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Catechetics News & Updates
August 2025
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Dear Coworkers in the Vineyard,
One of the most valuable lessons I learned in my first parish was the value of taking time to observe before implementing changes. As someone who enjoys solving problems and values innovation, this hasn't always come naturally. This spring and summer, I had the privilege of learning from our incredible team involved with Love Begins Here (LBH) Missions, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the heart of this ministry.
One of the most inspiring parts of the summer was watching our students in action. I expected early mornings to be a struggle, especially for our middle schoolers. But to my surprise, many of them were up and ready to serve before our team even started making rounds! Their enthusiasm and willingness to serve was truly moving. This summer, over 108 missionaries gave 1,419 hours of service at childcare centers, food pantries, nonprofit organizations, and for individual homeowners across our communities. Their impact was felt far and wide- and I couldn't be prouder of their dedication.
While we're still catching our breath from the busy summer, we're already looking ahead. One of our goals was to get a jump on planning for 2026 so we could share dates and locations early in the fall- making it easier for families and parishes to plan alongside other summer commitments. Thanks to the enthusiasm of parishes eager to host, we'll be announcing our 2026 schedule at the Catechetical Conference!
We can't wait to see you there in just a few short weeks. If you haven't already, be sure to register for the Catechetical Conference today!
God Bless,
Andrew, with Anh and Doug
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Welcome, Brenda!
We want to thank Lydia LoCoco for her years of service to the Archdiocese, and we want to welcome Brenda Cline as the new Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
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I am honored and humbled to join the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis during what I consider my own "jubilee year" in Church ministry. I began working for the Church in the Jubilee Year 2000, and spent 22 grace-filled years at St. Joseph Parish in Grafton - 11 years as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, followed by 11 years as Parish Director. This instilled my love for and commitment to local parish ministry as central to the mission of the Church. In 2022, I joined the Archdiocesan central offices as Director of Priest Placement, and expanded my role in 2024 to include leading the Lay Initiative.
It has been a joy to meet and work with so many of you through the years. We share an important history together in the local Church! I look forward to renewing those relationships - and to meeting and walking alongside a new generation of parish ministers. Our shared mission of proclaiming the Gospel and forming disciples is more vital than ever. Thank you for the work you do for the Church and for welcoming me into this new chapter. I pray for you each day, and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Brenda Cline
Director
Priest Placement | The Lay Initiative | Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
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August 21-23, 2025 | MMCPC
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: August 15
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Beacons of Hope: 3 Days of Inspiration and Formation
Join us as we kick off the new catechetical year with three meaningful days of formation, networking, and prayer.
August 21-22 (Thursday & Friday): For Parish Catechetical Staff
These two core days include keynotes from Julianne Stanz, Mass with Archbishop Jeffrey Grob (Friday), office updates, workshops, and time to connect with colleagues and exhibitors. All parish catechetical staff across ministries are encouraged to attend.
August 23 (Saturday): Formation for Leaders & Catechists
This day is for catechists, team leaders, and volunteers. Enjoy keynote talks and workshop tracks for children's, youth, and adult ministry at both introductory and advanced levels. Saturday workshops will be offered in Spanish and English.
See below for the schedule, workshop details, and more. Be inspired, equipped, and connected - we look forward to seeing you!
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Essentials for Catechetical Ministry is an annual cohort program designed to support new parish catechetical leaders- such as DREs, youth ministers, and others- as they begin and grow in their ministry. This program offers valuable information on Archdiocesan guidelines, practical resources, and helpful materials, along with space for questions, reflection, and connection with fellow leaders.
If you are new to ministry within the past five years or have recently moved to the Archdiocese, we strongly encourage you to take part.
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Youth Evangelization Corner
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Middle School Encounters:
For nearly a decade, middle school students have encountered Christ in powerful ways through the Wisconsin Catholic Youth Rally. With the recent announcement from ARISE MKE, we now face a significant gap in opportunities for this age group. Recent studies highlight the growing need for renewed, meaningful encounters designed specifically for middle schoolers.
I invite you to join a special conversation at the upcoming Catechetical Conference on Thursday, August 21st at 2:00pm. Together, we'll explore how we can respond to this need and discern what kind of event or ministry will most effectively impact and inspire our middle school students.
Love Begins Here 2026:
Love Begins Here is our local mission trip that allows our students to serve those in need right here in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Make sure to join us at the Catechetical Conference for the unveiling of the summer 2026 schedule. Parish registration will open on September 15th.
Have You Taken Advantage of...?
Over the years, our Youth Evangelization office has maintained relationships with several national youth ministry organizations. As a result of these partnerships, parishes in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee can enjoy:
- 50% off Y-Disciple Subscription
- FREE Subscription to the Thrive(Project YM) Platform.
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New Norms for OCIA from Archbishop Grob
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The July Chancery Newsletter included several updated norms for the celebration of the OCIA in our parishes. If you are involved in Initiation Ministry at your parish, please make sure you read these carefully! Please contact Doug with any questions.
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Save the Date: Initiation Summit
September 30 - October 1 | MMCPC
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This Fall, the Archdiocese will host a two-day gathering on Initiation (OCIA). The first day will be devoted to the initiation of adults, and the second will focus on appropriate adaptions for children going through the rites.
Look for a registration link next week!
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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
- Pallium Lecture | September 4 at 7:00pm | Archbishop Grob invites you to the 2025 Pallium Lecture with Bishop Flores as this years Keynote Speaker!
- Healing the Whole Person: Into the Deep | October 22-26 in Waukesha| This retreat will help participants understand their wounds and bring them to the Lord for healing through prayer and the sacraments.
- Jubilee Mass | October 25 at 10:00am | Special Bilingual Mass and celebration for couples celebrating their anniversary of 25 years, 50, and above!
- Converging Roads | November 8 at 9:15am | Regional conference series offering continuing education for health care professionals.
- "Bring Your Marriage Home" | Help us promote our Convalidation Initiative to your parish with these promo materials.
- Marriage Preparation Materials | All of our printed marriage preparation materials can now be ordered online using this form here.
More Updates from Our Friends
- The Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University is offering several FREE webinars to support catechists, teachers, and leaders! Here are the dates
- Forming the Catechetical Spirit Program | September 2025 - May 2026 at St. Alphonsus in New Munster| Register by August 15!
- Retreat for Grieving Parents | October 25 at 9:00am in Appleton, WI | This one day retreat is open to all grieving parents who lost a child at any age.
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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