Volume III, Issue 38, August 2019
Co-Worker Connection
"A synodal church is...
Greetings!
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis outlined his vision for a church described as “synodal” at every level, everyone listening to each other , learning from each other proclaiming the Gospel.
Emily Filippi Director Office of Christian Formation a listening church, aware that listening is more than hearing. It is a reciprocal listening in which each one has something to learn."
Leadership Matters
This article was prepared by Deborah Stollery, ConSpirita Consulting Network, LLC [email protected]
For the next few months the articles here will be focusing on leadership. They will highlight three concepts: courage, a top-floor view, and servant leadership. This month, I start with the concept of courage. Next month, the article will highlight three skill-sets that develop courage. Subsequent months will combine a short explanation of the concept and one skill that embeds the concept in practice. Why? Because the Lord has entrusted you to share in leading his beloved people closer to him. Why? Because an embattled and suffering Church needs leaders equipped to lead. Why? Because, everyone benefits when leaders get better. Why? Because leadership matters. To read Part 1: It Takes Courage, click here.
Bishop Commissions 6 Lay Ecclesial Ministers From left: Linda Mingos, Sharon Katzman, Sarah Brockwell, (Bishop Knestout), Megan Cottam, Jean Kennedy, Jeanne Slifka (Photo Kevin Satterfield)
Six women were commissioned as lay ecclesial ministers for the Diocese of Richmond by Bishop Barry C. Knestout on June 15 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Commissioning marked the completion of the comprehensive leadership program, Lay Ecclesial Ministry Institute (LEMI). In addition to earning degrees in theology from Catholic universities, LEMI graduates participated in over 60 hours of workshops and retreats addressing Human, Spiritual and Pastoral formation.
LEMI Welcomes 9 New Candidates
From left: Aaron Hostetter, Kelly Bruno, Fe Guzman, Jean Hawley, Patty Gazewood, Heather Owens, Nicole Drummond, Austin Farinholt, Timothy Hatton
On July 16, nine lay leaders who were recently accepted into the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Institute (LEMI), attended an orientation at the Pastoral Center. Topics included a presentation on National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers, an introduction to theology by Dr. Marc Pugliese, Associate Professor, St. Leo University, Mass in the chapel, and a discussion of the USCCB document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry. These new LEMI candidates will begin their theology studies this fall through various university programs including St. Leo University, Franciscan University of Steubenville, University of Dayton, Loyola University New Orleans, and Augustine Institute.
Catechetical Sunday 2019
September 15, 2019 Catechetical Sunday provides an opportunity to reflect on the role each person plays in nurturing, retaining, and growing the community of faith in our parishes. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission. Consider using this year’s theme, Stay with Us, as you prepare formation opportunities for all in your parish. The USSCB explains that:
“Our resources this year are aimed on assisting the many dedicated faithful in their outreach as missionary disciples particularly to the disaffiliated. Under our theme, Stay with Us, we have produced a variety of articles, videos and podcasts focusing on the encounter, and accompaniment which builds a community that then sends forth as missionary disciples.”
Click here for these resources. You will also find a commissioning service for your use in blessing catechists during mass the weekend of September 15.
Sacrament Tune-Up Dates and Locations
New diocesan Godparent and Sponsor Attestation Forms become policy August 15, 2019. Sign up today for an overview of the form, implementation guidelines, and discussion on using it as a tool for evangelization in your ministry. Free resources to all who attend! Choose the one-hour session for the sacrament(s) relevant to your ministry during the scheduled time periods.
Two Dates Left!
Tuesday, August 13 Pastoral Center (Richmond) 1:00-4:00pm Wednesday, August 14 Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (Newport News) 1:00-4:00pm
You can Register Here. To view the new forms, click here.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this new policy or the Sacrament Tune- Up Dates, please contact Megan Cottam at [email protected] or 804- 622-5149.
SAVE THE DATE
Upcoming Pathways Catechist Training Days All dates are Saturday, 9:00-4:00pm September 21, 2019 Pastoral Center, Richmond September 28, 2019 Sacred Heart, Danville October 19, 2019 Star of the Sea, Virginia Beach October 26, 2019 Our Lady of Nazareth, Roanoke January 18, 2020 Church of the Resurrection, Portsmouth February 22, 2020 Holy Cross, Lynchburg
Registration coming soon! Click Here for a flyer.
Catechist Days Around the Diocese
All those who share the faith with others as catechists are invited to attend the regional catechist days. These events are organized by local parish leaders and are subsidized through the generosity of National Catechetical Publishers. Thank you to Our Sunday Visitor, Sophia Institute and Sadlier.
Richmond Area – Encountering the Person of Jesus Presented by Jose Gonzales of Sophia Institute August 16 at St. Gabriel, Chesterfield from 6:00pm – 9:00pm August 17 at St. John, Highland Springs from 9:00am – Noon New River Valley - Sharing our Catholic Faith Presented by Dr. Joseph White of Our Sunday Visitor August 24 @ Our Lady of Nazareth from 8:30am – 2:30pm Virginia Beach – Gather the Stories, Shape the Vision, Embrace the Mission Sponsored by Sadlier September 21 @ St. Gregory the Great, VA Beach from 8:30am - 2:00pm Deanery 4 & 5 – What’s the Buzz? Tell Me What’s a Happening! Presented by Dr. Jo Ann Paradise of our Sunday Visitor November 16 @ Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Newport News from 9:00am – Noon
Christian Formation supports, educates, and empowers ministry leaders to become Spirit-filled disciples leading others to Christ.
Office of Christian Formation | Catholic Diocese of Richmond | (804) 359-5661 |[email protected] |http://richmonddiocese.org/office/christian- formation/
STAY CONNECTED