Archdiocese of Seattle

Faith Formation Newsletter

September 18, 2017

 


Dear Catechetical Colleagues,

Welcome to a new school year! We hope you all had a chance to celebrate Catechetical Sunday this past Sunday and that you have reviewed the awesome resource from usccb.org on Missionary Discipleship and Catechesis (which is available in both English and Spanish)!
 
As we begin another year, we will once again be taking time each week to highlight one of the Six Tasks of Catechesis and the "Essential Concepts" from the Catechism that are part of our Elementary Religion Standards. As you know, Task I is "Knowledge of the Faith." The first Essential Concept under this task is Revelation. Here is the link  for resources and videos. We will also be updating our resource links by Advent with a new website that we know you will find very engaging and easy to incorporate into your classes.
 
Below are some of the many workshops and events coming up in the next few weeks and months. Of special interest are some talks by Fr. Mike Raschko and the ability to register now for the Catholic Youth Conference (CYC)!
 
September 29--Fr. Mike Raschko-Theology of Grace & What We are Doing in Ministry
October 20-21--Cornerstone Catholic Conference
October 27--Fr. Mike Raschko -More info to come!
December 5--Paul Walker- More info to come!


A nne Frederick, Ed.D.
Director of Faith Formation anne.frederick@seattlearch.org 
 
Lisa Hillyard
Media Center Coordinator lisa.hillyard@seattlearch.org
 
 

Essential Religious Education Concepts
videos
 
The Essential Concepts come from the Table of Contents for the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). They have been re-organized to fit under the Six Tasks of Catechesis. CCC articles numbers associated with each Essential Concept are listed throughout this document. Referencing CCC article numbers is a recommended resource for catechist preparation.


TASK 1 - KNOWLEDGE OF THE FAITH - Students explore, profess, and reflect on our Catholic faith, which is the content of God's revelation found in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition and lived out in the Creed and Church doctrine.


Implementation Ideas for the Classroom:
 
*Please note the Library's Essential Concepts list is a working document, being updated on an ongoing basis. 
 
 
   
Online Resources-Links and Videos
 
Catechist JourneyCan Your Catechists Tell THE Story? 
Whenever I serve in my parish as a catechist, I notice something distressing: children generally have little knowledge of Bible stories. Many of them cannot connect the dots from Jesus' birth in a stable to his Death and Resurrection. Even fewer can connect Adam and Eve to Jesus; only a few have heard of such key ancestors in faith as Abraham, Moses, and David; and almost none of them realize how they personally are connected to the great story of Salvation.


God Comes to Meet Man: Divine Revelation



3 Minute Theology 2.1: What is Divine Revelation?
  

 
 
The Desire for God
 

In Seven Days - The Creation of Everything


 
Looking for an archived newsletter? Check this link for all previous editions. 
Spanish Faith Formation/Formación para la Fe en Español
 
 
Consejos y advertencias para Catequistas
Los niños no tienen la misma capacidad de atención que los adultos. Si tu clase dura de 30 a 45 minutos, mantenla en movimiento. Mezcla canciones, actividades y enseña el conjunto en segmentos cortos. Y sigue practicando; te sentirás más seguro con el tiempo y la oportunidad.
 
 
En el siguiente enlace encontrarás algunas ideas para contar historias de la Biblia a niños: http://www.ehowenespanol.com/contar-historias-biblia-ninos-como_385605/
 
 
Carlos Carrillo, M. Ed.
Director de Formacion en la Fe/Director of Spanish Faith Formation

Chancery Job Opportunities
Is God calling you to serve
 youth and young adults?

Join Archbishop Sartain's E vangelization Team!
 
Director of Youth M inistry Services
Director of C Y O Athletics
Director of Young Adult M inistry
 
To view specific job descriptions and application instructions, visit the
Upcoming Catechetical Events
events  
Maryknoll Annual Student Essay Contest
"In a world where violence is all around us - in the news, schools, communities, entertainment, etc.- Pope Francis calls us to "take a clear stand for creative and active nonviolence and against all forms of violence." Maryknoll invites all students grades 6-12 to write an essay in which you cite examples of violence and tell what actions you are taking or could take to promote peace. Entry deadline is November 10th.   For complete information, click here.

Join the CRS Parish Ambassador Corps!
Over the past 2 years, the Missions Office of the Archdiocese of Seattle has been engaged in a pilot initiative developed by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) called the "Parish Ambassador Corps" (PAC). PAC is a corps of local Catholic volunteers who are passionate about global solidarity and want to take action by helping with Rice Bowl in their parish as well as two other initiatives over the course of the year. Visit www.seattlearchdiocese.org/crs or contact the Missions Office for more info: missions.office@seattlearch.org ; (206) 382-4580. 
 
Beginning Experience Retreat
Widowed, Divorced or Separated? If you are ready to deal with the grief of being widowed, divorced or separated, there is help. As a faith-based organization, Beginning Experience offers men and women the opportunity and skills to build deeper self-respect, to cope with the pain of loss, and to move into the future with renewed hope. Join us for a weekend away for a lifetime of change -- available twice a year, in the Spring and Fall. This coming Fall Puget Sound area weekend is Friday - Sunday, October 27 to October 29 in Carnation, WA.   Please call Chris, our BE Registrar, at  (253) 223-2645  for more information and a brochure.

Catholic Youth Convention (CYC)
November 11-12 2017 I Washington State Fair Grounds, Puyallup, WA I Save the Date and spread the word! CYC is a weekend convention for high school teens who want to grow deeper in their relationship with God. We hope to see your youth there! Registration is now OPEN!

Liturgy Workshop Opportunities
Spread the word about these liturgical workshops, events and formation opportunities from the Liturgy Office. Please see the Liturgy Office Workshop & Events page  for more information.

Formation Opportunities
 
opportunities
Strong Catholic Families Webinar Series (NEW)
The four Catholic organizations comprising the Strong Catholic Families national partnership (NFCYM, NCEA, NCCL and NACFLM) are collaborating together this fall to host a free three-part webinar series for pastoral and ministry leaders and teachers on engaging parents around the sacramental touchstones within a family's life. Our goal is to inspire leaders to come up with creative and engaging practices and processes that will transform the traditional Sacramental prep process into an integrated and holistic Sacramental Living plan for families that will empower them to live their faith as a Domestic Church between the Sundays. Register here.
  
Understanding Hoarding Disorder (NEW)
Thursday, September 28, 2017 I 7-9 PM I St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Seattle I Join us for a presentation on hoarding disorder by psychologist Travis L. Osborne, PhD, ABPP. Dr. Osborne specializes in the treatment of anxiety and related problems, including hoarding. Dr. Osborne will provide an overview of hoarding, as well as the treatment for hoarding. There will also be a discussion of what family members can do to help their loved ones get help. RSVP: Trez Buckland, bucklandmike@hotmail.com or 206-930-2739

Cabrini Ministry Training-Share the Compassion of Christ
Are you being called by God to bring a compassionate presence to those in need?  Are you interested in learning the listening, communication, and prayer skills that can increase your effectiveness as a lay minister? Then Cabrini Ministry Training is for you! 
The 2017-2018 full training class will be held at Christ The King Parish in North Seattle on Tuesdays from 12-2:30 pm beginning October 24th 2017.Application deadline is September 30, 2017.

Catechist Formation Opportunity - Going Forth in Joy!
Tuesdays October 10, 17, 24 from 6-9PM - We the Church are called to embody the love of God in and for a world in need. Join us for our Going Forth in Joy!  Ministry Formation Training , a weekend of encounter, discernment, and formation for living the Gospel within and beyond the walls of your parish, school, or office! The Missions Office of the Archdiocese of Seattle and Maryknoll invite you to join us in this program which offers Catholic ministers and educators the knowledge, skills, and resources to better help your communities go forth as agents of encounter and positive Christian change. For more information and to register, click here  
  
Cornerstone Catholic Conference 2017
Cornerstone Catholic Conference:  An opportunity to gather with other Catholics and hear inspiring presentations by Bishop Robert Barron, Professor Helen Alvaré, and other great speakers including the Washington State Bishops. It all takes place October 20-21 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. Go to CornerstoneCatholic.org  to sign up.

2017-2018 Retreat Calendar
There are many opportunities for retreats at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades. Please take a look at the retreat schedule and see what great retreats are coming up! To learn more about the Retreat Center, click here.

Foundations of Our Catholic Faith - CCP Program
This program includes Scripture, Theology, Catechetics, and Church History to support the Church's mission to evangelize. FOUNDATIONS...provides an opportunity to hear the Gospel message, understand the Church's teachings, and grow in the fullness of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. For class schedules, registration and more, visit the CCP webpage While the current program is being updated, Year 2 & 3 will be available for current participants as on-demand webinars, beginning this Fall.

Marriage and Family Life (NEW!)
marriage
Dear Marriage Ministers,
 
Last week I shared some basic theological foundations that are at the heart of Catholic marriage prep and marriage enrichment by sharing key church documents and some contemporary videos that present the theology in an attractive way. This week, I'm going to highlight three upcoming events that help married and engaged couples deepen their understanding of Catholic marriage.

Grief Support Ministry
Listed in this section are some upcoming events and resources that are occurring in the specified parishes related to grief support. As new events and resources become available, they will be added to this section. Please let us know if there are related events happening around the Archdiocese that should be shared here.

   
Healing Ministry for Divorced Catholics
St. Joseph Parish, Vancouver offers a 12 week DVD and discussion program called " The  Catholic's Divorce Survival Guide". Many people find themselves stuck in pain and anger after the breakdown of their marriage, but the church is here to help. The group facilitator will guide you and others who are separated or divorced through the DVDs in a private, confidential group support environment. Contact Diane Boggs 360-823-2828, dianeb@stjoevan.org.
   
St. Louise, Bellevue
Bereavement Support Ministry - Our mission is to support the grieving process after the death of a loved one. This is achieved with one-on-one contact and a monthly support group which includes prayer, sharing our stories and learning from one another. Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7PM in the Parish Center. Contact Kathy Riley at 425-4450-x5466 or Kathy@stlouise.org

Beginning Experience Program
Beginning Experience - Divorced, Widowed or Separated? If you are ready to deal with the grief of being widowed, divorced or separated, there is help.  As a faith-based organization, Beginning Experience offers men and women the opportunity & skills to build deeper self respect, to cope with the pain of loss, and to move into the future with renewed hope. Join us for a weekend away for a lifetime of change - available twice a year, in April & October.
    
St James Cathedral, Seattle
Grief Support Group- The grieving process has no timeline and is unique to each individual, but meeting with others who are going through a similar experience can provide support and help us cope. You are invited to join a new 6-week grief support group facilitated by St. James Cathedral Staff- Nancy Granger, Suzanne Lee, and Rosanne Michaels

St. John the Baptist, Covington
Grief Ministry- meets every 2nd Weds at 7 PM, providing compassionate and confidential support to parishioners and families who have suffered a loss. Various tools are provided that will help manage the grieving process, fostering hope through faith, prayer, and fellowship, with God's love and grace as our guide. Meetings are open to anyone in the Archdiocese. (Richard: 949.290.8670, Page: 253.569.5326, or Frank 425.241.9190)
   
St. Michael Church, Olympia
Faith Based Support Groups-Support groups offered for those who are grieving and have a heavy heart.

Safe Crossings-A Children's Grief Support Program-A program for children who are facing or have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Archdiocesan News
    
NW Catholic APP
Northwest Catholic is your source for Catholic News and information in Western Washington and the Archdiocese of Seattle. The mobile app is packed with features to help you catch up on current news, pray, learn, and interact with the Catholic community.

 
NW Catholic Movie & Book Reviews
Check out the latest reviews on TV, movies and books. Also, check out the crossword puzzles-a great way to learn more about the Catholic Faith!
 
 
MyUSCCB     
       
This Week in Ministry provides timely content every week formatted for use in a variety of ways: parish bulletins, websites, E-newsletters, social media and more.
 
Featured This Week (Twenty-fourth  Week in Ordinary Time) Keys to Sharing Faith Person-to-Person  Use this document to discuss how the Church calls all people to be evangelists. The Spanish resource by Bishop Mario Dorsonville-Rodriguez looks at what it means to share the Good News on the peripheries.
 
To learn more about MyUSCCB and to sign up for this helpful resource, visit the USCCB website for more information.
NCCL-Catechetical Update     
       

Purchase Audio Recordings from the NCCL 2017 Conference
Various inspiration speakers from #NCCL2017 provided transformational encounters for the NCCL membership. If you missed the opportunity to experience this great conference, or if you want to re-visit those moments, purchase and download the mp3 recordings for your spiritual development and nourishment. Click here

Webinars of Faith Formation Practices 
In partnership with Ave Maria Press, the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership's Adult Faith Formation committee presents a webinar series on faith formation practices for various ages. Scheduled webinars begin September.  For more information and to register, click here.
 
To learn more about this organization and view their resources, visit the website.
Featured Websites
V ENCUENTRO       
 
What is the Goal of the V EncuentroThe main goal of the V Encuentro is to discern ways in which the Church in the United States can better respond to the Hispanic/Latino presence, and to strengthen the ways in which Hispanics/Latinos respond to the call to the New Evangelization as missionary disciples serving the entire Church.
 
To learn more, get parish resources and watch a video with a special message from Bishop Elizondo, check out the Archdiocese of Seattle's V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry page.
Pope Francis' Monthly Prayer Intentions on Video
 
Parishes at the service of mission
Apostleship of Prayer receives monthly prayer intentions from the Pope and urges Christians throughout the world to unite in prayer for those intentions. Each month Pope Francis will film his monthly prayer intention and it will be distributed on social media. Check back for a new video on the next month's prayer intention.
Growing Up Catholic

Growing Up Catholic is a set of parish resources that coaches and empowers parents to form their own children in faith. Find a wealth of resources on the website for both parishes and families.
    

YNIA-Young Neighbors In Action

Young Neighbors in Action helps youth encounter Christ through a week long Catholic experience of service, community, and prayer. Since 1994 over 50,000 youth and adults have participated in over a million hours of service. Take some time to pray and consider this amazing opportunity for your community.
Word On Fire Show

A weekly podcast from Bishop Robert Barron on faith and culture. Each week, the Word On Fire Show will release a new episode featuring Bishop Barron and our Content Director, Brandon Vogt. To learn more information and find out how to subscribe (iPhone, Android, PC, etc.)  to this great resource, click here!
TeamRCIA
  
TeamRCIA is a free online resource for Catholic parishes and dioceses that want to form Christians for life. Offers a variety of online and in-person training for church ministers and volunteers, through webinars, e-mail courses, downloads, discussion forums, and training events led by experts in the field of initiation ministry.

Catholic Publishers

Loyola Press                                              St. Mary's Press

 

Our Sunday Visitor                                    Ave Maria Press

 

Sadlier                                                        Ascension Press

 

RCL Benziger                                             Lighthouse Catholic Media

 

Ignatius Press                   

Helpful Links
Real Life Catholic's purpose is to ignite a bold, contagious faith in the heart of every Catholic in America, by building a movement of Catholics who share the beauty, power and truth of the Gospel with a world that has largely forgotten.

A collaborative effort by four national Catholic organizations to help church leaders envision how the Catholic Church can more effectively partner with parents to help bring home the faith.

Vibrant Faith at Home
Vibrant Faith @ Home supports Christian leaders and families who are intentional about their faith and religious practice as they raise the next generation of committed Christians.

Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a nonprofit global media apostolate that supports the work of Father Robert Barron and reaches millions of people to draw them into- or back to- the Catholic faith. Word on Fire is evangelical; it proclaims Jesus Christ as the source of conversion and new life. Word on Fire is Catholic; it utilizes the tremendous resources of the Roman Catholic tradition-art, architecture, poetry, philosophy, theology, and the lives of the saints- in order to explain and interpret the event of Jesus Christ.