Update+
Volume 3, Number 15 July 14, 2022
- Confirmation/Religious Education Survey
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
- Religious Education Reports
- Eucharistic Revival
- Summer Programs--Share your Photos
FALL and SPRING CONFIRMATIONS
Many of you have called wondering about fall Confirmation dates. We appreciate how important this is as you plan your 2022-2023 calendars. We need your projected numbers in order to plan. Please fill out the online Survey ASAP. We hope to get the fall scheduled by the beginning of August. Hopefully, we can also get the spring ceremonies scheduled by the first of September.
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
During this time of the Eucharistic Revival, we are reminded of the joy we all share in the gift of the Eucharist. As you may know, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd hopes to connect young children (and quite often their whole family) more closely to the Liturgy, the Sacraments and of course, to our Good Shepherd. Fifteen parishes now have CGS programs with a few more ready to start this fall. It is with great joy that we announce that we will be having a CGS Level I Part 1 course this summer. I know many of you have been waiting for this opportunity and we are praying you will be able to join us.
REPORTS
To date, we have received:
- 74 “National Profile” Religious Education Reports
- 59 Inventory Reports
- 66 Circle of Grace Safe Environment Reports
We do know how overwhelming these past 3 years have been. We all hoped that 2021-2022 would be a return to regular gathered sessions. It did not turn out that way. It was even more difficult because, rather than statewide, different towns found themselves with different protocols at different times. Some of you had scheduled Circle of Grace and/or Inventory sessions only to have them cancelled because of COVID.
Last July, we surveyed all of you about catechist training, retreats, etc. At the ORE, we found ourselves in the same position that you were in. Hopefully, we can now regroup/rebuild. We also want to welcome and support a number of new catechetical leaders. Please do fill out the survey so that we can get a calendar to you soon.
The Diocese is in the process of preparing the annual Safe Environment audit report. Even if you were not able to complete Circle of Grace, let us know what you were able to do and what you had planned but were forced to cancel. The report forms are still on the website.
Bishop McManus is very grateful for all your efforts in preparing children and youth for sacraments. Once again this year, the Holy Spirit was with us and everyone prepared for Confirmation was confirmed!
EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL
Our 5th grade Inventory asks the children to give three reasons why it is important to go to Mass every weekend. One of the best ways you – as a catechetical leader – can further their understanding is by knowing which aspect of the Eucharist is highlighted at each grade level. Summer might be a good time to delve into the texts and map out this topic. Catechetical leaders help volunteer catechists and the children make connections. You can also ensure that these sessions on the Eucharist are robust and build on what has been presented earlier.
Pope Francis has a new (June 29) Apostolic Letter on the Eucharist – Desiderio Desideravi. It is only 64 paragraphs and gets to the heart of the matter. (Google the Latin title and it will come up).
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Many of you are in the midst of summer programs. Send pictures so we can share with each other. Totus Tuus is up and running. See our “missionaries” at training in June in Vermont (left) and the last day at Mary, Queen of the Rosary in Spencer (right). Next week, they will be in Clinton.
FINALLY, please complete the survey above and email us if we can be of assistance. The Office is open (except on Fridays) by appointment.