Do you know the story of Sr. Adele Joseph Brice? Have you ever visited the site of the Robinsonville, Wisconsin apparitions? Do you know story behind this site? Rosie Bartel, religious education director for the Diocese of Green Bay offers a closer look:
Adele Joseph Brice came to Green Bay peninsula from Belgium with her parents in 1855.Despite the loss of an eye as a young child and a very meager education, Adele was known for her charming personality, fervent piety, simple religious ways and her prayer life to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The stories about the apparitions of Adele have been passed down by the people in the area for the last 150 years. Many of you might have visited Robinsonville with your parents or as a family. I have very fond memories of my visited to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help as a child. It was always a day of attending Mass, praying the rosary, hearing the stories and having a picnic lunch on the grounds. It was a surprise to me that not every family made pilgrimages to the shrine. My love for the history of the shrine has encouraged me to share this story with the faithful of our diocese and especially the children. My hope is that this article will bring more interest in the shrine’s beautiful story. This new interest will lead to more pilgrimages to the shrine.
The following is a summary of the apparitions as told by Sister Pauline LaPlant. In the first apparition, Adele saw a lady in white standing between two trees. Adele was frighten and stood still. The vision slowly disappeared, leaving a white cloud after it.
In the second apparition, Adele was again on her way to Mass at Bay Settlement. She was accompanied by her sister, Isabel and a neighbor woman. When they came near the same trees, the same lady in white was at the place where Adele had seen her before. Later her confessor told Adele that if it were a heavenly messenger, she would see it again. He said that it would not harm her, but to ask in God’s name who it was and what it desired of her.
Then, on October 9, 1859 came the final apparition. As they approached the hallowed spot, Adele could see the beautiful lady, clothed in dazzling white, with a yellow sash around her waist. She had a crown of stars around her head. “In God’s name who are you and what do you want of me?” asked Adele.
“I am the Queen of Heaven (…) Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation (…) Teach them their catechism, how to sign themselves with the sign of the Cross and how to approach the sacraments; that is what I wish you to do. Go and fear nothing. I will help you.”
The manifestation of Our Lady then lifted her hands, as though beseeching a blessing for those at her feet, and slowly vanished, leaving Adele overwhelmed and prostrate on the ground. When Adele got up, she immediately went about fulfilling this mission. She devoted herself to this mission until her death in 1896.
After the apparition, Adele began catechizing the children. Teaching from house to house, up and down the Green Bay Peninsula, she would travel as much as 50 miles on foot. Weather conditions, fatigue, lack of education, dangers of the forest and ridicule did not deter Adele’s determination to fulfill her duty to Blessed Mother Mary’s request.
Eventually, she was joined by several young women from the area. St. Mary’s Boarding Academy was founded near the site of the apparitions. With the assistance of the Belgian community, Sister Adele built a school, chapel and convent on land donated in the town of Robinsonville. Today the town is called New Franklin.
Over the years, while Sister Adele and her religious community suffered trials, persecutions and set-backs, they were the means through which miraculous events and healings were manifested. One of the most spectacular of these events occurred in 1871, when the shrine’s grounds and buildings were virtually untouched by the merciless fury and devastation of the Great Peshtigo Fire. Many of the families from the area came to the church and were kept safe there from the fire.
The school was closed in 1928, but since 1861, thousands of pilgrimages have been made to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help to honor the Mother of God and implore her help. Since 1871, on August 15th, the feast of the Assumption, a large crowd gathers to celebrant the day with rosary processions and an outdoor Mass.
Promulgation of the story of Sister Adele and the Robinsonville apparitions has continued through the years. It has received the public support and permission of the local bishops of the Diocese of Green Bay, though no formal declaration concerning the apparitions has been made by the Catholic Church. Since the building of the first chapel, the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help has been accepted as a special place for prayer and worship in the Diocese of Green Bay. It continues to receive Church support by the local bishop, a special visit of the Delegate to North America and the thousands of faithful who come to the shrine for Mass and prayer.
The 150 anniversary celebration year began on October 8, 2008. If you have never made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, plan to make one this year.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Dr. Joe Bound -- The Sum of the Parts
There’s a common phrase, "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts." The reality of that concept is evident in the value of the wide range of education and experience that Dr. Joe Bound brings to his mission as director of education for Diocese of Green Bay.
In his position at the Diocese, Joe is responsible for the overall direction of diocesan efforts in the three forms of Catholic lifelong learning: Catholic schools, religious education programs, and ongoing adult faith formation. He believes that his greatest challenges are related to the implementation of the strategic plans for each area. He is committed to working closely with parishes, staffs, and the diocesan board of education to increase enrollment in all areas, create strong curricula, promote professional staff development, and ensure that all programs are conducted as cost-effectively as possible.
Joe is a native of the Washington State, born in Seattle and raised in a rural area near Snohomish. He attended Catholic elementary school and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School, an archdiocesan high school in Seattle. After graduating from Seattle University with a B.A. degree in business administration, over a 12-year span he completed the California teacher certification program at University of the Pacific and earned an M.B.A. degree from California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock, California. In 1994, he was awarded a Ph.D. in educational administration from Purdue University.
At each step in his varied work experience, Joe developed skills that prepared him well for the educational, spiritual, and business sides of diocesan education operations. He’s been an industrial salesperson in Washington, Oregon, and California, a credit and loan officer for financial institutions in California; and business manager for Kappa Delta Pi, the Indiana-based international honor society in education. His career in Catholic education spans over 20 years, first as a teacher at St. John the Evangelist School in Carmichael, California and later as a teacher and business manager at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, California. He also held the position of assistant superintendent of schools for over eight years for the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut and was simultaneously the middle and high school principal at St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol, Connecticut for one year.
Over the years, he has been an adjunct faculty member at Humphreys College in Stockton, California; Indiana Business College, Lafayette, Indiana; Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana; Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut; and Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, Connecticut. He has taught courses in business management, economics, educational administration, international business, marketing, and strategic planning.
In 2004 he moved to Wisconsin as president of the ACES Xavier Educational System in Appleton where he was instrumental in developing comprehensive strategic and business plans. Two years later, Bishop David Zubik appointed Joe as director of education for the Diocese of Green Bay with responsibility for all adult faith formation, parish religious education, and Catholic schools in the Diocese.
Dr. Bound is Byzantine Catholic, has been married to his wife Linda for 30 years, and has two grown sons: Nicholas (25) who lives in Londonderry, New Hampshire with his wife Cara, and Andrew (22) who lives in Oxford, Ohio. Joe and his wife are members of St. Pius X Parish in Appleton and St. George Melkite-Greek Catholic Parish in Milwaukee. Outside of the office, his interests include biking, camping, cross-country and downhill skiing, hiking, model railroading, reading biographies and mysteries, studying French, and watching Green Bay Packers games.
His favorite Scripture verse is John 6:51: I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."
In his position at the Diocese, Joe is responsible for the overall direction of diocesan efforts in the three forms of Catholic lifelong learning: Catholic schools, religious education programs, and ongoing adult faith formation. He believes that his greatest challenges are related to the implementation of the strategic plans for each area. He is committed to working closely with parishes, staffs, and the diocesan board of education to increase enrollment in all areas, create strong curricula, promote professional staff development, and ensure that all programs are conducted as cost-effectively as possible.
Joe is a native of the Washington State, born in Seattle and raised in a rural area near Snohomish. He attended Catholic elementary school and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School, an archdiocesan high school in Seattle. After graduating from Seattle University with a B.A. degree in business administration, over a 12-year span he completed the California teacher certification program at University of the Pacific and earned an M.B.A. degree from California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock, California. In 1994, he was awarded a Ph.D. in educational administration from Purdue University.
At each step in his varied work experience, Joe developed skills that prepared him well for the educational, spiritual, and business sides of diocesan education operations. He’s been an industrial salesperson in Washington, Oregon, and California, a credit and loan officer for financial institutions in California; and business manager for Kappa Delta Pi, the Indiana-based international honor society in education. His career in Catholic education spans over 20 years, first as a teacher at St. John the Evangelist School in Carmichael, California and later as a teacher and business manager at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, California. He also held the position of assistant superintendent of schools for over eight years for the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut and was simultaneously the middle and high school principal at St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol, Connecticut for one year.
Over the years, he has been an adjunct faculty member at Humphreys College in Stockton, California; Indiana Business College, Lafayette, Indiana; Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana; Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut; and Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, Connecticut. He has taught courses in business management, economics, educational administration, international business, marketing, and strategic planning.
In 2004 he moved to Wisconsin as president of the ACES Xavier Educational System in Appleton where he was instrumental in developing comprehensive strategic and business plans. Two years later, Bishop David Zubik appointed Joe as director of education for the Diocese of Green Bay with responsibility for all adult faith formation, parish religious education, and Catholic schools in the Diocese.
Dr. Bound is Byzantine Catholic, has been married to his wife Linda for 30 years, and has two grown sons: Nicholas (25) who lives in Londonderry, New Hampshire with his wife Cara, and Andrew (22) who lives in Oxford, Ohio. Joe and his wife are members of St. Pius X Parish in Appleton and St. George Melkite-Greek Catholic Parish in Milwaukee. Outside of the office, his interests include biking, camping, cross-country and downhill skiing, hiking, model railroading, reading biographies and mysteries, studying French, and watching Green Bay Packers games.
His favorite Scripture verse is John 6:51: I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
St. Matthew School Kids Care Club: Jumpstarting the Spirit of Service
In a youth culture that often revolves around electronics, designer clothes, and a “me first” attitude, students from St. Matthew’s School in Green Bay, WI have received national recognition for a year’s worth of service dedicated to making the world around them a better place. The school’s organization was selected as September’s “Kids Care Club of the Month” based on its solid commitment to service to their community. The St. Matthew’s club was originally started in 2001 by Liz Goldman, a fourth grade teacher. Jen Nemetz is the co-facilitator.
At their first meeting last year, the 16 students identified areas in the community where they felt they could make a difference. As Goldman said, “Although the numbers were small, the heart of each member was so large, we were able to accomplish great things.”
“Accomplish” is an understatement. As one of their first projects, the Club visited McCormick Retirement Home. Students and residents blended generations by spending time singing, dancing, playing games, and telling stories. In December, the students banded together at a local mall to ring bells for the Salvation Army. While many red kettles went unattended throughout northeast Wisconsin, the St. Matthew students answered the call for volunteers and brought unbridled good cheer and sweet music to the shoppers they encountered.
When the Diocese of Green Bay stepped in to manage the St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter, the student stewards of St. Matthew’s stepped up to the challenge. Using the school kitchen, they cooked a hot meal. They prepared spaghetti casseroles, warm bread, and veggies. Combined with donated drinks and sweets, they brought sustenance to more than 50 grateful people at the shelter that night.
On multiple Saturday mornings, the Club ventured to Paul’s Pantry, the local food bank, to package butter and eggs. In announcing the Club of the Month award, Kids Care Clubs wrote, “Some students did not care for this kind of work because they would have preferred to work with people face-to-face. They changed their minds, however, when they saw people waiting in line outside the pantry. They realized how much their help means to those who depend on the pantry to feed their families.”
In the spring, the Club assembled care packages for soldiers serving overseas, and included handmade cards and heartwarming notes. They purchased fleece and made blankets for children staying at a local hospital.
The last project of the school year was the largest project – a Hamburger, Hot Dog, and Brat Sale to raise money for Heifer International. With the help fo the St. Matthew’s Parish Men's Club, who purchased all the food and supplies, the Club raised nearly $800. The proceeds went directly to purchases of farm animals which will be given to families in need around the world.
The St. Matthew’s School Kids Care Club not only made a difference for others, but also impacted their own lives. Liz Goldman said, “It is awesome to see the faces of these children as they work to make a difference in our world. Their ideas are thoughtful, their actions are sincere, and their hearts are filled with love. I have such hope for the future knowing that kids like these are part of that future.”
A program of the Connecticut-based HandsOn Network, Kids Care Clubs work together to help others in their communities and around the world. Clubs are formed in schools, churches, synagogues, volunteer centers, and other community-based organizations. Today there are more than 1,400 registered clubs and 75,000 kids worldwide. More information on Kids Care Clubs can be found at http://www.kidscare.org/.
At their first meeting last year, the 16 students identified areas in the community where they felt they could make a difference. As Goldman said, “Although the numbers were small, the heart of each member was so large, we were able to accomplish great things.”
“Accomplish” is an understatement. As one of their first projects, the Club visited McCormick Retirement Home. Students and residents blended generations by spending time singing, dancing, playing games, and telling stories. In December, the students banded together at a local mall to ring bells for the Salvation Army. While many red kettles went unattended throughout northeast Wisconsin, the St. Matthew students answered the call for volunteers and brought unbridled good cheer and sweet music to the shoppers they encountered.
When the Diocese of Green Bay stepped in to manage the St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter, the student stewards of St. Matthew’s stepped up to the challenge. Using the school kitchen, they cooked a hot meal. They prepared spaghetti casseroles, warm bread, and veggies. Combined with donated drinks and sweets, they brought sustenance to more than 50 grateful people at the shelter that night.
On multiple Saturday mornings, the Club ventured to Paul’s Pantry, the local food bank, to package butter and eggs. In announcing the Club of the Month award, Kids Care Clubs wrote, “Some students did not care for this kind of work because they would have preferred to work with people face-to-face. They changed their minds, however, when they saw people waiting in line outside the pantry. They realized how much their help means to those who depend on the pantry to feed their families.”
In the spring, the Club assembled care packages for soldiers serving overseas, and included handmade cards and heartwarming notes. They purchased fleece and made blankets for children staying at a local hospital.
The last project of the school year was the largest project – a Hamburger, Hot Dog, and Brat Sale to raise money for Heifer International. With the help fo the St. Matthew’s Parish Men's Club, who purchased all the food and supplies, the Club raised nearly $800. The proceeds went directly to purchases of farm animals which will be given to families in need around the world.
The St. Matthew’s School Kids Care Club not only made a difference for others, but also impacted their own lives. Liz Goldman said, “It is awesome to see the faces of these children as they work to make a difference in our world. Their ideas are thoughtful, their actions are sincere, and their hearts are filled with love. I have such hope for the future knowing that kids like these are part of that future.”
A program of the Connecticut-based HandsOn Network, Kids Care Clubs work together to help others in their communities and around the world. Clubs are formed in schools, churches, synagogues, volunteer centers, and other community-based organizations. Today there are more than 1,400 registered clubs and 75,000 kids worldwide. More information on Kids Care Clubs can be found at http://www.kidscare.org/.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Taking Back Sunday for the Family
Rosie Bartel, diocesan religious education director, pauses to shares some thoughts on the long-lost art of treating Sunday as a true day of rest!
In my family Sundays are sacred. Early on, my children knew they did not make plans for Sunday that did not involve the whole family. Those plans had to include time for God and time for fun.
What did you do last Sunday?
Most peoples’ lists contain items like shopping, laundry, their child’s sporting events, errands and catching up on chores around the house and yard. You are not alone. We live in a 24/7 world. Families see Sunday as an extra day for getting things done that did not get done during the week. When this happens, it affects everyone in the family.
This hectic lifestyle is not what God had in mind when he created Sunday as a day of rest. God rested on the seventh day. He was not tired, but he wanted to show us how to live. He knew we would get tired. He wanted us to know it was important to rest.
We must reclaim Sunday as a day of rest. Pope Benedict XVI said, “That men and women in our technical age risk becoming victims of their own intellectual and technical achievements, ending up in spiritual barrenness and emptiness of heart.” This is happening in our families. Families need to take a day of rest not only because God tells us to, but because it is good for us. Rest is good for the mind, body and spirit.
How can your family make Sunday a special day?
If you plan to reclaim Sunday, you have to make the day a priority and you have to make it fun. The best way to start off your day is by going to Mass as a family. Everyone knows it is hard to get out the door with small children, but make getting ready for church a special activity. With little girls, bows and ribbons help, little boys might need promises of outdoor activities after Mass to help them focus.
It is a good idea to arrive at church at least five minutes before Mass. This gives you time to find a pew and settle in with your family. These few minutes of quiet time before Mass helps create a spirit of Sunday rest. It helps you have a quiet moment with God before Mass begins.
After Mass, grab some breakfast and make a list of things the family could do make it a day of rest. What could you change to free up some quality time? How about starting a new family tradition or resurrect family traditions from your childhood. Choose one thing to stop do on Sunday like shopping or cleaning. Replace it with something restful and spiritual like a walk in the woods, gardening, playing with your children, family game time, a movie and popcorn, visiting friends and family, handwriting notes to people you do not see often, read a book together, go fishing, visit an art gallery and the list can go on and on.
If you start taking back Sunday this summer, by fall you will have created a new spiritual habit for your family.
In today’s society there is no plan for reclaiming Sunday as a holy day for rest of mind, body and spirit. Do not be surprised if other families notice what you are doing with your Sundays and ask about the reason for your change in lifestyle. There is a hunger in the world for spiritual meaning. There is a need to celebrate what is good and holy. By taking back Sunday you may start a grassroots’ interest and enthusiasm for building up the home, parish and community.
See you at Mass next Sunday and then let’s have a real day of rest!
In my family Sundays are sacred. Early on, my children knew they did not make plans for Sunday that did not involve the whole family. Those plans had to include time for God and time for fun.
What did you do last Sunday?
Most peoples’ lists contain items like shopping, laundry, their child’s sporting events, errands and catching up on chores around the house and yard. You are not alone. We live in a 24/7 world. Families see Sunday as an extra day for getting things done that did not get done during the week. When this happens, it affects everyone in the family.
This hectic lifestyle is not what God had in mind when he created Sunday as a day of rest. God rested on the seventh day. He was not tired, but he wanted to show us how to live. He knew we would get tired. He wanted us to know it was important to rest.
We must reclaim Sunday as a day of rest. Pope Benedict XVI said, “That men and women in our technical age risk becoming victims of their own intellectual and technical achievements, ending up in spiritual barrenness and emptiness of heart.” This is happening in our families. Families need to take a day of rest not only because God tells us to, but because it is good for us. Rest is good for the mind, body and spirit.
How can your family make Sunday a special day?
If you plan to reclaim Sunday, you have to make the day a priority and you have to make it fun. The best way to start off your day is by going to Mass as a family. Everyone knows it is hard to get out the door with small children, but make getting ready for church a special activity. With little girls, bows and ribbons help, little boys might need promises of outdoor activities after Mass to help them focus.
It is a good idea to arrive at church at least five minutes before Mass. This gives you time to find a pew and settle in with your family. These few minutes of quiet time before Mass helps create a spirit of Sunday rest. It helps you have a quiet moment with God before Mass begins.
After Mass, grab some breakfast and make a list of things the family could do make it a day of rest. What could you change to free up some quality time? How about starting a new family tradition or resurrect family traditions from your childhood. Choose one thing to stop do on Sunday like shopping or cleaning. Replace it with something restful and spiritual like a walk in the woods, gardening, playing with your children, family game time, a movie and popcorn, visiting friends and family, handwriting notes to people you do not see often, read a book together, go fishing, visit an art gallery and the list can go on and on.
If you start taking back Sunday this summer, by fall you will have created a new spiritual habit for your family.
In today’s society there is no plan for reclaiming Sunday as a holy day for rest of mind, body and spirit. Do not be surprised if other families notice what you are doing with your Sundays and ask about the reason for your change in lifestyle. There is a hunger in the world for spiritual meaning. There is a need to celebrate what is good and holy. By taking back Sunday you may start a grassroots’ interest and enthusiasm for building up the home, parish and community.
See you at Mass next Sunday and then let’s have a real day of rest!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Vision for Adult Faith Formation -- Part II
In April, Dr. Joe Bound, Diocese of Green Bay Director of Education, offered insight into the importance of adult faith formation. In this article he outlines the six-step process that is currently being implemented in this critical area of catechesis:
"We recently completed an extensive three-year rolling strategic plan for adult faith formation. The result of literally hundreds of hours of research, study, collaboration, and prayer, the document maps out the vision and direction for this ministry. There are six key points outlined in the implementation plan.
First, it’s important to recognize that there are many, many valuable programs currently underway throughout our Diocese. “New” isn’t always better. Thus, we continue to encourage those parishes that have adult faith formation programs to continue in this ministry.
Second, I realize not all parishes are providing adult faith formation programs for one reason or the other. Thus, there are neighborhoods or whole areas of the Diocese that lack any type of adult faith formation opportunities. There is a tremendous need to reach out and provide adult faith formation opportunities to these areas. Collaboration is key.
Third, many existing programs are not widely promoted or marketed. It is critical for us to “take the basket off our light” and spread the good news about the numerous adult faith formation opportunities that are available to all throughout the Diocese. We will use a variety of media to implement this objective, including the internet.
Fourth, it is important to improve the consistency of the programs that are being offered. We will develop a standard curriculum that includes the Creed, the sacraments, Catholic ethics and morality, and the importance of prayer so that gaps in adults’ understanding of the faith are filled. Our programs will emphasize the four main sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and include courses on stewardship, dogma and doctrine, sacred art and music, social justice, scripture, Church history and ecclesiology, eschatology and end of life issues.
Fifth, it is extremely important that our methodology conforms to the unique ways adults learn. Auditory, visual, and kinesthetic methods of learning will be taken into account. Active, rather than passive, learning will be encouraged. We believe that adults must be given the opportunity to apply what they learn and to share their experiences.
Sixth, we also have to go where adults are today to ensure that adult faith formation will be available in various locations to the elderly, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, those with disabilities, and those recent converts to the Catholic faith.
In conclusion, our entire department, spearheaded by our adult faith formation director, will work with the diocesan catechesis committee to develop the curriculum, select texts, schedule courses, secure presenters, and prepare budgets for the Diocesan initiatives. We are committed to visiting existing parish programs and conducting in-services for those involved in adult faith formation. Our objective is to ensure that all annual goals and objectives of the adult faith formation strategic plan are achieved. "
"We recently completed an extensive three-year rolling strategic plan for adult faith formation. The result of literally hundreds of hours of research, study, collaboration, and prayer, the document maps out the vision and direction for this ministry. There are six key points outlined in the implementation plan.
First, it’s important to recognize that there are many, many valuable programs currently underway throughout our Diocese. “New” isn’t always better. Thus, we continue to encourage those parishes that have adult faith formation programs to continue in this ministry.
Second, I realize not all parishes are providing adult faith formation programs for one reason or the other. Thus, there are neighborhoods or whole areas of the Diocese that lack any type of adult faith formation opportunities. There is a tremendous need to reach out and provide adult faith formation opportunities to these areas. Collaboration is key.
Third, many existing programs are not widely promoted or marketed. It is critical for us to “take the basket off our light” and spread the good news about the numerous adult faith formation opportunities that are available to all throughout the Diocese. We will use a variety of media to implement this objective, including the internet.
Fourth, it is important to improve the consistency of the programs that are being offered. We will develop a standard curriculum that includes the Creed, the sacraments, Catholic ethics and morality, and the importance of prayer so that gaps in adults’ understanding of the faith are filled. Our programs will emphasize the four main sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and include courses on stewardship, dogma and doctrine, sacred art and music, social justice, scripture, Church history and ecclesiology, eschatology and end of life issues.
Fifth, it is extremely important that our methodology conforms to the unique ways adults learn. Auditory, visual, and kinesthetic methods of learning will be taken into account. Active, rather than passive, learning will be encouraged. We believe that adults must be given the opportunity to apply what they learn and to share their experiences.
Sixth, we also have to go where adults are today to ensure that adult faith formation will be available in various locations to the elderly, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, those with disabilities, and those recent converts to the Catholic faith.
In conclusion, our entire department, spearheaded by our adult faith formation director, will work with the diocesan catechesis committee to develop the curriculum, select texts, schedule courses, secure presenters, and prepare budgets for the Diocesan initiatives. We are committed to visiting existing parish programs and conducting in-services for those involved in adult faith formation. Our objective is to ensure that all annual goals and objectives of the adult faith formation strategic plan are achieved. "
Thursday, June 19, 2008
In Christ We Radiate Love
In her monthly update, Julianne Donlon, the diocesan adult faith formation director offers some thoughts on the meaning of this essential ministry:
“The name Jesus means “God Saves”. There is no other name under heaven given tot the human race by which we are to be saved”. (Acts 4:12)
Adult faith formation is geared to a lifelong deepening of faith in Christ thus serving as the point of reference for catechesis in other age groups. It is the goal of adult catechesis to create a lived faith in adult learners; faith lived in discipleship to Jesus Christ. Teaching was central to the ministry of Jesus. One of my favorite pieces of scripture is the lesson of the fig tree (Luke 21:29-33). In this short lesson Jesus asks the disciples to consider the fig tree which bursts into bloom as it anticipates the coming of summer.
Through the use of this simple analogy the disciples are asked to consider that by signs, words and by His very presence they can be sure that the Kingdom of God is at hand. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”.
Take a moment to consider a teacher who impacted your life in a positive way. As a rather serious and anxious child my second grade teacher called me aside one day. She told me to smile more often because when I smiled “the light in my heart lit up my whole face”. I never forgot those words.
Jesus is the model teacher and, as John tells us in his Gospel, "the way, the truth and the life”. In Christ, it is revealed how we are to live our lives. All adult faith formation efforts should be Christocentric (placing Christ at the center) as we are called to walk side by side with the adults of our parishes as they speak of their joys, hopes, sufferings and doubts. We are called to a life that fully reflects the love of God revealed to us through Jesus Christ. Discipleship costs us personally and dearly; the Gospel demands love and total self-surrender.
In Our Hearts Were Burning, the U.S. bishops reflect that “in Jesus the disciples caught a glimpse into the heart of God." For those who bear responsibility for adult faith formation we too are called to bring adults into the heart of God. As Church we are called to nuture one another in our faith journeys by worshipping together, learning together, serving together in love and life within a community of faith. Faith formation of adults always begins and ends with Christ-- the Alpha and the Omega. It is to and through Christ that we will renew our commitment to each other and to the Church.
Let the light of Christ in our hearts radiate love to our community of adults!
“The name Jesus means “God Saves”. There is no other name under heaven given tot the human race by which we are to be saved”. (Acts 4:12)
Adult faith formation is geared to a lifelong deepening of faith in Christ thus serving as the point of reference for catechesis in other age groups. It is the goal of adult catechesis to create a lived faith in adult learners; faith lived in discipleship to Jesus Christ. Teaching was central to the ministry of Jesus. One of my favorite pieces of scripture is the lesson of the fig tree (Luke 21:29-33). In this short lesson Jesus asks the disciples to consider the fig tree which bursts into bloom as it anticipates the coming of summer.
Through the use of this simple analogy the disciples are asked to consider that by signs, words and by His very presence they can be sure that the Kingdom of God is at hand. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”.
Take a moment to consider a teacher who impacted your life in a positive way. As a rather serious and anxious child my second grade teacher called me aside one day. She told me to smile more often because when I smiled “the light in my heart lit up my whole face”. I never forgot those words.
Jesus is the model teacher and, as John tells us in his Gospel, "the way, the truth and the life”. In Christ, it is revealed how we are to live our lives. All adult faith formation efforts should be Christocentric (placing Christ at the center) as we are called to walk side by side with the adults of our parishes as they speak of their joys, hopes, sufferings and doubts. We are called to a life that fully reflects the love of God revealed to us through Jesus Christ. Discipleship costs us personally and dearly; the Gospel demands love and total self-surrender.
In Our Hearts Were Burning, the U.S. bishops reflect that “in Jesus the disciples caught a glimpse into the heart of God." For those who bear responsibility for adult faith formation we too are called to bring adults into the heart of God. As Church we are called to nuture one another in our faith journeys by worshipping together, learning together, serving together in love and life within a community of faith. Faith formation of adults always begins and ends with Christ-- the Alpha and the Omega. It is to and through Christ that we will renew our commitment to each other and to the Church.
Let the light of Christ in our hearts radiate love to our community of adults!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Rest, Relax, and Rejuvenate for Renewal
Summer is upon us! Diocesan curriculum & instruction director Diane Walters stresses the importance of relaxing!
“Leadership demands making the impossible happen, being prepared for the unexpected, and learning from the lessons of history. It is the human spirit that makes the difference.” - Lady Margaret Thatcher
Educational leaders are faced with a variety of challenges in their work with academia, implementing curriculum, the daily operations of school business, strategic plans and the many other facets of the job. The drive to set high standards and goals is a natural phenomenon and mediocrity is not an option. A desire to perform proficiently to better schools, employees, and the community lives in the heart of every educational leader.
Having such passion for the job and realizing how influential this type of work is often tempts educational leaders to work many additional hours. Extra time is spent taking work home each day. Weekends are cut short to “catch up” or to prepare for the upcoming week. Many educational leaders stay in their offices long after the building has been locked for the night. New initiatives become priorities that are added to the workload and it becomes a struggle to accomplish the surge of tasks. Too often, educational leaders forget to fuel themselves for sustained energy and strength.
We all need time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate to give us inspiration.
Rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation are familiar concepts to athletes and other workers who recover after an extreme physical effort. However, this concept is often overlooked after an extreme mental effort. The answer is to design opportunities for renewal. Participating in uplifting seminars is one way to accomplish this challenge. This year Tom Kidd, the keynote speaker at a diocesan sponsored in-service modeled ways in which educators could rejuvenate themselves and others through positive attitudes and laughter. Each participant received a card listing the fundamentals of rejuvenation. Reading positive material can inspire and encourage people.
Fundamentals of Rejuvenation:
Pray
Be excited about life
Count your blessings daily
Laugh often
Don’t make excuses
Expect the best from yourself
Care about others
Respect yourself
Set goals
Use positive self-talk
Hang with positive people
Tell those you love you do
Keep a positive attitude
The most significant resource available to enhance rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation exists within our inner core. It is our deep faith in the Lord that will give us strength, energy, and guidance. It is vital to build a component of rejuvenation into the manner in which you work each day. This will stimulate creativity and clarify your role as an educational leader. Rejuvenation provides freedom to embrace difficult circumstances, reduce stress, and make better, more conscious decisions. Challenges will always remain constant in life, but responding to challenges defines our inner strength.
Rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation are the keys to future success!
“Leadership demands making the impossible happen, being prepared for the unexpected, and learning from the lessons of history. It is the human spirit that makes the difference.” - Lady Margaret Thatcher
Educational leaders are faced with a variety of challenges in their work with academia, implementing curriculum, the daily operations of school business, strategic plans and the many other facets of the job. The drive to set high standards and goals is a natural phenomenon and mediocrity is not an option. A desire to perform proficiently to better schools, employees, and the community lives in the heart of every educational leader.
Having such passion for the job and realizing how influential this type of work is often tempts educational leaders to work many additional hours. Extra time is spent taking work home each day. Weekends are cut short to “catch up” or to prepare for the upcoming week. Many educational leaders stay in their offices long after the building has been locked for the night. New initiatives become priorities that are added to the workload and it becomes a struggle to accomplish the surge of tasks. Too often, educational leaders forget to fuel themselves for sustained energy and strength.
We all need time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate to give us inspiration.
Rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation are familiar concepts to athletes and other workers who recover after an extreme physical effort. However, this concept is often overlooked after an extreme mental effort. The answer is to design opportunities for renewal. Participating in uplifting seminars is one way to accomplish this challenge. This year Tom Kidd, the keynote speaker at a diocesan sponsored in-service modeled ways in which educators could rejuvenate themselves and others through positive attitudes and laughter. Each participant received a card listing the fundamentals of rejuvenation. Reading positive material can inspire and encourage people.
Fundamentals of Rejuvenation:
Pray
Be excited about life
Count your blessings daily
Laugh often
Don’t make excuses
Expect the best from yourself
Care about others
Respect yourself
Set goals
Use positive self-talk
Hang with positive people
Tell those you love you do
Keep a positive attitude
The most significant resource available to enhance rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation exists within our inner core. It is our deep faith in the Lord that will give us strength, energy, and guidance. It is vital to build a component of rejuvenation into the manner in which you work each day. This will stimulate creativity and clarify your role as an educational leader. Rejuvenation provides freedom to embrace difficult circumstances, reduce stress, and make better, more conscious decisions. Challenges will always remain constant in life, but responding to challenges defines our inner strength.
Rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation are the keys to future success!
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