Archdiocese of Seattle

Faith Formation Newsletter

October 3, 2016

 

Dear Catechetical Colleagues, 
Our "Essential Concept" this week is Christology. We have included several online videos and hope you take the time to check them out, perhaps even this one or this one!
 
How we have followed Christ is definitely a key concern when we approach the dying and death, which we all will. Some of us may be taking care of an older parent or have experienced the loss of a loved one. On October 7th, there will be a wonderful workshop, Living Well, Dying Well at Holy Family Parish in Kirkland. It will help anyone interested in how to support those facing end of life, in a way that resonates with our faith.
 
Another area, where we meet Christ is supporting those who live in the margins. St. James Cathedral will be hosting a Companion Workshop to encourage compassionate awareness of how we can meet and support our struggling neighbors in our faith communities. It will be held on October 8th from 9 am - noon.
  
On this same date, St. James is also hosting Deacon Larry Sutton, who will be presenting on catechesis for children with special needs. Yet, another wonderful place to experience and share God's love!
 
Are you looking for some "Pep Talks for Catholic Parents"? You might want to check out this new resource from Twenty-Third Publications with some effective ideas for supporting, encouraging, and guiding parents. You also might find this article on Forming Faith @ Home to offer new insights as well.
 
Finally, please check out our upcoming deanery trainings on implementing the required Touching Safety program in a way that also promotes the teaching of our Archdiocesan Religion Standards! We will be continuing to add more dates and locations in the weeks ahead! Let us know if you would schedule one near you.
 

In Christ,

Anne Frederick, Ed.D.
Director of Religious Education [email protected]
 
Lisa Hillyard
Library Media Center Manager [email protected]



Essential Religious Education Concepts

Christology [74-11, 711-720]

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
 
 
 
Catechesis, at its heart "...is an apprenticeship of the entire Christian life, it is a 'complete Christian initiation,' which promotes an authentic following of Christ, focused on his Person" (GDC). Catechesis is intended to introduce us to the person of Christ in such a way that we become followers, and not just followers, but family: "He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will" (Ephesians 1:5). As catechists our ministry is the building up of God's family and teaching our newest members how to be active members of the family of Christ.


Sharing the Gospel
  


  
LEGO Life of Jesus
  
 
 

Resources from the LMC on Christology
   
       
Jesus: A Pilgrimage (Fr. James Martin) James Martin, SJ, brings the Gospels to life in this book, and invites believers and seekers alike to experience Jesus through Scripture, prayer and travel. Combining the fascinating insights of historical Jesus studies with profound spiritual insights about the Christ of faith, Father Martin recreates the world of first-century Galilee and Judea to usher you into Jesus's life and times and show readers how Jesus speaks to us today. Martin also brings together the most up-to-date Scripture scholarship, wise spiritual reflections, and lighthearted stories about traveling through the Holy Land with a fellow (and funny) Jesuit, visiting important sites in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The person at the heart of the Gospels can seem impossibly distant. Stories about his astonishing life and ministry--clever parables that upended everyone's expectations, incredible healings that convinced even skeptics, nature miracles that dazzled the dumbstruck disciples--can seem far removed from our own daily lives, hard to understand, and at times irrelevant. But in Jesus you will come to know him as Father Martin knows him: Messiah and Savior, as well as friend and brother.
 
Who is Jesus? An Introduction to Christology (Thomas P. Rausch)  Who is Jesus? This is the fundamental question for Christology. The earliest Christians used various titles, most of them drawn from the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures, to express their faith in Jesus. They called him prophet, teacher, Messiah, Son of David, Son of Man, Lord, Son of God, Word of God, and occasionally even God. Rausch focuses on the New Testament's rich variety of christologies. Who Is Jesus? covers the three quests for the historical Jesus, the methods for retrieving the historical Jesus, the Jewish background, the Jesus movement, his preaching and ministry, death and resurrection, the various New Testament christologies, and the development of christological doctrine from the New Testament period to the Council of Chalcedon.

Life of Jesus in Icons : From the "Bible of Tbilisi" (Francis Moloney) Thirty precious icons from the Bible of Tbilisi are reproduced in this attractive book. This collection portrays the life of Jesus from the announcement of his birth to the moment of his Ascension into heaven. After a useful introduction on how to read icons, a full-page color reproduction of each icon is included along with the relevant Scripture text and a commentary written by the noted biblical scholar, Francis J. Moloney, SDB. Carefully chosen extracts from patristic texts shed further light on each of the events portrayed in the icons.

 All About Jesus: The Life and Teachings of Jesus in the Bible's Own Words (Martine Blanc-Rérat) A charmingly illustrated book that uses the words of the Bible to teach children about Jesus. It begins with selections from the Old Testament - Stories that feature Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and Isaiah - the very stories that Jesus heard when he was growing up. The New Testament passages that follow tell of Jesus' birth, childhood, and baptism; of the people he healed, the stories he told, his death, resurrection, and ascension. In it the children will meet Jesus as we know him today.

Where Jesus Walked (DVD, Questar Video) A visual account of Jesus' life, featuring video footage of actual places where Jesus ministered in the Holy Land.

  

Library Media Center Resources
Resource Lists
 
The Library Media Center has several of the materials listed available. Contact the library to request items. Our online catalog is also available to search for materials.
 
October Check It Out-Monthly newsletter highlighting new materials added to the Library Catalog each month- new picture books for children on Mother Teresa.

Upcoming Catechetical Events
  
Religious Education Standards Deanery Workshops
Contact the Office of Catholic Faith Formation for information, registration, and scheduling a future workshop.

 

PAFF Deanery Meetings

Religious Education Standards and Touching Safety Training (More information to come)

South Seattle Deanery-Tuesday, November 8th I 10:00 am I  Holy Rosary Church, Seattle

Pierce Deanery-Thursday, November 10th I 10:30 am I St. Charles Borromeo Church, Tacoma

Southern Deanery -Tuesday, November 15th I St. Rose Church, Longview

Eastside Deanery -Thursday, November 17th I 10:00 am -12:00 pm I St. Jude, Redmond

 

Connecting Catholic Women Annual Conference, Convention & Worship

Saturday, October 22, 2016 I 9:15 am - 8:30 pm I St. Michael Parish, Olympia I To learn more about the event and to register, click here.
 
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.

PAFF Workshop/Retreat on February 9-10, 2017
February 9-10, 2017-Save the Dates!-More information to come.
Formation Opportunities
 
Discerning a Catholic Response to Crime: Community-Based Peacemaking Circles vs. Traditional Criminal Justice Approaches (NEW)
Our archdiocesan Criminal Justice Ministry, which is part of the Office of Pastoral Care and Outreach, has long provided spiritual care to people affected by crime including victims, family members, and people incarcerated in Washington jails and prisons. However, we recognize the urgent need for systemic change that reflects the Good News of the Gospel. Therefore, we have formally partnered with King County Juvenile Court to pilot restorative, community-based Peacemaking Circles to resolve some of our juvenile cases, even serious ones.  Please view the article for an overview and the flyer for specific event information.

Ignatian Spirituality 101: An Introduction to Ignatian Prayer & Spirituality (NEW) Thursday, October 6, 2016 | 6:30 - 8:45 pm | St. Joseph Parish Center, Seattle I What is it that makes Pope Francis tick?  Many know that he is the first Jesuit Pope and is grounded in Ignatian spirituality, but some do not know exactly what that means.  What is the tradition of Ignatian spirituality all about?  What are the key characteristics of Ignatian prayer and spirituality?  If you would like to know more personally or on behalf of those you serve, we invite you and other Archdiocesan parish faith formation coordinators to this evening introduction to the basics of Ignatian prayer and spirituality. No cost.  Donations appreciated.  For more information, visit www.ignatiancenter.org. For questions or to RSVP, please email Andrea Fontana, Program Coordinator, or call 206.329.4824.

Living Well, Dying Well (NEW)
Friday, October 7, 2016 I 9:30 am -2:30 am I Holy Family Church, Kirkland I Perspectives on priorities, values and making personal choices in how we can live better with age-related frailty, serious illness and approaching death. Program designed to give participants the tools needed to prepare for end of life to ensure their last days are spent as they want them to be, not as others would choose for them. Includes two workshops, lunch and legal documents to complete advanced care planning. To access the registration form, click here.

Companionship Workshop (NEW)
Saturday, October 8th I 9:00 am to 12:00 pm I St James Cathedral, Seattle 
Designed to encourage compassionate awareness for those struggling within our neighborhoods and communities of faith, and increase our capacity for engaging our neighbors with dignity and grace. The training teaches skills to listen consciously with openness, along with an awareness of limits and boundaries, thus easing the isolation of those less advantaged. Through engaging conversation, and concept development through exercises and storied experiences, Companionship Training  enlightens and supports parishioners, staff, ushers, social justice and pastoral care volunteers, and all concerned citizens. For more information and to register, click here.

How to Welcome, Include, & Catechize All of God's Children : Practical Suggestions for Serving Those with Special Needs (NEW)
Saturday, October 8, 2016 I 9:00 am to 3:00 pm I Pastoral Outreach Center of St James Cathedral I Cost: FREE (Lunch provided) I Presenter: Deacon Larry Sutton I Click here to view the flyer I RSVP by October 3rd to Erica Cohen Moore, [email protected] or 206-382-4852

Venerate Relics of Pope Saint John Paul II and Saint Faustina Kowalska
The Liturgy Office can coordinate the scheduling of those parishes who wish to arrange for the relics of St. John Paul and St. Faustina to be conveyed to the parish for veneration by the faithful.  You may reach the Liturgy Office at 206.654.4652 or by e-mail at [email protected] in order to reserve the relics for your parish, campus ministry, or faith community. For more information regarding the process, 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.

Going Forth in Joy: Missionary Disciples Formation Program (NEW DATES!!)
Catholic ministers and educators play a special role in helping their communities experience the joy of participating in God's mission of love. We are called to lay the foundations that enable this mission to be passed on to the next generation. The Missions Office of the Archdiocese of Seattle and Maryknoll i nvite you to join us for three sessions on Tuesdays, October 4, 11, and 18th from 6-9 PM to engage with this call and challenge. For more information and to register, here

Cabrini Ministry Training
Invites you to BRING MERCY, BE PRESENT, & CHANGE LIVES! When you enroll in one of our training programs, you will be transformed.  You will learn profound techniques that enable you to effectively and compassionately share God's mercy and the gift of your presence with others who are isolated or afflicted.  This will transform THEIR lives.  Classes will be held in Kirkland on Tuesdays from 12:30-2:30pm beginning Oct. 25. For application and information contact [email protected] , 206-760-0583 x3 or visit www.cabriniministry.org .

NAMI Family-to-Family Educational Program
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 12-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people living with mental illness. It is a designated evidenced-based program. Research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to an individual living with a mental health condition. Coming this fall to St. James Cathedral, Seattle, Monday evenings weekly from September 26th to December 12th. Anyone interested should contact Katie Mahoney, Program Coordinator at NAMI Seattle. Her info is (206) 783-9264 or [email protected]
 
Jubilee Year of Mercy
Pope Francis has called the special Jubilee Year for Mercy to begin  Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. It will close on Nov. 20, 2016, the day celebrated that year as the feast of Christ the King.

by Fr. Thomas Rosica-Salt & Light blog.

Venerate Relics of Pope Saint John Paul II & Saint Faustina Kowalska
The Liturgy Office can coordinate the scheduling of those parishes who wish to arrange for the relics of St. John Paul and St. Faustina to be conveyed to the parish for veneration by the faithful.  You may reach the Liturgy Office at 206.654.4652 or by e-mail at [email protected] in order to reserve the relics for your parish, campus ministry, or faith community. For more information regarding the process, click here.

The Arts & Faith Top 25 Films on Mercy
These films show us visions of a world so often lacking in mercy, as well as worlds in which one merciful act alters the landscape of human experience forever. Produced by the Arts & Faith online community, this list spans 93 years of cinema, from 1921's The Kid and The Phantom Carriage to 2014's Love & Mercy.

Maryknoll Year of Mercy Resources
Maryknoll has developed various resources to use for the Year of Mercy:
Watch a Mercy Movie, Record a Mercy Moment, set up a Parish Mission for your community, and more. Email Anna Clarke at [email protected] with any questions or requests.

Meditations on Mercy
Each month during the Jubilee of Mercy the USCCB will offer a
Meditation on Mercy-a resource that can be used with small groups to foster a greater awareness of God's call to act with mercy in our lives.

Archdiocesan Webpage for The Year of Mercy
Please take a look at all of the resources and current information found dedicated to the Year of Mercy. Be sure to check back often for added events and resources.
   
Library Media Center Year of Mercy Resources
Here is a printable annotated bibliography of resources available from the Library Media Center. Materials may be added to the list, so check back for new titles.

The Original Image of Divine Mercy-Documentary Film
A timely documentary, The Original Image of Divine Mercy features key witnesses to the mysterious case of a painting that survived the Soviet Occupation of Vilnius, with exclusive commentary by Bishop Robert Barron, George Weigel, Christoph Cardinal Schönborn of Vienna, Stanisław, and many others including a special footage with Pope Francis. For more information about how to bring the film to your community, contact the production office at [email protected] or at 210-232-7647.
 
Online Courses for the Year of Mercy-Diocese of St. Cloud
Three online courses available Titles include: Forgive All Offenses/Injury; Comfort the Afflicted; and Shelter the Homeless/Welcome the Stranger.
 
Divine Mercy for Kids
You can find a dozen free downloadable worksheets for various age groups that explain the Divine Mercy image and devotion. Visit TheDivineMercy.org

Divine Mercy & The Divine Comedy
During this Year of Mercy (December 8, 2015-November 20, 2016) Pope Francis has asked us to use Dante's Divine Comedy as a "spiritual guide." Knowing how intimidating this project sounds, the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Rochester has put together a reading plan along with a group of theologians, literary scholars, and other lovers of Dante's work to help us all mine the riches from one whom Pope Benedict XV called "the most eloquent singer of the Christian idea."

A Biblical Year of Mercy
A 13-part series is being published from December 2015 to December 2016 in  Arkansas Catholic, the weekly newspaper for the Diocese of Little Rock. These articles are being written by the staff of Little Rock Scripture Study for the Holy Year of Mercy. Each one includes questions for group study.

CRS Year of Mercy Resources
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has developed a number of resources that illustrate how Catholics in the United States can participate in acts of mercy through CRS.  Click here for details.
 
Archdiocese of Seattle Year of Mercy Prayer Card
Here is a printable prayer card for use in your parish. The prayer card can be printed out using Avery 8387 labels.

Year of Mercy App
Our Sunday Visitor's FREE  365 Days to Mercy app, is designed to accompany you on a spiritual journey during the Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis.  

St. James Cathedral Tours
St. James Cathedral is inviting both parishes and school groups to set up visits for the Year of Mercy, which can be just a time of prayer and pilgrimage, or can include a guided tour as well.  Corinna Laughlin [email protected] or 206-264-2086.
 
Archdiocesan News
New OYYAE Website
Exciting news! Announcing the official launch of oyyae.org, their new online home! Feedback is welcome and encouraged! Please let us know how we can improve this new home, as well as serve you better.

NW Catholic App
The NW Catholic App is now available! Download it for Apple or Android.
 
 
NW Catholic Movie & Book Reviews
Check NW Catholic for the latest reviews on books and movies

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-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time):  Respect Life   
NEW materials are produced each year to help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with supporting the dignity of the human person, and therefore the gift of every person's life. Materials are developed for use in parishes, schools, and faith-based ministries, but are also suitable for individual use. The program begins anew each October (Respect Life Month) and continues through the following September.


October Meditation on Mercy Each month during the Jubilee of Mercy, we offer a Meditation on Mercy, a resource that can be used with small groups to foster a greater awareness of God's call to act with mercy in our lives.  The monthly reflections are based on scripture passages and Misericordiae Vultus, the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee of Mercy. English  Spanish 


To learn more about MyUSCCB and to sign up for this helpful resource, visit the USCCB website for more information.
NCCL-Catechetical Update     
     
The National Conference of Catechetical Leaders publishes a weekly newsletter following the Six Tasks of Catechesis. 


The four Catholic organizations comprising the Strong Catholic Families national partnership (NFCYM, NCEA, NCCL and NACFLM) are collaborating together this fall/winter to host a free four-part webinar series for pastoral and ministry leaders and teachers on Amoris Laetitia entitled The Pastoral Response in Accompanying Families in Faith.  Our goal is to inspire leaders to come up with authentic pastoral responses to Amoris Laetitia, and to engage them in accompanying families in bringing home the faith. 

To learn more about this organization and view their resources, visit the website.
Featured Websites
Respect Life Program-Moved By Mercy
 
What is the Respect Life Program?

NEW materials are produced each year to help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with supporting the dignity of the human person, and therefore the gift of every person's life.  Materials are developed for use in parishes, schools, and faith-based ministries, but are also suitable for individual use. The program begins anew each October (Respect Life Month) and continues through the following September.
 
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship ( en Espanol), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. We urge our pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good will to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. The statement lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order. Hard copies and the DVD are available for loan from the Library Media Center.
Liturgy Training Publications
 
Designed specifically for teachers and catechists, this series invites all those who work with children to engage in formation and training throughout the year.
 
Pope Francis' Monthly Prayer Intentions on Video
 
September 2016
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.
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!
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

 

 

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.

Serving Catholic leaders in their ministry of evangelization with curated knowledge, approaches, strategies, and resources to reach out to those who have never heard the gospel proclaimed, to re-engage those who have lost a living faith in their daily lives, and to engage those who are faithful and need to be renewed with increased catechesis.
 
Sharing the Journey of Teaching the Catholic Faith. Joe Paprocki's blog that features practical tips and resources on sharing the gift of the Catholic faith.

eCatechist.com is a blog from Dan Pierson, that provides ideas, inspiration, and learning
resources for catechists, parish catechetical leaders, and parents.

TeamRCIA
TeamRCIA.com 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.

Teaching Catholic Kids is a valuable tool for parents, teachers and catechists. Free downloadable activities and teacher resources are updated each month and made available from the best of Our Sunday Visitor books, workbooks and writers.

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.