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Dear Pastoral Assistants of Faith Formation and Catechists,
May is a month dedicated to the devotion of Virgin Mary, Blessed Mother of God. She is our model as catechist; she was the first proclaimer of the mystery (Lk 1:39-40) manifested by her attitude of openness and meditation on the Word that God has addressed to her. Most of us catechists, have a devotion to Virgin Mary as part of our spiritual lives.
Julianne Stanz, Director of Outreach for Evangelization and Discipleship at Loyola Press has an article in which she presents the 3 aspects of the life of Mary, drawn from Evangelii Gaudium and encourage us to use these as a guide for our ministries.
These aspects are:
- Finding God in all things
- Pointing to Jesus
- Seeking out help
To read the full article, click here.
John Paul II assured us that Mary was the first of Christ's disciples. She kept most of the lessons received in her heart. Mary was both Mother and disciple. Let us follow Mary's example by keeping God's Word in our hearts, discerning God's will, and proclaiming the Good News in our current society that needs missionary disciples.
Carlos Carrillo
Director of the Department of Lifelong Formation
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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.
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Season of Service
To honor our local history, while embracing our Catholic Social teachings, we will host a “Season of Service.” From March 1 - May 31, 2025, local Catholics, parishes, schools, ministries and families are invited to participate in service with the goal of reaching 175,000 collective hours of service across Western Washington. Click here to learn more.
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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.
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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.
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Tuesdays at 1 PM on the following days:
May 20th at 1:00pm
June 24th at 1:00pm
| | NEW FLYER with helpful resources for Faith Formation leaders! | | |
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.
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May 7, 2025
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Hotel Murano, Tacoma
(Optional morning prayer at 8:45 am)
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A History of Initiation Practices and an Examination of the OCIA
Join us as we explore the entire contents of the OCIA-Parts I, Part II, and appendices. How do we choose the “right rite”? What are particular circumstances? How do we respect the baptismal status of those seeking full communion with the Church? What’s new in the 2024 edition? What’s not? These presentations are part of the annual NW Region Canon Law Conference. Info& Registration
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May 8, 2025
10:15 am - 3:30 pm
Vietnamese Martyrs, Tukwila
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Co-Workers in the Vineyard Convocation
Join us at the Convocation for Lay Ecclesial Ministers! Archbishop Etienne will kick off the day sharing about how we can best serve the Church in this next phase of Partners in the Gospel. Then, we will offer opportunities for networking with other ministers. Info & Registration
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May 24, 2025
7:00 am - 4:15 pm
Holy Rosary, Edmonds
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Iron Sharpens Iron Seattle Men's Conference
All men are invited to this powerful day of fellowship, worship, and growth as we delve into what it means to live as authentic Catholic Christian men in today’s world. Our theme this year, “Reformed Through Love: Becoming the man you are called to be.”Info & Registration
| | PAFF Support and Christian Initiation/OCIA Support Meetings | | |
PAFF Support
Please see below for the dates for the PAFF Support meetings. Anyone working in Faith Formation can join these meetings to network, share ideas, ask questions or just visit with others working in faith formation. Meetings are at 12:00 noon.
May 13, 2025
June 11, 2025 (Wednesday)
CLICK HERE TO JOIN
Passcode: 471593
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OCIA Support
Parish staff working in OCIA can share good practices, ideas to improve current processes, suggestions in how to deal with difficult circumstances, and ideas to celebrate the Rites. Meetings are at 12:00 noon.
May 20, 2025
June 17, 2025
CLICK HERE TO JOIN
Passcode: 589327
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NEW! Marriage and Family Life Ministry Support Meeting
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
12:00 Noon
Anyone working in ministry with Marriage and Family Life can join these meetings to network, share ideas, ask questions, or just visit with others.
| | | | | The At Home with Faith newsletter will be sent separately outside of the Faith Formation newsletter. If you would like to receive it directly, please email lisa.hillyard@seattlearch.org. | | | | |
Save the Dates!
Betrothed Marriage Prep Retreats
October 24-26, 2025
February 27 - March 1, 2026
Registration will be available July 2025
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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 MAY.
| | 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. | | |
St. Joseph the Worker -
May 1
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Our Lady of Fatima -
May 13
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St. Rita of Cascia -
May 22
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The Ascension of the Lord - May 29 | |
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Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - May 31 | |
| | | For more feast days & observances not included here, visit the Liturgical Calendar resource page. | | |
Mental Health Awareness Month
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A History of Initiation Practices and an Examination of the OCIA - May 7, 2025, at Hotel Murano, Tacoma
Co-Workers in the Vineyard Convocation - May 8, 2025 at Vietnamese Martyrs Church, Tukwila
Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conference - May 24, 2025 at Holy Rosary Church, Edmonds
PAFF Conference - June 10, 2025, at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center, Federal Way
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ARCHDIOCESE OF SEATTLE
Lifelong Formation
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