Update+
Volume 2, Number 23 June 17, 2021
How do we engage the “Nones” in the ‘New Normal’? Bishop Robert Barron, immediate past Chair of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, ponders this question with cameos from other leaders in this professional, fast-paced twenty-five minute video which is very much worth your time! Highly recommended for priests, deacons, catechetical leaders, and all who embrace the call to missionary discipleship.
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As a follow-up, you may want to take another look at the article “How to Become a Trusted Adult” which we recommended last week.
Last Monday evening, Bishop McManus celebrated the last of the twenty-four spring Confirmations. We are in the process of completing the paperwork on the twelve that were celebrated at the Cathedral. To our knowledge, all those who tested positive or were in quarantine when their own parishes were scheduled for Confirmation found places in other celebrations. All who were hoping to celebrate the sacrament this spring have been Confirmed – Deo Gratias.
We are already getting inquiries about the schedule for 2021-2022. Soon we will be asking you about the number of candidates you estimate for next year and also your region’s preferred dates. Please be ready to respond to this inquiry so we can get to work on the planning. Given the recent pastoral assignments, we may have to make some adjustments in the regions. Please do not hesitate to give us your thoughts on this now before we start the process.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Level I, Part I catechist training starts next week! Monday, June 21 through Saturday June 26, 9 am to 5 pm at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Worcester. There are still 2 open spots. If you are interested, please email mheelan@worcesterdiocese.org ASAP!
ZOOM ANYONE? At this point, we are all probably looking forward to a bit of a reprieve. However, we are also probably thinking about how we can use this technology in the future: flipped-classroom, parent catch-up meetings, book clubs, catechist formation etc. While there is no substitute for face-to-face gathering which is essential to the development of community, this technology can certainly enhance and amplify our efforts.
