When March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb! Well, we definitely came into March like a lion, but I think we can begin to celebrate the entering of Spring! We have so much to celebrate at this time. This month, Sr. Martha Larkin, CSJ will be celebrating her 60th jubilee year. We had much fun celebrating with her this past meeting. We are also coming toward the end of this catechetical year. We want to thank all those who make catechetical programs as successful as they are, from our pastors |
This month's packet of information is found below. Please share the workshop flyers with your parish members. There are several Level I and II courses being offered in the region.
Click the above title to download the "Save the Date" information flyer for our end of the year celebration. This year our celebration will be on Monday, May 11th from 5:30- 8pm. 5:30 (social time) 6:30(dinner) 7:30 (Sr. Laura Bufano) and 8pm the drawing for the basket. This dinner is a great way to celebrate the catechetical year with your catechists, RCIA teams, children's liturgy teams, retreat teams...anyone you might want to invite from your parish.
Spring Confirmation Schedule
Click the above link to download the diocesan schedule for Confirmations.
Level One Course: Discipleship~Living the Faith
Click the above link to download the flyer for Discipleship~Living the faith being offered at St. Peter's Church, Rome, NY on April 8,15, & 22 from 6-8:30pm.
Level Two Course: Falling in Love with mother Earth~A Moral Imperative for the 21st Century with Fr. Fred Daley
Click the above link to download the flyer for this Level II workshop being held at Mt. Carmel, Utica on March 24th from 6:30-8:30pm. Those who are working towards Level II certification or re-certification can earn credits for morality or social justice. Fr. Daley will be preparing the participants for the anticipated Encyclical from Pope Francis on climate change.
Level Two / Adult Faith Formation: Vibrant Faith Training with Leif Kehrwald
Click the above link to download the flyer for this workshop being held in the Northern Region on Saturday, April 11th from 9:30am-3pm. Leif Kehrwald has worked in Family Ministry, is a contributor to Vibrant Faith and has presented with John Roberto for Lifelong Faith. For more information, contact Linda Buckley at 963-7255 or email lbuckley@syrdio.org.
Level Two Course Webinar: Milestone Ministry with Connie Armstrong.
Click the above link to download the flyer for our third webinar in an "in-house" series of webinars provided by the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation. Connie Armstrong will share many creative ways parishes and families can ritualize life's milestones bringing faith and life experiences together. This webinar takes place April 22, from 3-4pm. The Eastern Region Office will be projecting the webinar in the office for those who want to come. The webinar will also be archived for those who can not participate at the scheduled broadcasting time. To register for the webinar, visit FaithFormationevents.weebly.com or contact Cheryl Smith at 797-4030.
Level Two Course: I Believe ~ An in depth look at the Creed, with Paul Hanley
Click the above link to download the flyer for this Level II workshop being held Thursday, April 30 from 6:30-8:30pm at St. Peter's Parish, Rome NY. Paul will lead participants into an in-depth look at the words spoken at every Mass when we recite the Creed. To register, call 797-4030 or email aslaven@syrdio.org
Pathways to Ministry Checklist
Click the above link to download the flyer as a reminder for information regarding Pathways. Items to be thinking of include:
- Seeds of Faith Nominations - Discuss with your catechists whom they might like to nominate from your parish as an outstanding and creative catechist. Nominees must be certified as Level I catechists. Nomination forms will be sent early April from the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.
- Bishop Harrison Award Nomination - Nominees for this award for outstanding service in catechetical ministry is recognized for significant length in the catechetical ministry; has served the catechetical ministry by mentoring and encouraging others; has lived the vision of Vatican II; has witnessed to the importance of ongoing, lifelong faith formation, and one who "stands in the midst of the people who serve God". Nomination forms will be sent early April from the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.
- Do you have Catechists being Level I or II certified? Check with the Office of Faith Formation to double check if you are unsure.
- Are you a Catechetical Leader that will be seeking certification or recertification this year?
- Are you a Catechetical Leader celebrating a ministry milestone of service (5, 10, 15, 20, etc...years)
Notify Andrea Slaven if any of the above certifications will be pursued by you or your catechists.
Safe Environment Schedule
Click the above link to download the most recent updates to session offerings in the Eastern Region. For the full schedule and further updates, please visit the diocesan website's Safe Environment Office.
Please note that all Protecting God's Children registrations MUST be completed on the VIRTUS.org website. Recertification sessions are registered by directly contacting the facilitator.
Collaborative Youth Catechetical Events
Click the above link to share in the collaborative discussion, brainstorming and planning as we begin to plan for next year's events for youth catechetical events. Please share this with your youth ministers as well! We are all working together to provide catechetical experiences for our youth.
Good NEWS Conference Collaborative Planning
Click the above link to share in the planning for next year's Good NEWS conference which will be held regionally.
Jeopardy Game for Lent (Eastern Region's Version!)
Click the title above and you will be able to download our Eastern Region Lenten Jeopardy Game. This is basically a powerpoint with links within the presentation to become a "game". Questions and answers can be edited to customize a game to use with students. This can be a fun way to assess student's learning in the classroom.

March 2015 Google Folder to keep in your Drive
Add the folder with all this month's flyers to your own Google Drive. Click the above link and add to your drive.
Due to Easter and the May Dinner we are having a Mid April meeting on April 16 (Thursday evening) & 17 (Friday morning).
We have spent much time on the collaborative worksheets. I will be showing how we can use Google Calendar as a collaborative tool in which all CL's which have an syrdio.org account will be able to edit. All CL's are encouraged by the diocesan office to have one. If you need one, please email khopkins@syrdio.org letting him know what parish you work, your title, your current email, your first and last name. He will email you an new account name and instructions for setting it up. If you need additional assistance, feel free to call me at 797-4030.
Congratulations Sr Martha! 60 years of Consecrated Life!