July 31, 2010 Register Login
 
 Religious Education & Youth MinistryParish Religious Education   
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Bishop O'Neill & Long Term Awards Minimize

Catechetical Sunday weekend, will be celebrated on September 18-19, 2010. This year’s theme is “Matrimony: Sacrament of Enduring Love”. Thoughtful planning will allow you, your pastor, and your parish to recognize and affirm catechists whose formal ministry hands on the faith to learners of all ages. You are encourage  to be inclusive in recognizing catechists whose ministry entails catechesis of children, youth, families, and adults. Be sure to remember, as well, those involved in Adult Faith Formation, RCIA, and sacramental preparation.  Nominations will be accepted until June 30th.  Nomination forms.  Free download materials will be available from USCCB on their web site at  http://usccb.org/catecheticalsunday/.

  
 
NEW, NEW, NEW !!! Minimize

Aurora and Rockford Deanery Offices now have websites.
Check it out!
Rockford Deanery Office: Judy Snyder,  www.rockforddeanery.org
Aurora Deanery Office: Claire Perez,  www.auroraareacenter.com

 

NCCL 75th Annual
 CONFERENCE and EXPOSITION
"Diamond Jubilee"
Atlanta, Georgia
May 22-26, 2011

Celebrating Our Past, Shaping Our Future
2011 Conference Pre-Registration Form
Hyatt Regency-Atlanta, Georgia
SAVE ME A PLACE!

For additional information, contact them at www.nccl.org.  

 
Catechesis-Catequesis Minimize

                         

                         

                     
Catechesis: 
An Oasis Amidst Diversity

 



The 21st Century finds the Catholic Church in America to be an exquisite example of the universality of the Catholic Church. On a given Sunday, Mass is celebrated in over 100 different languages. Within this cultural diversity are challenges and opportunities; sometimes there are differences. Occasionally a lack of understanding can lead to conflict.

In the middle of all this diversity, there is one place where all can come together, as one; it is the oasis where faith is shared. It is the place where each person can echo the rich traditions that have passed their faith from generation to generation. It is a place of oneness with God. It is the place of catechesis where one’s confession of faith is “living, explicit and fruitful” (GDC, no. 82).

For Catholics, catechesis offers a haven where cultural differences serve to fill the oasis with the richness that diversity offers. This is not a place for dominance or attack; it is a place of welcome. There is no room here for hate crimes or stereotypes; this is a place of learning within the Christina community. Here is where the Christian life is nourished.

Here in the oasis of catechesis there is room for Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Lavang, to name a few. We have saints from numerous nations, different cultures, married and single. All can find respite here where the language of belief becomes the living waters.

Historically, the location of oases has been of critical importance for trade and transportation routes in desert areas. In American culture that has been described as hostile to religion, the Church as sanctuary has deep meaning. An oasis, however, is not an escape. It is a place for nourishment and renewal. Here one’s faith is replenished and enriched by the diversity of expression.

The NDC reminds us that “within the ecclesial community, the catechist is an important instrument of inculturation” (p.65). The theme for NCCL’s 74th annual conference and exposition confronts this challenge head on. While it appears there may be a desert of values in society, catechetical leaders know the rich doctrines and traditions of the Catholic Church, formed and transformed by different cultures, are an oasis that can quench the thirst of those seeking conversion.

 
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