Update+
Volume 4, Number 2 October 6, 2022
Hopefully all programs are underway. We know that it is a busy time and that it is difficult to gather all the sheep. May we all have the heart of the Good Shepherd and never tire of reaching out to those who have gone astray.
We are still working on scheduling online book discussions and gathered revitalization meetings.
Reminder: Both Circle of Grace and the Inventories are required in every parish. It is no longer an option to rely on the public school programing for safe environment training. The reports are due by JANUARY 31, 2023. The Inventories are also required of every parish – grades 1 – 10. Hopefully you have already completed or are in the process of doing the pre-testing. The final Inventory Reports will be due in the spring. Click on the following attachments for the report forms:
- PREA Meeting – and an opportunity for FREE books!
- Introduction to the Ministry of the Catechist course information
- Echoes Emmaus online course information
- Day of Discovery – Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
- Advent Catechist retreat
- Confirmation for Adults (over 18)
- Resources for sale – record keeping, both catechetical and sacramental
Note: Fall Confirmations have all been scheduled. Most of the spring Confirmations have been scheduled. We are still working on the Worcester multi-parish groupings.
Parish Religious Educators Association
PREA will have its first gathering on Wednesday, October 12th at St. Richard of Chichester in Sterling from 10:00 am – Noon. St. Richard is located at 4 Bridge St.
As we are implementing the Circle of Grace program in our parishes, Mary Pat Heelan and Mary Jo Kriz will each be presenting a model lesson. Mary Pat will give us an example of a lower grade and Mary Jo will cover an upper grade. Hopefully you can join us. -- Jean Urbanowski, Secretary.
(N.B. – Most parishes pay the $75.00 membership fee for their catechetical leaders. These gatherings are an important means of networking and support – EAM)
FREE BOOKS -- Twenty-Third Publications has moved and sent “cartons” of books to the main Bayard office in Worcester. David Dziena is graciously offering these to our parishes through the ORE. We will bring about 9 cartons of miscellaneous titles to the PREA meeting next Wednesday.
Basic Catechist Training - Fall 2022
Introduction to the Ministry of the Catechist
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
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 Course offered this fall:
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
Catechist Advent Retreat
SAVE the DATE
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 -- 2-8 PM
Cost: $40 (includes dinner)
Location TBD
Invite your catechists to our Advent Retreat on Sunday, Dec. 11th. Together we will continue to contemplate the spirituality of the catechist as we focus on Advent and the joy that Christmas brings. This retreat fulfills the retreat requirement for all catechists seeking certification and includes dinner and Evening Prayer. N.B. Catechists who are not yet certified may start with this piece of the “Intro”. The retreat is different every year so it is also appropriate for certified catechists. TBD. Contact Mary Pat Heelan for information at mheelan@worcesterdiocese.org.
Day of Discovery
CGS Assistant Training
Saturday, Nov. 12th -- 9 am to 3 pm
St. John the Guardian of Our Lady
80 Union St., Clinton, MA 01510
Cost: $25 (includes the book Joyful Journey)
Have you been wondering about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and how it can serve the spiritual needs of the very young child? Come find out what makes this such a fruitful program for children ages 3, 4, 5 and how it helps them, their families and their catechists grow closer to Jesus through Scripture, liturgy and the sacraments. Perfect for those working as CGS Assistants, too. For more information or questions, please contact Mary Pat Heelan at mheelan@worcesterdiocese.org
Adult Confirmation
Sunday, February 19, 2023 – 3 pm
Cathedral of St. Paul, Worcester
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