Dear Pastoral Assistants of Faith Formation and Catechists,


Congratulations to all for the 175th anniversary of our Archdiocese. The Mass on the 31st of May was an emotive celebration in which we witnessed the diversity of cultures in one body: The Body of Christ. We also celebrated the collection of more than 288,000 hours or service. This is a demonstration of living the faith.

We are coming to the end of our catechetical year, and we have much to celebrate for the great number of the new elect who entered into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. We have also seen a large number of young people and adults who received or are about to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and we cannot leave behind the large number of children who celebrated or will celebrate their First Reconciliation and Holy Communion. There is no doubt that the Holy Spirit is working through you.

Since we have completed the celebration of most of the Sacraments in our parishes, I encourage you to ensure that records are entered into ParishStaq after entering them into the parish register. This will facilitate the proper compilation of data for the next Parish Annual Report. We have an incredible number of all the Sacraments and the documentation will reflect the wonderful pastoral and catechetical work they are doing throughout the archdiocese.


I hope you will take a breather during the summer months and recharge your batteries to begin a new catechetical year, and we will bring more families to a personal encounter with Jesus.


"Loving Father, we pray today for our catechists. We thank you for their gift and ministry in your Church. Grant them your wisdom so that they may grow in understanding and teaching your Word. Grant them also your love so that they may be fruitful heralds of your Word and lead others to love you. Pour out your Holy Spirit on them to give them wisdom about what is important; knowledge of the truths of the faith; understanding of its meaning; correct judgment on how to apply them in life; courage to persevere even in the face of adversity; reverence for all that is sacred and holy; and that loving zeal that leads others to a transforming encounter with his Son. We pray this through Christ, our Lord. Amen." (USCCB)


Carlos Carrillo

Director of the Department of Lifelong Formation

FAITH FORMATION NEWS


Annual Faith Formation Conference

June 10, 2025

Presenter: Dr. Joseph White

Learn more here

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Young Adult Retreat

July 11-13, 2026

Presenter: Brendan McCauley from the Humanum Project

Register here

Various dates in July

Under Mary’s Mantle of Hope

Attend this inspiring Marian Talk, by Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P

Learn more & register here

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Job Opportunities - Pastoral Assistant - Faith Formation II

The NE Seattle Catholic family is seeking to hire a faith-filled, enthusiastic, and organized individual to serve as Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation. This role will support the parish family mission of discipleship by coordinating formation programs for children, youth, and adults across the parish family. The ideal candidate will be an active Catholic, have a passion for catechesis, a collaborative work ethic, and strong communication skills. All who are interested are invited to apply! Learn more here


NE Seattle Catholic consists of the following parishes: Assumption, Our Lady of the Lake, and St. Bridget 

Implementation of the parish family’s commitment to forming future generations in the Catholic faith in a comprehensive manner, preparing them to become active disciples of Jesus Christ in the Church. This role includes providing leadership for the following elements at St. Francis of Assisi and St. Bernadette parishes: catechesis, evangelization, service, community building, spirituality, liturgy, guidance, and training. Oversee the development and implementation of programs, activities, curriculum for adults, senior high, middle school, elementary, and sacramental preparation. Learn more here

Families of Incarcerated (New Ministry!)

The Families of the Incarcerated Ministry is here to offer you compassion, community, and support as you navigate this challenging time. Launched in April 2025, this ministry is rooted in Sacred Heart Parish in Lacey, but our reach extends throughout the Archdiocese of Seattle. No matter where you are, we invite you to connect with us. Join our welcoming community in our monthly Zoom gatherings, where you’ll find understanding hearts and shared experiences. Zoom support groups occur every 1st Friday @ 11 AM and 3rd Saturday @ 11 AM.     

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Level I Summer Course

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based faith formation experience in which children and adults listen to God together in a retreat-like setting called the Atrium. The Sheepfold, a local consortium of communities offering CGS to families, is offering a 2-part formation course for adults to learn how to offer CGS to children ages 3-6. Part 1 will be offered in July 2025. The dates are July 11-13 and July 25-27. All of the 2025 dates will be offered at St. Monica’s on Mercer Island. Part 2 will be offered in July 2026 -- exact dates and location TBD.


This course will equip an adult to serve as a catechist in a Level I Atrium. It will include adult reflections, working with materials, group discussions, journaling, material making, and more. For more details and for information about registration, contact the Sheepfold Host Erin Webb (ewebb.sheepfold@gmail.com). For more information about this method of faith formation click here.  

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!

Catechetical Certification Program RENEWAL

If you become certified between 2017 and 2021 in Catechesis or Adult Faith Formation from our updated program and you are still active in teaching the faith, it’s time to renew your Certification at no cost. Please complete the renewal form and ask your pastor or Pastoral Assistant of Faith Formation to complete the practicum form. Visit the Catechetical Certification Program page to learn more and access the required forms.


Catechetical Certification Program ADVANCED DEGREES

Initial catechetical certification for parish catechists with an advanced degree in catholic theology/related field from an accredited catholic university. Visit the Catechetical Certification Program page to access the form.

Lifelong Formation Support Meetings

Remaining dates for this year!


PAFF Support: June 11, 2025 (Wednesday)

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Passcode: 471593


Christian Initiation Support: June 17, 2025

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Passcode: 589327


The support meetings will now be held on a quarterly basis. Please take note of the dates below for the specific ministry meeting dates for next year! All meetings take place on Tuesdays at 12:00 noon via Zoom. Links for the Zoom meetings will be made available soon.

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

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

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

MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE

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Save the Dates!

Betrothed Marriage Prep Retreats

October 24-26, 2025

 February 27 - March 1, 2026

Registration will be available July 2025

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 JUNE.

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.

Pentecost - June 8

Trinity Sunday -

June 15

Father's Day -

June 15

Time with Dad - Celebrate Father’s Day by playing a game with Dad to reveal what you enjoy doing with him. Have fun as a family.

Juneteenth-

June 19

Corpus Christi -

June 22

Nativity of John the Baptist -

June 24

Immaculate Heart of Mary -

June 28

Religious Freedom Week: Witness to Hope - June 22-29

Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all. Beginning June 22, the feast of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, the USCCB invites Catholics to pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom.

Pray - Reflect - Act

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

FAITH FORMATION IDEAS

June Devotion - Sacred Heart of Jesus


Summer Time Faith Ideas

UPCOMING EVENTS

PAFF Conference - June 10, 2025, at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center, Federal Way


Theology of the Body Young Adult Retreat - July 11-13, 2025 at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center, Federal Way

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