|
Catechetics News & Updates
June 2025
|
Dear Coworkers in the Vineyard,
I always find the week between Ascension and Pentecost to be a particularly thought-provoking one. While it likely wasn't a full week for the disciples as we now observe it, it offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the work of the Holy Spirit. The disciples had already encountered the risen Christ multiple times, and many surely felt a renewed sense of hope. Yet, on Pentecost, we still find them gathered behind closed doors in the Upper Room - waiting, uncertain.
Then everything changes. The Holy Spirit descends, and their lives are transformed. Fear gives way to boldness, and the church is born in power and unity. As we mark this moment, we're reminded that the same Spirit is alive in us today - calling us to be witnesses of hope, peace, and love in our world. My prayer this Pentecost is that our hearts would be renewed so we can carry that Spirit boldly into the summer and the year ahead, inspiring faith wherever we go.
In Christ,
Andrew (with Anh and Doug)
|
|
|
August 21-23, 2025 | MMCPC
|
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.
Catechetical Leaders:
If you register to attend Saturday August 23rd and pre-register at least 3 catechists, we will comp your Saturday registration fee. You will receive an email closer to the conference to collect their registration information. This pre-registration is non-refundable and non-transferable. Must register by July 2nd.
Be inspired, equipped, and connected - we look forward to seeing you!
|
|
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based Catholic faith formation program that nurtures a child's relationship with God through hands-on engagement with Scripture and liturgy. Rooted in the belief that God and the child are already in relationship, CGS offers a scared space called the atrium, where children work with carefully designed materials to reflect on the life of Jesus, the parables, and the sacraments. Through this quiet, prayerful environment, children encounter the Good Shepherd and grow in faith at their own pace.
If you are interested in receiving information on scholarships for CGS catechist training, please contact Anh Clausen, clausena@archmil.org.
|
|
Disability and Neurodivergence
|
|
We are pleased to announce that the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis has secured a Faith in Our Future grant to enhance faith formation for diverse learners across all parishes and parish clusters.
This initiative provides free resources and tools to every parish or parish cluster, including Loyola Press's Adaptive Finding God curriculum and Adaptive Sacrament Preparation Kits for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. These resources are designed to support children with autism and other special needs, offering multisensory tools such as flip books, puzzles, and visual aids to facilitate meaningful catechesis in various settings, including parishes and homes.
To assist with the effective implementation of these materials:
- In-Person Orientation: Join us at the upcoming Catechetical Conference on August 21-23, 2025, for hands-on training.
- Zoom Webinar: Watch this recording of a zoom webinar with presenters Maureen Burriesci and Kathy Donnelly. It is an introduction to the adaptive sacramental preparation kits and Adaptive Finding God lessons from Loyola Press.
- Curriculum Pickup: Schedule a pickup time at the Mary, Mother of the Church Pastoral Center by completing this form. Please note that the curriculum boxes are sizable and will occupy the space of a standard car trunk.
|
|
Youth Evangelization Corner
|
YE Survey:
Thank you to everyone who has filled out the Youth Evangelization Survey! If you have not yet, please consider sharing your feedback before it closes on June 12th.
NCYC:
We are looking to bring a third bus to NCYC this November! If you would like to bring a group, please join this waitlist by July 20th so we can determine if we will commit to a third bus or not.
Thriveanooga | September 22-25, 2025:
Thriveanooga is a one-of-a-kind event for Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders to not just survive in ministry, but to thrive! Join others this September in Chattanooga to connect, create, and collaborate. Learn more here!
|
|
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!
|
|
July 17-19 | St. Monica, Whitefish Bay
|
Registration for our Unveiled retreat for couples is open and filling fast!
On this three-day weekend, couples will experience renewed intimacy with their spouse (or future spouse) and gain the tools to strengthen the bonds of unity, resolve conflict, restore passion, and heal from past hurt.
|
Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob, Archbishop of Milwaukee, invites you to the 2025 Pallium Lecture!
Bishop Flores's presentation, "Synods and Councils and Creeds - Treasuring Our Catholic Inheritance Today" highlights this year as the 1700 Anniversary of Nicaea I and the 60th Anniversary of the closing of Vatican II. Bishop Flores was a member of the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod at the Vatican and a participant in the Synod of Bishops. He also led the synodal process in the U.S. and is helping implement the synod's directives. We are all honored to have him as this year's guest speaker!
Thursday, September 4, 2025
7:00pm
Brookfield Conference Center
325 South Moorland Road
Brookfield, WI 53005
This event also features evening prayer sung by our own St. Francis de Sales Seminary Schola. The Pallium is free and open to the public. Registration is required.
|
Upcoming Events & Other News
|
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!):
|
|
Events & News from the Archdiocese
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:
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!
|
|
|
|
|