Growing Disciples E-Newsletter
Evangelization in the Diocese of Des Moines
January 25, 2011 Edition
The Conversion of St. Paul
This week’s issue includes information on:
1. March 3 Day of Ministry Training at All Saints Church in Stuart
2. An Update on Confirmation
3. On a Journey Together – Season 4 for Lent 2011
A Day of Ministry Training with Joe Paprocki – Thursday, March 3 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 pm at All Saint’s Church in Stuart – Sponsored by Loyola Press
If there is one source by which I have received over half of the effective ideas I used as a catechist and youth minister, it was from Joe Paprocki who is the author of The Catechist’s Toolbox: How to Thrive as a Religious Education Teacher. Joe is also the author of a wonderful blog The Catechist’s Journey (http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/ ) where he shares his joys and his challenges by working with the young Church (and their parents). He is so practical that he chose to go back and volunteer as a catechist in his home parish to share what he currently experiences. Youth ministers, Catholic School principals, pastors, deacons, volunteers, councils of catechesis/school boards as well as catechetical directors will find the day very useful. You will miss a wonderful opportunity if you miss this day of ministry training.
Attached you will find a flyer, a poster and a registration form for completion. The room capacity is limited so register today if possible and bring a delegation with you from your parish. Registrations are due in the office by Friday February 18, 2011. You may fax your registration to Sherri Simmer at 515-237-5001 or e-mail a pdf to her at .
Confirmation Update
By now most everyone has seen the articles in the Catholic Mirror regarding the upcoming changes in the conferral of Confirmation. I have received a few calls, most of which have been very positive. In fact, a parent who called last week and was rather contentious about Confirmation and Adolescent Catechesis called to apologize for his behavior. He is still somewhat skeptical but based upon the article written by Lisa Bourne, Bishop Pates’ Letter and my small article, he “has a greater understanding of the process in which this decision was made.”
Dr. Cheryl Fournier and I will be meeting with leadership of St. Albert’s Catholic High School today and with leadership of Dowling Catholic High School on February 15. These two meetings will give us an opportunity to vision what this transition into adolescent catechesis and high school Confirmation looks like as we start the process of building a strategic plan towards realizing this vibrant ministry. As the conversations continue the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis will keep communicating to you and inviting you into the process when it is most advantageous to your ministry.
On a Journey Together – Season 4 – Witnessing
Have you ordered your materials for round 4 of On a Journey Together? This season is the culmination of this entire process – Witnessing to Christ. The sessions include:
1. Witnessing the Presence of Christ in Core Relationships
2. Witness and Social Justice
3. Witness and Faithful Citizenship
4. Witness and Culture
5. Witness and the Evangelizing Community
Everything up until this point has laid the foundation for season 4 (Awakening in Christ – Season 1; Following in Christ – Season 2; and Living in Christ – Season 3). More then 10,000 members of the diocese have participated in On a Journey Together. For more information or to order your booklets contact Dr. Cheryl Fournier at or Sherri Simmer at . Please join me in thanking Cheryl, Sherri and all the parish volunteers for their hard work in coordinating this massive Centennial project.
Peace of Christ,
John
515-237-5026