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See the "Events & Opportunities" section below to register for upcoming events. Recordings of previous opportunities for catechetical leaders:
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REVIVAL, RENEWAL AND THE ARCHDIOCESE
As we in the Archdiocese of Chicago continue on our journey of spiritual renewal, the Eucharistic Revival process is an opportunity to reflect upon and draw closer to the Eucharistic celebration as the source and summit of our lives and the missionary discipleship to which we are called. Throughout the Year of Parish Revival and the Year of Missionary Sending, the Archdiocese of Chicago will share resources and host opportunities for all the faithful to encounter the Risen Lord together in the celebration of the Eucharist and deepen our response to that encounter through prayer, fellowship and faith formation grounded in witness, reflection and dialogue.
Remain in Me: A Parish Resource for Eucharistic Revival
Coming this fall, the archdiocesan Office of Lifelong Formation and Office of Divine Worship will offer a five-part series of interactive reflections on the call to encounter and respond to Christ’s abiding presence in the Eucharist. Based on Cardinal Cupich’s Take, Bless, Break, Share: A Strategy for Eucharistic Revival, this will be a great resource for parish-wide and small group sharing.
- Each session of the Remain in Me five-part series will be shared in this newsletter as they become available over the coming weeks.
Updates and resources will also be added to the National Eucharistic Revival page of the archdiocesan website.
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Help Parish Youth Explore the Possibilities of Catholic High School
Help Catholic High Schools connect with your students and families. Catholic High Schools would like to share information about their school, admissions processes, scholarship opportunities, and more with families in faith formation programs in the Archdiocese – but they need to know how to contact them.
The Office of Lifelong Formation has worked with the High School Liaison for the Office of Catholic Schools to provide a few ways to share students’ contact information with Catholic High Schools. We realize that you may have some questions about why this information is being requested, the benefits of sharing contact information, and who the information will be shared with, etc. This FAQ sheet will answer those questions!
To share your faith formation students’ contact information with Catholic High Schools, you can:
- Upload your faith formation program 5th-8th grade roster here, or
- Share this Catholic High School Interest Form link with your faith formation program parents so they can share their contact information directly.
If you’re looking for a little more information to share with parents about Catholic High Schools, here’s a PDF with more information, including a list of Catholic High Schools in Cook and Lake Counties.
If you have any questions about this opportunity or uploading rosters, please contact Steve Tortorello, the High School Liaison for the Office of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
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The Art of Leadership: Practical Conversations with Catechetical Leaders
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
1:00pm-2:30pm (on Zoom)
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Topic: Eucharistic Revival and Celebrating First Communicants
All Catechetical Leaders are invited to join us this month for a practical conversation around the topics of Eucharistic Revival and Sacramental Prep for First Holy Communion.
Register here and take advantage of this opportunity to consider Eucharistic Revival and First Holy Communion from a different perspective with your colleagues from around the Archdiocese. Throughout the conversation, you'll be sure to gain new insights from one-another and from different parish scenarios.
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, October 17th.
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The Word on the Street
Tuesday, October 10th at 7:00 pm
Location: Harp & Fiddle
110 Main Street, Park Ridge, IL, 60048
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The Word on the Street invites you to an evening of fellowship and conversation. The event will be facilitated by Fr. James Wallace, Pastor of St Paul of the Cross Parish with special guest, Relevant Radio's very own Fr. Richard Simon. Appetizers will be provided! Cash bar will be available! Here is additional information.
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Solito: Home, Identity and the Immigrant Experience
Thursday, October 12th at 6:00pm
Dominican University Siena Center
7900 West Division Street, River Forest, IL 60305
Javier Zamora shares the story of his harrowing journey to the US as an unaccompanied nine-year-old that gives a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the realities of child migration. Find more information and register here.
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Simply Pro-Life Teen Event
October 14 (10am-3pm)
Barrington, Illinois
"Ending Abortion One
Baby Step at a Time"
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The Simply Pro-Life Teen Event is an opportunity for young people to find the resources and opportunities to simply get involved with the pro-life movement by connecting with pro-life organizations such as The Pro-Life Action League, hearing amazing speakers such as Lauren Muzyka, CEO of Sidewalk Advocates for Life, and connecting with other young people.
The goal of the Simply Pro-Life Teen Event is not only to educate and inspire teens, but give them real, practical ways they can get involved that very same day. There will be unlimited tacos, games, a Photo Booth, donuts and coffee, and more! You do not want your teens to miss the teen event of the year!
Be sure to sign up for the Simply Pro-life teen event taking place on October 14th at the Barrington Campus Life Center.
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PreCana Encounter Weekend
October 21-22, 2023
University of St. Mary of the Lake
Mundelein, IL
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The Archdiocese of Chicago, through the Office of Lifelong Formation is offering a PreCana Encounter Weekend on October 21 and 22, 2023 for couples to learn about the sacrament of marriage and prepare their hearts leading up to their wedding day. This event is filled with great speakers, activities, prayer and reflection for engaged couples on the sacrament and vocation of marriage. Please contact your home parish (where you currently live and not any destination parish) before registering for any marriage preparation program. This experience fulfills the PreCana marriage preparation requirement for the Archdiocese of Chicago. More information is available here.
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Teaching the Liturgical Year
The first Sunday of Advent might seem far away, but it's never too early to start looking for new ways to teach about the beginning of a new Liturgical Year. Here are a few resources to help your catechists form themselves for teaching and celebrating the Liturgical Year with children and youth!
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Lessons & Crafts
Videos for Catechists
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Children's Mental Health Webinars
Mental health disorders in children were rising at an alarming rate, even before the pandemic.
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While it is difficult to identify a singular cause, there is an urgent need to recognize and respond to the children’s mental health crisis. In this two-part webinar series from Kendall Hunt RCL Benziger, Dr. Dobie Moser will help pastoral leaders, ministers, and teachers to respond to children and families with compassion, support, and hope. The second webinar will identify ways to manage anxiety and increase resiliency in children. A framework for a pastoral response to those with mental health conditions will be shared along with an accompaniment approach to building a network of support to help children to thrive.
Share these webinar links and passcodes with your catechists:
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A Glimpse Inside
Helping young people discover the dignity of every human life
The truth about life in the womb is simple, and a visual generation needs a visual answer.
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Young people are at a high risk of being influenced by a media-saturated culture that denies the humanity of the unborn, the tragedy of abortion, and sexual responsibility. This leaves them vulnerable to experiencing unexpected pregnancies, choosing abortions, and encouraging their partners and peers to choose abortions.
A Glimpse Inside™ is a groundbreaking education program that provides young people with scientific evidence of the dignity of life in the womb. The program includes physician-led videos on fetal development, guided 3D/4D ultrasounds, and a thought-provoking curriculum. Created in collaboration with the Sophia Institute for Teachers and Cardinal Studios, A Glimpse Inside™ highlights the humanity of the unborn and addresses the tough ethical issues that shape the next generation. The materials are appropriate for middle school, high school, and college students.
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Catholic Marriage Enrichment Conference
October 14, 2023
Bloomfield Hills, MI
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Together in Holiness is a marriage conference series for dioceses that inspires spouses to grow together in holiness and empowers parents to form their children in the Catholic faith. To register for the October 14th conference, click here.
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Catholic Marriage Retreat at Catholic Familyland
October 20-22, 2023
Bloomingdale, Ohio
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Do you long for deeper intimacy with your spouse? Are you united in your vision for your marriage and family?
During this Catholic marriage retreat, couples will have the opportunity to refocus their marriage on Christ. Deepen their intimacy with one another through prayer, communication, and time spent together - renewing their understanding of God’s plan for their marriage and family. Find more information here.
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Adult Confirmation
Please pray for our Adult Confirmation Candidates as they begin their confirmation preparation sessions this week.
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God of all ages, send out your Holy Spirit to touch the hearts of our adult confirmands. Look kindly on them as they seek to hear your voice. We pray that you send your Spirit to enlighten, guide, strengthen, and console them.
Open their hearts to seek a closer relationship with you. Help them to truly know the deep and abiding love you have for each one of them and fill them with the joy of your presence.
As we prepare these adults for confirmation, may we be faithful to our call, rooted in your Word, and open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Make us all an instrument of your love, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
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Faith on Fire
A Spiritual Awakening through the Letters of St. Paul
Thursdays, October 5th - December 14th
6:15pm - Wine & Cheese Hospitality, always!
6:30pm – In-person at St. Michael Parish Center
Come to one, some, or all the sessions -- you will grow in your love of faith, of Christianity, of Jesus, and of yourself regardless. This series, facilitated by Kevin Pease, M.T.S., of the Loyola Institute of Pastoral Studies, is designed for any person seeking faith formation. All are welcome. No experience necessary, just an open mind and heart.
For questions or to RSVP, please email Barbara Shields at St. Michael Parish (1711 North Cleveland, Chicago, IL 60614).
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Saints, Mystics & the Eucharist
Servant of God Marthe Robin
France, 1902-1981
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Can you imagine having nothing to eat or drink for thirty years! How could anyone possibly survive!
This month we highlight the amazing life of Marthe Robin, Servant of God. Marthe’s life took a dramatic turn at the age of twenty-six when a serious illness left her bedridden. During this time Marthe’s only substance was the Eucharist. Despite the physical limitations and tremendous suffering, Marthe dedicated herself to the work of evangelization, founding sixty “Foyer of Charity” groups around the world. Her title, Servant of God, is the first step toward possible canonization as a saint.
Share her amazing story with the children, youth, and families in your faith formation program with this poster.
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From the Field
This month, we hear from Fr. Nathan Ford, SJC. He is the Associate Pastor, Director of Religious Education, and Director of OCIA at St. John Cantius Church in Chicago.
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What called you to ministry?
My desire to bring people to a deeper encounter with Jesus. It's beautiful to see how Christ transforms our lives before, during, and after that encounter.
What is your favorite liturgical season? Why?
My favorite liturgical season is Holy Week. Not only are the liturgies powerful and moving, but seeing the Catechumens and Candidates prepare to enter the Church and to see this consummated at the Easter Vigil is inspiring to me (even as a life long Catholic). It's beautiful to witness "new life" come forth from Mother Church and to be reminded of Christ's transformative love for each of us.
What is your favorite meal? Who would you like to share it with?
My favorite meal would probably have to be a juicy ribeye steak with sauteed mushrooms, garlic mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, and rolls. Not that I've put any thought into this. I would love to share this meal with all the guys who used to live on the same hallway as me in seminary and whom I haven't seen in a few years!
What advice do you have for someone new to ministry?
I think my biggest piece of advice for someone new to ministry is for them to remember that each person they encounter is different and complex. There is no "cookie-cutter" answer. There is no "perfect" program. There is no "correct" timeline. Instead, helping someone deepen their relationship with Christ comes from personally mentoring/sharing/leading them along the way. Life is messy, and guiding someone through this process of transformation takes time and patience. Remember that God is in charge and that we are merely playing a small part in His divine plan.
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