Closing of the Catechetical Year Gathering

The Catechetical Leader Closing Celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 12. By popular demand, we will return to the Hilltop Restaurant in Orange Park for our gathering. We will start at 11:30 am.

This year, we have a bit of a different menu. You should choose your selection on the Jotform when you register.

Chicken Florentine Served over Pasta with Asparagus

Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce Served with Seasoned Rice and Asparagus

Deadline to register is May 7th.

Jotform to register

More Adult Confirmation...

Bishop Pohlmeier will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on 151 adults on Pentecost Sunday, May 24. This is nearly double last year, and we expect that this number will continue to grow as we reach out to folks in more effective ways. We are planning to add a third celebration in the coming year to better serve the faithful.

The OCF appreciates the coordinators who submit completed and accurate registrations. We love you.

Recall: Our policy is that prior to any preparation for a sacrament, all other sacraments, including marriage, are verified and found valid. Marriages must be convalidated prior to a reception of any sacraments.

Vatican II Documents

Last year, during the Year of Hope, the Office of Christian Formation held a once-a-month series on the documents of Vatican II. This was one of the suggested activities for the year. We taped each one and promised to share them. When they are all ready, they will be on the diocesan website and on the YouTube channel. We have two of them ready via YouTube and I share them below.

Bishop Pohlmeier ~ Lumen Gentium (Church) 1 hour 38 minutes

Fr. Tom Willis ~ Sacrosanctum Concilium (Liturgy) 1 hour, 42 minutes

As a happy coincidence, Pope Leo XIV has chosen to use his Wednesday audiences for catechesis on the Vatican II documents. He explained during his January 7, 2026 audience that:

“It will be important to get to know [the Second Vatican Council] again closely, and to do so not through ‘hearsay’ or interpretations that have been given, but by rereading its documents and reflecting on their content.”

You can listen to these audiences on:

Spotify

Vatican News Agency

Vatican Youtube

Resources

We were pleased to host Charleen Katra, Executive Director of the NCPD this past weekend. She shared many practical ideas for inclusive formation. We have shared many of these resources before, but putting a few out there for your consideration.

NCPD Catechesis Resources

A few things you will find here:

Best Practices for a variety of types of learners

An individualized formation plan for a learner

Inclusive formation lessons on a variety of topics

Courses through NCPD that you can take on various topics...there are a lot of these

The LAMB assessment tool for parishes to check their inclusive footprin

Fostering Belonging

This resource is a guide to using an STM Online: Encore presentation as a conversation starter with members of a faith community. Each part of the presentation may be used separately, in combination with each other, or in a sequence over a period of time.

The general nature of “Fostering Belonging” gives it broad application and makes it an excellent choice for a variety of groups. For example, consider using one or several of the segments with a parish council, a hospitality committee, catechists, Catholic school faculty, and high school religion classes. If you are looking for a service opportunity for a high school confirmation class, consider leading a discussion around Parts 3 and 5, and commit to implementing one recommendation to enhance belonging in the community.

OVERVIEW OF THE PRESENTATION Erik W. Carter offers ten elements of belonging: to be present, invited, welcomed, known, accepted, supported, cared for, befriended, needed, and loved. Focused on moving from barriers to inclusion of persons with special needs in a faith community, Carter provides an inventory through which any faith-based community—parish, school, classroom, committee—can evaluate itself on how it engenders a sense of belonging. Carter also offers many concrete strategies for inclusion.

Erik W. Carter is Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair and Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University.

Fostering belonging

Rites of Election, 2027

Our diocese continues to experience significant growth in those seeking to become Catholic, with four full Rites of Election celebrated at the Cathedral this year. With this blessing comes the need for stronger accompaniment and a move away from a “one size fits all” approach toward what the Church envisions for the OCIA process. Beginning in 2027, only catechumens will be presented at the Rite of Election. Those already baptized may be received into the Church without receiving many of these rites that are meant for the catechumens. The Rite of Election book will now be used only to record the signatures of the Elect (catechumens)

Two Zoom meetings are scheduled, one on May 4 at 9:30 am and the other on May 5 at 6:30 pm. All coordinators must attend one of these. Pastors always welcome as we work toward welcoming people at wherever they are at on their faith journey,

Link for May 4

Link for May 5

Letter sent to pastors and published on Pastoral Briefings:

ROE English

ROE Spanish

Go Forth, Glorifying God

Forming a Parish that Draws Inquirers through Joyful Witness

Order code: VWCIGF | Event | | pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2026

May 18, 2026 8:00 pm



A workshop exploring how parishes can joyfully witness Christ beyond church walls, engaging the marginalized and fallen away through the Church’s vision for evangelization in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Price: $10.00

Link to Virtual Workshops

Neophyte Mass~ Day of Reflection

Bishop Pohlmeier, in his role as Shepherd of the Diocese, oversees all sacraments, but in particular he is to take care that the newly baptized adults, children of catechetical age, are aware of his concern for them as they are "newly planted." (OCIA 247-251)

All catechumens who were initiated at the Easter Vigil this year are invited to an afternoon of Reflection on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at San José Parish 3619 Toledo Road Jacksonville, FL 32217

Schedule:

2:00 pm Gathering in the parish hall

Reflecting on the Journey with Bishop Erik T. Pohlmeier

5:00 pm Celebration of the Mass inchurch

6:30 pm Dinner and Social

Jotform to register

This invitation has been sent to all of the neophytes...please encourage them to respond to this invitation.

18th Annual Summer School of Theology (newly updated)

We have had to replace our speaker due to an unforeseen circumstance. We have found an equally engaging Augustinian to replace Fr. Gary ~ Fr. Art Purcaro.

Fr. Art Purcaro is an Augustinian priest who has spent many of his years ministering in the desert and the Andes of the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Peru (1971-2015). During some of that time, he served as a member of the General Council of the Order of St. Augustine in Rome. Fr. Art worked closely with Rev. Robert Prevost, O.S.A., now Pope Leo XIV in both Peru and in Rome.

Fr Art has been involved in the pastoral renewal program sponsored by the Better World Movement based on promoting the spirituality and ecclesiology of communion. He has taught in various formation programs and seminaries in many parts of the world. He is currently serving as Assistant Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Villanova University where he also teaches theology.

Schedule each day is 9:00 am - 3:30 pm with Mass celebrated each day prior to lunch.

Our new theme will be: "Building a Better World: A Contemporary Augustinian Perspective

A new outline is being developed.

Jotform to register This is being updated to reflect this change. It will be updated next week.

When you register, we will provide the book for the week

This is a Level III (Continuing Formation Opportunity)

Catechetical Sunday, September 20, 2026

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news to the poor”

Lk 4:18; cf. Is 61:1

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news to the poor” (Lk 4:18; cf. Is 61:1) reveals Jesus’ mission and identity. Anointed by the Holy Spirit, he is sent to bring hope, healing, and freedom—especially to the poor, the brokenhearted, and the forgotten.

This passage shows that the Messiah comes not with power or status, but with compassion, restoring dignity and proclaiming God’s mercy. It also becomes a model for the Church, us, which is called to continue Christ’s work by sharing the Good News and caring for those most in need.

Materials are posted on the USCCB website:

Certificate (English)

Certificate (Spanish)

Posters and Prayer Cards also available for free download.

We Hold These Truths

As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the USCCB joins this celebration by lifting up the contributions of Catholics and the impact of our faith on the history of this country.

In a historic moment, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 2026, and invite all parishes to join in this consecration.

Consecration and Prayer Resources

Livestream of the June 11th Consecration to the Sacred Heart

YouTube to watch live

The Consecration of the United States to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus will take place in the context of a Votive Mass on June 11, in Orlando, with all the bishops gathered in Plenary Assembly. A livestream will be available on the USCCB YouTube channel.

Local Celebrations of the Consecration of the United States of America to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Local Celebrations

This resource is provided so that dioceses and parishes may unite themselves in prayer to the event of consecration done by the bishops. These local celebrations may take place on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, or on any day that a Votive Mass to the Most Sacred Heart may be celebrated.

The prayers in this resource have been adjusted to reflect that it is a celebration of the bishops having consecrated the country and is not the consecration itself. The resource includes a place to include a petition for the needs of the local community.

Reflection on the Consecration to the Sacred Heart, by Archbishop Alexander Sample

Reflection on the Sacred Heart~ Archbishop Sample

Consecration Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Prayer ~ Sacred Heart of Jesus

Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Novena ~ Sacred Heart of Jesus

250 Hours of Adoration

250 Hours of Devotion

250 Works of Mercy

250 Hours of mercy

Knights of Columbus home enthronement materials

KofC enthronement materials

Pope’s Prayer Network materials

Popeprayerusa

Local Information on Pilgrimage

Family Prayers for the Sacraments

Two years ago, I created these. The Confirmation one was originally part of the preparation with parents at the parish where I served as the DRE. I dusted that one off and revamped the format for it to be used in church prior to the celebration of the sacrament. Frequently, parents do not know how to pray for their children in those moments prior to the celebration. These are meant to be one tool for that.

First Communion Prayer (Daughter)

First Communion Day Prayer (Daughter) Spanish

First Communion Day Prayer (Son)

First Communion Day Prayer (Son) Spanish

Confirmation Day Prayer (English)

Confirmation Day Prayer (Daughter) Spanish

Confirmation Day Prayer (Son)

Confirmation Day Prayer (Son) Spanish

Youth Confirmation

Please find attached the Administering Confirmation document as a reminder for you on the basic details of not only the preparation of the youth, but also the timing for the letters to bishop, the question of a Confirmation name, as well as details for the Mass.

Administering Confirmation 2026

Administering Confirmation (Spanish) 2026

Updated Certification Record Forms for Basic, Standard, and Continuing Formation (Level I, Level II, and Level III)

We have updated these forms to "fill-in-able" forms. This is in order help you create a more professional presentation when you submit them. Yes, many that we receive are difficult to decipher.

After May 31, only the "fill in able" forms will be accepted. Forms can be typed into, saved on your computer, and eventually printed and scanned in.

Basic (level I)

Standard (level II)

Continuing (Level III)

Requirements for Level III (Continuing Formation)

"Continuing Certification (Level III) A continuing professional development

component to help the catechist maintain his/her current level of certification. Every

three (3) years, a catechist, principal, DRE/CRE/Diocesan Formation staff member

must submit a record of thirty (30) hours of formation in the Catholic faith.

Professional continuing formation increases one’s knowledge of the Catholic Faith and

gives better skills in imparting that faith and sharing the Gospel more effectively.

Suggestions would be: workshops, online classes, Catechism Studies, approved Bible

studies"

Presenters of …

• Basic Certification theology courses must possess a B.A. in Religious

Education or Theology from an accredited Catholic institution or be graduates of

the Ministry Formation Program (MFP).

• Standard Certification courses must possess an M.A. in Religious Education

or Theology from an accredited Catholic institution.

• Continuing formation opportunities should be presented by those who

possess the same qualifications as someone who would present Basic or Standard

Certification.

Basic Certification (Level I)

Summer Offering:



Catholic School Special~ St. Paul, Jacksonville Beach, June 15 -18, 2026

Registration is now open:

Jotform to register

Locations so far in the next academic year:



August: St. Patrick, Jacksonville

August 8, 2026 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Faith Development and Practical Skills

August 9, 2026 noon -5:30 pm Liturgy and Sacraments and Basic Beliefs

August 22, 2026 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Scripture and Church

August 23, 2026 noon - 5:30 pm Role of the Catechist and Practical Skills

Jotform to register

Registration will open soon:

September: Holy Family School and San Jose School

September 12 and 13 at San Jose School

September 26-27 at Holy Family School

November: St. Matthew Parish

November 7 and 8

November 21 and 22

January: St. Anasatasia

January 9 and 10

January 23 and 24



June: St Patrick School, Gainesville

Standard certification is achieved either through courses through the McGrath Institute (STEP) or through the University of Dayton (VLCFF).

Standard Certification Options

STEP through the McGrath Institute

STEP Camino Courses Comprehensive list for the year.

VLCFF through the University of Dayton

VLCFF Calendar

Saints Series Part 1

Presented by Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo

Wednesday, May 13, 4 p.m. EDT

Join us for this free webinar, part of our Saints Series, to reflect on Saint Francis of Assisi. In this series of free webinars, we will explore the lives of different saints and expand our faith through inspiring stories, reflection, and practical application.

About the Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo

Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo is a priest of the Diocese of Assisi, a theologian, a CBS Vatican correspondent. and author with extensive international experience in priestly formation, seminary leadership, and pastoral ministry. After a career in international banking in the financial district of London, he discerned a call to the priesthood and went on to serve the Church in a variety of significant roles. He holds a doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) and has taught in both seminary and university settings. He has served in significant roles within the Church, including work in Rome and the Vatican Curia, as well as leadership positions in seminary formation. He currently serves as Director of International Affairs for the Diocese of Assisi, Italy, where he is based.

Living in Assisi—the home of Saint Francis of Assisi and the resting place of Saint Carlo Acutis, Monsignor Figueiredo brings a unique, lived perspective to the spirituality of the saints. He is closely associated with the devotion to Carlo Acutis, having written on his life and helped promote his witness worldwide, including overseeing relic pilgrimages.

A gifted speaker and educator, and author of several books and many articles, Monsignor Figueiredo is known for his engaging presentations that help others encounter Christ more deeply through Scripture and the lives of the saints, especially during this 800th anniversary year of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Sadlier Saints