Volume XV, Issue XXI June 1, 2026 | |
Echoes~
Your Weekly Catechetical News from the
Office of Christian Formation
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18th Annual Summer School of Theology
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
When you register, we will provide the book for the week
This is a Level III (Continuing Formation Opportunity)
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Pope Leo XIV issues first encyclical:
Magnifica humanitas
Marking the 135th anniversary of Rerum novarum, Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, entitled ‘Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.’ He appeals for the safeguarding of humanity, promotion of truth, dignity of work, social justice, and peace.
Presentation and Promulgation
Magnifica humanitas (the document)
Vatican News Overview
Zenit News Overview
Our Sunday Visitor Overview
ONLINE DISCUSSION ON THE ENCYCLICAL – HOSTED BY GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
The Georgetown Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life will host a panel discussion – online only—on Tuesday, June 2 from 3:00 to 4:15 PM (Eastern). This online dialogue will feature:
- Archbishop Paul Coakley, President USCCB and Archbishop of Oklahoma City
- Bishop Paul Tighe – Secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education
- Emilce Code – an Argentinian Theologian and Secretary of the Pontifical Commission on Latin America
- Daniel Daly -- -- Center for Theology and Ethics in Catholic Healthcare
- Megan Sullivan – Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at the University of Notre Dame
Registration is free, but you must register at Link to register
“No computational system, however sophisticated, can create a heart that gives itself, or a conscience that discerns good from evil. Even when machines excel in efficiency, a human face that asks to be gazed upon remains the center of our history. This human face is the fullness toward which history is moving.” MH #233
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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 in church
6:30 pm Dinner and Social
This invitation has been sent to all of the neophytes...please encourage them to respond to this invitation.
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For your planning: There will be 3 Rites of Election celebrated in 2027:
Sunday, February 14 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, February 20 at 1:00 pm
Sunday, February 21 at 2:00 pm
If we do not need all three, we will cancel on the Saturday.
From our friends at the Tribunal: Easter is early this coming year. Therefore, the deadline to submit all, that is all paperwork for a full annulment will be July 15, 2026. Recall, this also does not mean an annulment will be automatically granted after 8 months or that it will only take 8 months. This is a best guess.
A Workshop on Marriage Law for Parish Professionals
An Introduction for parish workers, particularly those who are involved in OCIA, on the annulment process will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in the St. Cahterine Room on Saturday, July 25 from 9:30 am - noon. This workshop will aid you in accompanying people through the annulment process, especially those in the OCIA, covering the following:
~ The basics of the process
~ Key terminology
~ A look at the various types of annulments
~The timeline
$5 donation for handouts taken at the door.
Jotform to register
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Textbooks for Use in DOSA
As this academic and faith-filled year winds down, we begin to automatically think of the coming year. Here are some friendly reminders when selecting curriculum series as well as the sacramental preparation materials:
~ These materials must be found on the USCCB Conformity list (see link below). The pieces must all be in conformity: So, for a school, that would be the initials S and TM (student and teacher manual) For a parish, the necessary initials are P and CM (parish student and catechist manual)
~ Parishes with schools should be using the same materials
~ The entire series must be on the Conformity list in order to use the entire series.
~ Publishing companies exist to sell books. Therefore, look at the list and not to the company representative for direction.
I just received the newest sacramental series from Loyola. I know many of you use Loyola for sacramental prep. I have samples of all of the First Sacrament materials. The materials are bilingual and have 2 age levels ~ primary and intermediate with an eye toward OCIA with children. The Confirmation materials are also avaialble. You can let me know if you want to look at them.
As new offerings that are found in conformity are sent to me, I will publish here.
Conformity Review
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Cleaning out the bookshelf
It is that time of the year...see if there is something on here you can use.
We will add new titles each week.
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Adult Confirmation Dates for 2027:
Saturday, January 16 at 5:00 pm
(Epiphany Parish, Lake City)
Sunday, May 16 at 2:00 pm (Cathedral Basilica)
August 14 4:30 pm (Location TBD in Jacksonville)
A
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Faith & Freedom Family Kit from Sadlier Religion Publishing
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a faith-filled family resource from Sadlier Religion. This FREE downloadable kit helps children and families explore the Catholic story of America through engaging activities, prayer, and reflection.
Inside the kit:
- Saints & Catholic Heroes Matching Game
- Catholic History Timeline
- Patriotic Rosary Activity
- Prayers for Freedom and Our Nation
- Family faith activities
Perfect for Catholic families, parishes, schools, and summer faith formation.
Fill out the form to download your FREE Faith & Freedom Family Kit now.
Download available in English and Spanish
Get your free download
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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
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Public service announcement: Monica at OLSS is looking for materials from the Egypt VBS that you may have used last year. Email is: Monica's email
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Updated Certification Record Forms for Basic, Standard, and Continuing Formation (Level I, Level II, and Level III)
Diocesan Certification Policy (January, 2024)
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) | | |
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 (Level II) | | Continuing Formation (Level III) Opportunities | | |
A Trusting Heart & A World Too Small: Stories of Mother Cabrini
June 8, 2026 8:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Description
It's Sacred Heart Month! Which means we'll be talking about one of our FAVES -- St. Frances Xavier Cabrini! Join members of the CSI Team for 59-minutes or less to gather, pray, and reflect on what this great Italian-American immigrant has meant to our Catholic faith!
Link to register
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