Christian religious education
POPULARITY
3 episodes with catechists
3 episodes with catechists
2 episodes with catechists
3 episodes with catechists
2 episodes with catechists
2 episodes with catechists
2 episodes with catechists
2 episodes with catechists
2 episodes with catechists
"Who are catechists? They are people who keep the memory of God alive; they keep it alive in themselves, and they are able to revive it in others." -Pope Francis Today, Apple Bustamante, a teacher by profession but called to be a campus formator representing the Pilgrims of Hope for Catechists, speaks about the dedication, guidance, and support catechists give—especially to young people— that goes beyond a classroom setting, which encourages them to be fostered in love and faith as they grow in community and purpose.
Guest Archbishop Charles Thompson of Indianapolis and Chair of the USCCB's Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis discusses the important role of catechists as the Eucharistic Revival enters its Year of Mission. September 15, 2024, is Catechetical Sunday. Learn more about this day to recognize and celebrate the gift that catechists bring to a parish community: https://www.usccb.org/committees/evangelization-catechesis/lord-when-did-we-see-you-hungry
Question Covered: 15:15 – Why do Christian denominations practice the holy eucharist differently? Would it “count” for say a Mormon or Baptist? 19:00 – I believe the John 6 dispute among the disciples was Christ’s statement that he came from heaven to earth. The conversation with the disciples seems to confirm this in verses 61 and 62. Thoughts? 30:00 – There is such a different view between Catholics and Protestants on this topic. How/when did they determine the Eucharist wasn't actually the body of Jesus? How can we prove it is to non-Catholics? If I have been receiving “communion” from a Protestant church, am I committing mortal sin?! 36:07 – Did Jesus offer His literal Body on the cross or was His Body a symbol? 37:18 – How can we as Catechists correct a former student who went back to Protestantism, especially after leaving the Holy Eucharist? 46:09 – Would you tell us about the Eucharistic miracles of Lanciano Italy and Bueno Aires regarding their laboratory test results? 50:21 – if a “mortal sin” is an addiction and I feel like eating the Eucharist helps fight the addiction can I eat it even though I’m still struggling? …
"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." —1 John 4:11 Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! Mary Heinrich discusses with us the value of friendship in this work as well as different networks you can set up to help sustain this desired support and community. Mary is the Membership Coordinator for The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Prior to joining the staff, Mary served on the CGSUSA Board of Trustees for seven years. Mary has also served as a Director of Faith Formation in the Catholic Church for twenty-nine years, as well as a consultant and editor for religious education publishers. She earned a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and a master's degree in Pastoral Studies in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. Her husband, Kurt is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Des Moines and teaches theology at the local Catholic high school, is a Level One catechist, and enjoys making materials for the atrium. Their daughter, Clare, is the elementary faith formation coordinator at her Church, working in the Level One and Level Two atria. When not immersed in CGS, Mary enjoys reading, art and spending time with her family. Types of CGSUSA Memberships Information about Regional Groups Other Episode with Mary: Episode 31 - “Even Now” A Lenten Reflection with Mary Heinrich Further Reading: Read Tina Lillig's article Life of the Catechist online Facets of Joy Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org Follow us on Social Media- Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” Instagram- cgsusa Twitter- @cgsusa Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd
In Aurora, CO Archbishop Aquila adresses the atendees of the Convivence of Catechists, a Neocatechumenal catechists' gathering. Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102923.cfm
Description“Always be ready to give a reason for your hope.” 1 Peter 3:15. If I had a dollar for every time I've heard someone remind me of this passage, I'd be well really rich, but if I had to pay back every dollar for every time someone explained to me an ‘easy way to always be ready', well I'd still be rich. :) This is one of those verses that Catholic speakers, priests, Catechists like to throw around WITHOUT also equipping us to make it a reality in our lives. Well today is that day, my friends! I want to give you a simple, memorable way to share with others the reason for the hope you have in Christ. Certainly there are theological and catechetical reasons for that hope, right?, but that often opens things up for debate or disagreement. Which is fine and there's a time and a place for that But one thing no one can debate, assuming you are being honest, is the simple story of God's work in your life boiled down into ONE SENTENCE. That's the goal and in this episode I want to propose an exercise that will help you and others develop ONE-SENTENCE TESTIMONIES. Download PDF Overview of Episode 57: How and Why to Write a One-Sentence TestimonyLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.
Does your family know the basics about Catholicism like the Eucharist?Join my Soul, Mind and Body Group! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOomOLNKo70zgeWxOJEJChlQTrouble signing up? Watch this 90 second video https://youtu.be/wjR0e57MDWYNeed help with prayer, let's do it together with my VIDEO prayer coursehttps://academy.kendravonesh.com/p/go-deepCurious about my story? Check out my book http://smarturl.it/AmICatholicI would love to come speak at your event!https://www.kendravonesh.com/speakingWant more intimacy and 1:1 Coaching?https://www.kendravonesh.com/faith-coaching We can walk daily on my Reality Reflections podcast!https://www.kendravonesh.com/podcast
Does your family know the basics about Catholicism like the Eucharist? Join my Soul, Mind and Body Group!
Questions Covered: 14:50 – What are your thoughts on the Synod's upcoming conversations on the LGBT movement? 18:36 – I have 2 young daughters. What advice would you give on how to affirm them in being children of God? 34:01 – I work with a woman who is transitioning her child. I don’t know if I can socialize with this person in my home. Any thoughts? 41:07 – I'm in college and am in a lot of classes where these issues come up. How do I approach these topics as a Catholic where I might be condemned for my views? 45:20 – How can we discuss these issues as Catechists? …
Students and teachers are heading back to school, and Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show and experienced catechist Joe Paprocki to give his top 10 formation tips for religious educators. Joe has served as National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press since 2002 and has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. The tips are based off of his book, “The Catechist's Toolbox: How to Thrive as a Religious Education Teacher.”
Published: February 23, 2020 How does someone go from being a non-Catholic to leading one of the largest Catholic Youth Ministry efforts in the United States and around the world? Today, Changing Our World's Jim Friend interviews the CEO of Life Teen International, Mr. Randy Raus.Randy has been with Life Teen International for over 23 years, serving and leading this important ministry which is centered on the experience of liturgy. He began his ministry with a conversion experience which he shares with us on today's show. Randy also shares his thoughts on how to engage young people in the life of the Church today. He also explains how Life Teen impacts teens all over the world. Life Teen International Through powerful Eucharistic encounters and engaging catechesis, the Edge (middle school) and Life Teen (high school) teens are immersed in a dynamic Catholic parish culture. With the parish as their true home, teens are then further strengthened by Summer Camps, Events, Resources, and Digital (web and social media) evangelization. Their goal is not only to equip parishes worldwide with timely, high-quality resources to train Catechists and “reach” today's teens but also to create an environment where Catholic teenagers feel supported and engaged the other 167 hours a week outside of Sunday Mass. Daily Spiritual Reflection and Prayers on “Kristin's Crosses” Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin's Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today's Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin's Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.
DescriptionThere are thousands and thousands of people in the Church today, youth ministers, DRE's, Catechists, Priests, Deacons, Religious, who are teaching the Catholic faith to others. And from me to all of you, first of all ‘Thank You!!” You are sharing the best news on planet earth with a world that desperately needs to hear the truth that will set them free. And if I could be so bold I just want to offer only one small piece of advice - today's episode sums it up. When you teach, don't forget to preach! If every person who was teaching the Catholic faith, also preached the gospel, our Church and thus our world would be a different place, in my very humble opinion. And today we are just scratching the surface - I want to open the conversation today about the tricky relationship between teaching and preaching, Catechesis and Evangelization. I'm not gonna cover it thoroughly, think of this as just a dip in the water. There's an ocean of words that have been spilled on this very important topic. This is part one of a three part series of solo episodes. They'll come out in between interview episodes. Link to “Evangelization and Catechesis: Are We Really Proclaiming the Gospel” by Fr Johannes Hofinger, S.J. Link to “On Catechesis in Our Time” by Pope John Paul IILinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.
Ryan O'Hara is the host of Better Preach, a podcast for anyone who gives talks (Youth Ministers, Catechists, Priests and Deacons, Volunteers for Religious Ed, Missionaries on College Campuses) to Catholic audiences and wants to communicate more effectively. He also servers as the Marketing Strategist for Saint Paul's Outreach an organization dedicated to building Catholic missional community, transforming a generation, on college campuses and beyond. We talk about communication, evangelization, and best practices.
Inspiring New Generations of CatholicsSupporting Catechists, DRE's, and Church Leaders - Matthew KellyGet a copy of Amazing Possibilities today! https://amzn.to/3BS95nuIf you have not read HOLY MOMENTS, order your copy today: https://holymomentsbook.comGet Matthew's 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Subscribe to Matthew's YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #amazing #inspirational #motivational #BestVersion
"The 2022 ‘Buy Catholic' Christmas Gift Guide Present Ideas for Men, Women, Children, Teachers and Friends To help you choose creative and meaningful gifts for friends and family this year, check out these thoughtful ideas, all of which allow you to support Catholic businesses, entrepreneurs and artists while shopping. For Men 1. The Saintmaker Catholic Life Planner: I recommend this creative and practical gift for both men and women. The product tagline is catchy: “Productivity science meets Catholic tradition.” I love how the planners come in the colors of the liturgical seasons and include both the ordinary- and extraordinary-form calendars. This planner makes a timely Christmas gift with a new calendar year and new liturgical season upon us. Use code KATIEWARNERCATHOLIC for a discount while checking out online. 2. A fine Catholic wine: A selection from Trinitas Cellars makes a perfect holiday gift. Try the limited 2015 Our Lady of Guadalupe Red from this faith-based collection. This small family winery was founded by the first generation of the Busch family with the belief that with family, faith and perseverance, anything is possible. Trinitas offers more than 10 sets to choose from, starting from $50. Receive 15% off with promo code FAITH. 3. Art print from Elizabeth Zelasko: This talented artist and iconographer often makes appearances in gift guides, as her work is truly exquisite in meaning and detail. Check out this newer print of Sts. Peter and Paul, a perfect piece to adorn a living room or office space. 4. Handmade pocket rosary: These pocket rosaries, which come with bronze crucifixes and the ability to add a customized favorite-saint medal, are both handy and gorgeous, as are all of the products from The Catholic Woodworker. 5. Standing St. Benedict crucifix: If the man you're shopping for doesn't already have a desk crucifix, EWTN Religious Catalogue has an extensive selection; this one (Item: 120B) comes with a silver-plated Italian corpus and olive-wood base. For Women 6. Catholic jewelry: Telos Art Shop is still my favorite online Catholic store for beautiful jewelry. Check out this Accented Miraculous Medal necklace, or any of their unique ring, bracelet or earring options. Bonus savings are available if you use code KATIE5 at checkout for $5 off any order or KATIE10 for 10% off orders of more than $75. 7. A Marian statue: Any woman would love the home décor options from House of Joppa, including some of the lovely Marian statues like the Madonna With Roses Statue or the Blessed Sacrament Statue. A variety of statues are also available at EWTNRC.com. 8. “Oh Come, Let Us Adore Him” serving tray: From EWTN Religious Catalogue, this festive tray (Item: ST213) is made of sturdy, lightweight wood and decorated with holly; it's a perfect gift to add to one's holiday hosting-and-dining collection. Pair it with a Corda candle, known for its beautiful scent and faith-based theming, to burn alongside. 9. “Saint Goals” women's graphic tee: This super soft t-shirt in heathered navy from Annunciation Designs with a #saintgoals theme would pair fashionably with any outfit. 10. St. Thérèse mug and Catholic coffee: Pair a lovely Little Flower Mug — which comes with personalization! — with the St. Thérèse of Lisieux roast from CatholicCoffee.com for a fun themed gift. Or switch up the pairings and add some extra flavor with the Our Lady of Mount Caramel salted caramel blend. Get 15% off your purchase (discount is good for any items at CatholicCompany.com or at CatholicCoffee.com), with code KATIE15. Catechists, Teachers, Friends 11. “Jesus First” tumbler: These coffee tumblers, complete with bamboo lids and gold metal straws, are chic and useful from West Coast Catholic. The front of the glass says: “But first, Jesus.” Looking for an even grander gift idea? Pair the tumbler with one of the beautiful rosary hangers from Rough2Rustic so the recipient can grab a rosary to pray while sipping. 12. “Mary
In the absence of a priest, their catechist, Semesa, led the Liturgy of the Word and distributed Holy Communion on Sundays. Other catechists from nearby villages would also help out when needed. Catechists are very important in Fiji. The Far East podcast is narrated by John Doherty. Subscribe to the Far East magazine at goo.gl/5ukmQX
ST. CHARLES BORROMEO l PATRON OF BISHOPS, SEMINARIANS, SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS AND CATECHISTS Feast Day: NOVEMBER 4 Today, we will hear about St. Charles Borromeo, patron of bishops, seminarians, spiritual directors and catechists. Charles was born in the castle Of Arona, Duchy of Milan on October 2, 1538. His mother descended from the noble and pious Medici family of Lombardy. He grew up to be a model of virtue to the rich and aristocracy. He studied at the University of Pavia, but had little speech impediment so he was quite slow. But he was intelligent, virtuous and prayerful. At 21, he earned a doctorate in canon and civil law. When his uncle Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Medici was elected as Pope Pius IV on December 25, 1559, he was called to Rome and became Protonotary Apostolic and was given great responsibilities in the papal and ecclesiastical territory. A year later, although not ordained, he was made administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan. In 1562, Charles' brother died and his family urged him to marry and have children so that the name of the family will continue to live. But he refused, instead he asked to be ordained as priest. On December 7, 1563, he was consecrated bishop and was formally appointed Archbishop of Milan. Charles lived during the period of the Protestant Reformation (1517-1648). He was responsible for the many reforms in Rome and in the Church. He tried to implement the Decrees of the Council of Trent. This Council framed the Catholic Church's reply to the doctrinal changes of the Protestants. It defined the Catholic doctrine and created decrees for self-reformation to revitalize the Roman Catholic Church. Among the other important actions of Charles was to establish seminaries, colleges and schools for the education of future priests. He initiated the work of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. He also gave pastoral help to Catholics who escaped the persecution under the British Queen. The reforms met great oppositions and Charles had to suffer much, but he was determined to bring the Church to its true dignity. During a retreat, Charles fell ill. After receiving the last sacraments, he died on November 4, 1584 at the age of 46. In 1602, he was beatified and canonized in 1610. What an amazing and fruitful life he had! Thank you, dear Lord, for the gift of St. Charles Borromeo to the Church. May we help to sustain the dignity of the Church by our faithful witness to its doctrine." Am I convinced that the Roman Catholic Church is the true Church founded by Jesus Christ?
This weekend, we celebrated Catechetical Sunday with a special Commissioning of our Parish Catechists and STS school teachers, but our morning conversation shifts our attention to the role of parents and the family as the FIRST and most important catechists for our children. What does it mean to be a catechist? How can we create a culture of prayer and continuing faith formation in our homes and in our family? You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that it's not as hard or as intimidating as that might seem! In sports, Ashley calls in from Baltimore on this VICTORY MONDAY and share her in-stadium perspective after yesterday's huge Dolphins win. The loss for UM on Saturday was disappointing, but there's still plenty of reason for hope as the 'Canes look ahead! Don't forget to like, comment on, rate/review, and share the podcast! Have any questions you'd like Fr. Manny and Jorge to tackle? Send them in to podcast@cotlf.org and listen in next Monday to see if we were able to answer it!
If you've decided to give of yourself by being a volunteer catechist, core team member, small group leader, or any other type of volunteer, you won't want to miss an upcoming day filled with inspiration, encouragement, prayer, training, and more... just for you! Madeline Olson from the Archdiocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Life will tell us more. https://www.archspm.org/saint-paul-discipleship-formation-day/
A few production delays have meant that this episode is being released two weeks after we recorded it! Deacon Josh and Fr Karl are celebrating their Anniversaries again (can you believe 12 months have passed). Risen is coming up once again in 2022. We preview it. We discuss a culture of invitation that is often missing in our parishes, including how you can invite someone to Mass. Pope Francis has encouraged us all to fall in love with the Church. Finally we welcome back Jacinta Thatcher to discuss all things Catechists and the Synod on Synodality. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett
Patrick goes more in-depth as to the many reasons why tattoos are dangerous Roger - I am a surgical assistant. Tattoos are very harmful and we are finding more and more that the ink invades the lymph nodes. Emily - My husband and I are Catechists and a student asked what happens if a priest breaks the seal of confession? Katie - Tattoos are also dangerous because they make it more difficult to detect skin cancer. Charlie 12-years-old - Since Jewish believe in the one true God but don't believe in Jesus, can they still go to heaven? Michael - If a woman has a tubal ligation and the married couple confesses the sin and they are forgiven, can they have sexual relations or must they abstain? Mary - Should I try to change a family member's mind to encourage them to get married inside the Catholic Church?
Questions Covered 09:18 – How do you respond when an Atheist says we claim that “special pleading” for the existence of God? 16:05 – I teach Catechists who went to college and have left the Church. What would be the best way to respond? 19:48 – Recently I was confronted with a person who experienced tragedy and asked, how can God exist if bad things happen? How do you respond when it comes from an emotional place? 28:33 – How do you know that the universe can't be a necessary being? 33:55 – I'm an Atheist, you are stating that the problem of evil is a problem for Atheists. Why are you linking a moral assessment of the supernatural if atheists don’t believe that the supernatural exists? 47:23 – How do you address the claim that if the miracles in the bible were true then how come they were not recorded in other sources? …
This talk was given on Wednesday, January 5th, 2022 to a group of catechists.
In this episode, Brothers Rafael & J.D. reflect on the responsibility of Brothers and other Lasallians have as catechists of the students entrusted to thier care.
Day 4 of the Catechism in a Year begins with a few paragraphs from Pope St. Pius V's Introduction. Key points include: The approach required in using the Catechism for religious instruction Catechists need to adapt the teachings to suit those they are teaching They should be passionate about what they teach, including the more basic doctrines They should be steeped in God's Word, the root of all Christian doctrine Like what you're hearing? Check out the following written works produced by Cayman Gabriel Media... Non-Fiction A Short Catechism of Cardinal Bellarmine (Translated and Annotated) Food For Thought: The Main Course: Nourishment For Hungry Souls by Mark Moorhead Food For Thought: An Appetizer by Mark Moorhead Fiction Love's Calling by Cayman Gabriel --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mark-moorhead2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-moorhead2/support
Catechist Formation: Taking it on the Road - On this segment of Faith In Action, co-hosts Jim Ganley and Brigid Ayer interview their guest Ken Ogorek, Director of Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis talks about taking formation on the road. He talks about catechist formation: addressing Woke-ism and Cancel Culture, and other topics facing parish Catechists. To connect with the Office of Catechesis the website is https://www.archindy.org/catechesis/
It's another #IzzyMonday as we celebrate Catechetical Sunday, explore the beautiful depths of the Ministry of Catechists, and youth as the "here and now of God." In sports, this weekend never happened...
A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - Three sex abuse lawsuits were filed this week against the Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey. One lawsuit names disgraced former cardinal Theodore McCarrick. McCarrick was bishop of the diocese from 1981 to 1986. The lawsuit dates back to his time as bishop. The plaintiff was between the ages of 19 and 22 during that time. Catholics are the religious group most vaccinated against COVID-19 in the United States, according to a new national survey by the Pew Research Center. The survey found that 82% of self-identified Catholics had received at least one does of a COVID-19 vaccine. Hispanic Catholics were slightly more likely than White Catholics to have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Of the major religious groups in the United States, White evangelical Protestants had the lowest vaccination rate, with only 57% saying they had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The cardinal archbishop of Manila in the Philippines has tested positive for COVID-19. The archdiocese said the archbishop has only a slight fever, but he is in quarantine, and doctors are monitoring his condition. The news comes just two days after a religious congregation in Manila announced that 62 of its nuns, and at least 50 of its staff - also tested positive for COVID. The nuns were still waiting to be vaccinated, but all staff members were fully vaccinated. The pope spoke today about his hopes for the new ministry of catechist, which he established in May. Francis said he hopes the new ministry will help awaken the vocation of every Christian to proclaim the Gospel. The pope established the new ministry in May, through an apostolic letter. Catechists have served the Church since New Testament times, but this is a type of formal, vocational service within the Church. The ministry is for lay people who have a particular call to serve the Church, as a teacher of the faith. Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Italian cardinal and theologian Saint Robert Bellarmine. Robert is one of the great saints of the Jesuit order. He is also a Doctor of the Church, and the patron of catechists.
Father Charles L. Persing speaks about and prays for children, their parents, and our catechists on the occasion of this year's start of Religious Education classes.
Diane Erbacher and Carol Kmetz are catechists at the Church of Saint Mary specializing in Adult Faith Formation. Diane grew up in Central Kansas on a dairy farm and is second oldest of 5 children. She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a double degree in Elementary Ed and Special Ed. Diane is retired after teaching school for 4 years, was working as the Office Manager for her husband's medical practice for 6 years and substitute teaching at the School of Saint Mary for over 20 years. She has been married to George for 44 years. And they have 4 adult children and 7 grandchildren. Carol grew up in Tulsa with her four siblings attended the School of Saint Mary and graduated from Bishop Kelley High School. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma and is a registered respiratory therapist. Carol is retired after working as the nurse at the school of Saint. Mary and Bishop Kelley. She has been married to Andy for 41 years and they have five children and 10 grandchildren. Show Notes: FORMED.org: https://www.formed.org Biblical Timeline: https://ascensionpress.com/collections/the-bible-timeline-the-story-of-salvation The Wild Goose: https://www.churchofsaintmary.com/tag/wild-goose/
In this episode: Pope Francis institutes lay ministry of catechist in new motu proprioPope raises concern over Italy's precariously low birth rateU.S. climate envoy John Kerry meets with Pope on climate crisisThe Vatican's London financial scandal continuesA reflection on the relationship between faith and food. Support the show (https://cruxnow.com/support-crux/)
We're back after missing a week! Pope Francis has announced a new ministry of catechist. We discuss this development and talk about the formal recognition of lay ministries in the Church. The Australian Catholic Men's Gathering is coming up. We preview the event. Amy Sullivan, previous guest of the show, was awarded a scholarship recently. We congratulate her. Finally, Malcolm Hart from the National Centre for Evangelisation joins us to discuss his faith journey and life in ministry. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett
A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - A fourteenth century reliquary that was stolen from a museum in the 1980s has been recovered. The reliquary, along with ten other sacred artifacts, were found by police in a collector's home in Italy. The Vatican Museums will now spend the next six months restoring the items, and then the reliquary and other sacred objects will be returned to the archdiocese from which they were stolen. A Mexican priest was able to give general absolution to the victims of a train accident in Mexico City earlier this week. Father Juan Ortiz says he reached the scene of the accident, which killed 24 people, soon after it happened, and he absolved the victims' sins. Priests are allowed to give general absolution if the faithful are in danger of death, and there is no time to hear their sins individually. Pope Francis will issue an apostolic letter next week on the ministry of catechist. Catechists are lay Christians who teach the Gospel under the direction of a missionary. Pope Francis' letter, which is set to be released on May 11, will, quote, “formally establish the ministry of catechist, developing that evangelizing dimension of the laity called for by Vatican II.” Catholic bishops in Texas have voiced opposition to a bill allowing certain adults to carry handguns without permits, which they say, quote, “advances a culture of violence.” The bill would allow all Texas residents over 21 to carry a firearm, provided they are not otherwise prohibited from doing so by state or federal laws. In an open letter to Texas lawmakers and Catholics, the state's Catholic bishops said the bill, quote, “fails to reflect a commitment to life or a vision of hope.” Catholic aid groups in India, including Catholic Relief Services and Caritas India, are mobilizing to bring aid as the coronavirus outbreak worsens. India recorded over 400,000 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, and is also averaging about 3,500 deaths per day. Catholic Relief Services says one of their top priorities at the moment is expanding vaccine education in hard-hit areas. Today the church celebrates St. Evodius of Antioch, who likely died around the year 67, and who was the first person to coin the word “Christian” to refer to the followers of Jesus.
In this webinar, Katie Diltz, Associate Director of Echo in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, proposes a program of formation for catechists and catechetical leaders. Based on the dimensions of formation named in the Directory and on her work forming catechetical leaders in the McGrath Institute's Echo program, Katie helps participants identify key components to incorporate in their respective formation plans in order to help each catechist and catechetical leader to “take shape, which means unveiling his [or her] deepest identity which is that of being a son [or daughter] of God in profound communion with [others]” (Directory for Catechesis, 130).
This week on Follow to Lead, as a special Good Friday program, Fr. Randy Sly and Kyle Pietrantonio will be talking with Thomas Clements, the founder and director of Zenith Ministries. His story is one of redemption and restoration, moving from a life in his teens with drugs, drinking and pleasure to a surrender to Jesus Christ which brought about a life of grace and hope. After earning a Masters in Theology from Franciscan University, he went on to teach several years of High School Theology, build and lead various retreats, form Catechists, give talks, and use his musical talents to lead others in singing praise to God.He recently started Zenith Ministries to help Gen Z and Millennial Catholics experience the same healing and grace God has poured out upon him. You can discover more of what Zenith Ministries is and their mission at www.ZenithMinistries.com.
On Sunday Sept. 20, we celebrated Catechetical Sunday. In Bishop Gruss’ message to both Catechists and all of the faithful, Bishop Gruss addresses the role of parents, catechists, reflects on his own experiences and more. Below are few excerpts from his reflection:“In my own history, it was only when I began to take my faith seriously, and found myself in a parish bible study, did my relationship with Jesus really become a living reality. Prior to that time, it seemed like I was just going through the motions and my own knowledge of the faith remained that of a child.Experience more homilies and presentations by Bishop Robert GrussIt was when I became engaged in adult catechesis that I discovered who Jesus really was for me, which ultimately led me down the path to priesthood. Going from being a pilot to a priest would have never happened without engaging some personal form of catechesis in my own life. So it is clear that catechesis is for everyone…and it changes lives.Parents- The First Catechists While catechists are called to share the Catholic Faith in a systematic way, they are not the only ones who catechize. Parents, you too hold a special place in this mission of Jesus because you are truly the first catechists of your children. Parents, by your daily example of life, you have the most effective capacity to transmit the beauty of the Christian faith, your faith, to your children.”Experience more homilies and presentations by Bishop Robert Gruss
Join Fr. Braun and Deanna Johnston as they discuss how parents can pass on the Faith to their families! They also discuss the brand new Faith Formation Online Program being launched by the St. Philip Institute and how it can help parents in this mission as the first and primary teachers of their children. You can enroll for the Online Faith Formation Program discussed in this episode by visiting stphilipinstitute.org.
What does catechesis look like in our ever-changing world? We chat to Hannah Vaughan-Spruce, CTS author of "A Handbook for Catechists", about the new Directory for Catechesis and the importance of the changes made since the last edition. What does catechesis look like in a digital culture? How can catechists facilitate an encounter with God? Why is it important to have catechists who have experienced the love of God in their lives? What is the role of parents, grandparents, and godparents in catechesis? We explore these questions and more! ---------- As well as being the author of A Handbook for Catechists, today's guest Hannah Vaughan-Spruce is the Executive Director of Divine Renovation UK, the author of the Confirmation course Transformed in Christ, and a study on why Catholics leave the Church. ------------ Order your copy of the Directory for Catechesis here: https://bit.ly/38RW2Cx Get A Handbook for Catechists here: https://bit.ly/32ggPhU
Dave “Wolfsbane” VanVickle is … not here today. It’s just me, Gomer, with a special episode where I recorded a talk I gave to my catechists about how to become excellent teachers of our Faith. This talk is the past two episodes of EKSB put into practice. If you are a catechist, thinking about becoming a catechist, or work with catechists in any way, this episode will be extremely helpful. Snippet from the Show What is catechesis? It’s about giving growth to a faith that already exists because of evangelization that has already happened. But if evengalization hasn’t happened, what are we maturing? 5 Practical Takeaways 1. Read and pray with Ephesians 4:1-16 2. Memorize Catechesi Tradendae paragraph five. 3. Handwrite every student’s name and pray for them for 1 min every day. 4. Write one sentence per lesson that ties it to the person of Jesus Christ. 5. Come up with one example from your life per lesson.
CALLING ALL DIRECTORS OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND CATECHISTS! This one’s for you. Dave “Cucumber Melon” VanVickle and I talk about the qualities that make for bad catechists vs. great catechists and how to find the right people for your program. This is a huge issue for religious education that is so important because the immortal souls of kids depends on it. We also have storytime with Dave on why Kenny Baldwin is A MONSTER (just kidding) and extend an extra-special welcome to long-time listener Ralph “The Party” VanVickle! We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. SHOWNOTES What makes a good catechist? * You have a mature spiritual life with daily prayer and a mentality of fides quaerens intellectum or "faith seeking understanding". * You have an answer to this question: “Can you tell me about your daily lived relationship with the Lord?” * You prioritize the truths of the Faith and always tie them to the Person of Christ. * In the classroom, you make sure any craft or art project is truly effective and relevant to the lesson. * You understand that you are making a difference to the immortal souls of your students. * You have a DRE who is responsible for ongoing formation of catechists. What makes a bad catechist? * Unprepared, you haven’t read it or prayed about it. * You don’t know your kids’ names. * You never pray for them. * You don’t quote the Bible. * You never share your story of God’s movement in your life. * You don’t think about conversion, only communicating the doctrine. * You don’t see the whole and how it is all interrelated to Christ and the Trinity. * Prayer is nothing but a bookend to your class. How to find good catechists * Start a Bible study or adult faith formation event (or go to one that already exists) and see who shows up consistently and is serious about growing in their faith. * Invite specific people to be catechists. Don’t advertise to the whole church. You’re looking for people who are called, not guilted into it. * Do a ministry fair where people can come and see what ministries your parish has. * Pray and ask God for good catechists. * Be comfortable letting people go. 5 PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS 1. Personal Prayer Time: Ephesians 4:1-16 2. Memorize Catechesi Tradendae center of paragraph five. 3. Handwrite each kids’ name and pray for one minute for each kid in your class this week. 4. Prepare a lesson plan for one lesson on one topic and, keeping in mind good/bad catechist, write one sentence that ties it to Christ. 5. Come up with one example from your life per lesson plan. RESOURCES AND EVENTS * Dave’s School of Spiritual Warfare (https://www.petersshadow.org/events) event in Akron, OH * Catechesi Tradendae (http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_16101979_catechesi-tradendae.html) * Chosen Confirmation Prep Program (https://ascensionpress.com/pages/chosen-your-journey-toward-confirmation?utm_source=website&utm_medium=media&utm_campaign=chosen&utm_content=eksb)
Talk to Catechists and Aides for On-Going Formation.
Talk to Catechists and Aides for On-Going Formation.
Welcome to the Theology of the Buddy Podcast, Episode 7!Today’s candid conversations include discussion on the very real experience of the so-called man cold, and Dr. Matt shares the science behind it. I’ll be a special guest today, and will share some helpful hints on caring for your man, when he is in throes of man sickness agony. I also take the opportunity to throw Chris under the bus! It’s great! We will also discuss the current book scandal at Franciscan University of Steubenville, hashing out the issue of academic freedom and what that means in a Catholic context, and answer some great listener questions. Authentic Catholic education is a big deal. How should one be properly educated? What is true Academic Freedom and what is so bad about reading a bad book? We hope this podcast helps to clarify that. Thank you also to our listeners for their great questions. We really want to know your thoughts on the topics discussed during today’s podcast, as well as your questions and topics you’d like us to explore in the future. So, please follow us on Facebook @Theology of the Buddy, and come talk with us! Please follow and subscribe to us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play to keep up on the great conversations, with new episodes coming every Wednesday! Next week, the guys will be talking about Fr. Chad Ripperger’s talk, “How to Raise a man”, Check it out in advance of next week’s show. Until then, you Stay Traddy, San Diego. Music used in this podcast: Vibe With Me by Joakim Karud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ http://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-7YDBIGCXsY Dreams by Joakim Karud https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4 Day One by Declan DP Music https://soundcloud.com/declandp Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/W3_fiilYMCs For questions or concerns, please email: theologyofthebuddy@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook @TheologyoftheBuddy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Copied from Rail City Oratory, Chris’ Official Blog:Franciscan University, which I lovingly (and still do) refer to as my Alma Mater, although I only studied there for Freshmen Year in 2005, has been rife with scandals in the last couple of years. Among the first was the supposed "Pro-Choice Feminist" on the faculty, spreading confusion and scandal on Twitter. Then, stories of failures to properly handle sexual misconduct on campus, the revelation of the sexual misconduct of the late Fr. Sam Tiesi, TOR, a key-player in the reform of the former top party school, and close confidante of the late Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR. Now, with another strike to the gut, comes the confusion surrounding Dr. Stephen Lewis' upper class reading assignment of "The Kingdom", written by French atheist Emmanul Carrère. The assignment was reported by Church Militant, at which point it exploded in a wave of comments and blog posts responding to it. I am still well connected to friends who studied and completed their degrees at Franciscan University. The response from those students has been incredibly in favor of Dr. Lewis' actions, much to my surprise. The Traditional Catholic side of the internet lost their absolute heads over it. Parents have decided against even visiting the school for college visits and people are stopping their donations. There are also those like blogger Bill Kassel who took a more moderate/passive, "who knows the right thing" approach. A listener of the podcast I am now running with some friends called "Theology of the Buddy" (you should really check it out, it's fun!), reached out to me and suggested that we deal with this question on our podcast. In preparation, I began digging deep into what the Church teaches regarding so-called Academic Freedom and education in light of what the response was from faculty at the University, graduates, and other catholics within my limited purview. This post is meant more to be a resource for those searching, and for anyone who may be looking for more information than what will be shared on the podcast, because I cannot share all of my findings there. This may be not be a fully comprehensive look at the topic, but I hope that you will follow the logic and train of thought. What's so bad about the book? Church Militant treated on this topic at length here. For the same reason why I wouldn't read or recommend the book, I am not going to write of the nitty-gritty gross details here. I will say that the general issue comes down to the author speaking of things of a highly pornographic nature, including masturbation, while also speaking incredibly blasphemously about Mary, the Mother of God. He describes, in demonic detail, gravely immoral actions taken by her in his mind. The first response sent to Church Militant from Tom Sofio, Public Relations Manager at Franciscan University, stated the following point: Franciscan students learn through critical comparison to consider multiple sides of an issue or argument, led by professors who always promote Catholic spiritual and moral perspectives. Thus, our students graduate better prepared to solve problems and engage with integrity in a world that desperately needs to hear the truth. Of course at face value, this is an admiral approach for a Catholic University to take. There is, however, something to be said about the nature of the content being examined. In the case of pornographic content, whether literary, audible, or visual, it is always gravely immortal. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: 2354 Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials. No matter what level a person may be at in their academic learning, pornographic material is gravely immoral. Whether you're a 10 year old, or have a Ph.D, we are not immune to the effects of grave moral evil. Whether it is visual, audible, or literary, smut is smut. If it was not so, the President of the school, Fr. Sean Sheridan, TOR would not have openly admitted "again, the professor did not intend to scandalize, but The Kingdom is so directly pornographic and blasphemous that it has no place on a Catholic university campus... I regret that the University's earlier statement did not make this clear." Sadly, the students did not simply have to be told about the book, but they had to purchase it. While they may not have known it at the time, the school and students were indirectly supporting a man who makes his money from blasphemy and pornography. Other faculty members, including the famed Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr. John Bergsma, (both whose Biblical Scholarship I still consider to be some of the best in the Church today) have voiced their concerns and opined about the inappropriate book selection, which Church Militant noted here. There was also an event created on campus wherein, Father Nathan Malavolti, TOR, the Chief Evangelization Officer, lead a Holy Hour in reparation in the main campus chapel, Christ the King, for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary on January 11, 2019, shortly after the proverbial excrement hit the fan. I think doing so is worth applauding. Yet, despite this clear admission from the President, and acts of public reparation, some faculty appear unconvinced that it is actually pornographic, including Dr. Lewis, who seems to have not spoken about the situation publicly. Much to my surprise as well, Dr. Bob Rice, Associate Professor of Theology and Catechetics at FUS, stated in his blog (emphasis mine): In an upperclass elective (with five students in it) that examined the difference in approach between Catholics and non-Catholics in literature, he included a blasphemous and arguably pornographic book as an example of the kind of “bad” literature that was out there. It was a poor choice (that he did once). Rice spent the rest of his time waxing nostalgic about his love for Franciscan and taking aim at Church Militant. I stand quite surprised that such a prominent professor at Franciscan could have such differing views from the Administration on this subject. It is unfathomable to me to think that this man could be in charge of forming the next generation of Catechists. His response is also reminiscent of the crazy protectionist culture in the Church these days, wherein you hold more to the "good" one has done, and seemingly ignore the rest - Hello Cardinal Wuerl! But I digress. Why is it bad to read pornographic and blasphemous books for educational purposes? Let's chat about consequentialism and the Principle of the Integral Good. Wikipedia defines it well stating, "consequentialism is the class of normative ethical theories holding that the consequences of one's conduct are the ultimate basis for any judgment about the rightness or wrongness of that conduct." St. Thomas Aquinas, in the Summa Theologiae states in First Part of the Second Part, Question 18, Article 4: "Nothing hinders an action that is good in one of the ways mentioned above, from lacking goodness in another way. And thus it may happen that an action which is good in its species or in its circumstances is ordained to an evil end, or vice versa. However, an action is not good simply, unless it is good in all those ways: since "evil results from any single defect, but good from the complete cause," as Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv)." Pope Pius XI stated, "For, let human prudence say what it likes and reason as it pleases, it is impossible to produce true temporal peace and tranquility by things repugnant or opposed to the peace and happiness of eternity" (DIVINI ILLIUS MAGISTRI 54) No true good comes from something evil. Yet, Emily Stimpson Chapman, a former FUS teacher, and Catholic author, wrote on Facebook in defense of the actions of Dr. Stephen Lewis stating, "His DESIRE to equip students to respond to virulently anti-Catholic sentiments in literature and the culture is NOT a bad thing. It is quite necessary. At the very least, his intentions are completely defensible." Whether or not his intentions were good does not render the act good. To use porn, which is declared by Holy Mother Church to be a grave moral evil, for a good end, namely education, is indefensible. Stimpson Chapman goes on to say, "I do know that Franciscan is a university, not a seminary, and that its students are adults, not children, and therefore perfectly capable of skimming the racy parts in a book and analyzing the problematic (and even blasphemous) bits, from the perspective of faith and reason." Pope Gregory XVI stated, "Every law condemns deliberately doing evil simply because there is some hope that good may result. Is there any sane man who would say poison ought to be distributed, sold publicly, stored, and even drunk because some antidote is available and those who use it may be snatched from death again and again?" (Mirari Vos 15) Again, consequentialism is fully displayed by Stimpson Chapman. It appears this well-loved author seems to misunderstand our Church's wonderful historical teachings on education in general, when she seemingly separates men in a seminary and men and women in a Catholic university. Also was her comment a little sexist? I hope she'll forgive me now for quoting mostly ordained, sheltered men from the recent and long past. If anything you take away from this article, it should be this: The Catholic Church does not owe her children a secular education, but a Catholic education. There is a difference. Unlike secular education, who is generally regulated by civil government, Catholic Education should truly be regulated by the Church, overseen by the local Ordinary and those clergy who have been charged with the task of education and administration. Pope Pius XI states in Divini Illius Magistri: Again it is the inalienable right as well as the indispensable duty of the Church, to watch over the entire education of her children, in all institutions, public or private, not merely in regard to the religious instruction there given, but in regard to every other branch of learning and every regulation in so far as religion and morality are concerned. But what about "Academic Freedom"? Franciscan loves JPII so much they named the library after him. Let's get his thoughts. Pope St. John Paul II stated at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore - Sunday, 8 October 1995) that "Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." Therefore, Academic Freedom, it would follow, would be to do and teach that which we know is true, good, and beautiful. We can presume, therefore, that much care is to be taken in doing what is right in the realm of education. Pope Pius XII stated, "With regard to new questions, which modern culture and progress have brought to the foreground, let them engage in most careful research, but with the necessary prudence and caution" (Humani Generis 43). Pope St. John Paul II again stated: Because knowledge is meant to serve the human person, research in a Catholic University is always carried out with a concern for the ethical and moral implications both of its methods and of its discoveries...'It is essential that we be convinced of the priority of the ethical over the technical, of the primacy of the person over things, of the superiority of the spirit over matter. The cause of the human person will only be served if knowledge is joined to conscience.'(Ex Corde Ecclesiae 18). So true Academic Freedom is found in searching for the truth, while upholding the dignity due to God and the human person. From the same Encyclical: Every Catholic University, as a university, is an academic community which, in a rigorous and critical fashion, assists in the protection and advancement of human dignity and of a cultural heritage through research, teaching and various services offered to the local, national and international communities. It possesses that institutional autonomy necessary to perform its functions effectively and guarantees its members academic freedom, so long as the rights of the individual person and of the community are preserved within the confines of the truth and the common good. (12) Pope Leo XIII states in Libertas Praestantissimum: ...Men have a right freely and prudently to propagate throughout the State what things soever are true and honorable, so that as many as possible may possess them; but lying opinions, than which no mental plague is greater, and vices which corrupt the heart and moral life should be diligently repressed by public authority, lest they insidiously work the ruin of the State...If unbridled license of speech and of writing be granted to all, nothing will remain sacred and inviolate; even the highest and truest mandates of natures, justly held to be the common and noblest heritage of the human race, will not be spared. Thus, truth being gradually obscured by darkness, pernicious and manifold error, as too often happens, will easily prevail. Thus, too, license will gain what liberty loses; for liberty will ever be more free and secure in proportion as license is kept in fuller restraint. In regard, however, to all matter of opinion which God leaves to man's free discussion, full liberty of thought and of speech is naturally within the right of everyone; for such liberty never leads men to suppress the truth, but often to discover it and make it known. (23) Should the Church be able to dictate what books are used in centers of Catholic education? Pope Gregory XVI states in Mirari Vos: Thus it is evident that this Holy See has always striven, throughout the ages, to condemn and to remove suspect and harmful books. The teaching of those who reject the censure of books as too heavy and onerous a burden causes immense harm to the Catholic people and to this See. They are even so depraved as to affirm that it is contrary to the principles of law, and they deny the Church the right to decree and to maintain it. (16) Pope John Paul II declared in Ex Corde Ecclesiae (emphasis mine): Article 2§ 4. Catholic teaching and discipline are to influence all university activities, while the freedom of conscience of each person is to be fully respected(46). Article 2 § 5. A Catholic University possesses the autonomy necessary to develop its distinctive identity and pursue its proper mission. Freedom in research and teaching is recognized and respected according to the principles and methods of each individual discipline, so long as the rights of the individual and of the community are preserved within the confines of the truth and the common good. To make this abundantly clear, from a Catholic viewpoint, Academic Freedom can only be found "within the confines of the truth and the common good". It is self-evident that pornography and blasphemy is an offense against the common good, as it does damage to the dignity of the human person, and blasphemy is an offense against the Truth Himself. How can students formed at a school so very in love with Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, then turn and defend Dr. Lewis' actions? The uproar the use of this book caused also serves to prove that it was not truly for the common good. An act, as Aquinas makes clear, is rendered immoral if one of its parts is evil, despite the seemingly good intention. Consequentialism is not morally tenable. Bottom line: Was Dr. Lewis' book selection a very poor choice? Yes. Was Franciscan University correct in correcting itself? Yes. Was Dr. Lewis' acts justified? No. Does this change my opinion about Franciscan University? Yeah, kinda. Would I still potentially send my kid to Franciscan University? ... maybe? Do I still love Franciscan University? Yes, in the same way that I love old Coke, Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper, Zellers, or my years in Life Teen. I loved my time there and will always look fondly upon it. But to expect that it is the same as it once was, is to assume that everyone there is the same as they once were, just like those who went there might be the same. My life and my Facebook feed has determined that is a lie. I know of many students who studied in the hallowed halls of Egan and Cosmas and Damian, only to have abandoned the Faith ten years later, or who have become so incredibly lukewarm that it is scary - this includes currently employed catechists across the globe. Franciscan has changed. It is inevitable. I am also not the same as I once was. Will the school retain Fr. Scanlan's vision? Should it? That's another post for another time. But as Scott Hahn said, "Please pray for our university." For my final comments, I'm going to get a little salty and a little less scholarly. Hold on to your butts (I wrote this at 3:00am)! 1. Thanks for stopping by Facebook, Emily. You can go back to your precious Instagram now, where everything is safe and nothing hurts...I hear it's the USCCB's favurite social media platform. *winky face* Nighty Night! Dr. Bob Rice - if the book is only "arguably" pornographic, would you let a teenage daughter read it? If not, why would you let full blown adults read it, whose education is entrusted to your care? Let's be frank, if it is only "arguably" porn, then your 1999 album "Behold the Lamb" is just "arguably" music. Therefore, I want my $15 American Dollars back, or just give me Bookstore credit. Thankfully I won't have the option to buy "The Kingdom" there anymore. Dr. Bergsma - I love you. Please be my friend. Signed, an anonymous but reliable source. Church Militant and Christine Niles - You need to repent for sharing out the blasphemous, heinous parts of the Kingdom. While calling out the school was good, you are also guilty in part for the scandal. From one group of Trads to another - repent and make reparation. Subscribe to the Theology of the Buddy Podcast, it's way better than this blog.
In the wake of her talk at the Houston Galveston ArchDiocesan Conference delivered to Catechsists this past Saturday, Annie was asked to divulge the nuggets she shared with the Catechists. In this episode Chuck and Annie deliver the major points of Annie’s talk in countdown form. The beauty of this is that it applies to … Continue reading "Episode069: Countdown Time Again"
In the wake of her talk at the Houston Galveston ArchDiocesan Conference delivered to Catechists this past Saturday, Annie was asked to divulge the nuggets she shared with the Catechists. In this episode Chuck and Annie deliver the major points of Annie's talk in countdown form. The beauty of this is that it applies to every individual, every family, every family, every Church, every Parish, every Diocese, the whole earth. Want to grow closer in love for Christ and have your life point others to Christ? Listen now. Salt and Light Video series just launched on YouTube called “Faith and Finance”. Click here to watch and subscribe: http://bit.ly/SaltandLightYouTube Visit us online www.saltandlightonline.com, and don’t forget to check out our other show on Breadbox Media, “Chuck n’ Ann on Finance” (www.iiefinancial.com).
Brett and Eric pick up their Sacraments series for parents and Catechists right where they left off looking now at how we might practically teach the key features of this central sacrament of our faith 'on the ground'. This week they discuss practical approaches to transformation and presence - teaching parents and kids about the Real Presence of Christ and the kind of transformations we are talking about in the Eucharist.
This week Eric and Brett continue the discussion of the theology of the sacrament of the Eucharist for Catechists and parents. They'll look that the Eucharist as a meal and as a sacrifice and talk about why it's important not to emphasize one over the other and how each can actually help us understand the Eucharist in new ways. Hope you're hungry because we've got a feast for you on this week's Thinking Faith!
Continuing their series on sacramental preparations, Eric and Bret take time this week to discuss some of the basic theology underlying the sacrament of baptism. Specifically, they'll discuss the theme of death and resurrection - what we call the 'Pascal Mystery'. We'll discuss how Christ's dying and rising serves to 'unlock' themes of death and resurrection in the Old Testament and can help us to understand just what we are entering into when we are baptized and when we prepare to baptize our children. A great episode for Catechists and to share with parents...you'll be dying (and rising!) to hear this all plays out on this week's Thinking Faith!
In 2015 Bishop Robert Barron gave the opening keynote speech at the famous World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. In front of this massive crowd of Catholics, Bishop Barron explained how Christianity is the greatest form of humanism because of its unique claim that all humans are made in the image and likeness of God. As representatives of God, we share in the responsibility of bringing the power, wisdom, heart, and mind of God out into the world. This episode of the Word on Fire Show features Part Two of the Bishop's powerful talk. Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on the Rise of the "Nones" Bishop Barron on God's Existence and The Argument from Desire DVD's CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players (Word On Fire) CATHOLICISM: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith (Word On Fire) The Mystery of God (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire) Articles Playing at Atheism (Bishop Barron) The Glory of God is a Human Being 'Fully Alive' (Bishop Barron) Apologists, Catechists, Theologians: Wake Up! (Bishop Barron) Books The Priority of Christ by Bishop Barron Word On Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ by Bishop Barron CATHOLICISM by Bishop Barron Study Program The Mystery of God: Who God Is and Why He Matters (Bishop Barron) Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture)
In 2015 Bishop Robert Barron gave the opening keynote speech at the famous World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. In front of this massive crowd of Catholics, Bishop Barron explained how Christianity is the greatest form of humanism because of its unique claim that all humans are made in the image and likeness of God. As representatives of God, we share in the responsibility of bringing the power, wisdom, heart, and mind of God out into the world. This episode of the Word on Fire Show features Part One of the Bishop's powerful talk. Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on the Rise of the "Nones" Bishop Barron on God's Existence and The Argument from Desire DVD's CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players (Word On Fire) CATHOLICISM: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith (Word On Fire) The Mystery of God (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire) Articles Playing at Atheism (Bishop Barron) The Glory of God is a Human Being 'Fully Alive' (Bishop Barron) Apologists, Catechists, Theologians: Wake Up! (Bishop Barron) Books The Priority of Christ by Bishop Barron Word On Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ by Bishop Barron CATHOLICISM by Bishop Barron Study Program The Mystery of God: Who God Is and Why He Matters (Bishop Barron) Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture)
MISSION STATEMENT The central mission of our parish is evangelization- proclaiming the Kingdom of God and seeking it before all else. We fulfill this mission by celebrating Spirit-filled liturgies. making intentional disciples. forming intentional disciple-makers. equipping the saints for ministry. CELEBRATING SPIRIT-FILLED LITURGIES 1. Active Participation a. Choirs; Song Leaders b. Liturgical Catechesis c. Liturgical ministries 2. Hospitality Corner 3. Faith and Prayer Corner 4. Aesthetics MAKING INTENTIONAL DISCIPLES This includes formation for all sacraments and the provision of opportunities for initial and ongoing conversion and sanctification. 1. Sacramental Preparation 2. ACTS Retreat Ministry 3. Discipleship Groups (Alpha, Bible Studies, RENEW Groups) 4. Adoration 5. School of Prayer a. Cloister Prayer Book b. Parish Prayer Book 6. Gifts Discernment Ministry 7. Spiritual Direction Archdiocesan Ministry FORMING INTENTIONAL DISCIPLE-MAKERS This includes Evangelization 101, gifts discernment, equipping parishioners for ministry, and sending them forth to minister. 1. Formation of Parents 2. Formation of Catechists 3. Forming Ministerial Leaders EQUIPPING THE SAINTS FOR MINISTRY 1. Formation of Catechists 2. Formation of Liturgical Ministers 3. Ministries of Service a. Poor/Hungry b. Sick/Dying c. Pro Life Ministry d. Homebound e. Prison Ministry
The Religious Education Congress, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education, is America's largest annual gathering of Roman Catholics, bringing together nearly 40,000 every year for a four-day event! 2017 marked the 20th year that Bishop Robert Barron has been in attendance. In addition to several interviews and book-signings Bishop Barron participated in at this year's Congress, he also gave a keynote in the central arena. This episode of The Word on Fire Show was recorded live at the Word on Fire booth in the exposition hall. During the show the good bishop answers questions from the expo audience as well as the audience watching live on Facebook. Topics Discussed 0:10 - Introduction, Bishop Barron's 20th year at the Congress and his talk on the "nones" 4:00 - What would Bishop Barron ask Thomas Aquinas if he was able to meet him? 6:58 - How do you see Hispanic Catholics evangelizing to future generations? 9:20 - Catholic Stuff You Should Know priests discuss podcasting for evangelization 13:45 - What are some good takeaways from the theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar? 15:20 - What is Bishop Barron's vision for evangelization and catechesis? 21:30 - What's the next filming project for Word On Fire? 23:30 - How should we deal with sin without beating ourselves up when we fail? 28:00 - What is the difference between meditative prayer and contemplative prayer? 32:10 - How can God be three persons and not fall into any genus, the genus of personhood? 35:45 - How can teachers help combat the myth that science refutes religion? 42:30 - How do we reconcile the book of Genesis with scientific facts about creation? 47:35 - What is the best way to bring an inactive Catholic back to the faith? 49:30 - What is one bit of advice for all of us facing the crisis of attrition within the Catholic Church? Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on the Rise of the "Nones" Bishop Barron on Stephen Hawking and Atheism Bishop Barron on The Religious "Nones" Bishop Barron on God's Existence and The Argument from Desire DVD's CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players (Word On Fire) Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith (Word On Fire) The Mystery of God (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire) Articles Playing at Atheism (Bishop Barron) The Glory of God is a Human Being 'Fully Alive' (Bishop Barron) Apologists, Catechists, Theologians: Wake Up! (Bishop Barron) Books The Priority of Christ by Bishop Barron Word On Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ by Bishop Barron Catholicism by Bishop Barron Study Program The Mystery of God: Who God Is and Why He Matters (Bishop Barron) Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Catholic Stuff You Should Know (Podcast) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.
Featuring: Readings for Saturday, July 4, 2015 St. Clement on Seeking the Good of All Jennifer Fitz of the Pathos blog 'Sticking the Corners' How to understand Pope Francis High Context vs. Low Context Overcoming the 24 Hour News Cycle and the Soundbite Culture Giveaway – "Classroom Management for Catechists" by Jennifer Fitz
Kenneth G. Deel and Farah Rose Deel are Catholic Spiritual Warfare Counselors, field investigators, trained “Catechists” and “Demonologists”. With over 80 years combined experience and studies related to hauntings and possessions, currently they are working under the authority of the RCC as a special “Healing Ministry” in “Spiritual warfare”. They are also providing education of Clergy and Laity, in public and private forums and venues on these related topics, in Lectures, books, Course-ware, and multi-media presentations. Which includes up to a higher level education on related topics and testimony from personal experiences. Kenneth Currently has five books published which includes: “The Catholic Demonologist Handbook”, and their more recently published books including a non-denomination edition: “The Christian Demonologist Handbook”. Related Links: Website
July 16, 2014 This week’s episode: “Blessed are They”: St Catherine of Bologna “Among Women” Guest: Jennifer Fitz I’m happy to be back after an unplanned hiatus due to family obligations and spiritual direction school. In this episode I unpack seven spiritual weapons found in the writings of St Catherine of Bologna… especially in the spiritual warfare that increased as her faith and love for Christ increased. Our Among Women guest segment finds me conversing with author-blogger Jennifer Fitz, vice-president of the Catholic Writers Guild. Jennifer shares her life as a blogger-catechist-author and the good work of the Guild, and she opens her heart describing how her past experience as a competitive cyclist enlightens her faith today as she powers through suffering when it comes. Links for this episode: Pope Benedict’s general audience catechesis on St Catherine of Bologna Holy Women – book with Pope Benedict’s catechesis on holy women How to pray the Rosary (.pdf) How to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy How to pray the Stations of the Cross How to pray with Scripture (lectio divina) Catholic Writers Guild website and conference Sticking the Corners – blog by Jennifer Fitz Classroom Management for Catechists – book by Jennifer Fitz Other shows of related interest: Archived shows of Among Women that feature Bible reading and love of Scripture AW 146: This archived episode sheds more light on the biography of St Catherine of Bologna as a patron of artists. Reminders: Send your comments to Pat Gohn at amongwomenpodcast@me.com, or to the Among Women podcast facebook page. On Twitter, find @PatGohn and the podcast @among_women. banner photo
Summary of today's show: Catechetical Sunday is coming up on September 16 and this year the theme is Catechists and Teachers as Agents of the New Evangelization. Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor talk with Kathy Curley and Susan Abbott about the joys and challenges of parish religious education and why catechesis is vitally important for the future of our Church and our families. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Kathy Curley and Susan Abbott Links from today's show: Today's topics: Catechetical Sunday 1st segment: Scot said today's show looks forward to Catechetical Sunday, especially preparing for the Year of Faith. Fr. Chris O'Connor said St. John Seminary is also preparing for the Year of Faith. One thing they're doing is sending four of the faculty members out to parishes in each of four regions of the Archdiocese to talk about the four parts of the Catechism. They're also inviting all of the 5th graders in the diocese, their teachers, parents, priests, and catechists to visit them at the seminary and to talk about the Sacrament of Holy Orders and to show them both the seminarians and the seminary. Scot also recalled that today is the anniversary of the events of 9/11/2001. Fr. Chris read a prayer of remembrance for 9/11. 2nd segment: Scot said Susan Abbott is here today not as a co-host but as director of religious education for the Archdiocese. Kathy Curley said she has been working in parish religious education for 16 years at St. Paul's in Wellesley. She said she started as part-time, but over the years the parish has grown significantly and it has become a full-time position and she now has an assistant. Fr. Chris asked why the parish is experiencing such growth. Kathy discussed the parish's family Mass, social time for families, and how they work with families' schedules. Scot asked how many children they have registered. Kathy said they have 525 registered as of today, but they expect over 650 when finally registered. They have more than 50 catechists, but they expect to need even more. When parents drop off their kids, they will ask them to stay, to sit in on a class, and they can see how much support there is for the catechists and how it isn't so daunting. Fr. chris asked what are the highlights of St. Paul's religious education. Kathy said during the family Mass, the pastor brings the children up around the sanctuary during the homily, when he asks them questions and gets them involved. After Mass, there is a social time with a lot of parents involved. Following that, there is a Sunday session of religious education. During the week, they have a Wednesday afternoon program as well to give parents an option. For older students they have Sunday afternoons and evenings. Scot asked Susan how many catechetical leaders there are in the archdiocese. Susan said they don't know the exact split of full-time and part-time, but out of 288 parishes about 280 have religious education programs. (For example, Our Lady of Victory in downtown Boston doesn't.). They have about 435 listed as catechetical leaders because some parishes have multiple leaders who take charge of certain grades. Most of them are part-time. Susan said there are several parishes where the religious ed program is directed by a deacon. A few parishes have the pastor listed as the contact person, but there isn't more than a handful where the pastor or parochial vicar is solely responsible. Across the archdiocese, there are about 11,000 catechists covering kindergarten to Grade 12 and not adult formation. There are about 122,000 students in those age ranges. Scot said there's a ratio of about 11–12 kids per catechist. Kathy said that's the perfect size class for one person, especially for people who are not professional educators. However, a lot of the catechists are sharing classes, teaching every other week, for example. The average class is about 18 and professional teachers will get even more students. Kathy pointed out that one of Susan's daughters is a catechist in her parish. Fr. Chris said he's often making the announcement from the altar during Masses that they need more catechists. He asked how they convince people it's something they're capable of doing? Kathy said the best advertising is their own peer group. She said she sees friends and parishioners at the supermarket running the other way when they see her. Susan said she's recruited many a catechist in line at the supermarket. But Kathy said she asks teachers already involved to talk to their friends and maybe even ask them to plan one Advent or Lent activity which they can see go well. Kathy said she often hears from a first-timers the objection that they don't feel qualified. But Kathy asks them to sit with her one-on-one and to show them the material. She encourages them that she doesn't know everything either. She also noted the importance of preparing for lesson because children pick up on that. So they give plenty of resources to the catechists. She said there are plenty of good resources like short videos that stimulate discussion. Fr. Chris asked Susan some of the benefits of being a catechist. She borrowed a line from the Peace Corps: It's the toughest job you'll ever love. She said we're all called to be an evangelizer, but we're not all called to be a catechist. However, those who do answer the call are mentored by catechetical leaders and then should spend time in prayer and with the teacher's manual. Susan said in the end that we are handing on the faith of Christ. How can we not be in love with this idea? Then considering that some of the kids in class won't be in Mass on Sunday, you are the face of the Church to them. Susan said they get 24 hours per year to educate them in their faith compared to the thousands of hours of school. These children need to know that God loves them. Quoting John Paul II, the whole point of catechesis is not just to put people in communion, but in intimacy with Jesus Christ. Scot said we want to teach them that Jesus is not just a historical figure, but is alive today and loves them infinitely. Susan said catechists make a deep commitment, being there for the kids week after week after week. They are not just showing up, but are spending plenty of time preparing for each class. Kathy said she tells the catechists to preach the Gospel every day and if necessary to use words. They will teach through their love and nurturing and caring. If they are witnesses to Christ in their lives, they will teach better and get their points across even when there are questions you can't answer. Kathy said a great way to keep young people involved after confirmation is to get them to volunteer as catechists. She even has young people who started in religious education when she did 16 years ago who are now catechists. Kathy said summer is a tough time for recruiting, so they ask people in March and April if they'd like to come back next year as catechists. She also starts preparing for people who retire from teaching catechism. She has one volunteer who has been teaching for 16 years and is finishing up his time teaching. So they always look to have extra teachers at every grade. That's especially true in second and third grade for preparing for the sacraments. And if they get ten more students in late September at the last minute, they'll need another teacher. Kathy also said that 7th and 8th grade is a tough slot to fill, so they have changed the program to put all the students together and have a team of 3 teachers. They also have parents who are willing to be small group facilitators. Fr. Chris talked about how it's essential to go to both religious education and Mass. He said it's like going to all the football practices and not playing in the game itself. He asked Susan about Catechesi Tradendae, the apostolic exhortation that Pope John Paul II wrote about catechesis in our time which was one of the first things he wrote as Pope. Susan said it was published on the first anniversary of his election as pope. She said she often pointed out in budget meetings this quote: As the 20th century draws to a close, the Church is bidden by God and by events - each of them a call from Him - to renew her trust in catechetical activity as a prime aspect of her mission. She is bidden to offer catechesis her best resources in people and energy, without sparing effort, toil or material means, in order to organize it better and to train qualified personnel. She also noted this quote: Accordingly, the definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity. We are telling the story of 2,000 years of our faith, the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we have to proclaim it with joy. Yes, we have issues, but if we can't proclaim this message with joy, then just turn out the lights. Scot asked Kathy about the joys of being a catechetical leader at St. Paul's. She gets joy from meeting people, including parents who tell her how enthused their kids are at learning their faith. she also pleased by the class they've developed for students with special needs who wouldn't otherwise be coming to religious education. Scot asked Susan how parishes mark Catechetical Sunday. She said some parishes will do a commissioning of the catechists at Mass on Sunday. She said the Sunday being marked on the third Sunday of September was started by the Holy Father in 1935. The theme for Catechetical Sunday this year is Teachers and Catechists as Agents of the New Evangelization and the USCCB has a treasure trove of free resources on their website (see link above.) She said this is heady stuff because if we don't hand on the faith, it won't continue on. Kathy said many of us could go back in time and pick out one person who told us one thing that sticks with us that caught our attention about our faith.
Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Links from today's show: Today's topics: The Year of Faith Summary of today's show: Pope Benedict XVI has declared a Year of Faith to begin in October that will encourage all Catholics to a greater understanding of what they believe and what the Catholic faith teaches. Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor prepare for the Year of Faith by reviewing the Holy Father's apostolic letter Porta Fidei, introducing the Year, as well as the recommendations from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on how dioceses, parishes, and religious communities can make the Year of Faith a great success and make it spiritually fruitful for the entire Church. They include the Top Ten list of suggestions for both parishes and dioceses. 1st segment: Scot welcomed Fr. Chris back to the show. On Saturday, many of the 4th year seminarians will be ordained to the transitional diaconate at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Some from other dioceses will be ordained in their cathedrals as well. They will serve as deacons in their parishes until the end of June. The ordination to the priesthood is later this year because Deacon Eric Bennett will be coming back from Rome then to join his classmates for ordination. They also have the St. Andrew Dinners as well, which brings young men, mostly high school age, to the seminary for a holy hour, dinner, and some talks to give the young men an experience of the seminary and to see that the seminarians are normal guys like them. Scot and Fr. Chris discussed the football playoffs and the prospects for the Patriots this weekend. Fr. Chris also talked about the upcoming March for Life coming up next Monday. Many seminarians go down for them. Scot said we will have a special show tomorrow, traveling up to St. Mary High School in Lynn, which is sending about 100 students, to interview some of the students and adult leaders. Today's topic is the Year of Faith that Pope Benedict has declared for the year beginning in October 2012. 2nd segment: Scot said they would be discussing the Pope's document Porta Fidei, a letter issued last October 11, which begins: The “door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. It is possible to cross that threshold when the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace. To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime. It begins with baptism (cf. Rom 6:4), through which we can address God as Father, and it ends with the passage through death to eternal life, fruit of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, whose will it was, by the gift of the Holy Spirit, to draw those who believe in him into his own glory (cf. Jn 17:22). To profess faith in the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is to believe in one God who is Love (cf. 1 Jn 4:8): the Father, who in the fullness of time sent his Son for our salvation; Jesus Christ, who in the mystery of his death and resurrection redeemed the world; the Holy Spirit, who leads the Church across the centuries as we await the Lord's glorious return. Ever since the start of my ministry as Successor of Peter, I have spoken of the need to rediscover the journey of faith so as to shed ever clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ. During the homily at the Mass marking the inauguration of my pontificate I said: “The Church as a whole and all her Pastors, like Christ, must set out to lead people out of the desert, towards the place of life, towards friendship with the Son of God, towards the One who gives us life, and life in abundance.”[1] It often happens that Christians are more concerned for the social, cultural and political consequences of their commitment, continuing to think of the faith as a self-evident presupposition for life in society. In reality, not only can this presupposition no longer be taken for granted, but it is often openly denied.[2] Whereas in the past it was possible to recognize a unitary cultural matrix, broadly accepted in its appeal to the content of the faith and the values inspired by it, today this no longer seems to be the case in large swathes of society, because of a profound crisis of faith that has affected many people. We cannot accept that salt should become tasteless or the light be kept hidden (cf. Mt 5:13-16). The people of today can still experience the need to go to the well, like the Samaritan woman, in order to hear Jesus, who invites us to believe in him and to draw upon the source of living water welling up within him (cf. Jn 4:14). We must rediscover a taste for feeding ourselves on the word of God, faithfully handed down by the Church, and on the bread of life, offered as sustenance for his disciples (cf. Jn 6:51). Indeed, the teaching of Jesus still resounds in our day with the same power: “Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life” (Jn 6:27). The question posed by his listeners is the same that we ask today: “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” (Jn 6:28). We know Jesus' reply: “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (Jn 6:29). Belief in Jesus Christ, then, is the way to arrive definitively at salvation. In the light of all this, I have decided to announce a Year of Faith. It will begin on 11 October 2012, the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, and it will end on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King, on 24 November 2013. The starting date of 11 October 2012 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a text promulgated by my Predecessor, Blessed John Paul II,[3] with a view to illustrating for all the faithful the power and beauty of the faith. This document, an authentic fruit of the Second Vatican Council, was requested by the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops in 1985 as an instrument at the service of catechesis[4] and it was produced in collaboration with all the bishops of the Catholic Church. Moreover, the theme of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops that I have convoked for October 2012 is “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith”. This will be a good opportunity to usher the whole Church into a time of particular reflection and rediscovery of the faith. It is not the first time that the Church has been called to celebrate a Year of Faith. My venerable Predecessor the Servant of God Paul VI announced one in 1967, to commemorate the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul on the 19th centenary of their supreme act of witness. He thought of it as a solemn moment for the whole Church to make “an authentic and sincere profession of the same faith”; moreover, he wanted this to be confirmed in a way that was “individual and collective, free and conscious, inward and outward, humble and frank”.[5] He thought that in this way the whole Church could reappropriate “exact knowledge of the faith, so as to reinvigorate it, purify it, confirm it, and confess it”.[6] The great upheavals of that year made even more evident the need for a celebration of this kind. It concluded with the Credo of the People of God,[7] intended to show how much the essential content that for centuries has formed the heritage of all believers needs to be confirmed, understood and explored ever anew, so as to bear consistent witness in historical circumstances very different from those of the past. The name Porta Fideo comes from the first few words of the document in Latin, “the door of faith” We need to let people know that the door of faith is always open and invite them to walk through. Fr. Chris said he was brought back to Rome in the four major basilicas, each of which has a Holy Door, which is opened every 25 years during the Jubilee Years. There are blessings that come through walking through those Holy Doors, but there is also blessings and richness that come from walking through the doors of our church. We come to faith but asking the Lord to give us faith, by using what we have allowing it to prosper and grow in our lives. Scot said the Year of Faith's timing is the anniversary of Vatican II and the introduction of the Catechism. Pope Benedict says of this timing: It seemed to me that timing the launch of the Year of Faith to coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council would provide a good opportunity to help people understand that the texts bequeathed by the Council Fathers, in the words of Blessed John Paul II, “have lost nothing of their value or brilliance. They need to be read correctly, to be widely known and taken to heart as important and normative texts of the Magisterium, within the Church's Tradition … I feel more than ever in duty bound to point to the Council as the great grace bestowed on the Church in the twentieth century: there we find a sure compass by which to take our bearings in the century now beginning.” Scot said the Holy Father is emphasizing that Vatican II is underappreciated now just 50 years on, that councils aren't fully appreciated until decades or a century or more have passed. Fr. Chris said he loves to teach the course on ecclesiology because students appreciate learning about what saints, theologians, bishops and more have taught about the Church. He suggested one of the best Vatican II documents is Lumen Gentium, which deals specifically with the Church. He notes also that the Holy Father specifically mentions the Catechism of the Catholic Church, because there is the basic teachings of our faith, along with the beauty and goodness of our faith, and ultimately Christ. Scot said the holy Father wants us to encounter Christ through the Vatican II documents and the Catechism. We can prepare for the Year of Faith by reading those, in small doses, a few pages at a time, perhaps some of the Scripture referenced in what you read as well. Fr. Chris said the Catechism is a rich resource. It's like a dessert, you don't have too much of a rich things. Take it in small doses. Start with a topic you're interested in: marriage and family, confession, or the life of prayer. Scot said the holy Father promises: Today as in the past, he sends us through the highways of the world to proclaim his Gospel to all the peoples of the earth (cf. Mt 28:19). Through his love, Jesus Christ attracts to himself the people of every generation: in every age he convokes the Church, entrusting her with the proclamation of the Gospel by a mandate that is ever new. Today too, there is a need for stronger ecclesial commitment to new evangelization in order to rediscover the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for communicating the faith. In rediscovering his love day by day, the missionary commitment of believers attains force and vigour that can never fade away. Faith grows when it is lived as an experience of love received and when it is communicated as an experience of grace and joy. It makes us fruitful, because it expands our hearts in hope and enables us to bear life-giving witness: indeed, it opens the hearts and minds of those who listen to respond to the Lord's invitation to adhere to his word and become his disciples. Believers, so Saint Augustine tells us, “strengthen themselves by believing”. Fr. Chris said this is exercising the muscle of faith in order to have it grow and bear fruit. Faith without charity bears no fruit, while charity without faith would be a sentiment constantly at the mercy of doubt. Faith and charity each require the other, in such a way that each allows the other to set out along its respective path. Indeed, many Christians dedicate their lives with love to those who are lonely, marginalized or excluded, as to those who are the first with a claim on our attention and the most important for us to support, because it is in them that the reflection of Christ's own face is seen. Through faith, we can recognize the face of the risen Lord in those who ask for our love. “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40). These words are a warning that must not be forgotten and a perennial invitation to return the love by which he takes care of us. It is faith that enables us to recognize Christ and it is his love that impels us to assist him whenever he becomes our neighbour along the journey of life. Supported by faith, let us look with hope at our commitment in the world, as we await “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pet 3:13; cf. Rev 21:1). Scot said the work of the Church is to know Jesus Christ and love him back, and to be able to practice our acts of charity and love the way Jesus wants us to. Christian charity and secular charity might look the same, but in the hearts of those who practice them, they are not the same. Fr. Chris said when we recognize who Christ is, that he is a gift, it can only prompt us to make a gift of our life to Christ as a mom, dad, priest, etc. 3rd segment: Scot said the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith also issued recommendations on the implementation of the Year of Faith at three levels: the Universal Church, bishops' conferences and dioceses, and parishes and families. The list includes 10 items. The first is to read and meditate upon Pope Benedict's letter Porta Fidei. Fr. Chris noted listeners today are doing that. It helps readers to consider how they can grow in faith. The second recommendation is to intensify the celebration of the faith in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist. The Holy Faith wants to ensure that the liturgy is prayed in the way that people live it. Fr. Chris said maybe arrive to Mass a little early to prepare yourself and quiet self before Mass. Maybe don't leave before the closing prayer and give self completely to the liturgy. Bring to the Eucharist those things things affecting us, including the blessings and sufferings of the week, and say, Lord, I am giving these to you. And make ourselves attentive to the Lord's Word being proclaimed. Scot added that we should understand we're not passive spectators at church, but respond to prayer with vigor. Also think through how your children and others are watching what we do, so do everything with intention, like receiving Communion. Third, priests should devote greater attention to the study of the documents of Vatican Council II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, drawing from them resources for the pastoral care of their parishes – catechesis, preaching, Sacramental preparation. Fr. Chris said it reminds priests that they have a sacred role as teacher and if they're going to teach the faith, then they need to be able to articulate. Fr. Chris said every time he looks at the documents of Vatican II, something new catches his attention. Just because you've read it before doesn't mean the Holy Spirit isn't going to inspire you with something new. Fourth, Catechists should hold more firmly to the doctrinal richness of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and, under the direction of their pastors. Scot said all good catechesis starts with the Catechism. Put all lessons in the proper context of the teaching of the Church. Have a fresh reading of the Catechism in order to be able to respond to questions about the faith. Fr. Chris said the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization offers a whole certificate program that focuses primarily on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Fifth, It is hoped that there will be a renewed commitment in parishes to the distribution of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and of other resources appropriate for families, which are true domestic churches and the primary setting for the transmission of the faith. This can be done appropriately during home blessings, baptisms, confirmations, and marriages. It emphasizes that families shouldn't be outsourcing the faith formation to religious education classes. Fr. Chris said most of the catechism is readily accessible to the average reader and it helps unpack the truth, beauty, and goodness of our faith. He has a friend who said the Catechism certificate revolutionized how he practices his faith. Sixth, The promotion of missions and other popular programs in parishes and in the workplace can help the faithful to rediscover the gift of Baptismal faith and the task of giving witness, knowing that the Christian vocation “by its very nature is also a vocation to the apostolate.” Scot said parish missions used to be a very big deal in parishes and it would be a good for parishes to make a commitment of three or four nights in a row. Fr. Chris called it a parish retreat and opportunity to grow in the faith and to remind us of our faith and reenergize us. He encouraged listeners to approach their pastors to ask for them. Seven addresses religious communities to work toward the new evangelization; Eight, contemplative communities, during the Year of Faith, should pray specifically for the renewal of the faith among the People of God and for a new impulse for its transmission to the young; and Nine, Associations and Ecclesial Movements are invited to promote specific initiatives which, through the contribution of their proper charism and in collaboration with their local Pastors, will contribute to the wider experience of the Year of Faith. Tenth, All of the faithful, called to renew the gift of faith, should try to communicate their own experience of faith and charity[35] to their brothers and sisters of other religions, with those who do not believe, and with those who are just indifferent. In this way, it is hoped that the entire Christian people will begin a kind of mission toward those with whom they live and work, knowing that they “have welcomed the news of salvation which is meant for every man.” Fr. Chris said faith is never lived in a vacuum, but is instead shared and offered to others. He said Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn's book says that from the first sin of Adam and Eve to the present day, wherever sin is, it's a result of a lack of faith. Where faith abounds, sin decreases. 4th segment: Scot mentioned the diocesan recommendations, starting with “It is hoped that each particular Church would have a celebration of the opening of the Year of Faith and a solemn conclusion to it, in which to “profess our faith in the Risen Lord in our cathedrals and in the churches of the whole world.”” Fr. Chris said it calls the people of the diocese together. Every diocese in the world is asked to do this, which showcases our universal nature. We're all connected together in this beautiful faith, rooted in the Eucharist. Second, each diocese would organize a study day on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. How many people have read the Catechism substantially? And if so, how many have done so recently? Fr. Chris said the Daughters of St. Paul edition includes the Scripture passages referenced connected to the Catechism. It helps priests preparing for Mass to reference the Catechism. Third, it encourages each bishop to write a pastoral letter on the topic of faith, reminding them of the importance of the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism. Scot said Cardinal Seán will probably write one of his own. Fr. Chris said it helps the Church in Boston to reflect on what we should all be considering together. Fourth, it is hoped that in each Diocese, under the leadership of the Bishop, catechetical events will be organized, especially for the youth and those searching for a sense of life, helping them to discover the beauty of ecclesial faith, promoting encounters with meaningful witnesses to the faith. Scot said do a youth event with a goal of teaching what the Church believes through witnesses. Fr. Chris said the Church is again saying the young people are the future of our Church. We need to help them encounter Christ because once you encounter Him there is no turning back. Fifth, each diocese should review the reception of Vatican II and the Catechism in its own life and mission, particularly in the realm of catechesis. Fr. Chris said so many people want to quote Vatican II until you ask them to show you where it is in the text. The more we can all look at what the documents actually teach, the better off we'll all be. When we teach the truth, it's attractive. Anything less isn't worth hanging your soul on. If we can proclaim it convincingly, there'd be no stopping us. Scot said he guess less than 5,000 people in this diocese have read the Catechism or documents of Vatican II. his hope is that number would multiply by several times so that most people who are passionate about their faith will be able to pass it on to others. Fr. Chris said faith is an investment. The more fully you give yourself to it, the more fully you will reap the rewards. Sixth, The continuing education of the clergy can be focused during this Year of Faith on the documents of Vatican Council II and on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, treating such themes as “the proclamation of the Risen Christ”, “the Church - sacrament of salvation”, “the mission of evangelization in the world today”, “faith and disbelief”, “faith, ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue”, “faith and eternal life”, “the hermeneutic of reform in continuity” and “the Catechism in ordinary pastoral care.” Seventh, Bishops are invited to organize penitential celebrations, particularly during Lent like The Light Is On For You, in which all can ask for God's forgiveness, especially for sins against faith. This Year also provides an appropriate occasion in which all can approach the Sacrament of Penance with greater faith and more frequently. Fr. Chris said sins against the faith could include just saying I don't believe anymore. Faith is not an emotion. It's a choice we have to make. There is also a sin of presumption, that presumes on God's mercy that we will get to heaven no matter what. Eight encourages a renewed creative dialogue between faith and reason in the academic and artistic communities. Nine promotes encounters with those persons who, “while not claiming to have the gift of faith, are nevertheless sincerely searching for the ultimate meaning and definitive truth of their lives and of the world”. Ten encourages greater attention to Catholic schools, especially through the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the YouCat.
Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Matt Williams Today's guest(s): Bonnie Rodgers, Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Programming, and Helen Lee, Manager of Social Media and VoD, of CatholicTV Links from today's show: Today's topics: Christmas at CatholicTV and new programs in the new year Summary of today's show: Every year, CatholicTV becomes ChristmasTV for three days starting Christmas Eve. Bonnie Rodgers and Helen Lee from CatholicTV join Scot Landry and Fr. Matt Williams to talk about all the great programming on tap for the holiday as well as the new shows on tap for the new year, including The Gist, a new talk show for women. They also discuss CatholicTV's ubiquitous presence in new media and how they're using every possible medium to spread the message. Plus all their favorite CatholicTV shows. What's your favorite? 1st segment: Scot explained why The Good Catholic Life did not air live on 1060AM yesterday because of difficulties at the network in Buffalo, but listeners can listen to it online on our site and it will air again next Tuesday, December 27. Fr. Matt said he loves the Christmas season, including driving around and seeing all the lights decorating homes. He will celebrating Masses at St. Joseph in Holbrook, where he lives. For his family, their celebration will center around liturgies. His family gets together on the day after Christmas for a memorial Mass for all the deceased members of his family. His grandmother died many years ago on December 26 and it's become a tradition ever since. Scot mentioned that tonight is the night for , when every church and chapel in the archdiocese will be open 6:30-8pm for confessions. If you're looking for a parish, go to . Fr. Matt talked about why we need to go to confession especially before Christmas as we prepare to welcome Christ. 2nd segment: Scot welcomed Bonnie Rodgers and Helen Lee. He asked Bonnie what brought her to CatholicTV. She's been there for 4 years. She met General Manager Jay Fadden in the Masters of Arts in Ministry program at St. John Seminary. She was working for Verizon at the time, then got early retirement from her job. Jay hired her first as part-time in marketing and now she's been there four years full-time overseeing public relations, marketing and programming. She said those three aspects really connect together. Helen started at CatholicTV about 4 months ago. She oversees all social media: Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and manages video-on-demand resources. Scot said CatholicTV is trying to reach people in their 20s like her. Helen majored in college in new media communications and theology, so she was looking to do something like this when she graduated. Twenty-somethings are in those media and that's where they are. She's in the Facebook newsfeeds of many of her Catholic friends from Fordham University now. Scot asked Bonnie all the ways people can get CatholicTV, in addition to cable TV. Bonnie said they want to be wherever people are consuming media. They want to be on every platform, but they want to design for the particular platform. They're on Twitter, articulating the faith in 140 characters or less. There is YouTube, where they tailor their work for the format. They include both soundbites and segments as well as full programs. They're on Facebook as well. They are now available throughout the country on cable and Sky Angel IPTV. Scot said you can watch the content at CatholicTV.com. And a small widget can be placed on any website or blog so people can watch the programming on other websites. Bonnie said a diocese in Ohio was using content from CatholicTV for faith formation via DVDs on cable access television. But they adapted it for CatholicTVjr and the whole diocese started using it. They introduced it to the bishops at the US bishops meeting and they're having dioceses ask them to tailor it to their purposes. Scot asked how many people watch the programs on other platforms other than TV. Bonnie said it's hard to quantify how many are there, but she loves the stories. She encountered a man in New Jersey once who stopped her and knew her from the daily Mass. He'd watched every day from Afghanistan on his iPod and remembered seeing her do the readings. They are now in a little more than 11 million homes via cable. They do see a big spike in viewership on Sunday for the Mass from the University of Notre Dame and the Mass from the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Scot said “Going My Way” is a funny program that interviews priests and makes them sing songs and do other bits. Bonnie said the premise is to show priests are normal people and having a good time. When she first started at CatholicTV, she thought the show was pretty hokey, but they get so many calls for the show that love it. One man called who had been in RCIA and was getting discouraged at the “Church of No”, but he saw the priests on Going My Way and how much fun they were having and he decided he wanted to be part of a church like that. It's a sing-a-long show with priests from anywhere in the world they can get them. Fr. Matt said he was on the show in 2008, just before July 4 and just before World Youth Day Sydney. He remembers saying he didn't know what to sing, because he's not much of a singer. He sang patriotic songs and so now it airs every year before July 4. Scot asked if Going My Way is the most popular show. Bonnie said absolutely. The show has a great following from young to old. She said Stephen Colbert's Comedy Central show “The Colbert Report” once featured it and called Fr. Chris Hickey, the host, the modern Merv Griffin. Bonnie said there are just about 30 people now working at CatholicTV, so everybody pitches in to carry off all the programming. Scot said he notices that people spend their whole careers at CatholicTV, there's a lot of loyalty among the employees. Bonnie said there's a great ability to attract people, especially those in technical fields. Part of the attraction is that with such a small crew, people can try their hand at many disciplines. 3rd segment: Scot said Christmas is a big deal at CatholicTV because of all the special programming. Bonnie said they turn into ChristmasTV starting with Christmas with midnight Mass from the Vatican. Many of the shows do special Christmas editions. Fr. Reed and Jay also do special reflections. There are also many programs of music including choirs from the Vatican. They have some movies and cartoons about St. Nicholas. It goes for three days. Scot said people love to watch the homily of the Holy Father on TV. Bonnie said the midnight Mass is so beautiful, as well as Masses from the Basilica of the Saxcred Heart at Notre Dame, and the National Shrine. Scot said there are 61,000 fans of CatholicTV on Facebook. Helen said online they plan to post many different video reflections and soundbites on YouTube and Facebook. They also had a musical group last week. Fr. Matt asked how many follow them on Twitter. She said about 12,000. He said he's amazed how many young people are moving from Facebook to Twitter. Helen said the Twitter users are very active, retweeting their content. He asked how to use Facebook and Twitter to evangelize. Helen said she's lucky at CatholicTV to have the daily Mass to pull from the homilies and other good messages from shows. She also uses her theology background to create messages to reconnect people to the faith as they go through their day. She said when there are big events that CatholicTV covers during the work day, she tries to tweet excerpts for those who are at work and can't watch. Helen noted that many of the followers on Facebook and Twitter aren't even from this country and communicate in other messages. Scot said that Facebook and Twitter users skew young, but aren't only young. Helen said there are many followers on Facebook who are 35-50 who are vocal and a lot of younger followers who are pretty quiet. Bonnie said at the National Catholic Youth Congress they had over 700 kids like them on Facebook and told them that while they don't post much there, they do read it. 4th segment: Scot said it seems like CatholicTV is always launching new programs. He asked about the new program launching in January called The Gist. Bonnie said the hosts are Danielle Bean, editor of Catholic Digest, Rachell Balducci, author of How Do You Tuck in A Superhero, and Carolee McGrath from Springfield. They will talk about anything and everything of their faith. They've recorded their first six episodes already. They drive home that our faith is a lived one. Scot asked if it's a Catholic version of the View. Bonnie said it's like that where talk about current events, issues of life, and anything else through a Catholic lens. They talk about managing their families and raising kids, for example. It launches January 3. It will have five or six air times. One of the toughest things about coming up with a new show is the new show title. They were excited that Helen was able to grab the name on Facebook and other social media. Danielle and Rachel are very into social media while Carolee is just into media. Scot said Rachel was on one of our early shows and it was a very funny episode. Her blog is chronicling raising her six boys and one daughter. Helen said user-generated content will be important for the Gist. They started weeks ago on Facebook and Twitter with polls and questions to get real-world feedback from women to feed the discussion on the show. Scot said on Thanksgiving they launched “Mass Confusion”, the first Catholic sitcom. Bonnie said there's been a lot of great feedback. It was created by Greg and Jennifer Willits from Georgia. She noted that Georgia has the fastest growing Catholic population. She said they've created other great content that CatholicTV has used in the past. Scot said the Willitses co-host a daily radio show on SiriusXM's The Catholic Channel. It was big departure for them to do completely scripted TV. It's also a very expensive show to produce because of the number of people involved. But the appreciation and response was so great that they are looking at how to make it work if they can. Fr. Matt asked about the premise of the show. It features two Catholic families, the other played by Mac and Katherine Barron, and the first show is about a birthday party for Jennifer and some confusion over a pregnancy. Scot said it's about real life and family. He said he saw it at the Catholic New Media Celebration in October and the crowd of 200 people laughed boisterously. He said it's family friendly. There's nothing you'd be unhappy about your kids watching, even though the quality is as good or better than what you see on network TV. Scot said entertainment is part of CatholicTV's mission. We're Catholics that love to laugh, to express joy, to take our faith seriously, but not to take ourselves seriously. Bonnie spoke of another show called House+Home where Fr. Reed goes into a home to meet a family and they take over the house for the day. With Mass Confusion, they took over the Willitses house for several days. Helen said people can watch it on YouTube, on Verizon on Demand, or on the CatholicTV website. 5th segment: Scot asked about programming that comes from other Catholic dioceses. While they are part of the Archdiocese of Boston, they are also America's Catholic TV Network. Diocese of Trenton produces a youth program called , which has won Emmy Awards and Gabriel Awards. Diocese of Springfield, Diocese of Rockville Centre, and Diocese of Brooklyn produce shows too. Diocese of Worcester does a show with Bishop McManus. Scot asked Helen about her favorite program. She said she likes Mysteries of the Church and Seventh Street Theater. It's not a Catholic TV show, but it's a theater troupe that put on faith-inspired shows. Scot said one of his favorites is Catholic Destinations with Kevin Nelson. They have gone to many cathedrals and shrines around the country and in some other nations. He's also enjoyed House+Home, including seeing how families integrate the faith into their lives. Bonnie said Mysteries of the Church is from the Diocese of Brooklyn and it's as good as any Discovery Channel show. Scot asked about Way of Beauty. It was shot on Thomas More College and it has high-production values. It looks at how art expresses our faith. Helen said ClearVoice is a Catholic magazine show that helps people be informed about what's going on in the Church all around the world. Scot said Wow: The CatholicTV Challenge is now going into its 10th or 11th season. It's a game show for kids which quizzes them on their faith. Bonnie said people call from all over about how great it is. Catechists tell them that they use the show to teach their classes. Scot said his kids love the competition aspect, but it also leads to discussion about the faith. We've Got To Talk with Fr. Dan O'Connell has been on the air for over 20 years. Bonnie said he brings energy and love to that show. It's the longest-running program, outside of the Mass. He gets into all kinds of situations with the show and brings the same energy. The Spotlight features Fr. Chip Hines and Fr. Bill Kelly doing movie reviews. Scot said it's a wonderful program that takes movies seriously. It's time to announce this week's winner of the WQOM Benefactor Raffle. Our prizes this week are “Let Us Adore Him”, a music CD of traditional Christmas hymns by the Dady Brothers and Friends; by Fr. Dave Pivonka, and , also by Fr. Pivonka. This week's benefactor card raffle winner is Richard Grande from Concord, MA. Congratulation, Richard! If you would like to be eligible to win in an upcoming week, please visit . For a one-time $30 donation, you'll receive the Station of the Cross benefactor card and key tag, making you eligible for WQOM's weekly raffle of books, DVDs, CDs and religious items. We'll be announcing the winner each Wednesday during “The Good Catholic Life” program.
People have taken many different paths to Steubenville, and Scott Sollom joins us to share about the often amusing journey that led him to become a Catechetics professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Scott's also one of the team members for our annual St. John Bosco Conference for Catechists and Religious Educators. (15:14, 10.5 MB) Franciscan Conferences website:www.franciscanconferences.com
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