Dear Teachers: Gratefully, Kathleen A. Cepelka, Ph.D. Superintendent of Catholic Schools Archdiocese of Milwaukee

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1 Dear Teachers: Thank you for accepting the call, the privilege, and the challenge to teach in the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and to sustain the mission of Catholic education which has been an integral aspect of the teaching mission of the Church in the United States for over 150 years. You are truly following in the footsteps of all who have preceded you in this important work, especially the thousands of religious sisters, brothers, and priests who built the Catholic educational system in our country. The torch of that responsibility, for strengthening and sustaining Catholic education, has now been passed into your capable hands and generous hearts! Sustaining the Mission is a program, developed and sponsored by the Saint Clare Center at Cardinal Stritch University, to increase and solidify the religious knowledge of Catholic school educators through systematic, cohesive, and high quality instruction in the faith. Sustaining the Mission is, furthermore, the authorized program for the religious education certification of Catholic school teachers in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, focusing on six core theological areas: Scripture; Creedal and Doctrinal Concepts; Justice and Morality; Liturgy, Sacraments, and Prayer; Church History, and Formation for Mission. Some of the finest instructors in the Archdiocese, including scholars from each of the five Catholic colleges and universities and both Archdiocesan seminaries, have been invited to deliver the Sustaining the Mission courses. Now in its fourth year of implementation, this program has a record of demonstrated effectiveness. It is a substantive and structured approach to better preparing you, our dedicated Catholic school teachers, to further the Kingdom of God in our midst through your invaluable work. In the words of Pope John Paul II, Jesus shared with you his teaching ministry. Only in close communion with Him can you respond adequately.if you continue to be faithful to this ministry, you will be doing much in shaping a peaceful, just, and hope-filled world for the future. Yours is a great gift to the Church, a great gift to your nation. Yours is also a great and priceless gift to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Gratefully, Kathleen A. Cepelka, Ph.D. Superintendent of Catholic Schools Archdiocese of Milwaukee 3501 South Lake Drive, P.O. Box Milwaukee, WI (414)

2 6801 N. Yates Road, #514 Milwaukee, WI (414) I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:3-6 Dear teachers and principals: It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome you to Sustaining the Mission, a program for the religious education certification of Catholic school educators that is now entering its fourth year. We invite you to use this program binder to collect the handouts and resources you are given at each STM presentation, and organize this binder in a way that works best for you. We have intentionally given you blank tab inserts, rather than labeling them ourselves. Perhaps you would like to organize the binder by content area (Scripture; Creedal & Doctrinal Concepts; Justice & Morality; Liturgy, Sacrament, & Prayer; Church History; Methods & Vocational Formation). Some of you may prefer to organize things chronologically, and have a separate tab for each in-service day. It s up to you. As we continue this program to sustain the mission of Catholic education, we invite your collaboration with us. Share your thoughts with us. Provide us with feedback so that we can continue to make this program better each year. We thank the many people of faith and wisdom from multiple schools, parishes, and Catholic colleges and universities who are collaborating to shape and deliver this program. Their efforts and insights are truly the work of the Holy Spirit, and we are grateful. We at the Saint Clare Center for Catholic Life are also grateful for the opportunity to work with all of you, close to 2500 teachers and principals in Catholic elementary and secondary schools. We thank you for choosing to share your gifts of knowledge and faith as a Catholic school educator. It is your Christian witness and your desire to pass on the faith confidently and competently that has inspired the creation of Sustaining the Mission. Peace and all good, Michael Taylor Director

3 Prayer Gracious God, you gather us today as ministers of Catholic education. Send us your Spirit and bring us together as a community of service and love. Open our hearts, so that we may always seek to grow closer to you. Teach us wisdom, and guide us to greater understanding of the Catholic faith. Form us more and more into the likeness of Christ, full of compassion, generosity, courage, and joy. Fill us with a deep sense of vocation and a commitment to your mission. And as we live out that mission, show us the way to walk with our students, to teach them your truth, and to lead them to you. Amen.

4 Welcome! Sustaining the Mission is the official program for Religious Education Certification for educators in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. It provides systematic, intentional content education in Catholic faith traditions and core theological teachings so that Catholic school educators may competently and confidently advance the mission of Catholic education. This program is a collaborative effort. The Archdiocesan Office for Schools establishes the policies, such as who must attend, and has delegated the actual delivery of the program to Cardinal Stritch University s Saint Clare Center. In order to deliver the presentations, develop the curriculum, and evaluate the program, the Saint Clare Center relies on the collaborative efforts of a wide range of people working in Catholic higher education, parishes, and schools. How the Program Works Delivered to clusters or districts All teachers from a group of schools gather on a couple of in-service days, and presenters come to your location, whether that is Milwaukee, Racine, or Sheboygan. A specific set of classes At those in-service days, teachers engage in a core curriculum of specific classes, organized into curricular strands (Scripture; Creedal & Doctrinal Concepts; Justice & Morality; Liturgy, Sacrament, & Prayer; Church History; Formation for Mission). Targeted at levels The curriculum for Sustaining the Mission is divided into three different levels. Level One is for teachers who have no religious education certification and are working to attain Basic certification. Level Two is for teachers who have Basic or Intermediate religious education certification and are working to attain Advanced certification (though it currently includes teachers who do have Advanced). Level Three, which we will introduce in 2017 after the original Level Two group has finished that level, will be for ongoing faith formation for those who have Advanced certification. Five classes per year The Office for Schools has established that each teacher needs to attend five classes (9.5 hours) of Sustaining the Mission each year. Most schools are choosing to schedule that over the course of two in-service days. What if I miss a session? Because we have a required curriculum, you will need to make up the specific classes you missed that day. One Saturday each semester, Sustaining the Mission classes will be offered at Cardinal Stritch for any teachers from around the Archdiocese who need to make up classes that they missed. Talk with your principal, or check the Saint Clare Center website for info.

5 A Framework for Faith Formation The Sustaining the Mission program fits into an overall vision of faith formation for educators in Catholic schools, and it is helpful to understand what that vision is. Formation: More than You Might Think More than Information Comprehensive faith formation for teachers in Catholic schools seeks to provide not only information that will get stored in the teacher s head, but also formation that the teacher can use to nourish the heart, enrich the imagination, deepen one s understanding, and strengthen one s faith. More than Individual Formation Faith formation efforts in Catholic schools should seek to form not only the individual teachers, but also the faculty community as a whole. The faculty and staff should be growing as a faith community, learning together, working to understand one another s perspectives, and strengthening a shared sense of values and mission. More than Sustaining the Mission Sustaining the Mission is just one part of a comprehensive approach to faith formation, and must be accompanied by activities and programs at each individual school. Sustaining the Mission does focus on theological content (what we call Catholic 101 ), but that does not mean that retreats, service work, and longer prayer experiences are not important. They are very important, and teachers do need them to sustain their spirits and live their faith. We believe, though, that such retreats, service work, and prayer experiences can be done most effectively at the individual school level, and we assume that each school is carrying out an intentional plan to address these spiritual needs of its faculty. Goals for Faith Formation We at the Saint Clare Center hope that the Sustaining the Mission program, combined with the efforts at your school and the steps you take on your faith journey, will accomplish the following goals: 1. A Growing Sense of Mission and Ministry 2. A Foundational Understanding of the Catholic Faith 3. An Ever More Christ-like Character 4. A Deepened Spirituality 5. Increased Abilities to Strengthen Faith Formation In Schools 6. A Strengthened Community of Faith 7. A Personal Investment in Ongoing Formation Standard 11 These goals for faith formation, along with Sustaining the Mission in general, are aligned with the Archdiocese s Standard 11, a teacher standard focused on Catholic Identity. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee adopted Standard 11 in 2004, in response to the ten new teacher standards adopted by the state of Wisconsin. Standard 11 affirms that all teachers in a Catholic school should be committed to Catholic identity, and that Catholic identity includes not just knowledge but also dispositions, values, an understanding of teaching as a ministry, and a commitment to lifelong spiritual growth.

6 Standard #11: The teacher models and promotes the elements of Catholic Identity including the development of faith community, commitment to lifelong spiritual growth, student spiritual formation, and student human development. Knowledge The teacher understands the fundamental doctrines of the Catholic Church in light of scripture and tradition. The teacher comprehends the meaning of Catholic Faith as both communal and personal. The teacher understands Catholic issues of justice and peace. The teacher understands the worship and prayer tradition of the Catholic Church. The teacher understands that freedom and grace are integral components of a student s spiritual development. The teacher understands the need to cultivate a global consciousness for a more just society and to prepare students for a lifelong commitment to collaborative programs that enhance and enrich the quality of life for all people. Disposition The teacher realizes the importance of Catholic Education to the faith community and global society. The teacher values the importance of prayer. The teacher values meaningful relationships among colleagues, families, and students. The teacher regards the role of educator as a ministry. Performance The teacher routinely engages in self-evaluation on the authenticity of one s ministry in Catholic Education. The teacher strives to develop a spiritual and professional self while promoting the spiritual and human development of students. The teacher models a life of prayer. The teacher works in a team environment by promoting collaboration and cooperation within the educational community. The teacher establishes partnerships with families and other members of the extended community. The teacher develops social awareness in students by providing age appropriate service opportunities and opportunities to reflect on service in light of faith. The teacher complies with the Religious Certification Program established by the Milwaukee Archdiocese. Revised: September 15, South Lake Drive, P.O. Box Milwaukee, WI (414)

7 List of Instructors Ben Brzeski, St. Anthony on the Lake Parish Jon Brzeski, Catholic Memorial High School Pete Burds, St. Thomas More High School Fr. Javier Bustos, Ph.D., Sacred Heart School of Theology Michael Coffey, Saint Clare Center, Cardinal Stritch University Tracy Dereszynski, Volunteers of America Mike Donahou, Ph.D., Cardinal Stritch University Michael Dowling, St. Benedict Parish, Fontana Mary Gentile, Catholic Memorial High School Helen Gilles, Ph.D., Retired from Marian University Judy Gillespie, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School Chad Griesel, Old St. Mary s, Ss. Peter and Paul, and Three Holy Women Parishes Michael Gutzwiller, St. Thomas More High School Dan Holahan, Marquette University High School Bishop Don Hying, Archdiocese of Milwaukee Fr. Joe Juknialis, Old St. Mary s, Ss. Peter and Paul, and Three Holy Women Parishes Thomas Kiely, Institute for Catholic Leadership, Marquette University Fr. Ken Knippel, St. John Vianney Parish Andre Lesperance, Marquette University High School Jackie Lichter, Ph.D., All Saints Catholic School Bill Lieven, Christ King Parish Jane McAuliffe, St. Clare Parish (Diocese of Madison) Alan McCauley, Pius XI High School Mary McHugh, Retired for parish ministry Lisa Metz, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School Sr. Cyndi Nienhaus, CSA, Ph.D., Marian University Lincoln Rice, Ph.D., Marquette University Maureen Rotramel, Tri-Parish Cluster of Port Washington/Saukville Dan Scholz, Ph.D., Cardinal Stritch University James Schultz, St. Anthony High School David Stosur, Ph.D., Cardinal Stritch University Michael Taylor, Saint Clare Center, Cardinal Stritch University Jean Marie Weber, Cardinal Stritch University David Zampino, St. Margaret Mary Parish Fr. Tony Zimmer, St. Anthony on the Lake Parish

8 About the Saint Clare Center The Saint Clare Center for Catholic Life at Cardinal Stritch University provides education and formation for lay Catholics who seek to grow in faith and service. The Center was created in 2007 when the Archdiocese of Milwaukee restructured the seminary. Prior to 2007, lay people could study at the seminary in order to receive either a graduate degree or a certificate. They received instruction and formation alongside those preparing for the priesthood. The Archdiocese, because of financial constraints, decided that the seminary would focus on priestly formation, and asked that one of the five Catholic colleges and universities in the Archdiocese step forward to help with formation for lay people. Cardinal Stritch responded to that call, and established the Saint Clare Center. The Center provides a variety of formational programs for those in lay ministry, either professional or volunteer. We believe that lay people need and deserve high quality formation that is balanced and comprehensive. The center s programs deliver intellectual, human, pastoral, and spiritual formation based on Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, a statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops which guides the development of lay ecclesial ministry. Saint Clare Center Personnel Michael Taylor Director mvtaylor@stritch.edu Michael Coffey Associate Director mwcoffey@stritch.edu Mary Foley Administrative Coordinator mafoley@stritch.edu

9 Classes by Curriculum Strand Level One Three Years Scripture A Catholic Understanding of Scripture Overview of Old Testament Overview of New Testament Creedal & Doctrinal Concepts What Do We Believe? Jesus: An Intro to Christology Justice & Morality Fundamentals of Catholic Morality Principles of Catholic Social Teaching Liturgy, Sacrament, & Prayer An Introduction to Prayer and Catholic Spirituality The Mass and the Basics of the Sacraments Church History The Emergence of the Church Formation for Mission The Vocation of Teaching In a Catholic School Catholic Identity In a Catholic School Level Two Seven Years The Pentateuch and Historical Books Israel s Prophetic Tradition The Psalms and Wisdom Literature The Synoptic Good News Matthew, Mark, & Luke/Acts The Gospel and Writings of John The Writings and Influence of Paul The Catholic Letters & Hebrews The Mystery of God The Theology of Church Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations Who Do You Say that I Am? A Consistent Ethic of Life Family Life and Christian Sexuality What Does It Mean to Be Good? Exploring Different Types of Prayer Eucharist: Source and Summit Bath and Beyond: Baptism, Confirmation Healing Embrace: Reconciliation & Anointing of the Sick Signs of Covenant: Marriage / Holy Orders Mary and the Saints Development of Doctrine The Developing Church Liturgy through the Centuries The Impact of Vatican II Catholic Education In America: Past and Present What Is the Good News for Our Students? Global Church, Local Classroom 21 st Century Skills for Faith Development

10 Cycle of Classes Year A Level 1 What Do We Believe? Catholic Identity In a Catholic School A Catholic Understanding of Scripture Fundamentals of Catholic Morality Year B Level 1 Overview of the Old Testament The Vocation of Teaching In a Catholic School Principles of Catholic Social Teaching Intro to Prayer and Catholic Spirituality Year C Level 1 Overview of the New Testament Jesus: An Intro to Christology The Emergence of the Church The Mass and the Basics of Sacraments Year A Level 2 Catholic Education In America: Past and Present The Synoptic Good News: Matthew, Mark, Luke/Acts Eucharist: Source and Summit A Consistent Ethic of Life Year B Level 2 Development of Doctrine The Mystery of God Exploring Different Types of Prayer What Is the Good News for Our Students? Year C Level 2 The Developing Church The Writings and Influence of Paul Bath and Beyond: Baptism & Confirmation The Theology of Church Year D Level 2 The Pentateuch and Historical Books Healing Embrace: Reconciliation and Anointing Liturgy through the Centuries Family Life and Christian Sexuality Year E Level 2 Israel s Prophetic Tradition Signs of the Covenant: Marriage & Holy Orders Global Church, Local Classroom What Does It Mean to Be Good? Year F Level 2 Mary and the Saints Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations The Gospel and Writings of John Who Do You Say that I Am? Year G Level 2 21 st Century Skills for Faith Development The Psalms and Wisdom Literature The Impact of Vatican II The Catholic Letters and Hebrews