Families & Schools of Discipleship
Office of Children & Youth Faith Formation
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This monthly e-newsletter serves catechetical and youth ministry leaders in the Diocese of Green Bay by furnishing them with updates, events and other resources helpful to them in their ministry of fostering households and communities of discipleship.
Discover Jesus. Follow Jesus. Worship Jesus. Share Jesus with others.
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Notices, Updates, Events
Generally Useful Information
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Time Once Again for Our Annual Report!
The Office of Child & Youth Faith Formation collects enrollment numbers annually from each parish religious education/faith formation program. This year, we'd also like to hear about the curriculum you're using in Grades K-12, so there are a few questions about that, too.
Please gather your enrollment numbers and take 10-15 minutes to complete this report before Thanksgiving, November 24th, after which, we'll reach out to the parishes we haven't heard from so that we have 100% response by the end of the calendar year. Please help us out by responding as soon as possible.
Would you please submit your annual report before Thanksgiving? Thank you!!
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Nuts & Bolts for New Administrators
November 17th 9-11am via Zoom
This will be the third installment of this series (final one set for March 23), designed to assist new catechetical leaders/youth ministers by providing timely, practical guidance, encouragement and support. Whether you've been able to attend the other sessions this year, or not, please consider joining us for this one!
The agenda will include:
- Welcome, introductions, prayer
- Answers to your questions about First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation preparations
- Addressing questions about RE homeschooling
- Explanation of the RCIA procedure for older students who need baptism
- Exploration of summer youth opportunities
- Discovery of the 12 Keys to Successful Ministry
This session will be via Zoom and will be recorded/posted afterward.
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Last Call for All 8th Graders:
Vocation Fair November 9th
Who? 8th grade RE students!
What/Why? Fun, faith-filled evening to explore what a vocation is and how to discover God's call.
Where? Sacred Heart Parish, Appleton
When? Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Schedule: 5:30pm Arrival and Fair; 6-6:15 Welcome & Prayer; 6:15 Keynote with Jonathan "Bearded" Blevins; 7pm Understanding Vocations + Prayer
Cost: No Fee to Attend, but please register. Free gift for all attendees!
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Please register to attend the Vocations Fair by Noon, November 2, 2022 | |
GBYC: November 12
Finalize your list and Register by 11:59pm Tomorrow, November 2!
Now that you've registered your student group to attend GBYC on November 12th at the Shrine (You haven't done that yet? Here's the registration page), make sure to read the info sheet (link below) and make your final preparations to attend! See you at the Shrine!
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Registration deadline has been extended to tomorrow, Nov. 2 11:59pm!
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You really don't want your high schoolers to miss these two dynamic speakers:
Jonathan Bearded Blevins is the founder of The BeardedBlevins Stream Team which is a new media endeavor that seeks to Find the Good in Gaming. With over 15 years of ministry experience, Jonathan has spoken at public events globally; retreats, conferences and trainings.
Maggie Melchior is a joyful Catholic disciple of Jesus. Born in Maryland, she grew up in Green Bay, went to college in Madison, and has been in parish ministry since 2008. She loves coffee, cooking, crafting, and conversation and is excited for a great day at GBYC!
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Please keep in mind that GBYC qualifies as a retreat in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. | |
Looking for a Service Project in the GB Area?
Operation Turkey Bag!
Help us deliver a little love to folks who have to work on Thanksgiving by cooking, packing and/or delivering special Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich sack lunches in the Green Bay Area!
For a description of the volunteer opportunities, please visit this webpage which includes details and sign-up instructions.
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Save the Date:
Steubenville Trip is Back!
Rochester, MN July 14-16, 2023
Our office invites you to join us as we return to Steubenville Conferences this summer.
Registration will be done by group leaders via our GB Resources website.
Please start praying about inviting students now. The trip will be open to all high school students (including graduating seniors).
Parishes will be required to provide VIRTUS and background checked chaperones (over the age of 21) to accompany students on the trip.
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Media Blitz: Franciscan at Home
Letting Folks Know About It!
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In addition to serving as the Diocese' method of forming catechists/teachers, Franciscan at Home is also available to parents, parishioners and anyone who wants to grow in their relationship to Jesus Christ.
Topics include:
- The Ministry of Parenting
- Culture of Life
- Forming Faith at Home
- Eucharistic Renewal
- Many, many more; invite your families to check it out!
For your information and reference, here are some helpful links to get started as a catechetical leader:
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Just for you in November:
The Catechetical Institute is continuing its FREE 2022 webinar series to support catechists, teachers, and leaders! On Tuesday, November 8th at 1pm CST, join the webinar "Making Parents Primary & Helping Parents Strengthen Catholic Identity in the Home" CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR.
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New Mental Health Webinar Series
Next up: Harm Reduction Strategies, December 13
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay presents the 2022-2023 Mental Health Webinar Series. These are one-hour webinars addressing key issues facing the mental health of our students. Zoom link below. All webinars are at 10:30am and will be recorded. Next up:
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December 13: "Understanding Harm Reduction Strategies" featuring Jane DePrey, Hospital Sisters Health System. With fentanyl and other drugs significantly on the rise with youth, this presentation will incorporate a spectrum of strategies to help with those who may have an addiction. Topics include abstinence, meeting people “where they’re at,” and addressing conditions of use along with the use itself. Because harm reduction demands that interventions and policies designed to serve people reflect specific individual and community needs, there is no universal definition of or formula for implementing harm reduction.
This webinar series is for Catholic school teachers, principals, guidance counselors, campus ministers, youth ministers, catechetical leaders, and catechists.
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2023 Annual Essay/Art Contest
Theme: The Holy Family
Three artwork winners from each age group, K-8, will be chosen by a diocesan panel of judges. This winning artwork will be sent to the Missionary Childhood Association National Christmas Artwork Contest. 24 national winners will be selected by MCA and this winning art will appear as e-greeting 2023 Christmas cards at //www.missio.org/resources and winners are celebrated in December.
All winners will receive a commemorative plaque. One prize winners’ art will become the official Christmas card for the National Director, Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington of the Pontifical Mission Society in the United States.
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Calendar
Upcoming dates you should know about.
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CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RE/YM CALENDAR FOR 2022-23
Dates to Keep in Mind:
Now - Dec 1: Catholic Foundation Grant Application Window Open
Nov 1: RE Annual Report Launch Date
Nov 3: Rest, Renew, Restore
Nov 9: Vocations Fair for 8th Graders at Sacred Heart Parish, Appleton
Nov 12: GBYC at the Shrine!
Nov 24: It's Thanksgiving; have you submitted your Annual Report? (See above)
Nov 24-25: Thanksgiving Observance (Diocesan Offices Closed)
Nov 27: First Sunday of Advent
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Resources
Studies, media, and materials to help you do what you do.
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Advent starts at the end of the month (Nov. 27 to be precise). Here are some resources:
Bayard Faith Resources offers Thanksgiving and Advent materials to supplement your curriculum. Many are bundled for cost savings. Visit Bayard.
Ignatius Press' Advent collection is on sale. Includes books, music and the Little Lamb Advent Calendar.
Joe Paprocki's Catechists' Journey website offers a myriad of articles and resources about sharing the joy of Advent with our catechists, students and families.
"The Wisemen Who Found Christmas" by Raymond Arroyo is one of the featured Advent/Christmas resources from Sophia Institute.
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NCCL (National Community of Catechetical Leaders) has been transformed and continues its work as a community of catechetical leaders to creatively address the new challenges and opportunities facing the ministries of evangelization and catechesis in today's world. Membership, which is free, gives you access to services, resources and events to support you in your ministry through its new website. |
Share Your Wisdom!
Have a resource that you've found helpful in training staff or engaging students? Watched a video that deepened your faith and led you closer to Jesus?
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If you need anything; prayers, a listening ear, or other support, please do not hesitate to contact us. We appreciate ALL that you are doing to advance His kingdom!!
Maximus Cabey, Director
Child & Youth Faith Formation
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Quick Links
Information at your fingertips.
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"Diocese of Green Bay RE/YM"
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Families & Schools of Discipleship | Diocese of Green Bay
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