A Message from Our Coordinator of
Continuing Formation and Evangelization
As the summer draws to an end and school begins, it’s a great time to reflect on the past year and the year ahead. Transitioning to a Pastorate has been a learning experience for all of us. It is exciting to have established our Pastorate Vision Plan and to have a “road map” of where we are headed. It is also fulfilling to know that as a Pastorate we have already begun to move forward on many of the goals of our vision plan. As the Coordinator of Continuing Faith Formation and Evangelization, I would like to share some of the highlights from the past year, and I would like to share some of the upcoming plans.
In the Fall of 2021, our Pastorate launched faith formation groups using The Search by FORMED.org. There were 8 small groups and our high school youth who gathered at various locations, dates and times throughout the Pastorate to view the program and discuss their Catholic Faith. Some groups continued to meet and explored other programs such as “Into His Likeness” by FORMED.org. Two Women’s Groups formed to study “Fearless and Free” by Walking With a Purpose. The beautiful thing is that parishioners contacted me and expressed what they needed. I was able to connect them with a resource, and they formed a group.
I am excited to share that this Fall our Pastorate will be launching Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained by FORMED.org. Symbolon is a two-part series with 10 sessions for each series. Session one will be offered in the Fall and session two will be offered in the Winter. Maybe you are interested in a small group, but Symbolon isn’t what you’re after. Please reach out to me if there is a specific topic or study that you are interested in, and I will work to get you connected to resources. I will also work to get you connected to a small group or support you while forming your own small group.
Another goal of our Pastorate Vision Plan is to create meaningful and faith-centered activities for young adults, in coordination with the Diocesan Regional Young Adult Ministry. This past year I had the honor of meeting weekly with seven wonderful young women from our Pastorate. They helped brainstorm ideas for young adult activities for our Pastorate. I also met with Jessica Wade from the Diocesan office, and our Pastorate has been identified as a regional hub for young adult ministry! It will be great to work with the dioceses and receive support to form a young adult ministry for our Pastorate and our region! The Young Adult Ministry will kick off with “Boards and Boards” in September. We will enjoy charcuterie boards and corn hole boards after Saturday Mass at St. Augustine. More details are forthcoming! Other activities planned are a trip to The Shrine of Christ’s Passion, Diocesan Mission Trip to Appalachia in October, and Beers with Bennett.
We will continue with great opportunities for the high school youth of our Pastorate as well. This year will feature “How to Live as Disciples of Christ” as our kickoff program. Faith Formation will take place at Sacred Heart on Sundays and at St. Augustine on Wednesday evenings. Youth Group activities for fellowship and service will be provided at Sacred Heart and led by Patty and Jason Kilmer. Youth Group activities at St. Augustine will primarily be provided on select Wednesday evenings. I would love to find someone who is interested in helping to organize the youth group activities for St. Augustine. Contact me if you are interested! Peer Ministry will be offered to all sophomore-senior youth of our Pastorate who have been Confirmed. Training sessions will take place on Sunday evenings.
There are so many other great plans that our Vision Planning Team have outlined. However, it is important to “tackle” things one at a time and follow the timeline of the plan. Otherwise, we don’t do anything well. It is better to do a few things well than to do many things mediocre. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the parishioners of our Pastorate. One of the best blessings of becoming a Pastorate has been the opportunity to meet parishioners from other churches within our Pastorate and be part of their faith journey!
Peace in Your Day,
Kris