TRAGEDY, SOLIDARITY, FAITH, AND MINISTRY
The tragic events that recently unfolded in Paris, Lebanon, Syria, and other places have raised global consciousness to what Pope Francis called an "unspeakable affront to the dignity of the human person." As professional ministers and faith leaders we must be prepared for the varied reactions and questions raised from the people we serve in our parishes, schools, and communities. Catholic teaching echoes the principles of sacred scripture: mercy, compassion, solidarity, justice, peace, and love. There is no room for hatred in Christian discipleship. In this spirit, our hearts align with the innocent (and their families) -- especially those who bear loss and/or injury. Our prayers cry for a just end to violence and for the grace to be peacemakers.
Needless to say, there is much to be done in the world of discipleship-making.
Events like these remind us that we must be prepared to address emergency situations which can develop at a moment's notice. Therefore, parishes are encouraged to review their disaster management protocols. Weather, fire, evacuation, and lockdown procedures should be familiar to you as well as your catechists and volunteers. Preparedness is as important as prevention. If you need assistance with this let us know and we will get you the help/support you need.
Here is a best practice to help your parish heighten its awareness of its people and surroundings. Create an environment of hospitality. Encourage members of your community to intentionally greet one another and to introduce themselves to anyone they may not know (not just at Mass but anywhere on campus). When everyone does it no one feels awkward or excluded; the practice engages newcomers and long-timers alike. It breeds life into a parish or group. Hats-off to those of you who already do this!
FORMING CONSCIENCE: A CHALLENGE FOR TODAY'S CULTURAL PARADIGM Being a practicing Catholic can be difficult in today's secular "anything goes" culture. This is
especially true for young people who often lack the consistent structures and stability that reinforce the daily living of our faith. As catechetical professionals we strive to influence this process by modeling or apprenticing discipleship. However, conscience formation is a complex reality which is seemingly different than it was in eras gone-by. Consequently, the SEFL-Team and I are pleased to announce an upcoming Catechist Formation Opportunity aimed at helping us understand conscience formation with children and youth. This event (Saturday, January 30th, 2016) will feature Dr. Joseph White, a leading expert on the topic and a longtime catechist formation leader. More details can be found below along with an event flyer for dissemination to your catechists, parents, and other interested adults. The event is free, but registration is required.
The Diocese of Orlando is sending 226 youth and adult chaperones to Indianapolis to participate in the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). Our delegation represents 17 different parishes from our diocese. They will be with thousands of other Catholic youth to learn more about their faith, share in Masses celebrated with dozens of bishops and hundreds of priests, and have a great time!
Please pray for their safe journey on Wednesday and Thursday to Indianapolis, a faith-filled and fun time while they are there, and a safe return home. Thank you for all you have done to support their journey as they grow closer to Christ and respond to his call with "Here I Am Lord · Aquí Estoy Señor."
Catechist Formation Update
UDayton Onsite Courses, 2016
The diocesan initiative to bring UDayton VLCFF courses to local sites in a face-to-face format continues to take shape. (For details of this initiative, see earlier editions of the eBulletin or the diocesan website http://www.orlandodiocese.org/Udayton.) So far five sites have been volunteered and seven facilitators have offered to serve. To volunteer your parish or school as a potential site or to seek more information, please contact Mike Becker (407 246-4912, mbecker@orlandodiocees.org) or Tomas Evans (407 246-4931 or tevans@orlandodiocese.org).
Upcoming Catechist Classes
The December classes are taking enrollment. Register now so you don’t get caught by the Thanksgiving break.
• 106 Catechesis and Liturgy¸12/5/15 at Epiphany,
Port Orange
• 216 Prayer and Spirituality, 12/5/2015 at St. Ann,
DeBary
• 203 Christology, 12/12/15 at Blessed Sacrament,
Clermont.
Visit http://www.orlandodiocese.org//catechist-formation-classes to register.
Catechist Formation DCCP Classes
To Whom: Catechists, Catholic School Teachers, and Catechetical Leaders Cost: $15 Registration Form. Registration: Ten days before the class meets. All registrations are online.
Class Times: Classes are 9:00 am - 4:30 pm except where posted. Contact:mbecker@orlandodiocese.org or (407) 246-4912.
Scheduled Classes through the end of the
2015-2016 academic year shown below:
**Please contact the parish to enroll.
Family Ministry Update
You are invited!
To a gathering of people involved in all aspects of marriage ministry and formation.
Monday: November 30 at 10:00am or 7:00pm In the Courtroom on the 2nd floor of the chancery building
This is an opportunity to gather with marriage ministers around the Diocese for fellowship, sharing and visioning for the future. This gathering is for everyone involved in marriage ministry and formation: Pastors, Pastoral Associates, Family Life ministers, marriage preparation coordinators, FOCCUS couples, Marriage preparation team members, Catechumenate team leaders and Parish Catechetical Leaders.
“Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings.
But I in justice shall behold your face;
on waking, I shall be content in your presence.."
Ps 17:8,15
The Diocesan Calendar is now set up to include all Diocesan events. If you have an event which you would like the rest of the Diocese to know about, submit your event to the Communications Office using the link below. Once processed, your event will end up on the main calendar on the Diocesan website, categorized by ministry.
Use the color coded tabs along the bottom to view events pertaining to a particular ministry. We hope this will aid communication about events between different parish communities. Let us know what you think!
PLEASE READ - IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT We encourage you to update your subscription preferences at the
bottom of the page. Unsubscribing is also an option. Please note that Unsubscribing applies to all communications from the Secretariat, not just the eBulletin and, once selected, can not be reversed.
Dennis L. Johnson, Jr. Secretary, Evangelization & Family Life 407.246.4913
Being a practicing Catholic can be difficult in today's secular "anything goes" culture. This is 
