|
|
|
Sower February, 2010
|
 |
|
|
|
| A Monthly Newsletter - the Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago |
Issue 6
February, 2010 |
| |
Dear Catechists, Youth Ministers and Catechetical Leaders,
 The world has come together to rescue the bereft Haitians in amazing ways. We do not need to count them here.
Lent, starting on February 17 with Ash Wednesday, reminds us that we have been and are being rescued as well. We will wear the cross as a sign that we are sent to continue God's saving work in the broader world ... and in our own worlds.
The film, " To Save a Life," in some theaters now, shows us that we are called to this work in many real ways. Seeing it could be on your "To Do" list. The Jegen Center held a private screening for staff members on January 21.
We wish you well in your work as you lead those in your faith community through the process of Lenten transformation.
Sincerely,
the Staff of the Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago
|
  In This Issue ...
|
|
After Six Sower Issues ...
Take a short survey!
 We want to see how we can best serve your needs through this publication.
Please visit our website to take a brief 5-question survey.
The survey is on the right.
|
February Is Black History Month
Who Are Today's Elijahs?
 by Lois DeFelice
During this month we acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of our Black sisters and brothers. Throughout history, people of color have served the church and lived their faith in many important ways. From the African who helped carry the cross of Jesus to present-day role models such as  Sr. Thea Bowman and Father Augustus Tolton, Black people have witnessed the Good News of God's love and challenge us to love one another.
At the dawn of the Third Millennium, there were 200 million Catholics of African descent throughout the world. Africa had 130 million; Latin America, 60 million and Carribean and North America, 20 million. Let us join with them in celebrating their rich heritage and the blessings they bring to our community of faith.
Return to "In this Issue ..." |
| Bible in the Media
by Brigid Wolff, coordinator of the Chicago Catholic Scripture School
 The Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) will exhibit a Haggadah
The Papercut Haggadah by Archie Granot will be on exhibit beginning February 11 until May 9, 2010 at LUMA on Michigan Avenue (sweetly located adjacent to the Hershey's store). Haggadah means "to tell" in Hebrew. The Haggadah is read on the first night of Passover at the Seder meal when the story of the liberation of God's people from slavery in Egypt is retold in a ritual meal. The re-telling of the story of being led out of Egypt is also a way of reliving the event of God's goodness for God's people.  LUMA will exhibit the papercut Haggadah that is done not in Hebrew but in geometric and abstract shapes. LUMA will also be offering lectures on the subject of Haggadot on Tuesdays, April 13 and May 4 at 6:00 p.m. The LUMA website has more information at LUC.edu/luma. Over the centuries many beautifully illustrated and illuminated Haggadah have been created by artists and artisans throughout the world. One of the most famous of these, the Sarajevo Haggadah is celebrated in a work of historical fiction called People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. People of the Book tells the story of many heroes over the centuries who have valued and protected a particularly special Haggadah. It also addresses the relationship among the "People of the Book," Jews, Christians, and Muslims, who all trace their heritage back to Abraham and Sarah. In the past a dimension of the ecumenical movement led Christian communities to celebrate the Seder, or Passover meal, either with our Jewish brothers and sisters or as a Christian community. The thought at the time was to unite us with a part of our own story that is shared with the Jewish people. Currently, Jewish leaders who experience this as a "Christianization" of a deeply Jewish ritual celebration discourage this practice. As we look toward Lent and the journey to the cross on Good Friday and the Passover of long ago you might consider a visit to LUMA as a stop on your own Lenten journey.
|
Eventos para Adultos en Español
by Juan Carlos Farías González
Retiros de Cuaresma
Vivir desde Adentro
 Este año 2010 la cuaresma comienza el 17 de Febrero. Este tiempo litúrgico se caracteriza por la invitación que la Iglesia hace a la reflexión y a retomar el camino de la conversión. Como cada año la año hemos escogido como tema "VIVIR DESDE ADENTRO: El camino al Discernimiento Espiritual". El tema es muy interesante y tiene mucha materia de donde cortar pues dirige su atención hacia las tres practicas cuaresmales: el ayuno, la oración y las obras de caridad que nos ayudan a vivir este proceso de conversión de manera más intensa. más »
CONVOCATORIA DE LIDERES DEL RITO DE INICIACION CRISTIANA PARA ADULTOS
Se invita a todos aquellas personas que ayudan como catequistas de la Iniciación Cristiana a una convocatoria
DONDE: Parroquia de San Estanislaos Kostka
CUANDO: Sábado, 27 de Febrero del 2010
HORARIO: 9 AM a 1 PM
MISION BIBLICA CUARESMAL
Se invita a todas aquellas personas que estén interesadas en profundizar más en el conocimiento de las Sagradas Escrituras a un estudio del Evangelio de San Lucas.
DONDE: Parroquia de Santa María del Celle
CUANDO: Miércoles 24 de Febrero y Miércoles 3, 10, 17 y 24 de Marzo
HORARIO: 7 PM a 9: 15 PM
COSTO: $ 30.00 por persona
PRESENTADOR: P. Manuel Villalobos, sacerdote y biblista mexicano que pertenece a los misioneros claretianos.
Para más información llamar a Juan Carlos Farias-González al 312-534-8049 o enviar un correo electrónico a Jfarias@archchicago.org
|
Jegen Center News
Currculum Exploration Day - Resources for Lent and Easter
by Sr. Judy Dieterle, SSL
Friday, February 5, 2010
Don't let the date slip by for the Curriculum Exploration Day - Friday, February 5, 2010, from Noon to 2:45 p.m. at St. Roman's! Your RSVP must be in by February 1st so we can have a correct lunch count. Call Yasmin Alba at 312-534-8046 or email yalba@archchicago.org. The day will give you the opportunity to browse the religion texts and other materials that are available and approved for use in the Archdiocese. The four major publishing companies will be with us - Loyola Press, Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division (formerly Harcourt), RCL Benziger, and William H. Sadlier, Inc. Both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking representatives will present their products.
Schedule
12:00 - 12:40 - Lunch provided by the publishers
12:40 - 12:50 - Brief Orientation
12:55 - 1:15 - Showcase I
1:20 - 1:40 - Showcase II
1:45 - 2:05 - Showcase III
2:10 - 2:30 - Showcase IV
2:30 - 2:45 - Wrap-up and Announcements
As a participant, you will be scheduled to move through the showcases to see what is most useful for you. For a print copy of the registration form, click here and download the flier/registration form in either Spanish or English. Hope to see you there! It's always good to keep up to date on what is available. As you begin to prepare for Lent and Easter, you may want to check out the resources in the Jegen Center. You will find a list of them by clicking here.
|
Opłatek dla Katechetów
Elzbieta Wojtas
 Jak co roku grono katechetyczne Archidiecezji Chicago spotkało się na Opłatku w zakonie Sióstr Dominikanek w Justice IL.
Spotkanie, opłatkowe rozpoczęliśmy Mszą Świętą w intencji katechetów i ich rodzin z prośbą o potrzebne dla nich dary i łaski. Ksiądz proboszcz Antoni Bury w homilii mówił o waznej roli katechety jako nauczyciela, wychowawcy i świadka wiary.
Po uroczystej Mszy Świętej wszyscy przybyli zgromadzili się na wspólnej agapie.
Gościem specjalnym Opłatka była dyrektor Biura Katechetycznego Pani Maria Sedano, która w swoim przemówieniu podziękowała katechetom za ich trud i poświęcenie, jakie wkładają w szerzenie wiary wśród dzieci i młodziezy. Drugim zaproszonym gościem był właściciel księgarni Zródło, który mówił o najnowszych i najlepiej sprzedających się propozycjach ksiązkowych. Organizator spotkania Pani Elzbieta Wojtas Koordynator Katechetyczny Archidiecezji Chicago podziękowała wszystkim bardzo serdecznie za przybycie, a składając zyczenia Noworoczne zyczyła wszystkim zebranym, aby w Nowym Roku zaden katecheta nie był smutny i aby był zywym świadkiem Chrystusa emanującym radością chrześcijańską, na co dzień oraz wdzięcznością za dar zycia i tego wszystkiego, czym dobry Bóg obdarza.
Do zobaczenia na opłatku w 2011 roku. Do siego roku!
| |
Certified Catechetical Leader Gathering, March 3
by Kristen Hempstead-McGann
Those of you who are certified should save the date of March 3, 2010 for the annual Certified Catechetical Leader Gathering. It will be held at the Cardinal Meyer Center, 3525 S. Lake Park Ave. in Chicago. Perhaps this will be your first opportunity to see the new building.
Certification means being a member of a group of ministers in the Church who have demonstrated excellence in their ministry. This group comes together annually at the Certified Catechetical Leader Gathering. Historically, this event has included fellowship, prayer, enrichment and the opportunity for Certified Catechetical Leaders to share their wisdom with one another and with OFCYM. This year will be no exception.  "Future Visions in a Time of Transition" will begin with a keynote presentation from Patricia Snell, Assistant Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society and co-author of Souls in Transition, which describes the results of the second wave of the National Study on Youth and Religion. A panel from the Archdiocese of Chicago will follow, interpreting the national trends in light of the Gospel and the particularities of our local community. Following these morning sessions, we will share a meal together and then get to work analyzing what wisdom and experience we bring to our situation and strategizing where we can go from here.
If you are among the certified, you will receive a personal invitation.
For those who are not yet certified, we await the opportunity to welcome you at this event in the near future!
|
Guide to the Sunday Gospels
February 7
 by Thomas McLaughlin
Luke 5:1-11 In this Gospel Luke gives us an insight into the ordinary daily life of the apostles. They were fishermen and Jesus comes upon them at the Lake of Gennesaret as they are coming in from some time on the lake. He sits down in one of their boats and asks Peter to set out just a bit to get a little distance from the crowds and he then begins to teach them.  When he finishes his teaching he gets out and tells Peter to go out and catch some fish. Peter, who had worked all night and caught nothing, was a bit reluctant. But he did as he was asked. To his surprise they began to catch so many fish the nets were close to breaking. They got back to shore with their heavy catch and fell at Jesus' feet, in awe of his power. Jesus tells them not to be afraid and that from now on they would be catching people. With this they leave all behind and follow Jesus. Jesus shows his disciples how productive their lives can be with his help. We are all called by God to be his messengers in the world. But the task does not depend on us. God takes the initiative and assures the results. Despite our own feelings of inadequacy we are assured that if we leave ourselves behind to follow Jesus, in whatever direction that takes in our lives, God's work will be done.
____________________________
Please use these gospel reflections with catechists, staff, or even your parish through the parish newsletter or bulletin. Please give credit to the author and the Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry, Archdiocese of Chicago.
|
Marketing Catechesis
Turning your loyal followers into ministry evangelizers
 by Frank Koob
Now that we have finished our Ad blitz for Catholics Come Home...
It is hard to notice the lasting results of this campaign, but what I hear from everyone in parishes is that their own "regular" Catholics have become excited because they feel proud of the Church they have been so loyal to over the years.
What if these Catholics were turned into evangelizers for both their parishes and their faith? It is wonderful to have them in our pews. And it is great to see them feeling upbeat about their Catholicism. It may be time to not just let them... or us... stop there.
Some need to be shown how - not just asked to. This needs to be done in practical terms. Possible ways and step-by-step guidelines can be given from the pulpit and printed in the parish bulletin.
Maybe you could have a "One Brings One" initiative for Lent. A parishioner is asked to bring one Catholic-at-a-Distance, or non-Catholic for that matter, to Sunday Mass or to a parish gathering or to a Lent service or to a social meeting or service project. One plus one often will add up to way more than two.
 Two parishes in my neighborhood have been doing home visitations over the past several years. Their Masses are now overflowing and their religious education programs have a combined total of over 1,000 children. For them it didn't happen in a day, or even in the first year. That, and meeting the needs of the households that came along with them, became the parish's style of doing ministry.
Whatever works! Talk about it at staff meetings and councils to come up with something practical and do it. If it doesn't work perfectly, tweak it. You may just come up with something that becomes your parish's style of doing its evangelizing ministry.
More on parish marketing next month!
|
Adult Faith Formation Anniversary
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." __________________________________ Catholic Social Teaching: Raising Awareness
 by Carol N. Smith, Program Assistant, Catholic Relief Services/Justice Education of the Office for Peace and Justice, Archdiocese of Chicago
In "Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us" our Bishops point out that a living, explicit, and fruitful Catholic adult faith explores and promotes the Church's social teaching, serves those in need, promotes the common good, and works for change in society through personal and social action (#96).
Since 1979 the Office for Peace and Justice of the Archdiocese of Chicago has carried out the Gospel call to love God, our neighbors and all of God's creation. Jesus calls us to be witnesses by acting upon our faith to promote social justice.
Through its many programs and initiatives, the Office for Peace and Justice provides Catholics and all people of good will with a variety of opportunities to live out God's call for all people to support justice and peace throughout the world. Our office assists Catholics in knowing their faith and addresses issues of poverty, faithful citizenship, human rights, domestic policy, international development, peace and care for creation. In promoting respect for human life and dignity, the office works through five main programs: Justice Education, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Relief Services, Domestic Violence and Parish Sharing. In addition to these programs our office resources other agencies regarding the Social Doctrine of Church.
Two major events that we provide annually are Justice Day and the Advent Africa Summit.
These two events are primarily learning opportunities focused on adult education, however, youth and young adults can always benefit from the information provided. In fact, when we promote our events we encourage youth and young adult participation. The events present dynamic speakers who have actually made Catholic Social Teaching a way of life and explain how others can do the same. The all-day events focus on how the policies passed by our legislators affect the lives of people throughout the world. They stress the moral obligation of the participants to protect the rights of all humans especially those living on the fringes of society, the poor and socially oppressed. Each year the events focus on a current social concern.
We also arrange small group meetings with parish social justice committees, parish councils, student organizations, individuals and groups who may be just interested in expanding their knowledge of Catholic social doctrines. We provide many useful resources that assist in bringing awareness to what the Church teaches about social justice. The Office for Peace and Justice offers classroom instructions to adults as well as child-ren. Through our monthly newsletter we keep our subscribers informed of new and emerging documents, social justice events, offer opportunities for personal involvement, legislative actions and links to social justice websites.
|
Curso Ministeriál para Líderes Catequéticos en Español
Evangelización, Catequesis y Cultura
Como todos sabemos, la población en los Estados Unidos es multicultural. Mas del 13% de esa población es Hispana y dentro del grupo de hispanos hay personas de diferentes países quienes han traído consigo distintas maneras de vivir su fe y sus costumbres. La fe y las costumbres están tan estrechamente relacionadas en la comunidad hispana que muchas veces es imposible separar una cosa de la otra, de manera que elementos de la fe se convierten en elementos culturales y viceversa. ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de servir a esta comunidad hispana que a la vez está insertada en un ambiente multicultural? El Directorio Nacional para la Catequesis nos recuerda que "Así como 'la Palabra de Dios se hizo hombre y habitó entre nosotros,' así también la Buena Nueva, la palabra de Dios proclamada a las naciones, debe arraigar en la situación vital de los oyentes de la Palabra." ( DNC 21, B) La Oficina para la Catequesis y el Ministerio Juvenil en su afán de preparar lo mejor posible a nuestros líderes parroquiales y darles las herramientas necesarias para que en su ministerio ayuden a que la Buena Nueva se encarne en la cultura, está ofreciendo un curso de "Evangelización, Catequesis y Cultura." Este curso explorará los conceptos de cultura, misión e inculturación. Se enfocará especialmente en el impacto que tiene la cultura en la evangelización y proceso catequético personal y de aquellos a quienes estamos llamados servir. De igual manera, retará a los participantes a ver como la evangelización y la catequesis tienen la misión de transformar los antivalores presentes en la cultura. Se estudiará lo que los recientes documentos católicos, especialmente el DNC, nos dicen sobre esta área de la teología. Ven y participa, este curso de formación ministerial es para todos/as aquellos/as que están en el proceso de Certificación como Directores/Coordinadores de Catequesis y Coordinadores del Ministerio Juvenil, para Catequistas Certificados/as y como educación continua para Diáconos. Vea mas detalles en esta nuestra página cibernética. Para inscribirse contacte a Libia Páez-Howard al 312-534-8041 o lpaez@archchicago.org .
| | |
 Coming Events ...
February
5 Jegen Center Curriculum Exploration Day - at St. Roman's
5 thru 19, Fridays Adult Faith Leadership Formation Ministerial Course
5 All Night Ski
5 & 6 Lock-In at Enchanted Castle Lombard
6 Young Leaders of Chicago South Youth Rally
7 Young Leaders of Chicago Vicariate IVYouth Rally
9 Enrichment Day on Collaborative Ministerial Leadership
17 Ash Wednesday
21 Vicariate II Young Leadership Awards Banquet
29 & Mar 13, 27 Curso Ministerial - Evangelización, Catequesis y Cultura
March
3 Certified Catechetical Leader Gathering
7 Young Leaders of Chicago Vicariate IV Youth Rally
15 Vicariate IV Youth Leadership Awards Banquet
16 Vicariate I Youth Leadership Awards Banquet
April
4 Easter
10 Vicariate VI Youth Leadership Awards Banquet
11 CCSS Special Event: Cardinal Francis George speaks to the CCSS
14 to 16 NPCD Convention Anaheim CA
16 to 18 Bread of Life Youth Retreat
18 Vicariate V Youth Leadership Awards Banquet
18 to 22 NCCL Convention Las Vegas NV
Save the Dates for ...
Annual Awards Dinner at Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace on May 12
Youth Ministry Coordinators Gathering on June 2
Semana Bíblica, June 14 to 19
Retreat for Hispanic Catechetical Leaders (in Spanish) on June 25 & 26
Certification and Graduation Mass and Ceremony on June 27
Youth Ministry Summer Events like the Water Park and Great America Days
Mawusi July 30 to August 1 at Techny Chicago Catechetical Conference November 5 & 6 Rosemont IL
For the complete OFCYM Catechetical Calendar Online click here.
For the Youth Ministry Calendar Online click here.
|
|
Annual March for Life Pilgrimage
What happens on the Archdiocesan March for Life Pilgrimage? The context for annual the March for Life is the Catholic Church's disapproval of legalized abortion in the United States and its desire to overturn legislation that protects an individual's right to abort an unborn child.
The March for Life, organized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, takes place every year on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. This event galvanizes millions of American Catholics across the country around the issue of respect for life. Additionally the pilgrimage inspires and motivates Catholics in countless ways. For example, it provides a forum for youth to give public witness of their Catholic faith and sparks youth curiosity toward religious vocations.
 The pilgrimage begins in Chicago two days before the March. This year, seven buses filled with over 300 pilgrims made the 16-hour bus trip to Washington D.C. Trained leaders facilitate group discussions on the buses, bridging the experience of the March for Life with Catholic teaching on human dignity and justice.
Pilgrims are blessed with a magnificent Mass upon their arrival at the Basilica of the National Shrine. Arriving early for the Mass is a must as 10,000 pilgrims patiently await a seemingly endless procession of deacons, priests, bishops and cardinals to enter the Basilica to start the celebration. Sleeping bags and backpacks fill each corner of the numerous chapels in the basement as young persons prepare to stay up overnight for the national evening of prayer.
The next morning youth pilgrims are invited to an indoor sports venue to gather with 17,000 youth for a youth rally and Mass. Large numbers of priests, bishops and sisters (the majority of which stayed up all night at the prayer vigil) join the youth for this marquee event. This year 300 priests heard over 6,000 confessions during the rally. The Holy Spirit accomplished this amazing feat through many faithful ministers of the Gospel of Life.
 After the youth Mass, groups stream out onto the streets and head over to the March for Life. This year over 200,000 people participated. Marchers carry signs and shout out cheers and special prayers for the unborn. The March for Life ends at the steps of the Supreme Court, where this legislation was enacted.
Near the Supreme Court women who chose abortion earlier in their lives but later regretted their decision are given a chance to share their conversion stories.
The final day provides youth with a chance to go to an abortion clinic and publicly pray for those involved with the industry of abortion and those who gravely mistake a woman's right to choose more valuable than an innocent life. Priests lead the rosary as Catholics protest the destructive and horrific acts of abortion through meditative prayer.
Every year the March for Life grows larger and stronger. This year's group from Chicago was quite diverse. If you or your youth group are interested in participating, please contact the Respect Life Office.
|
|
Visit our two websites. We are continually posting new items. Posted in the last few weeks are the new glossary for the elementary catechetical curriculum, fliers for coming events such as the Spanish language retreats, newly formed Fostering Faith course offerings, and the Confirmation preparation list for the Spring, 2010.
Check these websites often for information and ideas -
After you finish reading this newsletter, please pass it on to others who may appreciate it. The "Please forward" link below makes this quite easy. We do not collect your forwarding e-mail addresses.
| |
| | |
|
|
|
|
:: Resources :: Current Issue of the Sower :: Sower February, 2010
:: |
|
|