Thank you...

...to all the folks who helped make the 42nd Annual Faith Formation Day a success... publishers, speakers, volunteers, participants, Bishop Pohlmeier for his presence.

Mark your calendars for the 43rd Annual Faith Formation Day on October 2, 2027 for next's year's event. Our main sponsor will be Loyola Press.

Created for Greatness~ Theology of the Body

Created for Greatness, our training program for those who teach Theology of the Body curriculum, is being offered again this fall. This is part of our partnership with the University of Notre Dame.

The training starts October 19.

Created for Greatness - Diocese of St. Augustine (October 2026)

https://mcgrathcatalog.nd.edu/courses/26-10-created-for-greatness-st-augustine

Since the Diocese of St. Augustine is one of our Partner Dioceses, please remind participants to use the code STAUGUSTINE at checkout to receive a 50% discount on this course. The OCF reimburses the other 50% of the costs.

Also, this course is suitable for Level III.

Adult Confirmation

Bihsop Pohlemeier will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on Adult Catholics on 3 occasions this year. Adult Catholics are those over the age of 18 who have been baptized Catholic and who have received First Communion.

The dates and locatons are:

January 16, 2027 at Epiphany Parish 5:00 pm Vigil Mass

May 16, 2027 at the Cathedral Basilica at a 2:00 pm Mass

August 14, 2027 at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish 4:30 pm Vigil Mass

We will be taking registrations 8 weeks prior through Jotform in a two-week window, unless the celebration is full. You will need to have all information, including the Baptism certificate, sponsor suitability ready in order to use the form.

Coming soon:

Roundtable sharing on the OCIA . I will be setting up a Q and A on the OCIA in 3 locations. I am confirming locations. Dates and general locations are:

Sunday, November 15 from 1:00 pm -3:30 pm Gainesville area

Tuesday, December 1 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Jacksonville area

Tuesday, January 19, 2027 from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm St. Augustine area

The schedule for the Rites of Election will be published soon.

Resources for Teaching about the Rosary

Rosary Activities from the Religion Teacher's Journal Lots of stuff here for all grade levels of children and youth. Many handouts as well as activities for the domestic church. Some things may be suitable for adults, particularly those in OCIA.

Teaching the Rosary---Primary Grades From the Catechist's Journey

How to make a twine rosary

Pre-schoolers and the Rosary ~ Catholic Icing

Teaching Children to Pray the Rosary Sara J Creations has lots of ideas. Page down for ideas for a walkable rosary.

Teaching the rosary to teens (LifeTeen) 5 minute Youtube

Teaching the Rosary to High School Students Ave Maria Press

The Rosary Center: Resources for Adults

USCCB Basics of praying the rosary

One Million Rosaries

Your catechist formation already helps teachers bring the Rosary into the classroom. The folks at One Million Rosaries think it could be a fun, easy way for your parishes to take that home, especially for parishioners with little kids or limited time.

It's free for everyone to join, including parishes and schools, and they provide a ton of resources to help families build the habit of praying the Rosary together as part of their regular routine. There's also a daily prize drawing for US participants, with Rosary-inspired gifts from a great group of Catholic brands.

Parishes, schools, and individual families can sign up at onemillionrosaries.com. Participants pray and log their Rosaries on our website or in our free app. Parishes and schools can also create their own groups and set a goal for their community to pray toward and celebrate together!

One Million Rosaries Flyer

One Million Rosaries Group Guide

The word "Halloween" is a contraction of the expression "all hallows' eve" or "all saints eve." It's roots are deeply Catholic. The Celtic culture had a celebration called Samhain, which literally means the "end of summer." This was the beginning of their new year. During the festival celebrations, Celts believed the souls of the dead returned to mingle with the living. In order to scare away the evil spirits, people would wear masks and light bonfires. When the Romans conquered the Celts, they added their own touches to the celebration of Samhain. This included homage to Pomona, the Roman goddess of orchards with activities such as bobbing for apples and drinking cider among other things.

Enter Christianity in 835 with Pope Gregory IV moving the celebration of the martyrs (later All Saints Day) from May 13 to November 1. The night before became known as "all hallows' eve" (Halloween). Many of the customs we associate with Halloween are derived from these ancient celebrations.

While in our secular world, Halloween has quite a commercial look to it, as Catholics we are called to recall it as part of our faith tradition.

Loyola---Celebrating Family Values at Halloween: a little child friendly history and some activities that provide value lessons

Explaining Halloween to Catholic Kids (Catholic Icing)

Make it a Catholic Halloween for kids~ Teaching Catholic Kids



It's Time for Catholics to embrace Halloween (Word on Fire ....nice article)

The Surprisingly Catholic Origins of Halloween (Aleteia)

What is The Sanctuary Course for Catholics?

(through Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries)

One in four people will be affected by a mental health problem at some point in their lives, yet the stigma surrounding mental illness silences many and prevents faith communities from responding compassionately and effectively. This eight-session course—designed for use in small groups—explores the realities of mental health and illness, as well as the vital need for faith-based community conversations about these topics. The sessions are accompanied by compelling films that feature the stories of Catholics living with mental health challenges, along with the insights of archbishops, theologians, and psychologists.

Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries equips the Church to support mental health and wellbeing.

We provide resources that meaningfully engage the topics of faith and mental health. Our content is developed in collaboration with theologians, psychologists, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges. These resources prepare communities of faith around the world to raise awareness, reduce stigma, support mental health, and promote mental wellbeing.

The Sanctuary Course for Catholics is a study guide for small groups, designed to raise awareness and start conversations in local churches regarding mental health. Your group might include:

• People with questions about mental health
• Mental health professionals with a wealth of knowledge to share
• Leaders who want to engage their community in mental health conversations
• People supporting loved ones with mental health problems
• People living with mental health problems

The Sanctuary Course for Catholics speakers:

• Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, CSB – Archbishop of Vancouver, BC
• Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, STL – Archbishop Emeritus of Denver, CO
• Helena Orellana, PsyD, LCP – Clinical Psychologist, Director of IPS Center for Psychological Services, Divine Mercy University
• Harvey Payne, PsyD – Academic Dean, Divine Mercy University
• Father David Songy, OFM Cap., STD, PsyD – President and CEO, Saint Luke Institute
• Scott G. Hefelfinger, STL, PhD – Assistant Professor of Theology, Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology
• Dr. Chi-Chi Obuaya, MRCPsych, MBA, MBBS – Consultant Psychiatrist, Co-Director of the Mind and Soul Foundation

Sanctuary Course for Catholics (free)

There are many free resources as well on the website.

NOW IN DEVELOPMENT AT NCCL:

Catechetical 

Leader Studio

COMING IN 2027

What programming would suit your needs?

NCCL is committed to cultivating a community of Catholic catechetical leaders who proclaim and teach Jesus Christ and nurture lifelong faith in people of all ages. We believe the support and formation of catechetical leaders – full time and part time, paid and not paid – is central to our work.

NCCL introduced the Certificate in the Practice of Catechesis in Fall 2024 to address this priority. And in early 2027 NCCL will launch a Certificate in the Practice of Catechesis with Hispanics (in Spanish) and the Certificate in Family Faith Formation. We offer the Welcome to Catechesis program to introduce leaders to the Church’s vision and practices for catechesis today.

To expand the ways NCCL serves and supports catechetical leaders NCCL is creating the Catechetical Leader Studio, a new online formation center that will launch in 2027.

The Studio will offer programming on leadership practices and skills, spiritual formation and care of leaders, specialized catechetical knowledge and practices, and much more. Programming will be offered in synchronous (scheduled) and asynchronous (on your time) modes in a variety of formats: instructor-led courses and workshops, guided retreat experiences and spiritual direction, video-based individual and small group programs, and guided workshops with a facilitator to assist leaders and teams to create catechetical programming.

Please go to SurveyMonkey to complete the short survey: surveymonkey.com/r/NCC.

You can also scan or click the QR code at the top of this email to take you to the survey. 

We welcome your ideas for the new Studio. Thank you!

The Catechetical Leader Studio will be a subscription service, unlike most of the free resources on the NCCL site.

I am pleased to share with our diocesan partners our NEW Advent and Special Edition releases:

Advent with the Saints - Tiered Pricing as low as $0.95 - Walk on a daily Advent journey with the saints, including St. Nicholas, St. Juan Diego, St. Lucy, and more, from the beginning of Advent through the Christmas Octave. This inspiring devotional features daily prayers, quotes from the saints, spiritual insights and action steps, and reflections based on the Mass readings. From author Gregory F. Friedman, OFM, this is a flexible format to use year after year! Perfect for individuals, small groups, schools, and ministry settings, this devotional also works well for bulk gifting and parish-wide Advent outreach. (Lent starts early next year on 2/10/2027. You can now preorder the companion book Lent with the Saints.)

Way of the Star: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation - Tiered Pricing as low as $7.00 - We've partnered with the The Vigil Project's co-directors Andrea Thomas and Greg Boudreaux to create a deeply immersive Catholic Advent journal that teaches you how to pray with scripture, music, art, and imagination. Rooted in musica divina—prayer through sacred music—this one-of-a-kind Advent experience invites you into a richer, ever-deepening encounter with Christ from the first week of Advent through the octave of Christmas. We offer bulk tiered pricing, making Way of the Star ideal for groups, parishes, retreats, and events. Watch Andrea and Greg's introductory video about the book here! A FREE Discussion Guide, companion videos, and music are available online. 

Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life -  Special Edition Pricing - $2.99 for 100+ and FREE Shipping - What does it really mean to follow Jesus—and is it worth it? Authors Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran from the best-selling Rebuilt series offer a powerful guide to Christian discipleship. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and dialogue, as well as closing prayers, making this book ideal for personal growth, Bible study, or small-group discussion. A FREE Small Group Discussion Guide is available online. 

Please contact our Sales team with questions and for assistance with quotes and orders:

· Phone: (800) 282-1865, ext. 1

avemariapress.1@nd.edu

Basic Certification (Level I)



November: St. Matthew Parish

November 7 and 8

November 21 and 22

Jotform to Register (now open!!!)



January: St. Anastasia

January 9 and 10

January 23 and 24



June: St Patrick School, Gainesville

Standard certification is achieved either through courses through the McGrath Institute (STEP) or through the University of Dayton (VLCFF).

Standard Certification Options

STEP through the McGrath Institute

STEP Camino Courses Comprehensive list for the year.

Beginning with the Spring 2027 term, STEP (and our sister program in Spanish, Camino) will move to a revised calendar consisting of five sessions per year: two in the spring, one in the summer, and two in the fall. The remainder of this 2026 calendar will continue as usual, with the new calendar taking effect in Spring 2027.

For your reference, these are the dates for our 2026-2027 sessions:

• Fall 1: August 31 - October 16, 2026
• Fall 2: October 19 - December 4, 2026
• Spring 1: January 11 - February 26, 2027
• Spring 2: March 8 - April 30, 2027 (with a Holy Week break, March 22-28)
• Summer: June 7 - August 1, 2027 (with a summer break, July 5 - 11)

VLCFF through the University of Dayton

VLCFF Calendar

Professional Webinars (FREE)

Brother Columba O’Neill: Mender of Soles and Souls

Fr. Richard Gribble, CSC and Br. Philip Smith, CSC

October 13, 2026

3:00 PM ET

Many of the people we minister to carry physical and spiritual struggles. What can the life of Brother Columba O’Neill teach us about accompanying those who suffer and sharing the hope of Christ with them?

In this webinar, Fr. Richard Gribble, CSC, and Brother Philip Smith, CSC, will share the inspiring story of Brother Columba O’Neill, known as the “Miracle Man of Notre Dame.” Learn about the challenges of Columba’s childhood, his vocation with the Congregation of Holy Cross, and how he learned the craft of shoemaking. During his 33 years at Notre Dame as a brother shoemaker, Columba developed a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and became known as a powerful intercessor for those who came to him seeking relief from physical and spiritual suffering.

Long after his death in 1923, people continued to visit his grave and ask Columba to intercede for them with the Sacred Heart. In 2020, Bishop Kevin Rhoades renewed the Cause for his Canonization in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. Discover how the life and witness of Brother Columba O’Neill can inspire us to serve others with compassion, faith, and trust in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Register for this Webinar

A Better Way to Love

Eve Rosemary

October 20, 2026

3:00 PM ET

What does the body have to do with the way we teach, evangelize, accompany, and minister?

Everything.

At the heart of Theology of the Body is a beautiful vision of the human person: created in the image of God, made for authentic love, and called to make a gift of ourselves. 

Drawing from her experience as an international Catholic chastity speaker and founder of The Everyday Saint, Eve Rosemary unpacks the “TOB essentials” every Catholic minister can bring into their work: from cultivating a sacramental worldview to communicating the dignity of the human person and helping others understand chastity, relationships, and authentic love.

Having spoken to thousands of young people across the U.S. and internationally, Eve brings a practical, accessible approach to these timeless truths, equipping DREs, catechists, teachers, youth ministers,

and other Catholic leaders to communicate the beauty of the Catholic vision of the human person in whatever ministry setting they serve.

Register for this Webinar

Restoring the Good: Ministering to Those who have Experienced Trauma

Brya Hanan

October 27, 2026

3:00 PM ET

How do we respond when someone’s past wounds become activated in the present?

In this webinar, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Brya Hanan, author of Befriending Your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness and Restoring Your Wounded Heart: A Catholic Approach to Healing Trauma, will offer practical, trauma-informed guidance for supporting individuals who are experiencing trauma triggers and trauma responses.

Participants will learn how to recognize common trauma and survival responses, respond in ways that foster safety and connection, and avoid well-intentioned approaches that can inadvertently intensify shame, helplessness, or dysregulation. Brya will also explore how to support trauma survivors in reconnecting with their God-given dignity, agency, and capacity for healing—helping them move from patterns of survival toward greater safety, empowerment, connection, and wholeness.

Register for this Webinar

The Pope Just Sent Us a Memo: Ministering to Young Adults in the Age of AI

Rosie Chinea Shawver

November 17, 2026

3:00 p.m. ET

Young adults are currently being formed by algorithms, loneliness, and questions no one has named for them yet. Pope Leo XIV noticed.

His first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, does for the age of AI what Rerum Novarum did for the industrial age: it places the human person back at the center. And it has a lot to say to anyone who ministers to young people.

In this webinar, Rosie Chinea Shawver, president of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association, unpacks what the encyclical means from the front lines of ministry. You'll leave with a clear grasp of its place in Catholic Social Teaching and practical ways to respond: why accompaniment can't be automated, how to use AI wisely and teach young people to do the same, and how to build communities where they encounter Christ.

Designed for campus ministers, parish leaders, youth ministers, catechists, and teachers, this webinar offers insights and practical guidance for accompanying young people in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Register for this Webinar