Growing Disciples E-Newsletter
Evangelization in the Diocese of Des Moines
August 29, 2011
High School Confirmation – Even a Saint’s Research Paper Can Bring Deeper Spiritual Insights During One’s Senior High Years
Attached is a reflection by Anna Kokensparger about Saint Monica. This reflection was featured on August 27 as part of Creighton University’s Online Ministries Daily Reflection. As you read through this reflection I ask you to ponder the following three questions:
1. Are your parish sessions designed for every person (youth and adult) to grow in communion with Christ?
2. Are your parish sessions designed to allow the talents and personality of your adolescents to inspire those present no matter what their age?
3. Is your program balanced between sessions focused on catechesis, sessions focused on prayer, and sessions focused on service?
As I read through Anna’s reflection I see that whoever had the pleasure of being in formation with Anna was blessed. Furthermore Anna was blessed by being able to have the opportunity to reflect on Christ, her patron saint and how Monica’s lived experience had real life implications and relevancy in her own life. I hope you enjoy and are inspired by Anna’s reflection.
March for Life – Diocese of Des Moines Youth Pilgrimage 2012 – Washington D.C. – January 21-25, 2012
Join hundreds of thousands of people in a peaceful protest against legalized abortion, as we march down Constitution Avenue to the steps of the Supreme Court.
Get pumped up to celebrate and defend life as you gather with thousands of young people & countless Bishops at the Youth Rally & Mass for Life.
Meet with Members of Congress to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.
Be a part of history in the making, and have the chance to explore it too! We’ll spend a day touring the city together before we come back home.
Contact Tessa Schealler at the St. Thomas More Center for more information. Her phone number is 515-309-1936 and her e-mail is . The registration deadline is September 29, 2011.
On A Journey Together Season 5 - Companions on a Journey – Is Available
Companions on the Journey will take your prayer community on a journey through the past 100 years of our Diocese. This journey is not just about remembering alone, but as a way to encourage each of us to look at the work and ministry that is done today within our communities around the heartland of Iowa.
The cost is $1.00 a book and you can contact Sherri Simmer at or by calling 515-237-5058 for order or delivery information. The Season 5 order form is attached to this newsletter.
Diocesan Approved Text Series for 2011-2012
The diocesan team continues to evaluate new texts that are being produced by many publishers. The diocesan team takes a lot of time to evaluate the text in the following areas:
· the methodology of the series
· assessing the text to see if it is pedagogically sound (theologically and educationally)
· do the pictures represent the fullness of God’s children and a good representation of religious art form the last 2000 years
· the quality of the teacher’s manual
· other supplemental materials available on the website
· conformity to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
· holistic in their scope and sequence that supports the General Directory for Catechesis and the National Directory for Catechesis
· for adolescent catechesis, do the materials comply with the USCCB’s Curriculum Framework
Attached to this newsletter please find the Approved Text document for 2011-2012, the USCCB Curriculum Framework Adaptation and the USCCB’s Document on Chaste Living which forms the foundation for family life programs that care available for parish use. Please contact John Gaffney at or 515-237-5026 if you have any questions about approved texts or resources.
Save the Date for an Evening With Brandon Vogt – Evangelization & Catechesis in the New Media Age
Brandon Vogt will be in the Diocese of Des Moines September 27-29 giving a series of workshops on the Church in the New Media. In collaboration with the St. Joseph Educational Center, the Diocesan Department of Evangelization and Catechesis is sponsoring two evening regional sessions focused on the New Media’s Use in Catechesis and Young Adult Formation. The sessions will be held at Corpus Christi Church (Queen of Apostles) on Tuesday September 27 (6:00 to 9:00 pm) and at Saint Francis of Assisi Church in West Des Moines on Thursday, September 29 (6:00 to 9:00 pm). Dinner is included. Seating is limited so register early. The flyer is attached to this newsletter. For more information contact John Gaffney at or call at 515-237-5026.