their home parish...NOT in Catholic School settings. Students must be part of the parish preparation process.
You can view the presentation for the Sacramental Guidelines at:
http://bit.ly/sacramentalguidelines
The presentation encouraged the notion that Sacramental preparation for any sacrament is a time to engage families in conversations, faith development and re-connection to the church. It is a time of evangelization. When you receive your guidelines handbook, please go through it carefully. You will notice, as with the last revision, that there is an excellent summary of the theology/history of the sacrament. This is especially useful for those new to preparing students who may not have had any prior background. You will also find the roles and responsibilities of godparents, sponsors and parents. There are liturgical notes and preferred practices which are asked by Rome, ie to celebrate the sacraments within the weekly Eucharistic celebration. One item added which is very helpful for catechists and parents is the "one page summary of expectations". This can be copied for parents with an understanding that this is what the diocese expects during the preparation of the sacrament.
One of the reasons for the development of revised sacramental guidelines with a launching to invite all parishes, is that it is hoped that parishes have consistent requirements from parish to parish so that parish "shopping" comes to an end. Also, all students should be receiving their preparation for any of the sacraments at their home parish...NOT in Catholic School settings. Students must be part of the parish preparation process.
2. Summary The Diocesan Roadshow
All the handouts and presentations for the following summary can be found at
http://www.syracusediocese.org/offices/pastoral-planning/2016-road-show-resources/
A) The diocesan road show gathering this past Wednesday was very informative. Fr. O'Connor talked about ways to collaborate with prayerful events to encourage the PCA's to pray for vocations and to just encourage prayer. One idea was the traveling Crucifix or Chalice. This has been done for several years now at St. Joseph/St. Patrick's in Utica. It is a beautiful way to share a prayerful experience throughout the parish. If you would like more information, contact Roseann Witkowski 507-4752. They also have a complete prayer packet. I will be getting a copy of the prayer packet they use and will post it on the Eastern Echo so all can share and use this idea.
Fr. O'Connor also mentions that this fall the Office of Vocations will be rolling out a set of lesson plans for each grade level based on the lessons he has conducted at Catholic Schools. These lessons will be available to download on the vocations website, and I will have them available on the EasternEcho as well.
Mark your calendars for next catechetical year....Vocation Awareness Week will be Nov 6-12, 2016. Vocation Handout
B) We also heard from Tim O'Connor from the Office of Parish Services. This talk was about the financial aspect of parishes and parishes working together. His slide presentation can be seen here.
C) Then we heard from Danielle Cummings, Chancellor and Director of Communications. She discussed the need for open communication and encouraged parishes to make use of Catholic TV and the Catholic Sun for reporting how your parish is spreading the Good News through events, missions, and other activities to build community. One thing of importance, however.... please plan ahead if you want Catholic TV or the Sun to be at your event. Give them plenty of notice. http://www.syracusediocese.org/assets/PDFs---Diocesan-Offices/Pastoral-Planning/April-Road-Show-Office-of-Communications.pdf
D) Nicole Ossovert showed some social media tools such as Remind, which when I introduced it to you a couple of years ago was called Remind101. It is the same product, just a new name. This is a wonderful tool as it keeps the phone and emails hidden from both parties, but allows push communications to groups and to individual students/parents. Even allows for attachments! And best of all, its FREE!!! And super easy to use! The social media and communications presentation can be seen here: http://www.syracusediocese.org/offices/pastoral-planning/2016-road-show-resources/
All the handouts and presentations for the following summary can be found at
http://www.syracusediocese.org/offices/pastoral-planning/2016-road-show-resources/
A) The diocesan road show gathering this past Wednesday was very informative. Fr. O'Connor talked about ways to collaborate with prayerful events to encourage the PCA's to pray for vocations and to just encourage prayer. One idea was the traveling Crucifix or Chalice. This has been done for several years now at St. Joseph/St. Patrick's in Utica. It is a beautiful way to share a prayerful experience throughout the parish. If you would like more information, contact Roseann Witkowski 507-4752. They also have a complete prayer packet. I will be getting a copy of the prayer packet they use and will post it on the Eastern Echo so all can share and use this idea.
Fr. O'Connor also mentions that this fall the Office of Vocations will be rolling out a set of lesson plans for each grade level based on the lessons he has conducted at Catholic Schools. These lessons will be available to download on the vocations website, and I will have them available on the EasternEcho as well.
Mark your calendars for next catechetical year....Vocation Awareness Week will be Nov 6-12, 2016. Vocation Handout
B) We also heard from Tim O'Connor from the Office of Parish Services. This talk was about the financial aspect of parishes and parishes working together. His slide presentation can be seen here.
C) Then we heard from Danielle Cummings, Chancellor and Director of Communications. She discussed the need for open communication and encouraged parishes to make use of Catholic TV and the Catholic Sun for reporting how your parish is spreading the Good News through events, missions, and other activities to build community. One thing of importance, however.... please plan ahead if you want Catholic TV or the Sun to be at your event. Give them plenty of notice. http://www.syracusediocese.org/assets/PDFs---Diocesan-Offices/Pastoral-Planning/April-Road-Show-Office-of-Communications.pdf
D) Nicole Ossovert showed some social media tools such as Remind, which when I introduced it to you a couple of years ago was called Remind101. It is the same product, just a new name. This is a wonderful tool as it keeps the phone and emails hidden from both parties, but allows push communications to groups and to individual students/parents. Even allows for attachments! And best of all, its FREE!!! And super easy to use! The social media and communications presentation can be seen here: http://www.syracusediocese.org/offices/pastoral-planning/2016-road-show-resources/
3. Please Promote: Rome Workshop with Paul Hanley April 21 - please encourage this workshop! Great Scripture course, "Who do you say I am?" April 21, 6:30-8:30. Call or email me with registrations. Bulletin blurb: The Eastern Region of Faith Formation is offering a workshop at St. Peter's Church in Rome on April 21 from 6:30 - 8:30PM titled, "The Most Important Question: Who do you say I am?" presented by Paul Hanley. Join us for this Scripture/Christology workshop as we explore how the first disciples answered this question and how we each answer that question in our own faith lives. To register, email aslaven@syrdio.org or call 797-4030.
4. Please Promote:"Christ Our Moral Compass"... The ongoing little joke in the Eastern region for Level II credits has always been, "we need morality!" Well, we have a morality course lined up! Mike Zasa will present "Christ Our Moral Compass" on May 9 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Eastern Region Office. Flyer is attached.
5. Bring your catechists and celebrate the end of the year at the Eastern Region Annual Celebration Dinner - May 16 I was asked to attach a flyer to an email this time! It is on the Eastern Echo Weekly Update also. I added a page that CLs can use to invite catechists. The page gives information, without the cost and is created two on a sheet, so you can print, cut in half and hand out. Your catechists can return them to you with their dinner selection and you can put all info on the parish registration sheet. See the pdf file attached and print the page or pages you need. Also, we have a special Guest of Honor of the Silver Screen! Sr. Rose Pacette ... from Las Angeles! You can learn more about her at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/sisterrosemovies/about/
6. Pathways - June 8 (it's a Wednesday this year). I did mention at last meeting that there was not going to be Pathways as we had several scheduling issues with Holiday Inn and the Bishop's calendar, so at one point we did say we weren't having Pathways. No sooner did I say that at our last meeting, things changed and Pathways is back on!!! So, please, if you have anyone who was Level I or Level II certified, make sure their name is submitted to me. If you as a Catechetical leader are being certified as Associate (formation for ministry) or Director (Masters or equivalent), or being re-certified (60 hours of continuing formation), please complete the application in the CL handbook. If you are celebrating a milestone... first year, 5, 10 15, etc or retirement, please let me know this as well.
Note that all workshops provided by the Office of Faith Formation can be used for Level II and for recertification credit. You can also use parish missions, parish workshops, conferences, online courses from Boston College, University of Dayton and other colleges.
The Harrison Award nomination form was sent two weeks ago from Cathy Cornue's office. If you did not receive it, please let me know ASAP! Nominations should be submitted by April 30.
Note that all workshops provided by the Office of Faith Formation can be used for Level II and for recertification credit. You can also use parish missions, parish workshops, conferences, online courses from Boston College, University of Dayton and other colleges.
The Harrison Award nomination form was sent two weeks ago from Cathy Cornue's office. If you did not receive it, please let me know ASAP! Nominations should be submitted by April 30.
7. SAVE THE DATE!! Catechetical Leaders Retreat -June 16-17 at Christ the King. Facilitating Leader- Sr. Janet Schaeffler, OP. Sr. Janet is author of the blog, GEMS, as well as hundreds of articles and several publications in catechetical and parish ministry, her articles can be found in Today's Parish, Religion Teacher's Journal, The Priest, Catechist, Ministry and Liturgy, etc. Her complete bio can be found here: http://www.janetschaeffler.com/aboutjanet.html
JOB POSTING:
Our Lady of Lourdes, Utica has a part-time position opened for a Catechetical Leader. Faith Formation Coordinator(s) open position (June 1,2016) Designated by the Pastor to implement and oversee faith formation for grades kindergarten through tenth grade, including preparation for Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. This position is presently part-time based on program need.Qualifications:
• Applicant must be 21 years of age or older and have at least 2 years of experience working with children and have at least an Associate’s Degree in Religious Studies, OR commissioning through the Diocesan Formation for Ministry Program in the area of Catechetical Ministry or the equivalent thereof and be Virtus Certified by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse.
• Previous experience in a responsible leadership position is required.
• Must be able to establish an effective working relationship with parents, volunteer staff, and the general public.
• Ability to be present during catechetical classes, diocesan and religious meetings, church events where religious education students participate and to be present in office as needed.
• Willingness to be active/worshiping member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church
• Responsible for Catechist development
• Openness to work collaboratively with the Pastor and staff and regional faith formation leadership. Send Resume to Fr. Joe Salerno by April 22,2016 Detailed job description available, salary negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Utica has a part-time position opened for a Catechetical Leader. Faith Formation Coordinator(s) open position (June 1,2016) Designated by the Pastor to implement and oversee faith formation for grades kindergarten through tenth grade, including preparation for Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. This position is presently part-time based on program need.Qualifications:
• Applicant must be 21 years of age or older and have at least 2 years of experience working with children and have at least an Associate’s Degree in Religious Studies, OR commissioning through the Diocesan Formation for Ministry Program in the area of Catechetical Ministry or the equivalent thereof and be Virtus Certified by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse.
• Previous experience in a responsible leadership position is required.
• Must be able to establish an effective working relationship with parents, volunteer staff, and the general public.
• Ability to be present during catechetical classes, diocesan and religious meetings, church events where religious education students participate and to be present in office as needed.
• Willingness to be active/worshiping member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church
• Responsible for Catechist development
• Openness to work collaboratively with the Pastor and staff and regional faith formation leadership. Send Resume to Fr. Joe Salerno by April 22,2016 Detailed job description available, salary negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
9. Thank you to all who helped REBOOT be a success in the Eastern Region. To all Catechetical Leaders, Youth Ministers, Pastors, Deacons and Parents who helped promote, invite and participate. There were approx. 500 participants, adults and teens.
PDF VERSION OF THIS ENTRY WITH ALL FLYERS: CLICK HERE
 | Google Folder: Includes all materials and can be downloaded to your own google drive for archiving. CLICK HERE or on the folder |
