Volume XIV, Issue XXXXVI November 17, 2025 | |
Echoes~
Your Weekly Catechetical News from the
Office of Christian Formation
| | The bishops of the United States have discerned to consecrate the U.S. to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding. This will occur in June, 2026. | |
"Leo from Chicago" - The Documentary
The Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova is pleased to share a new documentary created by Vatican Media about the roots of Robert Francis Prevost in his native United States. Partially filmed at the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova and Villanova University, it follows an itinerary that begins with Pope Leo's childhood in Dolton, through the memories of his brothers Louis and John, and continues among schools and universities, communities, and parishes. It features the voices of confreres, teachers, classmates, and longtime friends.
Youtube 52 minute (very interesting look into his life and into the Augustinian charism)
The documentary is a production of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Apostolate El Sembrador Nueva Evangelización (ESNE), broadcast on the official channels of Vatican Radio – Vatican News.
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The celebration of the 90th anniversary of NCCL was a great acknowledgment of the role that this organization has had in the formation of the faithful for almost a century. The gathering looked at its own history, but also focused on how to envision the future.
The general sessions were livestreamed and are now available at NCCL Catholic 90 Handouts from all sessions will be available,
While I should not have favorites, being on the board and committee, I found the opening and closing dialogues to be the most enriching. The seminars on Digital Approaches in Faith Formation and Trends and Effective Practices in Young Adult Faith Formation were packed with ideas that I will share over the coming weeks in this spot.
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Discover Your Path to Service, Leadership and Faith Formation
The Diocesan Lay Ministry Program (MFP) is a path for those who desire to be recognized leaders in faith formation in the Diocese of St. Augustine. Now entering its 35th year, the MFP has formed several hundred of the faithful for service to the mission of Jesus Christ.
As we begin our initial recruitment for suitable candidates for the Class of 2029, we invite pastors and current leaders to help us look for these individuals and to invite them to at last learn about the benefits of commissioned lay ministry. if we are planning for the current and future mission of the Church, we need capable and formed people to lead the way.
The MFP Office is hosting 6 information sessions across the diocese for people to learn more about the program, its benefits, its requirements, and to begin a period of discernment for this upcoming year that begins in August.
Sessions will be held:
December 9 Catholic Center 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
January 20 Holy Spirit Parish 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Sunday, February 8 at Holy Faith, Gainesville 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm (following 11:15 am Mass)
February 17 at San Sebastian parish, St. Augustine 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
March 3 at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
March 24 at Sacred Heart, Fleming Island 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm
A RSVP is very helpful, but not absolutely necessary. Please share.
Email Ann at Lay Ministry Email
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January 12, 2026 6:30- 8:30 pm
St. Catherine of Siena
1649 Kingsley Blvd
Orange Park
Family Life Center
It Starts at Home: Empowering Parents with Confidence and Tools
Teachers and Catechists traditionally have had an exclusive focus on child faith formation. But we know engaging parents in a child’s faith is critical. Consider why parents are so important and how we can support and contribute, in practical ways, to equip parents to pass on the Catholic faith in their family.
This will be open to all: those who teach, but also parents looking for some practical tips on creating the domestic church.
Jotform to register
Dr. Kathie Amidei serves as Pastoral Associate at St. Anthony on the Lake Parish in Wisconsin. She was formerly the Associate Director for Catechesis and Child Ministry for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. She has served in a number of parishes as a teacher and a director of religious education. She holds a BS in Education, a MA in Theology and a Doctorate in Education and Leadership. Kathie is a national speaker and writer for Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division. She is the co-author of, The Journey: A Guide for Persons, Partners and Parents, and Learning Together: Forming Faith in Families.
Her passion is to help families engage in their journey of faith in meaningful and practical ways and to infuse parish catechetical ministry with effective and relevant approaches and programing.
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January 13, 2026
Catechetical Leader Gathering
Hurley Conference Room
Catholic Center
Dr. Kathie Amidei
Sponsored by Our Sunday Visitor
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Moving the Needle on Family Faith Formation
Every Catechetical Church document is clear about the importance of the role of families in cultivating faith. Research is mounting about the urgency of parent involvement to effectively pass on faith from generation to generation. Yet, it remains a challenging paradigm shift in our parishes to integrate family involvement and move toward a partnership between parents and parish. This session will offer several approaches parishes can consider that integrate intergenerational family formation into traditional models of religious education. It will offer practical ways to encourage family faith practices and enhance communication with parents, through ideas that resonate with families to nurture faith.
Jotform to register
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OCIA Conference
The details for this conference are now available. With a generous donation from the Catholic Foundation and budgeted training monies, we are able to address the additional workshops you requested last year.
We are also teaming with Initiation Ministry Partners out of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
Our host site will be:
Sacred Heart Parish, the Family Life Center
5752 Blanding Blvd.
There will be 4 workshops. Each one is $10 and you can register for one, two, three, or all four. The price for all 4 is $35 which includes lunch on Saturday.
Friday, January 30, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Forming an OCIA Teams, skills for Group Facilitation, and Engaging the Entire Parish (Erin McGeever~ English only)
Saturday, January 31 9:00 am - 10:45 am
Year-Round Catechumenate/One Year Catechumenate
(Darleine Arca Hernandez and Lorraine Miller ~Spanish and English)
Saturday, January 31, 2026 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
The Rites of the OCIA (Fr. Tom Willis ~ English only)
Saturday, January 31, 2026 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
OCIA with Children
(Darleine Arca Hernandez and Lorraine Miller ~Spanish and English)
Jotform to register if you are bringing your whole team, contact Erin for a deal.
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Reception into Communion of an Orthodox Christian
When preparing people from the Orthodox tradition for full communion the reception is simple. First of all, they are normally not part of an OCIA process...they have already accepted the Gospel and all the sacraments they have received are valid. None of the Rites are applicable to them, including the Rite of Election. They have already been chosen.
The OCIA #474 calls for “a simple profession of the Catholic faith.” Following at #491 the candidate would recite the Nicene Creed and make the statement that begins “I believe and profess.” Then 492 follows Confirmation is omitted, and the priest resumes at 495. This reception of Orthodox candidates can be done throughout the year when they have discerned that the Roman Catholic Church is where they want to continue their faith journey.
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Office of Christian Formation is participating in IGive Catholic on Tuesday, December 2
Like many of the ministries of the diocese, the OCF is participating in IGive Catholic. Our goal this year is $3,000 to be used to defray the costs of our Persons with Disabilities Conference to be held in April. This bilingual conference is a joint project with the NCPD, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. There will be 4 distinctive areas covered at this conference: inclusion, adapting classrooms, autism, and mental/physical delays.
The office has already received a grant from the Lilly Foundation to fund the Spanish Track for this conference.
Any monies raised above our goal will be used for materials for those attending the conference as well as for our resource center.
Lots of good things to give to...I hope you will consider this one which will benefit so many.
Advanced Giving begins on Monday, November 17 and will continue until December 1. Giving Tuesday is December 2.
DOSAformation Giving page
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Our Diocesan Eucharistic Encounter event will be held March 6 and 7, 2026 in two locations. On Friday night, we will be at Queen of Peace in Gainesville. On Saturday, we will be at St. Joseph Parish in Jacksonville. This Eucharistic Encounter will have at its heart an evangelization focus, particularly in how it the Eucharist draws us closer to Christ.
Our keynote speaker for both days will be Julianne Stanz. She will be joined by our other main speakers, Fr. Stephen Gadberry and Dr. Gerardo Salazar.
| | Julianne Stanz is the former
Director of Evangelization in the Diocese of Green Bay, a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization and the current Director of Evangelization and Formation for Loyola Press. Loyola is sponsoring some of the costs of Julianne’s visit here. | | Dr. Gerardo Salázar will present in the Spanish tracks at both locations. Dr. Salazar is the former Director of Evangelization and Catechesis with Hispanics for the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston. Gerardo is the National Bilingual Consultant for Sadlier Religion, who will sponsor him for us. He is a popular and engaging speaker on the topic of evangelizing catechesis. | | |
Fr. Stephen Gadberry will be speaking in both the English and Spanish tracks. He is a priest of the Diocese of Little Rock and a Fellow of the Word on Fire Institute. A man of many interests, he appeared on season 10 of American Ninja, enjoys making music, archery, and also preaching the Gospel.
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Circle of Grace Lessons
The date for the completion of the Circle of Grace Religion/Safe Environment lessons is December 15. Proof of completion: the evaluation sheets or a note to the respective office (Education, OCF, or Youth) giving dates and number of participants is due by that date.
If an extension is needed for a short period of time, please contact the respective office.
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New Resource from the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis
“Inviting Young Adults into Dialogue: A Guide for Bishops and Church Leaders”
In response to the USCCB mandate’s special focus on young adults and the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis’ priority on reaching young adults, a resource has been created with recommendations and best practices for engaging and dialoguing with young adults. Titled Inviting Young Adults into Dialogue: A Guide for Bishops and Church Leaders, It is available here for Download
A webinar for discussion of the resource will be hosted by Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Chairman, and Bishop Francis J. Kalabat, Chair of the Young Adult Outreach working group on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 3:00pm-4:00 pm eastern time.
Register for the Zoom here
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For Children and Families
Catholic Icing Advent and Christmas Crafts , worksheets, prayers
Celebrating Advent as a Family For Your Marriage Resources
Diocese of Erie Jesse Tree Resources Jesse tree symbols in two sizes with prayers
Loyola Press Advent Resources a lot of materials for classroom and home
McGrath Institute 3 D Nativity Free downloadable to create your own, coloring kit
Sadlier Advent Resources Advent calendar, prayers, St. Nicholas Activity, all bilingual
General
Advent Conspiracy ~ An ecumenical set of resources
Busted Halo Advent Resources ~ Advent calendar, Advent in Two Minutes, 10 meaningful things to do this Advent (geared toward a young adult population)
Catholic Apostolate Center A variety of resources, Youtubes, etc
Catholic Climate Covenant For the first time, the folks at Catholic Climate are providing Advent Resources, some they have created and others from other organizations.
Hallow complete guide to Advent 2025
Ignatian Spirituality Reflections, prayers, online retreat
Maryknoll Advent Resources 2025 This year's theme is: No Room at the Inn: Advent, Migration and Radical Welcome. They are hosting several online events, many of which are bilingual. They are also providing weekly discussion guides.
Praying the O Antiphons McGrath Institute Resource
The Returning ~ a musical reflection Janet Sullivan Whitaker
USCCB Advent Resources 2025
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"Last year, we shared with you a free faith-sharing session, Loss and Transition: Coping With Grief During the Holidays, with you. Our goal was to support individuals and communities in dealing with the difficult topic of grief during the holiday season. This year, we share it again in the hope that you will find it a meaningful way to offer comfort and connection to those facing loss, especially during a season often marked by togetherness and joy.
We hope that this free resource will help you gather the people in your community who are grieving this holiday season and offer them comfort and support."
Renew International
Download the English session
Descargue la sesion
| | Basic Certification (Level I) | | Standard Certification (Level II) | | Continuing Formation (Level III) Opportunities | | |
The Notre Dame Office of Life and Human Dignity is excited to announce our Fall 2025 Conversations that Matter series —
“Witnessing to Hope and Reconciliation: Human Dignity and the Death Penalty.”
In a prophetic call to all believers, St. Pope John Paull II urged all followers of Christ to be “unconditionally pro-life,” by proclaiming, serving, and celebrating the “Gospel of Life in all situations,” including through the abolition of the death penalty (Pope John Paul II Papal Mass, St. Louis, Missouri, January 27, 1999).
Join us for this special two episode series cosponsored by Catholics Mobilizing Network. We’ll explore the state of the death penalty in the United States in light of Church teaching, feature stories of hope and reconciliation, and share how you can get involved in the movement to abolish the death penalty. Speakers for each episode:
November 19
Robert Dunham Death Penalty Policy Project
Monique Lee-Coleman Sister of exoneree Ryan Matthews
Margaret Pfeil Professor of Ethics at Notre Dame
Link to register
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Building Community around Your Parish Name-Sake Saint
Tue, Dec 2, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST
In this practical webinar, Woodeene Koenig-Bricker—author of Praying with the Saints— will share simple, accessible ways to intentionally integrate your parish’s saint into the lived experience of your parishioners—from learning how and why the saint was chosen, to identifying key themes from their life that can become organizing principles for parish identity and mission.
And if your parish is not named for a saint, you still have a saintly guide. Every Catholic parish has a saint’s relic embedded in the altar. We’ll explore how to uncover who that saint is and how their life can become a starting point for building deeper devotion and connection in your community.
This session will also include ideas for:
• incorporating your saint’s story into parish formation, especially during Advent, Lent, and sacramental preparation
• using your saint as a unifying anchor across ministries and generations
• strengthening parish pride and Catholic identity by telling the story of your saint well
Your parish’s saint is not just a name on a sign. They are a gift, a model, and a source of grace for your community. Discover how to bring their witness to life—and how it can renew and energize your parish today.
Go to this webinar
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From our Friends in the Diocese of Savannah...
We are happy to announce that registration is now open for the Catholic Women's Conference on January 24, 2026 in Savannah! This is the same conference that was "snowed out" last year!
We are excited to welcome our speakers, Danielle Bean and Mary Bielski, to lead us in "Celebrating the Feminine Genius"!
And we are happy to report that the conference will be held here at St. James again.
Early bird registration is open through Dec. 1!
Link to more information: speaker bios, location, schedule, and link to register easily.
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