Update+
Volume 4, Number 1 September 6, 2022
As we begin a new academic year, we echo St. Paul:
“We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, as is fitting, because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater. Accordingly, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God regarding your endurance and faith.” 2 Thes. 1:3-5
We ask God to bless all that we undertake this year and bring it to completion.
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Course information
- Introduction to the Ministry of the Catechist course information
- Echoes Emmaus online course information
- Master Catechist courses
- How to do background check/training for new catechists/volunteers
- National Community of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL) – FREE membership
- Resources for sale – record keeping, both catechetical and sacramental
- List of approved texts
Note: Fall Confirmations have all been scheduled. Regions – please return “date request” forms by September 15th so we can schedule spring Confirmations.
Catechetical Sunday
This year, Catechetical Sunday will be celebrated on September 18th. Click on the link below for more information:
NEW Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Course coming this Fall - WEEKEND MODEL
What a blessing! Our Diocese certified 11 new Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechists this summer. Interested in a new way of engaging with young families and nurturing the religious life of the child? The Office of Religious Education will be offering a WEEKEND Model CGS Level I Part 1 Catechist Training on September 23, 24, 25, and Nov. 18, 19, 20, 2022 from 9-5 at St. Cecilia's Parish Center, 188 Mechanic Street, Leominster, MA 01453.
This course will prepare catechists to work with children ages 3-5. Registration and tuition is due by Sept. 15, 2022. For more information, please contact Mary Pat Heelan at mheelan@worcesterdiocese.org.
Basic Catechist Training - Fall 2022
Introduction to the Ministry of the Catechist - Two opportunities this fall - one in South County and one in North County.
Together, we will contemplate our vocation as a catechist and then address teaching skills:
developmental stages of the learner, lesson planning, classroom management, and more.
The course ends with a retreat focusing on the spirituality of the catechist.
(This course is required
for all levels of Catechist Certification.)
$40 for Session 1, 2, 3 (includes a book)
$40 for Retreat (includes dinner)
Instructors:
Mary Pat Heelan
and
Darleen Farland
South County
St. Mary Parish, 77 Mendon Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569
Session 1 The Ministry, Vocation & Roles of the Catechist: Sat. Oct. 1st, 9-12 AM
Session 2 Lesson Planning & Developmental Stages of the Learner:
Thurs. Oct. 6th 6-8 PM
Session 3 Methodology and Classroom Management: Thurs. Oct. 13th, 6-8 PM
North County
St. Edward the Confessor Parish, 10 Church Street, Westminster, MA 01473
Session 1 The Ministry, Vocation and Roles of the Catechist: Sat. Nov. 5th, 9-12 AM
Session 2 Lesson Planning and Developmental Stages of the Learner:
Thurs. Nov 10th, 6-8 PM
Session 3 Methodology and Classroom Management: Thurs. Nov. 17, 6-8 PM
Session 4 The Spirituality of the Catechist: Advent Retreat
Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2-8 PM
(Location TBD, requires separate registration)
(Location TBD, requires separate registration)
Beyond Intro . . .
Looking for catechist training? Excite your catechist team with information they will need in the classroom by encouraging them to complete Basic Catechist Certification.
Echoes of Faith Emmaus Online Courses offered this Fall:
Catholic Morality Sept. 11 - Oct. 8 with instructor, Judi Brennan
The Scriptures Oct. 16 - Nov. 12 with instructor, Maura Sweeney
Cost: $20 for first course (includes a one-year access code)
$10 for all additional courses
Master Catechist Training - Fall 2022
Introduction to Morality
St. Anna Catholic School/St. Bernard Elementary School
Tuesdays from 4-6 PM
(8 sessions, 4 at each venue)
Mary Pat Heelan, Instructor
St. Anna Catholic School, Leominster Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11
St. Bernard Elementary School
Fitchburg
Oct. 25, Nov. 1,8,15
At the core of Catholic morality is our relationship with God. "Whatever else it involves, the Christian moral life begins with the experience that we are loved by God in an unimaginable, unfathomable way. The Christian moral life is our attempt to respond to the gift of this love." Together, we will discover how God calls us to live this moral life to help build the Kingdom of God. Participants will also develop a greater understanding of the role of the catechist/teacher in handing on the Catholic moral tradition.
Introduction to Worship and Sacrament
Chancery 49 Elm St., Worcester 01609
Wednesdays from 4-6 PM
Wednesdays from 4-6 PM
Sept 21, 28; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9
Elizabeth Marcil, Instructor
Catholic practice is centered in the Eucharist and the other sacraments. Participants will consider the nature and history of our liturgy including blessings, funerals and the liturgical year. Based on the ritual texts, we will explore together how we are formed by the sacraments and given a perspective to meet life’s challenges.
Cost: $60.00 including text.
(Please note: Master Catechist Certification is a requirement for all catechetical leaders seeking ARE certification, for Catholic school religion teachers, and for those catechists who would like to be certified as Master Catechists.) Please register using this link: https://worcesterdiocese.org/master-catechist All adults are welcome to take these courses.
FAQ – How do I comply with safe environment training for new catechists/volunteers?
- Ask new catechist/volunteer to read the Code of Ministerial Conduct https://worcesterdiocese.org/code-of-ministerial-conduct-acknowledgement and complete the acknowledgement form
- ·CORI request form found at -- https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/5647/documens/2016/9/CORI-FORM-(scan volunteer’s driver’s license, and completed CORI request form and send to cpeloquin@worcesterdiocese.org along with volunteer’s email address)
- Once the Office of Healing and Prevention has received all of the above, they will email the new catechist/volunteer a link to the online training
NCCL RETURNS!
from
John Roberto
After a year of transition, with a commitment to continuing the good work begun almost 100 years ago, we are pleased to announce the renewal of NCCL - the National Community of Catechetical Leaders.
For decades, catechists have joined together in prayer to support one another in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus in the U.S. Now more than ever, the Spirit calls us together as a community of catechetical leaders to creatively address the new challenges and opportunities facing the ministries of evangelization and catechesis in today's world.
The mission of the National Community of Catechetical Leaders is to promote the ministries of evangelization and catechesis in the U.S. Catholic Church by fostering a community of leaders who proclaim and teach the Word of Jesus Christ through the witness of accompaniment, education, and formation in the Catholic faith.
As a member of NCCL, you will have access to services, resources, and events to support you in your catechetical ministry through our new NCCL Catholic website (www.ncclcatholic.org).
- A weekly menu of feature Articles, catechetical innovations, and trends and research reports
- A monthly free Webinar on catechetical ministry today
- A Vision section focusing on the Directory for Catechesis with video presentations, articles, and tools to bring the Directory alive in your setting
- Reports on effective Practices in faith formation with all ages
- Reports of Research and Trends and their impact on evangelization and catechesis
- A Library with videos from past conferences, Catechetical Leader magazine, and more
- An Events page to keep you updated on conferences, workshops, and gatherings
We invite you to become part of this mission by becoming a member of this community that shares the same joys and challenges you face.
Click here to join:
Record Keeping Resources for sale!
The ORE has
- Attendance registers: $.40 each
- Yellow permanent record cards: $.10 each
- Diocese of Worcester Baptism registers: $ 50.00
- Diocese of Worcester Marriage registers: $ 50.00
Call or email Tina: 508-929-4303
tromeo@worcesterdiocese.org
See attachment below for the list of approved texts:
COMING SOON IN THE NEXT ISSUE:
- REVITALIZATION GATHERINGS
- BOOK CLUB DISCUSSIONS