July 2018
News and Views for
    Catechetical and  
         RCIA Leaders 
 
Published by  
The Catechetical Office
  Department of Youth Faith Formation 
Archdiocese of New York  
 
This Month
Family Catechesis
The Forums
Catechist Formation
Adult Confirmation
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Webmaster's Column
New York Catholic Bible School

Save the Date 

  

Of Special Note   

 

  NYC Public Schools Sex Education Mandate  

 

Columns & Quick Links

FROM THE DIRECTOR
 
Dear Director/Coordinator,     
During the past few months, I have had the joy of meeting you, your pastor, catechists, and assistants at many end-of-year celebrations in various regions, as well as at the annual Liturgy and Communio n Breakfast, at the New York Catholic Bible Summit, at the New York Catholic Bible School graduation, and at the Mystagogy days offered to the newly baptized. Each was a Spirit-filled occasion.
     Your own faith and commitment to the ministry of evangelizing catechesis here in the Archdiocese are always an inspiration.  My heart is full as I pray Paul's words to the Philippians 1:3
"Each time I think of you, I thank our gracious God."
     May the summer months give you some time for well deserved rest and renewal. Please pray for me and the staff as we do for you.
 
Union of prayer,
Sr. Joan 
Family Catechesis
Annual Enrichment Day
"The Catholic Family: Joy for the World
When: Saturday, Aug. 4
Where: Academy of Mt. St. Ursula, Bronx
Time:   10 am to 2 pm
Price:  $10 per person (includes morning hospitality and admission to two workshops). Bring your own lunch. 

Sponsored by the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office, the Department of Youth Faith Formation, and Our Sunday Visitor for directors and coordinators of religious education, and Family Catechesis team members. 
   Oscar Cruz, director of Family Catechesis. Sr. Nancy Elizabeth Doran, SSC, regional director for Manhattan, and Andrea Tighe, coordinator of religious education at St. Stanislaus in Pleasant Valley, will give English language presentations. Aida Hidalgo, consultant for Our Sunday Visitor, and Gina Brillantes, director of religious education, youth ministry, the Catechumenate, and adult faith formation for the parish of St. Cecilia-Holy Agony in Manhattan, will give the Spanish language workshops.
   More information and registration are here. 
The Forums for Catechesis &
Youth Ministry 
"Joy for the World"
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Cardinal Spellman High School
Bronx, New York

Saturday, October 27, 2018
Sacred Heart Parish
Monroe, New York  
Online Registration opens August 1
 
You don't have to wait until August 1 to invite your catechists, the parish youth ministers, and all interested adults in your parish to the Forums, sponsored by the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office, the Office of Youth Ministry, and the Department of Youth Faith Formation.
    Bishop Gerald T. Walsh, vicar for clergy, will celebrate the opening Liturgy at both sites. Juan Carlos Moreno, associate director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, will be the bilingual keynoter in the Bronx. Dr. Jo Ann Paradise, national catechetical consultant for Our Sunday Visitor, will deliver the keynoted address in Monroe.
  Make a note on your calendar to visit the website on August 1 to register for all the great workshops and presenters in store for  you.
Catechist Formation  
Catechist Formation Theology courses are being offered online through the Enlighten program sponsored by the Archdiocese of NY and Fordham Univeristy. The Enlighten program's Fall Sessions are now open for Registration.
September Session
Registration Open: June 1st, 2018-September 10th, 2018
September 10th, 2018 - Classes Start
October 19th, 2018 - Classes end
October Session
Registration Open: June 1st, 2018- October 22nd, 2018
October 22nd, 2018 - Classes Start
December 3rd, 2018 - Classes end

For more information on courses and registration, visit Catechist Formation Courses. 
 
For information on courses which complete Catechist Certification Levels One, Two, Three and Four, visit Path to Catechist Certification.   
Adult Confirmation  
Confirmation preparation classes for adults who have been baptized and received their First Communion, but were not able to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation will be available in September in Staten Island, Manhattan (English and Spanish classes) and the Bronx. Visit the Adult Confirmation website for all the details and schedules.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Level I Part II Formation Course
When: Friday July 13 through Friday, July 20
Place:   Mt. St. Francis, 250 South Street,    Peekskill, N.Y. 10566
Catechists who wish to register for this course must have completed Level One, Part I formation in order to take part in this class. More information, including schedules and registration, is available here.

Level 2 Part II Formation Course 
When: Friday, July 27 through Friday, August 3, 2018 
Place:  Mt. St. Francis, 250 South Street, Peekskill, N.Y. 10566.
Catechists who wish to take this court must have completed Level I and part I of Level Two. More information and registration details for Level 2 Part II are here.

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
 

 
By Jim Connell, Webmaster
   
All of us, but especially the young, are immersed in a culture of zapping. We can navigate simultaneously on two or more screens and interact at the same time with two or three virtual scenarios. Without the wisdom of discernment, we can easily become prey to every passing trend. (Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate)
     As I reflect upon the words of Pope Francis, I recognize that technology is an important tool.  It is a critical aspect to ministry as we evangelize and catechize.  However, we need to remember that technology is not a goal in itself.  In our catechetical endeavors, technology, per se, should never become the focus; it is only a tool.        
     Do you remember a time when you have been to a presentation where you came away only remembering the type of technology being used, but not the purpose of the presentation?  Or worse, when the technology didn't work and brought the presentation down with it! Showing a video, sharing a presentation, playing music can enhance a lesson or a meeting with your catechists.  But technology is never the point of the lesson.  We encourage the use of technology in catechetical situations when it supports religious experiences and learning. We use discernment to know when the use of technology is enhancing, when it is a distraction and, in some situations, when it should not be used at all!
    Moreover, it is important to be the kind of leader who encourages and models the use of technology.  To say to your catechists that it is important to incorporate technology into our presentations, but not use technology yourself undermines your leadership.  In fact, leadership by example is always best. Lead by example when you model appropriate uses of technology.
NY Catholic Bible Schoo
  The New York Catholic Bible School, which is part of the Catechist Formation program, provides Levels 3 and 4 Catechist Certification.
 If you are a catechist who has completed Levels 1 and 2 OR you are a director or coordinator of religious education and have completed the Catechetical Leadership Program, you are eligible for a significant discount. Your tuition will be $50 per trimester, three trimesters a year. There is no registration fee.
   Note that the Bible School welcomes all adults, not just those in the catechetical ministry. For these persons, there is an annual registration fee of $35; tuition is $150 per trimester. 

First-Year Classes now forming in Orange, Dutchess, Bronx and Manhattan.
 Visit the Bible School website for more on this program and then complete either an  "I'm Interested" or "I'm Ready to Apply" form on line. Be sure to indicate the locale in which you are interested. If you have any questions, contact Maureen McKew, the director.