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The Sower December, 2009
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| A Monthly Newsletter - the Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago |
Issue 4
December, 2009 |
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 Dear Catechists, Youth Ministers and Catechetical Leaders,
This past week we entered into the Advent season, a season full of hope as we prepare, once more, for the coming of the Messiah into our lives and into our world.
A challenge that we all face during this busy time of the year is how to prepare ourselves to receive the gift of Christ at Christmas. Society's call to run, shop and spend time and money on material things does not fit well with the call of Advent to go deep into ourselves, taking time to reflect, to pause and to prepare the way of the Lord.
In a few weeks, our Archdiocese will start the Catholics Come Home campaign geared to invite Catholics to renew their relationships with Christ and with his Church. As you prepare for Christmas this Advent, perhaps you could invite someone to come back to the Church. Perhaps you could be a companion to someone who is on his or her journey back to the Father. What better way can we prepare the way of the Lord!
Maruja Sedano,
Director, OFCYM |
 Queridos Catequistas, Ministros de la Juventud y Líderes Catequéticos,
Esta semana entramos en la estación de Adviento, una estación llena de esperanza en la que nos preparamos, una vez mas, para la llegada del Mesías a nuestras vidas y a nuestro mundo.
Un desafió que todos tenemos durante este tiempo tan ocupado es qué hacer para prepararnos a recibir el don de Cristo en Navidad. La sociedad nos llama a correr, comprar, gastar tiempo y dinero en cosas materiales y esto no va muy de acuerdo con la llamada que nos hace el Adviento a profundizar en nuestro interior, tomando tiempo para, pensar, reflexionar y preparar el camino al Señor.
En unas semanas nuestra arquidiócesis comenzará la campaña "Católicos Vengan a Casa" dirigida a invitar a los Católicos a que renueven su relación con Cristo y su Iglesia. Durante este tiempo de Adviento, una manera en que usted y su familia puede prepararse para la Navidad, puede ser invitando a alguien a que vuelva a la Iglesia, o acompañando a alguien en su camino de regreso al Padre. Que manera tan hermosa de preparar el camino al Señor!
Maruja Sedano,
Directora, OFCYM
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 In This Issue ...
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It's Advent
Happy New Year!
by Lois de Felice
 "Happy New Year!" is the greeting as we begin our Church year on the First Sunday of Advent.
Advent is a wonderful season of expectancy, longing, preparation and coming. In our everyday world of hustle and bustle, it is good to step aside and ponder silently the wonder of the coming of Jesus.
We are reminded by Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386) about the twofold coming of Christ - the first marked by patience, the second marked by the crown of the divine kingdom. Advent is rich with traditions, symbolism, prayer and song for us to share in our catechetical programs.
This is a wonderful time to engage with the liturgy director so that the religious education program is invested in the liturgical season in the parish. Our Office for Divine Worship has many wonderful tools to assist in beginning this dialog. Remember the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1074 tells us "liturgy is the privileged place for catechizing the People of God."
Check out offerings during each season from ODW. Take some time on December 9th for your own enrichment at Mayslake Peabody Estate Oakbrook with Marianne Saieg, OSF from 7:30-9:00 PM. She will provide the Liturgical Season with the "Artist, Advent-Epiphany through Photography."
Happy New Year and Happy Advent! May your Christmas Season be filled with the peace of the newborn King.
Find Advent resources on the Archdiocese of Chicago website:
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Anniversary for Adult Faith Formation
During the coming year the Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry will be offering brief written reflections on adult faith formation in the Archdiocese of Chicago to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the United States Catholic Bishops' statement "Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States."
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Adult Faith Formation in Our Parishes and the Archdiocese
by Patrick Redington, Coordinator of Adult Catechesis
 Ten years ago on November 17, 1999, the United States Catholic Bishops issued "Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States." The Bishops reiterated the Church's belief in the priority of adult catechesis, as "the chief form of catechesis" (General Directory for Catechesis, 59) and offered planning principles for adult faith formation in our parishes and dioceses.
Two years prior to the publication of the Bishops' statement the Archdiocese of Chicago established a policy that "The parish shall provide visible evidence of the primacy of adult religious education and formation. It shall commit adequate resources to adult religious education programs." How are we doing? General observations would conclude that many of our parishes are primarily "child centered" in their priorities and programming and offer minimal formation for their adult members.
Many parishes, however, do offer basic adult catechetical formation such as the catechumenate, seasonal programs and perhaps catechist and parent formation.
A smaller number of parishes appear to have responded to the spirit of the Bishops' plan by emphasizing the centrality of adult faith formation, some with the pastoral appointment of a parish Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation and establishment of a parish team that addresses the vision and practice of adult faith formation.
Additionally, some parishes have been successful in offering collaborative regional adult learning activities. ... (continued)
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| Qué hacer para desarrollar Formadores y Líderes Catequéticos
por Libia Páez-Howard
 Hace poco estuve en dos parroquias dando clases de formación para los padres y madres de familia que tienen hijos/as preparándose para el Sacramento de Reconciliación y/o Eucaristía. Cada vez que doy formación a personas encargados de guiar diariamente a su familia en el camino de la fe reafirmo dos cosas: Primero, la mayoría de ellas tiene muy poco conocimiento de aquello en lo creen lo cual les ha sido transmitido por sus antepasados de generación en generación, las enseñanzas de la Iglesia. Segundo, tienen un deseo enorme de aprender y entender sobre aquello que ya creen.
Esta experiencia me lleva una vez más a ver la importancia de la formación de los adultos en nuestra Iglesia. Los adultos continuarán transmitiendo a los niños/as y jóvenes la enseñanza que Jesús nos entregó a través de los apóstoles. Por tanto necesitamos tener suficientes personas entrenadas y formadas para ser catequistas no solo de niños/as sino de todos los miembros de la familia, especialmente de los adultos.
El programa de Certificado en Liderazgo Catequético hace eso, da una formación sólida y amplia para los catequistas de adultos. Al mismo tiempo que capacita a personas que podrán ayudar a coordinar un área o áreas del programa de educación religiosa en las parroquias o que en caso de necesidad, puedan encargarse de la coordinación general de la catequesis.
Cada año, gracias a Dios, hay más catequistas certificados. Debemos animar y ayudar a aquellos que se sientan llamados a continuar con una formación sistemática y más avanzada para que lo hagan. Recuerda que Dios nos usa como sus instrumentos para llamar a otros a servir donde Él quiere que sirvan. Somos responsables de asegurarnos que haya personas capacitadas para continuar con la misión de la Iglesia en el ministerio de la enseñanza.
Para más detalles sobre el programa de Certificado en Liderazgo Catequético favor de revisar el folleto y calendario en esta página cibernética (sección de español). Si estás interesado/a llámame al 312-534-8041 o escríbeme a lpaez@archchicago.org . Si hay algún catequista certificado que crees que sea un buen candidato para este programa dile que me contacte por favor. Ya se están dando unos cursos y en enero y febrero se estarán llevando a cabo otros. ¡No hay tiempo que perder!
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Guide to the Sunday Gospels
December 13 through January 3
by Thomas McLaughlin
December 13
Luke 3:10-18
 Last Sunday's Gospel introduced John the Baptist as a prophetic preacher preparing the way for the arrival of God's salvation. This Sunday we are introduced to the content of his preaching which is an announcement of the end times, the coming of the messiah, and the ethical living these events require.
In announcing the end time John does not ask the crowd to take up his austere lifestyle. Instead he calls them to lead just and honest lives. When the crowd, amazed at his teaching, wonders if he might be the expected messiah, John reminds them that he is only preparing the way. He baptizes with water as a sign of repentance. But one is coming who will baptize with fire. This is why they must share their food and clothing and treat people justly, so that the one coming to clear away all injustice can gather them to himself. Despite the description of the unquenchable fire this is truly good news that he preaches.
On our website: December 20 through January 3 »
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Formation
Moving with Confidence toward a Vision of the Future
 by Nelly Lorenzo
The OFCYM forms catechetical leaders, nourishing their lives so that their own encounter with the living God will flow out to others. Read the testimony of two participants:
"The formation to become a Lay Minister and CRE has helped me to realize what an important role I play in today's Church. I compare being a CRE to my motherhood role - it's HUGE! Being a Catechetical Leader, like motherhood, makes me want to say and do the right thing, at all times. The Art of Catechetical Leadership gives me peace of mind knowing that I have something to go to if I need to. The Catechetical Leadership Formation Program helps me to 'say and do the right thing'." Mary Strybel
"Mi experiencia en el curso de Formación de Liderazgo Catequético no sólo ha sido una buena experiencia sino también una de mucho aprendizaje. El Curso está dividido en sesiones que marcan los pasos necesarios para la certificación. Los materiales que recibimos son herramientas que nos sirven como referencia en nuestro ministerio. Los profesores dan de sí dispuestos a ayudarnos en todo, aún después de la clase. También es una gran oportunidad para crear comunidad y grupo de apoyo entre los líderes catequéticos y así ayudarnos mutuamente a dar un mejor servicio a nuestra comunidad."
Rosa Rodríguez-Pelaez
From time to time it is important for us to reflect on how effective our own efforts are in the lives of those we serve. I am grateful for the sharing of those who reflected in their lives and were able to articulate for the rest of us the confidence that they have as they move towards the future.
I envision the future of our formation strengthening:
- faith, academic and professional development;
- development and support of programs that help CRE's and DRE's;
- the training and affirming of catechetical leaders in their call to ministry;
- the fostering of an integral leadership;
- the spirit of collaboration and solidarity.
This vision moves us with confidence toward a Church that fosters participation and communion among the missionary disciples of Christ.
Return to "In this Issue ..."
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Marketing Catechesis
Some Principles for Parishes
by Frank Koob
Marketing is much more than designing an attractive flier or brochure. It is a dimension of program and event planning from the beginning to the end ... including an evaluation process.
Parish Marketing involves knowing your target groups. What  do they value that you can plug your program or event into. Even ... what do they want for themselves and their own that you can nourish? How can you move them to want what your vision of ministry says they should want?
Create a buzz using your "early adopters." Identify a few people of  your intended target group who are likely to accept your idea or attend your event. These are people who usually come to your events and make positive comments afterwards. They are your loyal customers. Turn them into evangelizers. They can start the buzz, and (who knows) it may spread even wildly. This kind of "buzz marketing" is almost free ... and that fits into your tight budget.
Of course, it goes without saying that whatever you offer must be of the quality your people deserve and are looking for!
More on parish marketing next month!
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Jegen Center News
Advent Resources
by Sr. Judy Dieterle, SSL
 With Christmas just weeks away and Advent having started already, the Jegen Center has some videos and DVDs that can help in the spiritual preparation for a Christ-centered celebration!
For Advent:
Advent with Saint Nicholas - Video - 12 minutes - for ages 7-11
St. Nicholas helps ten-year-old Holly learn about the meaning and background of customs her family and other families practice during Advent - such as the Advent calendar, the Advent wreath, the Christmas tree, Las Posadas, and more.
Advent: A Time to Hope - Video - 20 minutes - for adults
Family activities, such as Christmas shopping and card writing, reveal a spirituality that can teach us about Advent. We live in a hectic world, and Christmas is a busy time, but God calls us from within this world to witness to the presence of Christ. Family life can provide signs and symbols of hope as we wait for the coming of the Kingdom of God.
The Angel's Advent Lesson - Video - 11 minutes - for ages 7-11
Danny is making out his Christmas list when his guardian angel, Theo, appears and reminds him of the real meaning of Christmas. Together they review Advent practices and Scripture characters.
A Christmas Wish - Video - 9 minutes - for ages 5-9
Little Justine just can't wait...she wishes Christmas would come right away. When her wish comes true it doesn't turn out exactly as she had hoped. The story stresses the importance of Advent as a season of anticipation and preparation.
How Can I Celebrate Advent? - Video - 27 minutes - for ages 5-9
Beth and her brother Digger can hardly wait for the Christmas celebration to come, so they are excited to learn that the Church has a special season of waiting and preparation in expectation of the coming of the Savior: the season of Advent.
For a description of DVDs and other videos at the Jegen Center with Advent and Christmas themes, click here!
You can always phone 312-534-4562 or email jegen@archchicago.org for further descriptions and available items. See the online catalog... and do pay us a visit!
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Perhaps you have heard that the New Oxford American Dictionary has picked the verb "unfriend" as its 2009 Word of the Year. For those of you who are not part of the 300 million people who use social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace, to "unfriend" someone is to remove that person as your "friend" at your personal page of a social networking site.
Unfriending was not that common in the first few years of Facebook use. Only in rare occasions did someone unfriend another. By 2009, however, unfriending has become so common that the New Oxford American Dictionary made it word of the year.
What does this have to do with youth ministry and catechesis, you may wonder? The purpose of youth ministry is defined by the United States Bishops as about encouraging young people to grow in intimate communion and friendship with Jesus Christ. While humans are pretty adept at unfriending Jesus through sin, Jesus has never and will never unfriend us.
When it comes to catechesis, it is important to note how society makes it easier and easier for young people to engage indifference. Unfriending someone or getting unfriended used to be a big deal but now is normal. I would hope that the word simply refers to activity restricted to social networking via the world wide web and not real time social networking such as school events, parties and social gatherings. Unfriending someone in person is not something that Christ can endorse. Of course not everyone is destined to be our friend, but many times strangers can become friends or fallen away friends can reestablish their friendship with us through forgiveness and mutual trust.
In terms of a good youth ministry conversation, I encourage you to engage young people's perspective on the issue of "unfriend." Here are a few discussion starter questions:
What do you think of the Oxford American Dictionary's 2009 word of the year choice of "unfriend"?
Have you ever unfriended someone? By what criteria does someone your age unfriend another?
What are the criteria for friending someone?
What is the difference between befriending and friending?
When it comes to Christ, what type of a friend are you to Him? Have you ever unfriended Christ?
What are the ways the virtual world of social networking changes or challenges real life interaction with others?
New Youth Ministry Website
Archdiocesan Youth Rallies
Join us all for in-person social networking and befriending at our upcoming Archdiocesan Youth Rallies: see the Youth Ministry web page for information. Next one is Sunday December 13 at St. Bernardine's in Forest Park.
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CHRISTMAS REFLECTION
FOR CATECHETICAL LEADERS & CATECHISTS
"The Art & Faith of the Crèche"
Saturday, December 19
11:00am - 1:00pm (approximate time)
Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
820 North Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
Tom McLaughlin of the Adult Faith Formation Team of the Office for Catechesis & Youth Ministry will lead us in a reflection of the infancy narratives found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Following his presentation and discussion we will view an exhibit of crèches from around the world that interpret the nativity stories through the eyes of particular cultures. The story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus has had a great appeal throughout the world as a story of a family facing both hardship and hope. We'll see how artists across the globe have depicted the Nativity through a cultural lens that incorporates native clothing, art and architecture.
Morning refreshments will be served.
Public transportation is suggested. Specific directions will be given to registrants. Parking garages are in the area but are expensive.
Registration is required in order to plan for the event.
Register with Cindy Perales, 312-534-8048 or e-mail: cperales@archchicago.org
Registration fee of $10.00 includes admission to the museum.
Please bring check payable to "Office for Catechesis & Youth Ministry" with you.
Flier and Regisration Information »
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 The pregnant Mary, Mother of Jesus, reminds us that we prepare in Advent so the world may experience a greater sense of the presence of the Word Incarnate this year ... in our lives ... in our communities ... in our societies ... and in the whole of our global reality.
May Christmas and all of the celebrations surrounding this feast bring each of you more deeply into this Mystery of God become Man. And may our Mother, who was the first to embrace the Incarnate Word, shower blessings upon you and yours abundantly.
Sincerely,
the Staff of the Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago
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