Standards for Catechetical Excellence For the Year of Faith

Standards for Catechetical Excellence For the Year of Faith It s hard to believe that summer is almost over and so it is time to extend our invitation to all our DRE/ CREs, youth ministers, catechists, aides and anyone involved in religious education and youth ministry in our parishes to join us for our fall 2012 Catechist Formation Program. Well formed catechists are crucial for an effective faith formation program, so this year we are offering some quality programs to assist you in developing your skills as an excellent and certified catechist. Its been three years since we revamped our catechist certification program making it easier and more affordable for a new catechist to become certified. Our new policy requires every new catechist to become certified within a three year period. A Basic Certificate can be earned by taking 28 hours of skill formation within three years. Veteran catechists may earn a Certificate of Continuing Catechist Formation for every 24 hours of ongoing education. The requirements for these new certifications are available from your parish Director of Religious Education so ask your parish DRE for details or contact my office for more information. (219-769-9292 ext. 230) Since we started our new certification program, over 100 catechists have earned their certification. That number continues to grow each year. I challenge you not to be left behind. This September we are planning our third Diocesan Ministry Conference entitled: The Year of Faith. It will kick off The Year of Faith as promulgated by our Pope Benedict XVI from October 12, 2012 to November 2013. We have four noted speakers keynoting the conference which will be held in two locations on two different dates to provide a choice for participant s selection. (A separate registration is required for this event other than this form) This Congress will take the place at St. Thomas More in Munster on Sept. 21-22 and at St. Paul s in Valparaiso in Sept. 28-29th. You won t want to miss this event so go to www.dcgary.org for more information and to register. Back by popular demand is our seventh catechist retreat at the beautiful Carmelite Shrine in Munster, IN. This event went over so well last year that the North Lake DRE cluster wants to continue the tradition. Our presenter is Mr. Rob Rabe who is an educator at Mother Mc Auley High School in Chicago and well know motivational speaker. His retreat theme is: The New Evangelization. We will conclude with a evening prayer with Bishop Melczek and our traditional banquet. Remember space is limited so we will only accept the first 125 catechists to register. Finally, our Spring Catechetical/Liturgical Day is scheduled for Sunday, March 17, 2013 at St. Matthias Parish in Crown Point, IN. This year s program will include a special emphasis on parent involvement in the faith formation process. There will also be a track for music ministers in the Diocese some very creative session for all grade levels. All these programs are offered in the hope of improving your skills so you can earn your catechist certification. Three years ago our Diocese adopted Standards for Excellence which challenges us to provide the very best practices in parish ministry. Our goal is to assist you to become a more excellent catechist to the children you teach and the parish you serve. In that same spirit let us remember that you play a critical role in that ongoing faith tradition. Thank you and God s blessings for serving the Diocese of Gary in your parish s faith formation ministry. Pax Christi, Frank J. Zolvinski Frank J. Zolvinski Director of Religious Education

2 Catechist Retreat Catechist Retreat The New Evangelization Back by popular demand we will offer another retreat afternoon of reflection. Our presenter is Mr. Bob Rabe popular high school teacher, motivational speaker and co-author. The retreat will focus on this year s catechetical theme on the New Evangelization. and will focus us on how our personal spirituality becomes the way in which we reveal and proclaim God s Word in our lives and in our catechetical world. Bob will help participants reflect on their role as catechists examine how they experience God s presence in the world and then use that experience to better proclaim the Gospel message. The afternoon will conclude with evening prayer with Bishop Melczek and our traditional banquet. This retreat will be held on the beautiful grounds of the Carmelite Shrine in Munster, IN. It is ideal for first time or veteran catechists who want to grow closer to the Lord and each other. (This retreat is limited to the first 125 persons who register.) (Unit Hours: 5 - May be applied toward a Basic Catechist Certificate or Certificate of Continuing Catechist Formation) Date: Sunday, September 16, 2012 Time: 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Site: Banquet Room, Carmelite Shrine Presenter: Mr. Bob Rabe Munster, IN Session ID: F12-A Diocesan Ministry Conference This year the Diocese of Gary will offer it s Third Ministry Conference. This year s theme is, The Year of Faith and it will feature two dates and two sites to choose from. Lee Nagel and Fr. David Buersmeyer will speak at St. Thomas More in Munster on Sept. 21-22 and Fr. Gary Reibe-Estrella and Monsignor Patrick Lagges will speak at St. Pauls in Valparaiso on Sept. 28-29. These men are dynamic speakers, visionaries, authors and in tune with the times. The conference will offer breakout sessions that be applied toward a Basic Certificate or Certificate of Continuing Catechist Formation. Registration for the congress and workshops will take place on line or by a separate form. Visit the diocesan web site for details and to register at: dmarchina@dcgary.org. You may also call 219-769-9292 ext. 234 to register. (Unit hours: 6) Catechist Workshops After the Sign of the Cross, Then What? (Creative Lesson Planning) You re a first time catechist and need extra help planning your lesson. You been given a huge teacher s manual to navigate as you try to provide a positive educational experience for your students. You only have an hour for class and you have so many options to choose from. Where do you begin? In this session you will learn some rudimentary tips for creating a lesson plan that will engage the students and make you a more effective manager of your time, content and student behavior. Ideal for first time or veteran catechists. Unit hours: 2 (May be applied toward a Basic Catechist Certificate) Date: Sunday, August 26, 2012 Time: 7:00 p.m. (after 6:00 Mass). Site: St. Joseph Church Presenter: Pat Hoffman Dyer, IN Session ID: F12-B Sacramental Basics You might be a brand new catechist or a 30 year veteran teaching First Communion, First Penance or Confirmation. If so, this session is for you! Come and explore what is required of you to teach these important sacrament preparation classes faithfully. We ll unpack the new Diocese of Gary Guidelines for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist and First Penance and explain how they affect what you need to know to teach these sacraments in accordance with diocesan policies and Catholic Church teachings. A must for every sacrament catechist. Unit Hours: 2 (May be applied toward a Certificate of Continuing Catechist Formation) Date: Thursday, October 11, 2012 Time: 6:30 8:30 p.m. Site: Sacred Heart Church Presenter: Mr. Frank J. Zolvinski La Porte, IN Session ID: F12-C

3 Catholic Catechism It s been twenty years since the introduction of the Roman Catholic Catechism of the Catholic Church. Promulgated by the late Pope John Paul II this session will help you unpack the content, structure and meaning of this important catechetical resource. Participants are encouraged to bring their own copies of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and as a bonus each participant will receive a copy of The Catechism Handbook by Fr. Oscar Lukefahr, C.M. You will learn how to use this resource for adult study groups or test your own knowledge of the Catholic Faith. A very inter-active session for new or veteran catechists, teachers, RCIA teams, pastoral associates, and youth ministers. Unit hours: 2 (May be applied toward a Basic or Certificate of Continuing Catechist Formation. Two locations available for your convenience.) Date: October 20, 2012 Time: 9:30 11:20 a.m Site: St. Thomas Aquinas Church Facilitator: Linda Pizza Knox, IN Session ID: F 12-D -Or- Date: October 24, 2012 Time: 6:30 8:30 p.m. Site: Our Lady of Sorrows Church Facilitator: Linda Pizza Valparaiso, IN Session ID: F12 E Introduction to The Creed The Year of Faith challenges us to reflect more deeply on the basic tenets of our faith or the Creed. This session will help participants reflect upon and articulate their own personal faith and help them to understand more clearly the truths we profess as Catholic Christians. Topics will include creation, revelation, scripture and tradition, the Trinity, Incarnation, Holy Spirit, the Church, faith and the Nicene Creed. Participants will receive their own booklet and DVD to take home and continue the study of the creed and share it with others. Unit Hours: 4 (May be applied toward a Certificate of Continuing Catechist Formation. Two locations available for your convenience) Date: October 20, 2012 Time: 9:00 12:00 a.m. Site: St. Mary s Hall Facilitator Stacia Bolakowski Otis, IN Session ID F12-F -Or- Date: November 8 & 15, 2012 Time: 6:30 9:30 p.m. Site: St. John Bosco Church Facilitator: Vickie Blackwood and Hammond, IN Bob Meaney Session ID: F12 - G Introduction to The Scriptures The foundation of all catechesis and faith formation is the word of God, especially as it finds expression in the Bible. This session will explore the central themes and message of the Bible, what the Bible is and why it is considered the holy book of the Christian community. Four segments will be covered 1. The formation of the Scriptures, 2. Canon and context, 3. The story of God s people, 4. Fulfillment of God s promise. Participants are asked to bring their Bibles with them to this session. They will receive their own booklet and DVD to take home and continue the study of the Bible to share it with others. Unit hours: 4 (May be applied toward a Certificate of Continuing Catechist Formation.) Date: October 3 & 10, 2012 Time: 6:30 9:30 p.m. Site: St. Mary s Hildebrandt Hall Facilitator: Yvonne Weaver Griffith, IN Session ID: F12-H

4 Course Locations St. Thomas More Church (Diocesan Conf.) 8501 Calumet Avenue Munster, IN 46321 ((219) 838-7111 -Or- St. Paul Church (Diocesan Conf.) 1755 West Harrison Boulevard Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 464-8502 Carmelite Shrine (Catechist Retreat) 1628 Ridge Road Munster, IN 46321, (219) 836-8610 Our Lady of Sorrows Church 356 West 700 North Valparaiso, IN 46385-8434 (219) 759-2286 St. Thomas Aquinas Church 406 East Washington Street Knox, IN 46354 (574) 772-4134 St. John Bosco Church 7113 Columbia Avenue Hammond, IN 46342, (219) 844-9027, ext. 310 Sacred Heart Church 130 Bach Street La Porte, IN 46350 (219) 362-2815 St. Joseph School 101 C Street La Porte, IN 46350 (219) 362-2509 St. Mary Church 525 North Broad Street Griffith, IN 46319 (219) 922-2277 St. Joseph Church 440 Joliet Road Dyer, IN 4631 (219) 661-0644 St. Mary Church 101 North Church Street Otis, IN 46391 (219) 733-2955 Our Lady of Guadalupe Catechists at the Catechist Retreat Carmelite Shrine Creative Lesson Planning Workshop at St. James the Less in Highland Register on line at www.dcgary.org and go to Office of Religious Education

2012 Registration Form (Or go on line at www.dcgary.org Click On line Event Registration Office of Religious Education) Name: Parish (please print) Address: City: State: Zip Email: Phone: No. Course ID Title Site Date Fee Total F12-A F12-B F12-C F12-D F12-E F12-F F12-G F12-H Catechist Retreat, The New Evangelization After the Sign of the Cross, Then What? Sacramental Basics Catholic Catechism Catholic Catechism Creed Creed Scriptures Carmelite Shrine St. Joseph, Dyer Sacred Heart La Porte St. Thomas Aquinas, Knox Our Lady of Sorrows, Valpo. St. Mary s Otis St. John Bosco Hammond St. Mary s Griffith Sept. 16 $20.00 with dinner August 26 $10.00 Oct. 11 $15.00 Oct. 20 $15.00 Oct. 24 $15.00 Oct. 20 $15.00 Nov. 8 & 15 Oct. 3 & 10 $15.00 $15.00 Mail to: Office of Religious Education: 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, Indiana 46410 Total Sessions Total Amount Due: $ Checks payable to: Diocese of Gary (Mail to: Office of Religious Education, 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410) Questions? 219-769-9292 ext. 230 or e-mail: fzolvins@dcgary.org. Another catechist receives his certification (Over)

Catechist Formation Fall 2012 Registration Procedures 1. Payment must accompany registration. If this is a group registration, please forward your individual registration to your parish DRE/CRE. The DRE/CRE collates the forms and includes one check as payment. 2. Use a separate form for each individual registration. 3. All courses are identified with a course number. If you have any questions when you complete your registration form, please call 769-9292 ext. 230. 4. Include your day and evening telephone number on the registration form. 5. All checks should be payable to the Diocese of Gary and must accompany the registration form. 6 Registrations deadlines: Session No. Title Session Date Deadline F12-A Catechist Retreat Sept. 16 Sept. 10 F12-B After Sign of the Cross Aug. 26 Sept. 22 F12-C Sacramental BasicsI Oct. 11 Oct. 8 F12-D Intro to the Catholic Catechism Oct. 20 Oct. 15 F12-E Intro to the Catholic Catechism Oct. 24 Oct. 19 F12-F Creed Oct. 20 Oct. 8 F12-G Creed Nov. 8-15 Nov. 2 F12-H Introdution to the Scriptures Oct. 3-10 Sept. 28 A $5.00 per person late fee will be assessed after each deadline. 1. There will be no confirmation of enrollment issued. If you arrive at a course for which you have previously enrolled but your name is not on the class list, please complete a registration on site. 2. If a class is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment or other circumstances, you will be contacted. You may then choose to enroll in another course. 3. Scholarships are available. DRE s should contact the Office of Religious Education for approval. Send registration & checks to: For more information, call: PLEASE REMEMBER Office of Religious Education 9292 Broadway Merrillville, IN 46410 Frank J. Zolvinski (219) 769-9292 Ext. 230 email: fzolvins@dcgary.org Fax: 219-738-9034 Use one form per participant Try to use one check per Parish Make check payable to DIOCESE OF GARY MAIL EARLY! Or register on line at www.dcgary.org and go to Office of Religious Education and scroll to bottom of the page for program registrations. You can always pay at the door or have the parish billed by invoice, with your pastor or DRE s permission. (Or download this form and mail in.) Step 1: Tell us about yourself Please print clearly or type. Keep a photocopy of this form for your records. Only one fully registered participant per form. You may photocopy the form for additional registrants. Step 2: Indicate course selection and payment plan Please place an X in the box of the course for which you are registering and the dollar amount. (Note: Diocesan Ministry Congress requires separate on line registration. See course description for registration directions or go on line at www.dcgary.org to register) Step 3: Add up the total number of courses you wish to take and the dollar amount. Step 4: Make checks payable to: Diocese of Gary (or pay at the door if registering on line) Step 5: Send registration form to: Office of Religious Education, 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, Indiana 46410. (Over)