Blessed Sacrament Church 551 Pleasant Street Worcester, MA 01602 Parish Guide to Ongoing Faith Formation Fall-Winter 2018 We are not consumers of Church. We are Church Fr. Richard F. Trainor, Parish Priest 508-755-5291 Romeo Marquis, Faith Formation Facilitator 978-606-7023 (voice/text) Email: Rmarquis48@outlook.com 1
Message from Fr. Trainor Dear Faith Filled Parishioners of Blessed Sacrament, Blessed Sacrament Parish s Faith Formation and Religious Education Programs and Outreach are all meant to lead us. Yes, to lead us to the Altar of Sacrifice, the Table of the Lord, the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic Life. The Eucharist is God s nourishment for us, the Bread of Life. The Eucharist is the invitation to discipleship, to wash each other s feet as did Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. We invite you to share in the Eucharist at Mass each weekend here at Blessed Sacrament Church. Respectfully yours in Christ, (Rev.) Richard F. Trainor About This Guide Faith Formation at Blessed Sacrament begins with families at home. Our program here in our parish begins with 3-year-olds. Sacramental preparation includes First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in Grade 2, and Confirmation in Grade 11. Our adult faith formation program is in an exciting growth period, beginning with a series of evening workshops and now including a far more comprehensive approach. This brief Parish Guide includes information that we hope will excite you about ongoing faith formation for all of us. It includes our ongoing efforts as well as our plans. Contributors to this Guide include parish staff members, catechists and volunteer ministers. For questions and suggestions as to how we can be ever more supportive of ongoing faith formation, please feel free to contact me anytime. In God s service, Romeo Marquis Faith Formation Facilitator Rmarquis48@outlook.com 978-606-7023 2
Please note: If you are reading this Guide online, click on any page number to jump directly to that section. Contents Parish Staff and Communications 4 Faith Formation PreK-11 5 Ongoing Faith Formation for Adults 8 Community Outreach to Hope and Recovery 10 Technology and Resources 11 We Are Church 12 3
Parish Staff and Communications Rev. Joseph Marcotte, Senior Priest 508-755-5291 Rev. Richard F. Trainor, Parish Priest 508-755-5291 Deacon Roy F. Briggs rtread180@charter.net Becky Noone, Director of Music nooneelizabeth01@gmail.com Anne French, Pastoral Chair annereardonfrench@gmail.com Romeo Marquis, Faith Formation Facilitator Rmarquis48@outlook.com 978-606-7023 John and Darlene O Connell, Finance Committee Chairs Sr. Irma Gendreau, Spiritual Growth Educator TBA, Safe Environment Coordinator Phyllis Towns, Respect Life Ministry Coordinator Jean Urbanowski, Parish Secretary 508-755-5291 FAX 508-752-4368 Web site www.blessedsacrament.us The parish Website is updated at least weekly with news and videos about parish activities. It also includes a detailed section about ongoing faith formation. Email Newsletter News and Events is an email newsletter focusing on various faith formation topics that supplement the parish Bulletin and Website. This newsletter was initially intended for parents of our religious education students, but it has grown to include many others. This newsletter can also be sent to subscribers whenever there is a special event or emergency. To receive these messages, please see https://app.flocknote.com/blsacworc/news. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/blessed-sacrament-parish-worcester-335636223147412/ or click on the icon. 4
General description Faith Formation PreK-Grade 11 Our faith formation program is small but very comprehensive. We begin with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for 3-to-6-year-old children, followed by small, personalized classes for Grades 1 through 11. During Grade 2 our children prepare for First Reconciliation (Penance) and First Eucharist. During Grade 11 our high school students prepare for Confirmation. Following Confirmation, our students in Grade 12 are welcome to continue their participation as junior counselors and as participants in service projects. Students from Catholic schools are expected to participate in Grade 2 to prepare for first Reconciliation and First Eucharist, as well as in Grade 11 if they are preparing for Confirmation. That are also welcome to participate in all other grades as well. All are welcome as we continue to build our parish community. Classes are held on Sunday mornings for all groups. The lower grades (PreK-6) meet from 8:50-9:50 AM. The upper grades (7-11) meet from 11:00 AM Noon. All classes are held in the Epiphany House directly behind the church. Our approach is based on the Liturgical Calendar. The year begins in Ordinary Time, and then transitions to Advent. We close the first half of the year with an emphasis on Christmas the Christ Child and the Holy Family. In January we return to Ordinary Time and then begin to prepare with the whole church during Lent and Holy Week. We rejoice in Easter and Pentecost. This rhythm allows the program to connect directly with the life of the church and means that the program is similar to rebuilding the church - each year, students revisit many of the same themes, adding layers of knowledge and understanding and deepening their relationships with God and the Church. Pre-school and Elementary Grades Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is the hands-on preschool and kindergarten program for children ages 3-6; depending on when they begin, children may spend up to 3 years in the program. Most sessions include a small group presentation and end with a gathering time of prayer and song. Presentations in Ordinary Time include the life of the church (like naming the items on the altar) and the parables (like the Mustard Seed). During Advent and Lent, the presentations introduce important events in Jesus' life. In the rest of their time, children are free to choose work that fosters their own relationship with God: working with the materials, art, silence, song, prayer, and practical life exercises. Ms. Michelle Mondoux, Catechist Grades 1-6 are based on the Alive in Christ series published by Our Sunday Visitor. Classes reflect a hands-on approach that enables the children to experience Jesus in their lives. Small classes enable our catechists to provide individual attention as the topics deepen with each grade level. Within the framework of the Alive in Christ series, our catechists include special topics as described below. 5
Grade 1. The children learn about Jesus Christ through hands-on activities supported by short presentations by the catechist. A typical visit to this classroom will find the children hard at work with pencil or crayon in hand, focusing on various images of Jesus Christ and Gospel stories. Special emphasis is placed on Advent and Christmas during the first half-year, followed by Lent and Easter during the second half-year. Children also pray together as they learn. Ms. Michelle Coyle, Catechist Grade 2 (preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist). The first half-year is for learning about reconciliation (first penance). The children learn all about the ten commandments and asking for forgiveness for their sins. Students learn the basics of conscience and God s mercy. They also learn about differences between sins and human mistakes. Toward the end of this section, parents are invited to participate in a special event with their children. First penance is usually made in December. During the second half-year, students learn about the Sacraments and those they have experienced so far Baptism and Reconciliation. the class prepares to make their first holy communion. Then they are introduced to the Sacraments they have not yet experienced, focusing on the Eucharist - receiving the body and blood of Christ and what a special gift that is. Before the First Eucharist is celebrated at Mass, parents are invited to participate in a special orientation with their children. First Holy Communion is typically celebrated in May. Ms. Sarah Faucher, Catechist Grades 3 and 4 combined. The focus on Putting Faith into Practice. This two-year program begins with consideration of The Moral Life - looking at conscience - gaining a sense of right and wrong that goes beyond punishments or rewards. The meaning of being a disciple of Jesus is emphasized. (Sept-Dec 2018) The second part of the program focuses on the parish community and how the Church is organized. Missionary mindfulness is introduced by talking about the works of the Church in various parts of the world and how our faith in diverse ways across cultures. (Jan-May 2019) Ms. Debbie Ducharme, Catechist Grades 5 and 6 combined. This program includes many topics related to the Liturgical Calendar. Students learn about the different cycles of the church A,B,C. They also learn about special seasons including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter. Church history is woven into these important topics. The lives of some of the saints are also included. The Sacraments are again included as a follow-up to Grades 3 and 4 those already experienced and those for the future. Ms. Shirley Owanisian, Catechist 6
Middle and High School Grades Grades 7 and 8 combined. The program always enforces the value of family, faith, prayer and blessings. Students are encouraged to participate in church ministries and community service and to live by the "Golden Rule." At this grade level (early teens), it is essential that students know and understand the Seven Sacraments (foundation of the church) and Ten Commandments to more depth as they grow from their knowledge in the earlier grades. Students will continue to grow in faith with knowledge and understanding of Parables and Beatitudes. A theme is, "Feed Your Brain" with prayer, wisdom, knowledge and understanding on wanting to choose Jesus in your daily life. All subjects will focus on student participation in class with open discussions, reflection and challenge to changes in our life together. Ms. Carol Rutkiewicz, Catechist Grades 9 and 10 combined. This two-year program begins with a study of stories from the Old Testament (Sept-Dec 2016) and flows into the study of Jesus Christ as portrayed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (Jan-May 2017). Students reflect on their personal relationship with Jesus. During Year 2 (Sept-Dec 2018), students continue their study of Jesus Christ as portrayed in other books of the New Testament. During the second half of the year Jan- May 2019), students will focus on the Roman Catholic Church history and structure combined with contemporary issues of concern to Catholic Christians. This two-year sequence is designed to provide substantive content in anticipation of preparation for Confirmation in Grade 11. Mr. Romeo Marquis, Catechist Grade 11 (preparation for Confirmation). Confirmation preparation is a combination of class discussions and learning combined with experiential learning within our parish and in the community. The goal is to reinforce our Catholic Faith and how we live our live in the modern world. Included in the Confirmation preparation will be a service project during Lent which is completely orchestrated and carried out by the students. The program prepares students to go forth with a renewed energy and understanding of their faith which they will carry with them throughout their lives. Ms. Paula Bushey and Mr. Frank Kartheiser, Catechists 7
Ongoing Faith Formation for Adults Faith formation never stops. At Blessed Sacrament we are pleased to offer ongoing experiences for adults of all ages. Evening presentations and workshops are provided for adults as needed. In addition, relevant topics are shared through videos on the main page of our Web site at https://blessedsacrament,us. Specific dates and times will be announced in the Bulletin, through our FlockNote email program, and on our Web site. Tuesday, September 18, 2018: Community Outreach to Hope and Recovery. An introduction to the grant awarded to Blessed Sacrament to address ways in which our parish can support families and friends of the opioid epidemic and other addiction issues. Come learn about how our parish is leading this effort to provide awareness, support and resources. If anyone you love or know is afflicted by addiction, learn how you can help. Our program is faith based. 7:00-8:30 PM, Epiphany House. Also, please see Page 10. Tuesday, September 25, 2018: Introduction to Centering Prayer. Have you ever wondered what Centering Prayer is? This one-hour presentation can provide the answers. Centering Prayer is a method that guides us to the center of our soul where we directly experience the Presence of God in the silence of our hearts. It is prayer without words. The method is simple but not easy. We learn how to stop our minds from thinking and to turn our intention to the Divine Presence that dwells within us. It allows us to shift from the hubhub of daily life to a quiet, peaceful love-oriented way of life, a Christ-oriented way of life. 7:00-8:00 PM, Epiphany House. Presented by Sr. Irma Gendreau, Spiritual Formation Educator. Tuesday, October 2, 2018: Family and Friends at the Movies. This week we celebrate the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Why not take a break and join us for the movie, Reluctant Saint Francis of Assisi. Well-designed videos can practically put us into the time and place of Francis developing ministry what his approach was really like. Relax in our comfortable hospitality area in the Epiphany House. Great evening with family and friends. What a great way to continue our own faith formation. Free. 6:30-8:00 PM. Tuesday, November 6, 2018: Family and Friends at the Movies. Parables teach us about our faith. What must it have been like for the woman at the well when, as she drew water for herself, Jesus asked her for a drink? Hearing this story, as we have for so many times, we are quite familiar with it. On the other hand, to understand the story fully, this video can actually place us at the well, face-to-face with Jesus, understanding the surprise of the woman as she was asked for a drink. An evening out for family and friends. Children of all ages can learn about the parables - free. 6:30-8:00 PM. Other programs could be included from time to time. Announcements will be listed in the parish Bulletin, will be made after Masses and will be announced through Flocknote. 8
Centering Prayer on Thursday evenings Blessed Sacrament Church is now offering the practice of Centering Prayer to anyone who has already been introduced to it. We meet every Thursday evening 7:00-8:00 PM at Epiphany House. All are welcome to join us. A six-week course has already been presented and we are planning to offer it again for anyone who would be interested. Centering Prayer is a process of transformation not only for our own personal transformation but for the renewal of the Body of Christ, the Church. Through this simple method, a bond of love is created among the members. As we practice putting on the mind of Christ in our daily life, we hope to bring about the Kingdom of God into our families, community and the world. We hope you will join us as we try to deepen our relationship with God and with one another through this form of prayer. Centering Prayer was founded in the early 70 s by three Trappist monks from Spencer, MA Fr. Basil Pennington, William Menninger and Thomas Keating to answer the call of Vatican II to revive the early Christian Contemplative Tradition of the Desert Fathers and Mothers to modern day Christianity. They investigated these ancient sources to develop a simple method known as Centering Prayer which is prayer centered on the presence of God deep within each of us. The method is simple. Children can learn to pray this way. We sit in silence for 20 minutes, quiet our minds (which is not easy), we keep returning, as an act of love, to the presence of God in the center of our being every time thoughts turn us away from our center. With practice, we enter into a space of peace and rest in God s presence. Following a brief period of silent prayer, we continue to enrich our faith through discussion, much as people did in their homes in the early church. Through these discussions, we can relate current events to our prayer lives. 9
Community Outreach to Hope and Recovery Blessed Sacrament Church has received a large grant from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (New England Region) located at the University of Massachusetts Medical School here in Worcester. Through this grant (May 1, 2018 April 30, 2019) we can develop materials to help families and friends of loved ones suffering from Substance Use Disorder (addiction) including opioids and other drugs. The grant enables us to address this important topic from an interfaith perspective Christian, Jewish, Muslim. Partnerships are being developed with recovery agencies and specialists in the greater Worcester area as well as with interfaith groups. Presentations are available by our team to spread the word within a faith-filled context. Online presentations are also available from any internet connection and can be viewed on computers, tablets and even smartphones. The first such presentation is entitled Who Am I To Judge? It includes background material relative to the stigma of addition. It also includes comprehensive lists of resources available within the community. You can see this online notebook at https://tinyurl.com/yck5l5tf. Feel free to share it with family and friends. Resources will be added to the online notebook as they become available. Other resources will be available as they are developed and will be made available through our parish Website at https://blessedsacrament.us/ and through our parish email newsletter. To receive parish news through Flocknote, please see https://app.flocknote.com/blsacworc/news. Join us at the Phelan Center on Tuesday, September 18, from 7:00 8:30 PM for an overview of what is involved for our parish. Learn what we can do as a faith community. This is an excellent family presentation. 10
Technology and Resources Technology enables us to evangelize in new ways. Blessed Sacrament has purchased and installed a small technology center at the Epiphany House three laptops, printer, LCD projector and screen. WiFi access is open and available within the Epiphany House. Online multimedia resources are now available to our faith formation classes as well as for ongoing faith formation for adults. Laptops are also available for presentations in private homes for faith-related neighborhood and family gatherings presented by members of our team. Today s technology: Are you a someone who would like to learn about effective and wholesome use of tools like email, texting, Facebook, YouTube and more? Do you have a tablet, laptop or smartphone but aren t quite sure how to use them? These are double-edged tools, to be sure. However, they have an important role to play in ongoing faith formation when they are properly applied. Our internet connection at the Epiphany House is a very reliable, high speed connection. Our hospitality area includes comfortable tables and chairs for learning. No laptop or tablet of your own? No problem. We have laptops you can use and our facilities are available to you. Want more information? Contact Rmarquis48@outlook.com or 978-606-7023 (voice/text). 11
We Are not Consumers of Church: We ARE Church Blessed Sacrament Church provides many opportunities to be Church. We are Church when we participate in any of the ministries that make us Church. These include liturgical ministries, catechetical ministries and outreach ministries. We Gather Together We gather together each week to celebrate as a worshiping community, uniting us and all our activities and ministries. From Father Trainor s opening message - The Eucharist is God s nourishment for us, the Bread of Life. The Eucharist is the invitation to discipleship, to wash each other s feet as did Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. We invite you to share in the Eucharist at Mass each weekend here at Blessed Sacrament Church. Praising God in Song has been fundamental to prayer expression since the very beginning of liturgy. Singing unites us. When we sing the Entrance Hymn at Mass we are transformed from a disparate group to a united voice, a community. When we sing we are breathing in unison and our heartbeats become synchronized! We sing the Psalms, which have been sung continuously for more than 2500 years. We sing hymns which reflect the liturgical season and the scripture of the day. We sing prayers and acclamations. Sometimes we believe we can t sing. Perhaps we don t want to stand out. When was the last time you went to a birthday party? Can you imagine just saying the words to Happy Birthday rather than singing them? Can you imagine just saying the words to The Star Spangled Banner rather than singing them? Participation in the communal act of singing at Mass unites us as community and brings life to our liturgies. See you in church! We are not consumers of Church. We are Church Appreciation is extended to the contributors to this Guide. 12