
Agenda: Remember that document I sent a while ago, “Engage vs Involve”?? Well, this will be the topic in January! I am re-sending it with this update. Scott Rutan from RCL Benziger will present a workshop based on this paper and how these concepts can be implemented in faith formation.
“Engage vs Involve”


I would like to have parishes and/or PCAs determine the best time and place to host this workshop for your catechists. Please provide me a few dates before the end of January. Dates can be scheduled anytime between January and May, but preferred to be scheduled before March 15.

Please let your catechists know that registration is now open for the online courses! At this time we are just registering names. The Echoes of Faith online program will officially begin January 3rd. For more information and information regarding our special promotional give-aways, please visit faithformationevents.weebly.com (Foundational Certification)

Give yourself a Christmas gift! Register for the CL Retreat! “Landscapes of the Heart, Exploring our Spiritual Geography,” with Sr. Laura Bufano, CSJ. More information and Registration can be found at faithformationevents.weebly.com
Added fun: Andrea Slaven and Cheryl Smith will teach line dances as part of the evening social fun! Come join us!
Flyer

A workshop with John Roberto that you don’t want to miss! Bring a team from your parish if possible to begin thinking of faith formation in new ways! The workshop is being presented twice, a full version from 9am -3pm or an abbreviated version from 6-8:30pm, both on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.
See faithformationevents.weebly.com for more info.
Flyer is attached.
Specials on his book can be found at http://www.lifelongfaith.com/

The Diocese of Syracuse is once again organizing a “group rate” for those interested in attending the MAC in Baltimore, MD. Visit faithformationevents.weebly.com for more information and to let us know if you are interested!

Several parishes provided feedback from the October Youth Event. The favorite part of the event was the comedian; least liked was the rapper. Students did not like sitting for the entire two hours, they would have liked to have had a chance to interact with each other more.
So what is coming up? It looks like the musicians from last year’s October event will join us for the upcoming Febrrrrrrrrrruary event! Louis was well received last year and by student requests, will be back! Details will be available in January about the event and what service project might be included. Once again, we thank the Good News Foundation and all the contributing collaborative parishes for making these events possible for every parish in the Eastern Region and beyond!
Flyer is attached
Ten days before the new Federal Labor Law was passed, it has been appealed. However, during the time of preparing the diocese for the expected changes to occur, organizational changes were made that actually corrected the categorizing of employed positions from exempt to non-exempt. Therefore, even though the new law has not passed, HR has worked hard to bring the diocese within the previously existing labor laws. This may have affected you, had you been previously categorized as a full-time, exempt salary employee.
We had a little discussion about this, as I have heard from those affected that it feels like a demotion and that it is hard to work ministry in limited hours.
Let me take a moment to address these issues. One, it is not a “demotion”, but rather a protection for the employee to be paid fairly for the amount of work done. You must get paid a fair hourly wage and be paid overtime for any work time over 40 hours. Your employer can not tell you to work time that is not paid, and certainly not time over 40 hours.
Second, if you need to work within the time frame of 40 hours, but you are used to working many hours beyond that, it may be time to sit back and reflect on how you are completing your work and that it is important to bring balance into your work week.
Ministry work does not legally fit in the terms of exempt employment based on the “duties test”. That does not mean it is not worthy of a fair wage, however, so do not consider this a demotion.
We used to have a prayer sheet that reminded us of “Ministry vs. Work”. The work you do to pass on the faith is more valuable than you can imagine. You all have been called to lead, one way or another. Ministry needs workers like you, but workers like you should be compensated fairly. That is why this is so important… so as to be compensated justly and fairly for all the work you do.
How is this affecting the Office of Faith Formation? I,too, am affected by these changes and will now be considered an “hourly, non-exempt” employee. This means, in order to stay within our budgeted salary lines, I need to keep my hours to 35 hours/week as much as possible. With the constant change in weekly schedules, evening workshops, etc, there may be times I am not available due to hourly restrictions now.
It is very important to always check the easternecho.org website to see the office schedule. Every item can be opened to see more details. I will always let you know where I am or why I am not available.
If you have any questions about the Federal Labor Law, you can call me. You can also talk to Rosemary Smith in the Diocese of Syracuse HR department.
Links to separate flyers:
Google Drive Folder: Click here to download folder into your google drive. |