Dear Pastoral Assistants of Faith Formation and Catechists,

August is a month in which we dedicate ourselves to developing our plans and begin the processes/programs for our families in our parishes and we take this occasion to take a breather and renew our energy and passion for our ministry.

I remind you to go to our resource page and visit the pages of our publishing companies who have made an effort to update their content and emphasize the importance of family catechesis. The archdiocese constantly checks that the companies are on the conformity list of the USCCB. Click here to find these links.


I also take this opportunity to inform you that I have accepted a position as director of pastoral ministries in a parish family and my last day in the Chancery will be at the end of August. I have had the honor of working with you who form part of a group of people with a strong faith and a deep love for passing it on and offering opportunities to have a personal experience with the Lord in every parish I have been in contact with.



Your effort as a witness, your dedication, and pastoral service have been an inspiration and have helped me to grow personally, intellectually, and spiritually. Thank you so much for being a part of my journey and service during these seven years and I trust that the person who takes this position will continue the work and take it to the next step. I will miss you greatly, but I know that I count on with your prayers.


God bless you always and continue to evangelize, catechize and bring more people to an intimate encounter with the Lord.


With kind regards,

 

Carlos Carrillo

Director of the Department of Lifelong Formation

FAITH FORMATION NEWS

NEW! Adaptive Catechesis Resource Page!

A new webpage has been added to our resource website dedicated to helpful resources in Adaptive Catechesis. There are sample programming ideas, administrative forms, and other helpful links to assist parishes in working with all different abilities. Take a look and let us know if you have any questions or have additional resources that would be helpful to add.

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Orientation Sessions For New OCIA Coordinators and Volunteers

This online training will offer practical tools for attending to the many facets of this role and provide practical advice for turning obstacles into opportunities.

The presenters will tackle team creation and formation, discernment, marriage and annulment issues, paperwork, collaboration with clergy, and more. The presenters will provide you with support and answer your questions. A basic understanding of the OCIA ritual text is a prerequisite for attending this series. August 26, September 2 and 9, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm via Zoom.

Learn more and register. Spanish sessions also available.

Archdiocesan Children's Prayer Book

If you would like to order printed copies for your programs, please fill out the order form.

  • Credit card payments can be taken at time of ordering or you can choose to pay later (send check or be billed - parish only).
  • Order form is available online so you can refer parents/guardians to visit the webpage and order directly.
  • Spanish/English & Vietnamese/English bilingual versions are available online only.
  • Contact Lisa Hillyard with any questions.


Place orders for your programs starting in the Fall!

(for printed copies)

ParishStaq Monthly Office Hours

Do you have questions about how to use ParishStaq? Bring your questions to Monthly CSM* Office Hours for Ministry Leaders *CSM- Pushpay Customer Success Manager.

Tuesdays at 1 PM (Monthly)

Please note the Parish Annual Report training opportunity on June 5th!

Lifelong Formation Support Meetings

Starting in the fall, our support meetings will now occur quarterly! Please see below for specific dates and Zoom information for each meeting. We look forward to meeting with you online starting in September!

PAFF Support

Anyone working in Faith Formation can join these meetings to network, share ideas, ask questions or just visit with others working in faith formation.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2025

DECEMBER 9, 2025

MARCH 10, 2026

JUNE 9, 2026

2nd Tuesday of the month


Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 864 5781 8172

Passcode: 536483


OCIA Support

Parish staff working in OCIA share good practices, ideas to improve current processes, tips on how to deal with difficult concerns, and ideas to celebrate the Rites.

OCTOBER 21, 2025

JANUARY 20, 2026

APRIL 15, 2026

JULY 21, 2026

3rd Tuesday of the month


Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 842 6568 4119

Passcode: 559697


M&FL Support

Anyone working in ministry with Marriage and Family Life can join these meetings to network, share ideas, ask questions, or just visit with others.

NOVEMBER 25, 2025

FEBRUARY 24, 2026

MAY 27, 2026

AUGUST 25, 2026

4th Tuesday of the month


Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 832 3928 5444

Passcode: 140295


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Catechetical Sunday 2025

The 2025 theme encourages us to be prepared to share the basis of our faith, the Lord, and the hope He provides. In the same manner Saint Peter encouraged the believers of his time, the scripture reminds us, the sharing should be done with gentleness and respect.

Readings I Poster (English) I Poster (Spanish)


Click here to order and download materials


“Always be ready to give an explanation…for a reason for your hope”

1 Pet 3:15

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Start with Sunday Readings Resource

Start with Sunday is to equip parishes to create an environment where children, their parents, and the distinctive learning needs of all are welcomed. Get readings, animated videos, and fun activities delivered to your inbox weekly. Share with your parish community or use in your faith formation programming. Click here to learn more and to subscribe.

MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE

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REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR BOTH DATES!


Retrouvaille is for couples struggling in their marriages, even those considering divorce. No matter the source of the hurt, couples can find healing with Retrouvaille. Through a weekend experience plus six follow-up sessions, couples learn to communicate once again, to reconnect with and rediscover each other. For confidential information about Retrouvaille Seattle, call (206) 706-2608 or visit the Retrouvaille Seattle website.

LITURGICAL CALENDAR

Be sure to check the Liturgical Calendar pages in both English and Spanish. These pages will contain who and what the Church celebrates specifically in the month of AUGUST.

Please note: If you receive this newsletter before the beginning of the next month, content on the webpage will update on the 1st of each month.

Click on images to access videos

St. Alphonsus Liguori - August 1

St. John Vianney - August 4

St. Alphonsus de Liguori,

The Gentle Shepherd

Saint John Vianney: The Patron Saint of Parish Priests

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The Transfiguration of the Lord - August 6

The Transfiguration of the Lord, Cycle C - Sunday Connection, background and activities to better understand the upcoming Sunday's Scripture readings.

Understanding the Transfiguration - Proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah.

St. Clare of Assisi - August 11

St. Maximilian Kolbe - August 14

St Clare of Assisi Story

Fill-the-Gaps

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Maximilian Kolbe: 7 Quotes His Courageous Spirit of Faith

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The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - August 15

The Assumption of Mary: 12 Things to Know and Share


Understanding and Celebrating the Feast of the Assumption


Why the Assumption of Mary Is So Important

For more feast days & observances not included here, visit the Liturgical Calendar resource page.

FAITH FORMATION IDEAS

August Devotion - Immaculate Heart of Mary

Love Amidst Sorrow: The Symbolism of the Immaculate Heart of Mary


The symbolism behind Mary’s Immaculate Heart


Talking with kids about the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Back to School

Fun Catholic Ice Breaker Games


10 Tips for Catechists from the Blessed Virgin Mary


Notes to a Newbie Catechist - On Surviving — and Thriving — in Catechetical Ministry


Patron of Students Back-to-School Treat

UPCOMING EVENTS

Annual Youth Minister & Volunteer Training & Networking 2025 - August 23, 2025 at Holy Family Church, Kirkland


Orientation Sessions For New OCIA Coordinators and Volunteers - August 26th, September 2nd and September 9th, online via Zoom.


New Lifelong Minister Orientation & Fall Gathering - September 15-16, at Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center - Info coming soon!

To sign up for the Faith Formation newsletter, click on this link:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/LCTmY8s/FFnews

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ARCHDIOCESE OF SEATTLE

Lifelong Formation