Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year

We wish the members of the DDRE Forum a very Blessed Christmas and the best in the New Year.

Merry Christmas

Sandy Compas

Associate Religious Education Director of Little Rock
killed in car accident

Published:December 04, 2006 on Little Rock Diocesan Webpage

Sandy Compas

Sandy Compas had a passion for teaching religion to children and adults for 20 years. As the associate director for religious education and Christian initiation for the Diocese of Little Rock for the past three years, she was able to spread the faith across the state.

The diocesan offices were eerily silent Monday morning, Dec. 4 when the news broke that Compas was killed in a car accident the night before near Bald Knob. She was returning to the state from a friend's diaconate ordination in Missouri . She was 44.

Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert, diocesan administrator, and Dennis Lee, chancellor for administrative affairs, gathered employees in Morris Hall Chapel at St. John Center in Little Rock to share the news and lead them in a rosary for the repose of Compas' soul. At noon Msgr. Hebert celebrated a Mass for the Dead in the chapel.

She is survived by her mother, Mildred; and one sister, Lynn. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Received from NCCL's National Office

"What a Catechist Is and Does

"What a Catechist Is and Does" is the title of a speech Archbishop Donald Wuerl gave to the archdiocesan catechetical convocation on October 28, 2006. The text of Archbishop Wuerl's speech is in the November 16, 2006, Volume 35, Number 23 issue of Origins.

Committee on Rural Ministry

Dorothy, on behalf of Region 12, asked the Board of Directors to consider establishing an NCCL Rural Ministry Committee. The Council engaged in a lively discussion about the proposal before turning the question over to the Board of Directors. One task of the committee would be to identify the many experiences of rural. Rural in one diocese may not describe the same experience as rural in another diocese. While no formal advice (no vote was taken) was given by the Rep Council to the Board it was clear to this participant that the Council favored establishing a rural ministry committee. We hope the Board will act quickly and establish the committee. Most members of the Council that I talked to recommended Sr Dorothy as chair.

Technology and the Conference

The success of the Omaha meeting came in part from the very effective use of several technological tools. The Officers made excellent use of Power Point in the orientation they conducted for the Council. Cheryl recorded notes for the Council during several presentations including Bishop Malone's report on the USCCB's strategic plan. Our table recorder tracked our discussion on his computer and emailed the notes from our discussion to NCCL's Secretary.

We need to be aggressive with our use of technology in our conference work and our ministry. The incorporation of technology into our work is no longer a luxury but an essential tool of communication. Our experience in Omaha taught us that internet access, computers and LCD projectors are valuable tools for our work. Affordable internet access needs to be available at all sites used by NCCL for meetings and workshops.

RE Omaha Rep Council Meeting

I planned to blog for the duration of the Council meeting however, for some reason I was not able to connect to Blogger. Oh the plans of mice and ... On the whole it was a very good meeting. Many of the new Council members found the orientation to and review of the purpose of the Council very helpful. I heard several council members say, "Now I understand our role." Be sure to ask your Province Rep for the minutes from the meeting. The officers made a big push for reps to be accountable to both the Council and to their constituents. I appreciated the emphasis given to accountability. If Council Reps take their responsibility seriously and hold themselves accountable both to the council and to their constituents I believe NCCL and the Catechetical ministry will benefit. We might want to establish a Hold Your Rep Accountable Day. We want to thank the Archdiocese of Omaha for the support they gave to the meeting. A special word of thanks goes out to Cathi Snyder for her help and support.

Report from USCCB

Members of the Rep Council had a very good dialogue with Mike Steier who answered questions with respect to the USCCB’s Report. Much of the discussion focused on the National Doctrinal Curriculum Framework for High Schools. For more information contact Mike at USCCB.

Comments from Bishop Malone

Bishop Malone opened our Saturday morning session with a survey of the reorganization and strategic plan for the USCCB. The proposal takes the Conference from 36 committees to 16. The Conference will set up a committee on Catechesis and Evangelization. The Rep Council is encourage that evangelization will be the primary focus of the mission of the Conference. As a result, all activities of the conference will be evaluated through the lens of evangelization. A key mission relationship for the Catechesis and Evangelization Committee will be with catechetical, stewardship and evangelization organizations. The plan is available on the USCCB web site. Bishop Malone reported that response to the US Adult Catechism has been very positive. When used well, Bishop Malone said, it will be a good resource.

Something to Remember

I especially appreciated being reminded of this comment from Jane Regan. She said, "Adults learn best when they are in conversation with other adults about things that matter." Great quote.

Echoes of Faith Plus

Ed Gordon and Jo Rotunno introduced the new Echoes of Faith Plus and the revision of Echoes of Faith modules. Jo said the revised modules will be available by December. By the end of 2007 14 modules will be revised and in parishes. After the revisions are made they hope to begin producing modes NCCL requested. Progress is being made. Jo 's asked the members of the Rep Council how the booklet, DVD and CD Rom fit together. The booklet drives the process of Echoes of Faith. Catechist formation needs to happen in a community of faith. This process is at the heart of Echoes of Faith. You will not be able to access less than half the content if you only turn on the DVD. The whole of the content and formation is the result of using the booklet,
DVD and CD. Ed reminded us that Echoes of Faith is the product of NCCL. It is our product and we need to talk about it and use Echoes of Faith as well. Let's get behind Echoes of Faith. By the way there will be a CD glued to the back of each booklet. The CD will augment Echoes of Faith process. This CD will be a resource and a support for the Echoes of Faith participant. For more information visit RCL's web site here.

Accountability

Mary Ann encouraged us to consider how we are accountable to our constituency and to other members of the Rep Council. I think it is a good idea for us to consider the issue of accountability. What insights do you have about accountability? I'd be interest in your reflections.

Don

Rural Catechesis Committee

The Rep Council will consider recommending to the Board that the Board establish a Rural Catechesis/Ministry Committee. The Council will discuss this for action during the Saturday Session.

Committee Chairs

David Loftus described NCCL's committees and their function. The NCCL Committees and their Chairs are:

Executive Committee	Mary Ann Ronan
Project Viability	Mary Ann Ronan
Strategic Oversight	Harry Dudley
Finance Committee	Lorraine DeLuca
Development Subcommittee	Sr. Jane Marie Osterholt, SP
Leadership Discernment	Joseph Swiss
Publication	Dave Galusha
Annual Meeting	Barbara Romanello-Whitman
Membership	Joan McKeown and Andrea Sabor
Communications	Ann Roat
Standards & Certification	Garole Gastelum and Carol Jadach
Technology	Angela Ann Zukowski, MHSH
Adult Faith Formation	Jack McBride
Catechesis and Culture	Mary Jo Waggoner
Catechist Formation	Ken Ogorek
Theoretical Foundations for Catechesis	Maribeth Mancin
Catechist Formation (Echoes)	Ed Gordon
By-laws and Policy Review	Jim Tucker
Operation Catechesis	Jeanne Schremp
Executive Director Search	Maribeth Mancini & Carole Augustine

Powerful Challenge

Harry challenged members of the Rep Council to ask, “Who have I invited to Catechetical ministry?”

Coming to you from Omaha

The Rep Council opened in Omaha on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at the Hilton Garden Inn. Thursday night we began our work with several team building activities concluding in prayer. Friday morning we opnned with prayer titled “The Mustard Seed.” David, Mary Ann and Harry reviewed NCCL’s structure with the Rep Council. Questions about how people become members of the Rep Council were addressed.

Rep Council trivia: Since there are 32 provinces we have a potential of 32 Diocesan reps and 32 PCL reps with partner organization the Council could have 89 members. 53 people are participating in the Omaha Rep Council meeting. 29 of the 32 Provinces are represented by a Diocesan person. 9 Provinces are represented by PCLs. All the provinces who have named a PCL rep are in attendance.

The Council moved into table discussion around three questions:

• Who is represented at the table?
• Who is not represented at the table?
• What challenges might this reality pose to the Rep Council of the NCCL?

Key responses to these questions included:

• Outreach to diocese and other organizations
• Clarify the value of NCCL to possible members
• Enter into dialogue with diocesan offices regarding participation on the Rep Council
• There are financial issues to address
• Regions of the country are different and we need to address the differences.

Strengths of the Council:

• Flexibility
• The Chaos resulting from our commitment to to stay located in the Grass Roots
• Commitment to Cat Excellence
• Structure for local regional and national Catechetical Voice
• Structure for planning and visioning-Network to foster growth

Youth Ministry in a Culturally Diverse Church

The October 12, 2006 issue of Origins has the text of a recent talk given by Alejandro Aguilera-Titus from the USCCB entitled, "Youth Ministry in a Culturally Diverse Chruch." Alejandro Aguilera-Titus shared an overview of pastoral principles for youth ministry in culturally diverse parishes at the annual Connections Conference on Youth Ministry sponsored by the Catholic Youth Organization of the Archdiocese of Detroit. It is worth reading.

Don

Rep Council to Meet in Omaha

The Representative Council will meet in Omaha, NE October 26, 2006 through October 28, 2006. Talk with your Province Rep about the agenda. Mary Ann Ronan tells me they have a very positive training on the Rep Council planned for the meeting. Other agenda items include gathering nominations for the 2007 Catechetical Award and the Distinguished Service Award. During the meeting the Animators for the DDRE Forum will be planning for Forum sponsored in-services. If you have any suggestions please let the Animators know. The Animators are: Maribeth Mancini, Anne Roat and Sr. Pat McGinley. The Animators are planning to use technology to make Forum programs available to a larger audience. I’ll blog the Rep Council meeting so check back during the meeting and see what’s going on. E-mail questions to DDREForum@gmail.com

Don

Sr. Miriam Eble, SND

Sr. Miriam Eble, SND, Director of Religious Education in the Diocese of Toledo died on Oct. 10 at 6:00 P.M. from complications of a stroke that she suffered 10 days ago. Information about funeral arrangements can be found at http://sr-miriam-eble.blogspot.com/

It has been quiet

It has been over a month since I've posted to the DDRE Forum blog. I'm devoting my time to several new projects that make posting to this blog less of a priority. First, on a personal level, I'm running for the North Platte City Council(See picture). This is my first plunge into the world of politics. In North Platte the City Council is nonpartisan so I don't have to deal with the "party" stuff. Taxes and managing the City's growth are two issues facing the Council. I do see this as an opportunity to put my faith into practice in a new arena. So, some of my so-called free time is going to learning how to run a campaign.

Our diocese started a new catechist certification program. We began designing, what we are calling the Core Course, in February and launched the program this fall. To be sure we have been busy. We are using the Compendium as the text for the four week course. About 250 people participated in our first round of courses. Our goal is for all 1,500 of our catechists to have participated in the course by the fall of 2008. Starting in the fall of 2008 catechists and anyone teaching religion will be expected to be certified at the core level within their first year of ministry. Response to the Compendium as a text for this course has been mixed. However, course participants find the Compendium a positive entry into a deeper understanding of Catholic teaching. One question that produced some extended research and much discussion is, "How many and what are the precepts of the Church?" How would you answer this question?

We are also developing a database to keep records on people who've completed the course and are therefore certified at the core level. We want to make the database accessible to parishes so as people move around the diocese a DRE or pastor can confirm a persons certification. Developing a database accessible by the parishes is a challenging project. If anyone is already doing this in Access I'd like to hear from you. That's the long and short of it. I hope your program year is off to a great start. Let us know what's going on in your part of the world.
Peace,
Don

FYI

The headline on latimes.com read: Converting Video Games Into Instruments of God. A title based on the 'Left Behind' books embraces the medium's violent style. It may reach a new audience, but can it impart spiritual values?

"Eternal Forces" is part of a new wave of religious games coming out at a time when the mainstream industry faces increasing criticism that its products celebrate misogynistic mayhem. Another publisher is marketing games based on the "Veggie Tales" series of Christian videos for children. Another is pitching "Bibleman: A Fight for Faith," about a superhero who stands up for the word of God with his sidekicks Cypher and Biblegirl.

Games "will be a new tool to get the two-minute generation to think about matters of eternal importance in a way that isn't religious," said Troy A. Lyndon, one of the "Left Behind" game's creators.

Read the article here.

Don

Permitted and Prohibited Items

Be Prepared for Enhanced Security - Smart Security Saves Time: If you plan to travel by air you might find the information provided by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) helpful. For example in response to the question, "Can I take it?" TSA says:

Due to enhanced security measures liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage.

Additionally, liquids, gels and lotions purchased beyond the checkpoint but must be disposed of before boarding the aircraft.

Click here for information on permitted and prohibited items.

204,000 Fewer Students

The July 14, 2006 issue of the West Nebraska Register carried a story by Jerry Filteau from the Catholic News Service. The story highlighted figures from the 2006 Official Catholic Directory. According to the article,

There were some 729,000 high school students enrolled in parish religious education programs, 26,00 fewer than the previous year. Elementary students in religious education numbered nearly 3.5 million, but the total was 81,000 below the previous years figure.

In all, the number of Catholic children receiving faith formation in Catholic schools or religious education programs last year was 204,000 lower than the year before.

As a diocesan director, I would like to discuss this drop in participation. Several questions do come to mind. Are there any other studies that report the same drop in participation? If the Catholic population in the U. S. is increasing, as the article says, why is participation in religious education programs dropping? Are there fewer children to share the faith with or are families opting not to send their children? If they are opting not to send their children, I wonder why. Is the drop in participation uniform across the country, the same in rural and urban areas and the same across cultural lines? So many questions.

Don

Diocesan Director Survey

I received a survey from Mary Ann Ronan, President and Neil A. Parent, Executive Director today regarding NCCL and the Diocesan Director’s Forum. I hope all those who received the survey will take time to complete the online survey and submit it. The survey questions are:

• What are your most important considerations in determining whether to attend NCCL’s annual conference?
• In looking to services from NCCL, which are the top three you look for?
• What are your top two or three major concerns/needs as a diocesan director?
• NCCL has a forum specifically established for diocesan directors. In what
ways can the forum function to make it the most beneficial to you?
• If NCCL could focus its energies and resources on only one issue
this coming year, what would that be for you?

I would find it helpful to discuss our answers to these questions. Share your responses with us on the DDRE forum email list. If you are not yet a member of the list please join us on the DDRE Forum email list. To join the list you will need to register with Google Groups. If you have any difficulty joining the group please let me know at DDREForum@gmail.com
Don

Jeanne Brady

Many of you knew Jeanne Brady from her days as Diocesan Director of the Christian Formation office for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, from her work with NCCL's Annual meeting or time on the Rep Council. Jeanne died last Friday, June 30, from cancer. Jeanne Brady's funeral arrangements have been made.

Visitation is on Wednesday, July 5th from 6 - 9 pm at Prince of Peace Church, 16000 W. 143rd, Olathe, KS 66062

Funeral Mass is on Thursday, July 6th at 10 am, Prince of Peace Church, Olathe, KS. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery.

If you wish to make a donation in Jeanne's honor, she was working with English as a 2nd language program after her retirement. Donations can be sent to:
Project Finish
1477 E. 151st Street
Olathe, Kansas 66062

Bishop Wuerl appointed Archbishop Of Washington

Pope Accepts Cardinal McCarrick’s Resignation, Appoints Bishop Wuerl As Archbishop Of Washington; Resignation Of Bishop Imesch Of Joliet Accepted, Bishop Sartain Of Little Rock Is Named As Successor

WASHINGTON (May 16, 2006)—Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington and appointed Bishop Donald W. Wuerl of Pittsburgh as his successor.

The Pope accepted the resignation of Bishop Joseph L. Imesch of Joliet, Illinois and named Bishop J. Peter Sartain of Little Rock, Arkansas as Bishop of Joliet.
Read the story here.

Fr. Gallagher's PowerPoint

The PowerPoint from Michael Paul Gallagher, SJ afternoon presentation at the Chicago Conference
“Culture: Faith’s Friend or Foe” is available on NCCL's web site. Access the PowerPoint here.

"God's Call Comes by Cellphone"

The latimes.com reports, "Bible verses on a BlackBerry, sermons on an MP3 -- an explosion in digitalized spirituality is making true believers of online e-vangelists. " This article about the use of digital technology in religious formation is an interesting read. Catechists relying on old technology may find themselves left out in the cold so to speak. Read the article here.

Don

DON KURRE RECEIVES NCCL TECHNOLOGY AWARD

Don Kurre, former president of NCCL and most ardent supporter of the use of technology in catechesis received the 2006 Technology Award at the banquet Wednesday, May 3 in Chicago during the annual meeting and conference. Congratulations Don, and thank you!

Catholic Education and the New Apologetics

The May 4, 2006 issue of Origins (Vol. 35 No. 46) contains an address Bishop Braxton gave at a recent conference in Atlanta. Bishop Braxton makes the point, "An essential component of the new apologietic must be the aggressive, up-to-date, sophisticated, attrative and interactive ways in which we announce, explain and defend the good news of Jesus Christ on the Internet." Braxton's text begins on page 763.

Don

Was your In Box full after Chicago?

Dealing with E-mail is a continuing challenge for catechetical leaders. David Tebbutt offers some positive suggestions for dealing with that flood of E-mail you faced when you arrived in your office after attending the Annual Conference in Chicago. Read David's comments here.

Don

Mancini and Roat Elected

Maribeth Mancini and Anne Roat were elected to serve as Animators for the Diocesan Director's Forum duing the Forum meeting in Chicago. We want to thank Jim Kemna and Mary Kay Cullinan for their work as Animators. We do appreciate the time and effort you gave to the forum. Thank you. (Animators pictured Maribeth Mancini, Sharon Horgan, Anne Roat and Sr. Pat McGinley L to R)

Officers Elected

New Officers were elected during NCCL's 2006 Annual Meeting in Chicago. The Officers are
Mary Ann Ronan - President
Rev. David Loftus - Vice President
Janet Schaeffler, OP - Secretary
Lorraine S DeLuca - Treasurer
Congratulations to our new officers.

The election provided more excitement than we expected. After a historic three ballots produced no elected slate the Board gathered and determined the outcome. Joe Swiss, Chair of the Discernment Committee, announced the institutional vote was tied on the third ballot. Remember, if a third round of voting is necessary and neither slate carries a majority of both the institutional votes and the individual votes, the slate that carries the institution vote is declared the winner. The slate of Ronan, Loftus, Schaeffler and DeLuca received a significant majority of votes from the Individual Ballots. The Board's action brought a lively campaign season to a close.

We also offer a special word of thanks to our outgoing officers for their service. So, Anne Comeaux, Rev. Tony Salim, Mary Ann Ronan and DJ Florian --- Thank you! We do appreciate all you gave to NCCL.

Don

“Why a DDRE Forum Blog?”

On November 16, 2004 we asked the question, “Why a DDRE Forum Blog?” Read the post here.

A time to select our leadership

During NCCL's National Conference & Exposition being held in Chicago April 30 - May 4, 2006 we will have the opportunity to elect new leadership. As you know this is an important election. We think it is essential for the members of the DDRE Forum to take time to get to know the members of each slate and their vision for NCCL. The contact information for each member of the slate is available in the Membership Directory on the NCCL web site here. Now is the time to contact the members of the slates and talk with them about NCCL.
The two slates are:

• Harry Dudley - President
• Charleen O’Connell - Vice President
• Marc Gonzalez - Treasurer
• Kathy Gallo - Secretary
  

• Mary Ann Ronan - President
• Fr. David Loftus - Vice President
• Loraine DeLuca - Treasurer
• Sr. Janet Schaeffler - Secretary

Join the email discussion group and discuss your vision for NCCL and the skills and talents we need in leadership positions. Click here to access the DDRE Forum discussion group.

Proposed DDRE Forum Gathering Agenda

The forums will take place Tuesday, May 2, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. as part of the 2006 NCCL National Conference & Exposition being held in Chicago.

Agenda for the Forum Gathering:

3:30 Prayer

3: 45 Developing a Catechetical Plan for the Diocese
The NDC directs dioceses to develop a catechetical plan. This segment of the gathering will present a process to help Directors network and resource one another on this vital issue. . The results of each roundtable discussion would be provided to the directors afterward.

4:30 Reflections on the Symposium: The New Catechetical Reality
This segment will give directors a chance to process insights gained at the recent symposium with Richard Gaillardetz. It could add further “meat” for the discussions about the diocesan catechetical plan. The results of each roundtable discussion would be provided to the directors afterward.

5:00 Election of New Animators
Replacements for Jim and Mary Kay will be elected at the gathering.

5:15 Other Business Items
This segment might include a brainstorm session on future symposium possibilities and topics.
Also, a chance for the DDRE Forum to communicate anything as a group to NCCL or possibly to propose a resolution regarding a current issue in NCCL or on the national scene.

Share your thoughts on the agenda with the animators at DDREForum@gmail.com.

Nominations for the Role of Animator

At the NCCL Annual meeting in Chicago two new animators will be chosen. The role description for forum animators:

• Animators are elected for a three year term
• Plan and facilitate the Forum Meeting at the NCCL Annual Meeting
• One animator will represent the Forum on the Representative Council
• One animator will serve on the Leadership Discernment Committee
• Solicit suggestions for membership on the Animating Team and conduct elections
• Solicit names for conference leadership
• Facilitate networking among forum members
• Help plan forum events to meet the needs of the membership throughout the year
• Communicate with other forums, the board of directors, and the executive committee, and the executive director

Nominations and background information must be submitted to Jim Kemna by April 17, 2006. E-mail Jim at DDREForum@gmail.com.

Let the discussion begin

At a recent meeting of the MINK region we discussed our inability to take advantage of technology in our ministry. On arriving home I read an interesting observation on JP Rangaswami Blog, “Confused of Calcutta” that made our discussion all the more depressing. Rangaswami works for an investment bank in London and he said:

“My son Isaac takes two minutes to critique a mobile phone. My daughter Orla holds a dozen IM sessions in parallel while doing her nails, her homework and listening to music. And the youngest, Hope, gets frustrated as only a seven-year-old can, when she can’t install the game she’s bought because of poorly designed parental control filters that should affect web browsing and not CD-ROM installing. They are the future.”

I’m convinced we must become more aggressive in our use of technology and digital media. It is not enough to have a web site while those around us have TV and radio networks, podcasts, IM channels, blogs and wikis. Adding an RSS feed to the NCCL web site, making it easier for members to keep up-to-date on changes made to the site, would be a small step forward. With technology we are far behind and the longer we wait the harder it will be to get back in the game.

We also heard from at least one publisher that publishing companies are looking for some guidance from organizations like NCCL and the Directors’ Forum on Safe Environment resources. The question is what would we like to see included in textbooks for Safe Environment Education? Since we are expected to provide Safe Environment training for participants in catechetical programs it seem logical for some of that material to be included in textbooks. So, what advice would we give to the publishers?

Don Kurre

Congratulations to the Diocesan Staff Forum

I want to congratulate the Diocesan Staff Forum for their use of NCCL's web site to share information about Forum activities during The 2006 NCCL National Conference & Exposition April 30 - May 4, 2006. Here is the link to download a copy of the Forum's agenda during the Conference.

Don Kurre

Meetings, meetings and more meetings.

Meetings, meetings and more meetings. Meetings seem to fill most of our working life. It follows that our ministry would be more effective and perhaps more enjoyable if we ran productive meetings.

I found a list of 9 tips for running more product meetings on one of my favorite websites, "43 Folders." So here are Merlin Mann's 9 tips for running more productive meetings.

You might find this hard to understand from me but I especially liked his point number 4. He said,

No electronic grazing. Period. - Laptops closed. Phones off. Blackberries left back in the cube. You’re either at the meeting or you’re not at the meeting, and few things are more distracting or disruptive than the guy who has to check his damned email every five minutes. Schedule breaks for people to fiddle with their toys, but fearlessly enforce a no grazing rule once the meeting’s back in session. Emergency call to take or make? They have to leave the room. No exceptions. If you’re too busy to be at the meeting everyone else has made firewalled time for, just leave.

Read all 9 of Merlin's tips here.

Don

Lenten Retreat - "On Bended Knee"

If you are looking for something to enrich your expereience of Lent in 2006 I would suggest the VLCFF seminar, On Bended Knee.

Based on the Pastoral Letter of Bishop Anthony G. Bosco, Diocese of Greensburg, this mini-online course is a spiritual journey for critically reflecting upon one's understanding of the Eucharist and its meaning and impact on our relationships with one another. Eucharist is so much more than getting our attendance card checked off in heaven for attending Mass on the weekend. The Eucharist calls us to service! Environment: While journeying through this mini-course it is appropriate, if you are able, to create a special reflective space or environment to enter into the experience. You may need to select a special time to participate in these sessions to ensure your prayerful journey. You may decide to light a special prayer candle. Begin each session by taking a few moments to center yourself in the presence of God. In session #2, you are asked to reflect on a cross (one given to you for the course or one that is particularly special to you). Journal: It is recommended that you keep a personal journal as you proceed through the mini-course. You may do this in a handbook or as a Word document. The journal helps us to focus and monitor our reflections for growing in understanding how Eucharist calls you to service!

Click here for more information.

Don

Blogging, The Newest Evangelization

The Winter, 2005 issue of Church has an article on blogging entitled, "The Newest Evangelization." The lead to the article by Phyllis Zagano says, "Find out what opportunities blogs and bloggers offer pastoral ministers who are eager to reach young readers online?" In the conclusion to the article, Zagano says,

Anyone who writes or speaks about Catholic matters and affairs is well advised to take stock of the 'new Catholics,' who receive their informaiton and opinion from an ever-increasing variety of places.

The article is in Church Volume 24, Number 4, page 19 -- 24.

Don

Compendium of the Catechism Available March 31

WASHINGTON (February 6, 2006) — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops announced that the new Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a 200-page synthesis of the 1992 Catechism, will be available starting March 31, 2006. It will be published exclusively by USCCB Publishing, the publishing office of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Read the story here.

A friend sent me an email with a variety of funny signs to brighten my Friday. As I scrolled down the email the sign on the left popped up. I figured catechetical leaders would appreciate the clarity of the message. I hope you have a great day.

Don

Neil Parent’s Father Passed Away

Kathy Kandefer, BVM, reported today by way of e-mail that, Executive Director Neil Parent’s father, Gerard, passed away yesterday in his sleep. He was just shy of his 98th birthday, which the family was planning to celebrate later this month in Los Angeles. As of today (2/1), there are no details on funeral arrangements. NCCL will provide that information as soon as it becomes available. Expressions of sympathy can be directed to Neil at the NCCL office, 125 Michigan Ave. NE., Washington DC 20017.

Kathy Kandefer, BVM

Adult Faith Formation Blog

The Diocese of Des Moines has established a web log (blog) for those engaged in Adult Faith Formation ministries in the Diocese of Des Moines. Visit the web log here.

Deus Caritas Est #2

For those of you who may not have easy access to ORIGINS, the letter is available in PDF format on the USCCB website.

Deus Caritas Est

The February 2, 2006 issue of Origins contains two articles of note for Religious Educators. This issues has the text of Pope Benedict XVI's "Deus Caritas Est: Encyclical." It also contains a homily Pope Benedict XVI gave when he baptized 10 infants January 8 in the Sistine Chapel. The homily is titled, "What Happens in Baptism."

Don

Pope Coming To Baltimore in '07

Incase you missed the announcement. Pope Benedict XVI will be making a trip to the United States in 2007. William Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore, was told that a Papal trip to the United States was being planned for 2007and Baltimore would be part of the program. Find the story here.

Catechism Update

The Catechism Update (Winter 2005), published by the Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism, USCCB reports that the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is set for publication.

With a decree dated November 22, 2005 and signed by Dario Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, and Archbishop Csaba Ternyak, the Secretary of the same Congregation, the bishops of this country were notified that the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults had been given the recognitio necessary for its publication. The projected publication date is March 3 I , 2006.

Symposium follow-up

During the symposium with Dr. Richard Gaillardetz titled, Forming Catholic Identity in a Postmodern Context, held in Chicago December 8 to 11, 2005 we said that the power points used by Dr Gaillardetz would be available. Due to some technical difficulties we've been unable to post the Power Points. However, If you would like a copy of the power points used by Dr Gaillardetz send an email to DDREForum@gmail.com and I will email the power points to you.

One of the books Gaillardetz recommended during the symposium was his book, A Daring Promise: A Spirituality of Christian Marriage (Crossroads; 2002). Dennis Beeman, says "I'm rereading this book for the third or fourth time!" Click here for information on the book from Amazon.

Catholic Identity in a Postmodern Context

A Report on the symposium with Dr. Richard Gaillardetz titled, Forming Catholic Identity in a Postmodern Context, held in Chicago December 8 to 11, 2005 was published on the NCCL web site here. The article was written by Dr. Kathy Kleinlein, Diocese of Venice and Dr. Anne Roat, Diocese of Lafayette, Indiana. In part they say:

"Gailardetz also addressed the demise of the Catholic subculture that helped form millions of baby boomer and older Catholics. This loss poses challenges, he said, for forming Catholic identity in an ecumenically sensitive manner. While catechetical leaders must be sensitive to other faiths, they must insure that Catholic teaching is presented with integrity. He concluded with an examination of the levels of authority in Catholic doctrine and discussed how understanding those differences helps constructive dialogue among the Church’s varied ideological populations."

Read the whole article here.

Bishops Urge U.S. to Transition Out of Iraq

The latimes.com is reporting, Bishops urge U.S. to transition out of Iraq.

Declaring that the United States was at a crossroads in Iraq, the nation's Roman Catholic bishops said Thursday the time had come to withdraw U.S. troops as fast as responsibly possible and to hand control of the country to Iraqis.

"Our nation's military forces should remain in Iraq only as long as it takes for a responsible transition, leaving sooner than later," said Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., speaking for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Read the article here.

Statement available online at the USCCB site here.

Discussion of end times

I'm following several discussions flowing from the comments of a TV preacher after the stroke suffered by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. I thought one comment made by David Whidden on his blog Baconboy's blog was relevant for our ministry. He said:

"In fact, there are many Methodists, Episcopalians, and Catholics who now believe that there will be a rapture and Israel will still be here. These (primarily) lay people don't believe this because they are taught it in their churches, as the mainline denominations don't hold any dispensational ideas. Rather they believe this because the mainline denominations have abandoned discussions of the end times completely, and in that theological void many lay people are getting their ideas from the Left Behind series, which is clearly dispensational."

Read Whidden's whole column here.

Don