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Catechetics News & Updates
May 2025
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Dear Coworkers in the Vineyard,
Happy Easter! Christ is Risen - Alleluia! As we continue to celebrate the joy of the Easter season, we also mourn the passing of Pope Francis. Yet, in God's boundless love and mercy, we find hope in our prayers that our shepherd rests in eternal peace.
This past Saturday, as I watched the funeral and reflected on Pope Francis' life and legacy, I was deeply moved by his profound love and compassion for people of all walks of life - politicians, the sick, the young, the elderly, and those of other faiths. His universal embrace of Christ's love and his mission to bring peace and the Gospel to everyone transcended religious boundaries, leaving a lasting impact and reminding us all of the transformative power of God's love and mercy.
As we continue our catechetical and evangelizing work in our parishes and communities, I pray we, too, can be witnesses of love and hope. I've been meeting regularly with a small group of volunteer catechists to watch and discuss the Franciscan at Home Workshop: Vocation of the Catechist, which is serving as a pilot for our ongoing formation efforts. These discussions remind us that catechesis is not just about sharing information but about guiding others into a relationship with Jesus. Our goal is to model Christ - the Master Teacher - by reflecting His actions, words, and thoughts in our own lives.
When we echo Christ's voice, we allow the Holy Trinity to work through us. The Holy Spirit guides us to be faithful witnesses of God's love and help others on their journey of ongoing conversion.
As we all strive to grow more Christ-like, I encourage you to live your life rooted in prayer, so that you may teach not only with your mind but also with your heart - just as Pope Francis so beautifully exemplified for all of us.
Please pray for us, as we continue to pray for you.
In Christ,
Anh (with Andrew)
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Prayer for Pope Francis
from the Roman Missal prepared by USCCB
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O God, faithful rewarder of souls,
grant that your departed servant Pope Francis,
whom you made successor of Peter
and shepherd of your Church,
may happily enjoy forever in your grace and compassion,
which he faithfully ministered on earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
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Teaching Kids about the Conclave
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The Papal Conclave begins May 7th! Veni Sancte Spiritus, Come Holy Spirit!
Here are a few resources to help younger and older kids understand and connect to the Conclave:
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May 13 | 2:00 - 3:30 PM | Zoom Webinar
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Join us on Monday, May 13, from 2:00 - 3:30pm for a Zoom webinar featuring adaptive curriculum and sacramental prep resources from Loyola Press, designed for children with disabilities.
Presenters Maureen Burriesci and Kathy Donnelly will share practical strategies and classroom adaptations.
Register by May 12 to attend live or receive the recording.
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May 20, 2025 | MMCPC
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 15
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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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August 21-23, 2025 | MMCPC
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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.
Be inspired, equipped, and connected - we look forward to seeing you!
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November 20-23, 2025 | Indianapolis, IN
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We are forming a waitlist for NCYC to fill another bus! Please fill out the group registration form to join the waitlist.
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Adult Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday
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Archbishop Jeffrey Grob will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for adult Catholics on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 3:30pm at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (812 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee).
If you are preparing adult candidates, please register both the candidate and their sponsor using the link below by Tuesday, May 27. Families, friends, pastors, and those involved in the candidates' formation are warmly invited. Each candidate will have a reserved row (approx. 12 seats); additional guests may use open seating.
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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.
Upcoming training opportunities:
Level 1:
- St. Robert, Shorewood: June 20-22, 27-29, 2025 | 9:00am - 4:30pm
- St. Anthony, Menomonee Falls: Monday mornings in September
Level 1 B:
- Christ King Parish, Wauwatosa: September 2-4, 9-11, 2025
Level 2:
- St. Anthony, Menomonee Falls: Weekends throughout the school year
If you are interested in receiving information on scholarships for CGS catechist training, please contact Anh Clausen, clausena@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 Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University is offering several FREE webinars to support catechists, teachers, and leaders! Here are the dates:
- Tuesday, May 6 at 1:00pm - Transforming Work: Reaching the People with Whom You Share Your Days
- Tuesday, May 13 at 1:00pm - A Unique Catechetical Approach to Children's Formation: An Illustrated Journey Through the Apostles Creed
- Tuesday, May 27 at 1:00pm - In Spanish: La Quinceañera como oportunidad de evanelización // Quinceañeras: An Opportunity for Evangelization
- Tuesday, June 3 at 1:00pm - Where are People Spending Their Time in Communion with Others? How to Transform those Times toward Friendship-Oriented Evangelization
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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