asalo Newsletter Office for Evangelization and Catechesis Share the Good News Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

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1 Newsletter Office for Evangelization and Catechesis asalo Diocese of Lubbock P.O. Box Lubbock, TX Share the Good News (806) September 2017 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Living as Missionary Disciples: Right Where We Are. This year s Catechetical Sunday theme, Living as Missionary Disciples, invites us to think about our neighbors. Jesus calls us to live as missionary disciples. He calls us to be witnesses of the Good News of healing, help, support, encouragement, patience, mercy, joy, and love. It is not hard to find opportunities to do so. We may think of missionary discipleship in terms of traveling to faraway places to share the Good News; that is not the only way to be missionary disciples of Christ. We can be disciples of Christ by seeking ways to share the Gospel with those right where we are, right where the Lord has put us, today, and in this moment. To live as a missionary disciple is to be attentive to those before you, beside you, to your left, and to your right. Missionary disciples listen to others stories, share in their sorrows, rejoice when others rejoice, and offer encouragement when it is needed. Missionary disciples share the Good News by speaking words of hope and healing, sharing a pot of soup, delivering a plate of cookies, shoveling a neighbor s snowy walk, or inviting that neighbor to come to church. As catechists and ministers, a part of our witness to the children, adults, and families we minister to is to show them by our words and actions what it means to live as missionary disciples. By our example we encourage them in their classrooms, workplaces, families, neighborhoods, and in the world to live as missionary disciples too. Right now, today, and in this moment, what are your opportunities to be a missionary disciple? How and with whom will you share the Good News of Jesus Christ? We invite you to reflect on these questions as we begin our Catechetical Year. Our Annual Catechetical and Ministries Conference this year is on October 14, 2017, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. The theme is "Becoming People of the Word for Missionary Discipleship". Our keynote speaker is Stephen J. Binz, a biblical scholar and an award-winning author of over fifty books. This is a great opportunity to enrich yourself, as well as network with your co-ministers from throughout our Diocese and beyond. We look forward to seeing you!

2 Annual Catechetical and Ministries Conference "Becoming People of the Word for Missionary Discipleship" October 14, :00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Schedule of the Day: 8:00 a.m. Door Registration 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 9:15 a.m. Keynote: Encountering Christ in Scripture 10:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions A 11:30 a.m. Visit with Brother John s Bookstore, Our Sunday Visitor, RCL Benziger, Pflaum Gospel Weeklies, Lighthouse Catholic Media and Augustine Institute, and Catholic Relief Services 12:00 noon Lunch will be provided 1:00 p.m. Keynote: Becoming Missionary Disciples 2:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions B 3:15 p.m. Closing Prayer KEYNOTE SPEAKER: STEPHEN J. BINZ Stephen J. Binz is a biblical scholar and an award-winning author of over fifty books. As a popular speaker, he offers keynotes, seminars, and workshops at international, national, and regional levels. He also offers topical presentations, missions, and retreats in churches internationally. His writing focuses on biblical commentary, biblical theology, and Christian spirituality. As founder and author of Threshold Bible Study, he has written and published thirty studies for personal and group Bible study. In recent years, his books have earned four First Place certificates in the "Excellence in Publishing Awards" of the Association of Catholic Publishers and a First Place and Second Place with the Catholic Press Association. Following his undergraduate studies at the University of Dallas, Stephen earned graduate degrees at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, with additional studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He is an active member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Association. Some of Stephen s books will be available for purchase.

3 Breakout Session A. 10:30 a.m. A1. Stewardship: the key to bringing our parish together: Your parish needs volunteers, it needs financial support. How do those who attend Sunday Mass become active participants in the parish? Join this session to find out how to place the right people in the right roles in order to build up your parish. Rachel Martinez, Stewardship and Development Office, Diocese of Lubbock. A2. Catequesis en el 2017, un llamado que requiere gozo y efectividad: El Gozo del Evangelio, puntos de vista para catequistas del Papa Francisco expuestos en su encíclica; lo que la Iglesia espera de nosotros como catequistas. También el workshop ofrecerá estrategias simples y efectivas que nos permitirán hacer de las sesiones de formación de fe, una experiencia atractiva y agradables tanto para estudiantes como para catequistas. Luisa Negret, Sales Representative Pflaum Publishing Group. A3. Adult Confirmation Initiative and Preparation: Most Rev. Robert Coerver has promulgated a new Adult Confirmation process for the Diocese of Lubbock. This breakout session will provide helpful ways to implement the process in your parish. It will be helpful for pastors, RCIA coordinators and those who will be providing the catechesis. There will be discussion regarding who should be included and the resources to use. Marty Martin, Chancellor, Diocese of Lubbock. A4. What do the Beatitudes and the Liturgy have in common?: The out pouring of the Holy Spirit through the Beatitudes comes together with the Penitential Rite, the Creed, and the Eucharist at every Mass. This breakout session will be helpful for catechists that teach Confirmation and those you teach in the RICA process. Alfred Moreno Jr., Christ the King Cathedral, Lubbock. A5. Are theology and technology compatible?: Integration of trends in technology in the teaching of Religion/Theology Resources, lessons, and tech tools that can be used for teaching. Compatible with BYOD this breakout session is excellent for those teaching the 9th 12th grade. Sister Peggy Szeljack, CV, Office of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry, Diocese of Lubbock. A6. How effective is your Catechist In-service?: Come and explore new resources, skills and techniques to ensure that your process really works! This breakout session is for veteran and beginning PCL s. Sister Lalemant Pelikan, RSM, Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, Diocese of Lubbock.

4 A7. I KNEW YOU (Jer 1:5): With all your heart come to this discovery session to build positive spirituality into your developing and uniquely personal call into discipleship. This session will have activities and demonstrations to engage young children through middle schoolers towards an awareness of God s calling. Mr. Bobby Hiracheta, Christ the King Cathedral School, Early Childhood Educator. A8. Divine Mercy - The Second Greatest Story Ever Told: This breakout session will include the history, the saints involved, and the life and pontificate of St. Pope John Paul II. It will also cover what crucial role this Marian Devotion can have in our lives. Brad James, Lighthouse Catholic Media and Augustine Institute. A9. The Balancing Act: Developing a healthy balance between family life and ministry: The calling to both family life and service in parish ministry is a gift from the Lord. We intend to build up the kingdom of God by juggling our duties to our families and our ministries; yet sometimes, we unintentionally build up stress, resentment, and conflict within ourselves and in our relationships, instead. During this breakout session, we will explore what it means to have a healthy balance in our service to our families and to our parishes, as well as share practical tips to promote such a balance. Jenna Chang, Office for Marriage and Family Life, Diocese of Lubbock. A10. Liturgical Roman Calendar - It s Impact on Spirituality and Teaching: This breakout session will focus on knowing and sharing your faith utilizing the Church s Liturgical Calendar. Our spiritual journey can be greatly enhanced 365 days a year by following the liturgical calendar. There are many activities and themes from the calendar that can be used in the primary and secondary classrooms, as well as adult classes, to bolster your curriculum. Group sharing and brainstorming will be utilized to learn how to create faith-building activities for the classroom. Larry Sava, Christ the King Cathedral, Lubbock. A11. THE V ENCUENTRO Witnesses of God s Love: The V Encuentro is a process of ecclesial reflection and action that invites all Catholics in the United States to intense missionary activity, consultation, leadership development, and identification of best ministerial practices in the spirit of the New Evangelization. This breakout session will be good for those who participated in the previous four Encuentros and those who participated in ARISE Together in Christ. Facilitator TBA A12. Faith.Action.Results.: Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We are motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching as we act. Come learn how to incorporate these themes into our classrooms. Marcos Martinez, CRS Southwest Regional Office.

5 Breakout Session B. 2:15 p.m. B1. Catechesis in 2017, a call that requires joy and effectiveness: The Joy of the Gospel, catechetical points of view Pope Francis exposed in his encyclical; expectations of the Church in reference to catechesis. Also the breakout session will go over simple and effective strategies to make of faith-formation sessions an engaging and pleasant experience for students and catechists. Luisa Negret, Sales Representative, Pflaum Publishing Group. B2. RCIA for children, with adaptions for parishes of all sizes: This breakout session will have discussion that addresses the strengths and weaknesses of your process as you share successes and challenges with others. Sister Lalemant Pelikan, RSM, Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, Diocese of Lubbock. B3. Emerging Adults: Findings of the National Study of American Emerging Adults by the University of Notre Dame show that Roughly ½ of Catholic teenagers lose their Catholic identity by their late 20s. How do we meet this challenge with hope for the future of the local Church. This breakout session is recommended for those who work with post high school young people. Sister Peggy Szeljack, CV, Office of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry, Diocese of Lubbock. B4. Stewardship: the key to bringing our parish together: Your parish needs volunteers, it needs financial support. How do those who attend Sunday Mass become active participants in the parish? Join this session to find out how to place the right people in the right roles in order to build up your parish. Rachel Martinez, Stewardship and Development Office, Diocese of Lubbock. B5. What do the Beatitudes and the Liturgy have in common?: The out pouring of the Holy Spirit through the Beatitudes comes together with the Penitential Rite, the Creed, and the Eucharist at every Mass. This breakout session will be helpful for catechists that teach Confirmation and those you teach in the RICA process. Alfred Moreno Jr., Christ the King Cathedral, Lubbock.

6 B6. I KNEW YOU (Jer 1:5): With all your heart come to this discovery session to build positive spirituality into your developing and uniquely personal call into discipleship. This session will have activities and demonstrations to engage young children through middle schoolers towards an awareness of God s calling. Bobby Hiracheta, Christ the King Cathedral School, Early Childhood Educator. B7. Divine Mercy - The Second Greatest Story Ever Told: This breakout session will include the history, the saints involved, and the life and pontificate of St. Pope John Paul II. It will also cover what crucial role this Marian Devotion can have in our lives. Brad James, Lighthouse Catholic Media and Augustine Institute. B8. The Balancing Act: Developing a healthy balance between family life and ministry: The calling to both family life and service in parish ministry is a gift from the Lord. We intend to build up the kingdom of God by juggling our duties to our families and our ministries; yet sometimes, we unintentionally build up stress, resentment, and conflict within ourselves and in our relationships, instead. During this breakout session, we will explore what it means to have a healthy balance in our service to our families and to our parishes, as well as share practical tips to promote such a balance. Jenna Chang, Office for Marriage and Family Life, Diocese of Lubbock. B9. Liturgical Roman Calendar - It s Impact on Spirituality and Teaching: This breakout session will focus on knowing and sharing your faith by utilizing the Church s Liturgical Calendar. Our spiritual journey can be greatly enhanced 365 days a year by following the liturgical calendar. There are many activities and themes from the calendar that can be used in the primary and secondary classrooms, as well as adult classes, to bolster your curriculum. Group sharing and brainstorming will be utilized to learn how to create faith-building activities for the classroom. Larry Sava, Christ the King Cathedral, Lubbock. B10. Faith.Action.Results.: Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We are motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching as we act. Come; learn how to incorporate these themes into your classrooms. Marcos Martinez, CRS Southwest Regional Office.

7 Vision and theme of a V Encuentro During a USCCB meeting in Baltimore, missionary discipleship emerged as a central theme of a V Encuentro. In addition, they defined the spirituality of encuentro and accompaniment as an illustration of the Bible passage of The Road to Emmaus, which ends with the Disciples joyfully walking toward Jerusalem. Moreover, they emphasized the necessity for a continual pastoral conversation that allows the Church, consistent with its missionary nature, to respond with more fidelity and enthusiasm in parishes and dioceses. The Church will empower the people to live their vocation more fully as joyful missionaries to the whole Church. Inspired by both Jesus example evident in the gospels and by Pope Francis call to bring joy and hope to the periphery, our process will reach out to those who live in isolation, in sorrow, and in poverty, and to those who find themselves wounded along the way and need the merciful and tender embrace of Christ. From there, one will be able to discern the Church s best pastoral and evangelizing response to parishes, dioceses, and ecclesial movements, both at a regional and at a national level. On this joyful journey, we invite all the faithful to participate in this process. More information regarding this process will follow. God of infinite Mercy, you sent your Risen Son to encounter the disciples on the way to Emmaus. Prayer for the Fifth National Encuentro Grant us today a missionary spirit and send us forth to encounter our sisters and brothers: to walk with them in friendship, to listen to their hopes and dreams with compassion, and to proclaim your Word with courage, so that they might come to know you once again in the breaking of the Bread. Make us all missionary disciples, and stay with us always, as we seek to share the joy of the Gospel with people of all generations, from every race, language, culture, and nation. We ask you this with burning hearts, filled with the Holy Spirit, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and through the loving intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Star of the New Evangelization in the Americas. Amen.

8 Annual Catechetical and Ministries Conference "Becoming People of the Word for Missionary Discipleship" Pre-Registrations $ Deadline October 12, 2017 includes a hot lunch, registration packet, coffee, water, and snacks Name: Address: Parish: Phone/ City/St/Zip: Ministry/Grade: Please check one choice in A and one choice in B Breakout Session A 10:30 a.m. A1. Stewardship: the key to bringing our parish together: A2. Catequesis en el 2017, un llamado que requiere gozo y efectividad: A3. Adult Confirmation Initiative and Preparation: A4. What do the Beatitudes and the Liturgy have in common?: A5. Are theology and technology compatible?: A6. How effective is your Catechist In-service?: A7. I KNEW YOU (Jer 1:5): A8. Divine Mercy - The Second Greatest Story Ever Told A9. The Balancing Act: Developing a healthy balance between family life and ministry: A10. Liturgical Roman Calendar - It s Impact on Spirituality and Teaching A11. THE V ENCUENTRO Witnesses of God s Love A12. Faith.Action.Results. Breakout Session B 2:15 p.m. B1. Catechesis in 2017, a call that requires joy and effectiveness: B2. RCIA for children, with adaptions for parishes of all sizes: B3. Emerging Adults B4. Stewardship: the key to bringing our parish together: B5. What do the Beatitudes and the Liturgy have in common B6. I KNEW YOU (Jer 1:5): B7. Divine Mercy - The Second Greatest Story Ever Told: B8. The Balancing Act: Developing a healthy balance between family life and ministry: B9. Liturgical Roman Calendar - It s Impact on Spirituality and Teaching: B10. Faith.Action.Results. Method and amount of payment: Pre-registration - $25.00 Door registration - $40.00 Cash $ Check$ Bill Parish$ Make checks payable to the: Diocese of Lubbock Mail to: ALICIA ALVAREZ P.O. Box Lubbock, TX (806) x 222 or scan and to: aalvarez@catholiclubbock.org