'LAUDATO SI’, mi’ Signore' – 'Praise be to you, my Lord'. "In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us" (Pope Francis).
This month we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis while also reflecting on the Diocesan theme this month for preparing for the Year of Mercy , "The Dignity all People".  Being a peacemaker means being able to see and change social injustices.  Our opening prayer this month leads us to this reflection and asks St. Francis, faithful servant and disciple, to be our example and strength.   

Pope Francis said, in a message during  Mass in the Chapel of the Casa Santa Marta (2013-04-24), that the Church is a love story that began when the Father sent His son, "“The Church begins there,” he said, “in the heart of the Father, who had this idea . . . of love. So this love story began, a story that has gone on for so long, and is not yet ended. We, the women and men of the Church, we are in the middle of a love story: each of us is a link in this chain of love. And if we do not understand this, we have understood nothing of what the Church is."  What a beautiful statement of what Church is.
This year, as we reflect on this year's catechetical theme, "Safeguarding the Dignity of Every Human Person", we need to

Opening Prayer: Easter Joy...Alleluia! (click to open)
This month's meeting focused on referring to the Catechetical Leaders' Handbook as a way to make sure record keeping is completed for this year and to look towards what needs to be done in preparation of next year.

The first question in the discussion was "How was everyone's year? Were you able to schedule 30 hours of direct contact for each grade level?"

Most parishes are fitting in the thirty hours encouraged by Bishop Cunningham.  With today's schedules for families, holidays, etc...

Welcome back to another Faith Formation year!! Our God is glorious and this year we celebrate God's abundant love, grace and forgiveness.  We have much to be thankful, especially for God's unceasing ability to forgive.  This brings us much peace, joy and hope.
     This year, we begin a new phase in our office and as we do, Cheryl and I are grateful to all the support the catechetical leaders and catechists continually share with us.  We thank you.
     Please take time to review the "Meeting in 10" and know that all handouts and/or links are available in this post.