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Catechetics News & Updates
April 2025
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Dear Coworkers in the Vineyard,
When I ran track and cross country in high school, I was never the fastest runner on the team, but I had endurance and could maintain a steady pace for a long time. Over the years, I struggled to improve my overall speed, but I learned to dig deep and always find that extra gear in the final stretch. There was something incredibly satisfying about pushing through the pain in my legs, ramping up the intensity, and giving everything I had in the last quarter or half mile to finish strong.
As we enter the final weeks of Lent, I imagine many of you are preparing for your own finish line - wrapping up catechetical programming, giving last instructions and helping students and families prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation during the Easter Vigil or first Communion in the Easter season.
I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on how you've been running your race. Perhaps the busyness of this season has made it hard to give all of yourself to Jesus, or maybe you've been going strong, but you're starting to feel the weariness of a long journey. Whatever your experience, trust that in the coming weeks, the Lord will carry you toward the finish line and into the new season ahead. Life is not Lent; we are Easter people - living in the hope of Christ's resurrection and eternal life.
As coworkers in the vineyard, we are here with you, cheering you on to finish strong and kick it up a notch as we approach the end of this season.
Speaking of the "Finish Line," we'd love for you to join us for an End-of-Year gathering on May 20th from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at the Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center. Please see the details below.
In Christ, we are made new!
Anh (with Andrew and Doug)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12: 1-2
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Come celebrate the end of another Catechetical Year with fellow DREs, Youth Ministers, and Faith Formation Coordinators from across the Archdiocese!
Join us for Mass, Lunch, and "The Deanery Games." Be sure to assemble your deanery team and get ready to compete for glory and year-long bragging rights!
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April 9 | 12 Hours of Reconciliation
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During the season of Lent of this Jubilee Year, Archbishop Grob has asked that the faithful of the archdiocese observe April 9 as a Day of Reconciliation, Reparation, and Fasting. On that Wednesday, area priests will be available for the sacrament of Reconciliation at 11 parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Please help promote this to your parish!
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November 20-23, 2025 | Indianapolis, IN
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We've officially sold out of our initial NCYC tickets! However, we've opened up a limited number of spots to fill the buses. There are 10 spots available at the rate of $705 per person.
Once these final spots are filled, we will begin a waitlist for parishes still interested in attending NCYC this November. If enough parishes commit, we will add a third bus. Please fill out the group registration form to grab the remaining tickets or to be added to the waitlist.
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The transition after high school can be both exciting and overwhelming, and fir many young adults, it's a time when they drift from their faith. With the rise in anxiety and depression among college students, our Newman Centers offer a beacon of hope- a true community where students can connect and support one another.
That's why we need your help in connecting your graduating seniors to their college Catholic ministry. I'm not asking you to share any student information- just encourage your students to fill out a connect card with Newman Connection. It only takes two minutes! Once they do, a campus minister from their future college will reach out to welcome them and invite them to be part of their community. More information and resources will be available soon, but in the meantime, feel free to reach out to Andrew with any questions!
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August 21-23, 2025 | MMCPC
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REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SOON!
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Franciscan at Home Workshop
4 Part Series: The Vocation of the Catechist
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The work of catechesis is more than the passing on of information - it is assisting others into a relationship with Jesus. Catechesis is about encouraging a deep-seated understanding of Christ and conversion of our lives to follow His example. It is to foster a love of Christ.
It is a supernatural work, beyond our natural capacities. "Catechesis...is consequently a work of the Holy Spirit, a work that He alone can initiate and sustain in the Church" (CT 72). And sustain in you.
This foundational workshop offers inspiration, insight, and guidance to encourage catechists as they strive to live out their privileged vocation.
Zoom calls are now Thursdays from 10:00-11:00AM
Part 2: April 10th
Part 3: May 1st
Part 4: May 22nd
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Men of Christ and Women of Christ are hosting The Passion of the Christ on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. Please join us as we experience this powerful film on the big screen. The movie will be shown a the Marcus Hillside Theater in Delafield. Register below!
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We're excited to introduce Family, a free quarterly publication from the Milwaukee Catholic Herald designed to support parents, educators, and parish leaders in guiding children's faith.
Family offers faith-centered content to nurture Catholic life in homes, parishes, and schools.
We invite your parish/school to sign up for free copies to share with families. Sign up by using the QR code. For story ideas or advertising, contact catholicherald@archmil.org.
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Upcoming Events & Other News
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Our offices sponsor many events for you to receive deeper training and support to help you and your parishioners encounter Christ and be formed in ways your parish might not be able to do alone. Learn more about them below, and help us share the word to your parishioners (or come yourself!):
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Events & News from the Archdiocese
More Updates from Our Friends
- The National Catholic Partner on Disabilities (NCPD) is offering a FREE webinar for parish leaders on Adapting Faith Formation Wed, April 9 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm
- This presentation will detail the steps involved in adapting an existing curriculum for persons with disabilities, providing examples related to a study on saints and a Bible study. Register here!
- The Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University is offering several FREE webinars to support catechists, teachers, and leaders! Here are the dates:
- Tuesday, April 8 at 1:00pm - *For Diocesan Officials* Part I: Giving Strong On-Going Ministry Formation in an Effective, Affordable, and Local-Attuned Way: Changing your Diocese with the Catechetical Institute
- Tuesday, April 22 at 1:00pm - Springs in the Desert: Accompanying those Struggling with Infertility
- Tuesday, April 29 at 1:00pm - In Spanish: Como cultivar un corazon misionero en la juventud // How to Cultivate a Missionary Heart in Young People
Position Changes: if your parish has changes to your catechetical staff (DREs, YMs, Adult Formation, etc.), please let us know! We want to make sure they get added to the correct email lists, and we often only know if you tell us.
Know someone who should be getting these emails? Email Steffany at garcias@archmil.org and we'll add you to our list!
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