August 19, 2013, Volume VII, Number 33
FEAST OF SAINT HELENA
Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Feast of Saint Bernard – Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Feast of Saint Pius X – Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Feast of the Queenship of Mary – Thursday, August 22, 2013
Feast of Saint Rose of Lima – Friday, August 23, 2013
Feast of Saint Bartholomew – Saturday, August 24, 2013
YEAR OF FAITH - Oct. 11, 2012, through Nov. 24, 2013
http://www.annusfidei.va/content/novaevangelizatio/en.html
Question of the Week
For Twenty-One Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 25, 2013
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” To what kind of strength do you think Jesus is referring? What kind of strength would be necessary to get through a narrow gate? Does it imply that a person must be strong in will and self-discipline? Does it suggest a strength that comes from fasting and abstinence? What are you doing that will build your spiritual strength?
NCCL News
Jonathan SullivanNamed a Changemakers: 40 Under 40 Class of 2013
This is the opening paragraph in a trade magazine entitled Rejuvenate. Congratulations to Jonathan Sullivan who is one of the forty. In addition to his involvements in NCCL that are listed in the article, Jonathan, is also a member of the 2014 Conference Planning Committee, which will be held in St. Louis in May.
It takes a certain bravery to start an event from scratch, stand up in front of thousands of people to speak, or quit your job and try something else you feel called to do. But people do it. Every day. And they succeed. They succeed because they have support systems around them and they have mentors who guide them along the way. They succeed because they see the impact they’re having in their communities. They succeed because they see ripples of change expanding outside their church, reaching people around the world. They are game-changers, and their drive, ambition and faith in their decisions is admirable. Meet 40 young people altering the future of faith-based events.
Here is the piece on Jonathan. On behalf of the entire NCCL Community, we say CONGRATULATIONS
Jonathan Sullivan, Diocese of Springfield
Director of Catechetical Services
Springfield, Illinois
Age: 33
Slowing down is not an option for this energetic father of six, who, as chair of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership’s Technology Committee and host of the Catechetical Leader podcast, has earned kudos from his audience of older peers as an avidtech enthusiast tempered by a heart of gold. “It’s helpful and engaging to offer people a way of getting over their fear of technology,” says Sullivan, whose M.O. in webinars and speaking events is using evolving techno-tools for the greater religious good. “He is constantly sharing how technology can enhance catechetical ministry,” says Bryan Reising, director, evangelization and catechesis at Diocese of New Ulm, who nominated Sullivan for this year’s 40 Under 40.
Career-Changing Moment: “Giving a TED-style keynote address at the 2012 National Conference of Catechetical Leadership Conference.”
Inspiraton: “The unknown, unsung catechists and educators spreading the Gospel in little ways every day.”
Most Proud of: “My six children. They are my joy and keep me grounded.”
Catechetical Sunday – September 15, 2013
This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 15, 2013, and will focus on the theme Open the Door of Faith. Those whom the community has designated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith.
As in past years, NCCL will sell printed copies of prayer cards, family commitment cards, posters, and certificates in English and Spanish. Check the NCCL website www.NCCL.org for ddmore information on ordering your Catechetical Sunday materials. This year’s reflection journal was edited by Michele Harris and the reflections were written by nine different NCCL members. The reflection book is entitled WELCOME! Open the Door – Pass through the gate – Seek the Christ. Sample pages from each of the writers are available on the NCCL Homepage (www.NCCL.org).
The 2013 NCCL pin represents the theme for Catechetical Sunday "Open the Door of Faith" with a beautiful 3 dimensional effect. The all metal pin is outlined in the same gold as the cross. The Alpha and Omega from the Catechetical Sunday logo are imprinted on the shiny copper doors that open to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ hanging on a gold cross in a brushed copper room. The doors break through the gold outline to enhance the theme, Open the Door of Faith. The Spirit of God in each of us is the agent of the new evangelization and inspires each of us to open our heats and to go forth as catechist and teacher. Help your organization and order your materials from NCCL. Actual pin size is 7/8 inch.
CL Weekly will feature several pieces each week from June 3 – September 16.
This week we feature a:
Teaching Aid by Alan Schreck, PhD, Professor of Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville. His aid is entitled Re-examining the Word of the Second Vatican Council (Hermeneutics of Reform) and can be downloaded from http://tiny.cc/rrdvxw.
Parish Resource by Sr. Catherine Dooley, Professor at Dominican University. Her piece, Catechetical Materials as Faithful Resources for Church Teaching would make an excellent parish bulletin insert and can be downloaded at (http://tiny.cc/0m4uxw).
Family Resources by Karen Ristau, EdD, President, National Catholic Educational Association. Karen’s resource is entitled Catholic Schools: Witness to the Lord: Nurturing the Faith and can be downloaded at http://tiny.cc/yxdvxw.
Retreat by Thérèse Bermpohl, MA, Director, Office for Family Life, Diocese of Arlington. This Advent/Christmas Retreat Forming Families as the True Domestic Church can be downloaded at http://tiny.cc/ggevxw.
Prayer Card (Downloadable) – This Catechist's Prayer can also be downloaded at http://tiny.cc/i2dvxw.
You can download the complete list of FREE Resources which can also be found at http://tiny.cc/263uxw. Be sure to order your Catechetical Sunday materials from NCCL (www.NCCL.org).
Seeking Learning Session Proposals for the 2014 Conference – LAST CHANCE
We Energize our parishes so we can Evangelize the people of all nations (Matthew 28:19) and Catechize the faithful to become faith-filled disciples. NCCL Learning sessions are 75 minutes in length and are designed to engage the participants. As a member-driven organization, NCCL members, chosen as Learning Session presenters, donate their services to the conference. Please read the invitation and complete the Learning Session Proposal Form, which is also found on the homepage of our website (www.NCCL.org). If you have any questions, please email Joanie McKeown, or direct them to NCCL's Executive Director, Lee Nagel.
Pope Asks People to Consider What They Desire Most
Yearning and loving give people the strength to move forward and overcome obstacles, but Christians must ask themselves what really is their hearts' desire, Pope Francis said. "All of us have a desire," the pope said."Pity the person who doesn't have a desire. Desire moves us forward, toward the horizon, and for us Christians that horizon is an encounter with Jesus, who is our life, our joy, our happiness."
Addressing thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square, the pope asked them to think about what Jesus said to his disciples in the Gospel of Luke: "Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. Do you have a heart that desires or a closed heart, a sleeping heart, an anesthetized heart?" the pope asked. "And what, for you, is the most important, most precious thing, that which attracts your heart like a magnet?"
Many people would respond that their family is the most important thing, he said. That's good, but "what is the force that holds your family together? It's love, and the one who sows love in our hearts is God."
Pope Francis told the crowd that God's love gives meaning to all the daily tasks in a Christian's life, and it is what helps people face trials. "To move forward in life with love, with that love that the Lord has sown in our hearts, with the love of God -- that is a true treasure," he said.
Sadlier Offers a FREE Webinar in English and in Spanish – THIS WEEK
Sister Rosa Monique Peña, OP, Consejera nacional de catequesis, William H. Sadlier. Inc. will lead a webinar for catechists. She describes the session by stating that “ Each person has a special brand of spirituality which manifests itself in multiple forms. I will usepersonal anecdotes toreflect on the different stages of spiritual development where we may find our students/children. We, then,will open a conversation on ideas we couldimplementat home or the catechetical setting.” Register for the language you prefer:
· In English, Wednesday, August 21, 7:00 pm EST
Our Spirituality and the Spirituality of Our Students https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/542975398
· In Spanish, Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. EST
Nuestra Epiritualidad y la Espiritualidad de Nuestros Estudiantes https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/510336750
A Certificate of Attendance s offered.
Sister Rosa Monique Peña, OP, Consejera nacional de catequesis at Sadlier, uses her earlier experiences as the Vicaress/Councilor of the Adrian Dominican Sisters and the Director of the Religious Education Department of the Archdiocese of Miami to work with the Latino communications on behalf of Sadlier.
Vatican Museum Launches Exhibit on History of the Popemobile
Inside the Vatican Museum's, there's yet another smaller museum that deals with the history of popemobiles. The so called 'Carriage Pavilion' was created by Pope Paul VI back in 1973.The exhibit covers this unique form of transportation, which have been used by Popes in the past two centuries. The oldest of the chariots is the Grand Gala Berlin used by Leo XII. In 1931, the Papal chariots gave way to motored cars, which is all marked in the Vehicle Registry.
The exhibit covers this unique form of transportation, which have been used by Popes in the past two centuries. The oldest of the chariots is the Grand Gala Berlin used by Leo XII. In 1931, the Papal chariots gave way to motored cars, which is all marked in the Vehicle Registry.
“We have carriages from 1826. Also, the Grand Gala chariot ordered by Pope Leo XII that was made by great Roman carriage makers. The exhibit moves on to the end of the 1800′s and to the start of 1900′s. The Landau carriage would be the last one used by Popes, because soon after the first motored vehicles were used.”
The first motor vehicle rolled into the Vatican soon after the election of Pius XI in the 1920's. “We have the first automobile that came into the Vatican, the first Papal car, which is a grand, American-made Graham Paige, based in Detroit, but which unfortunately no longer exists. So the first car officially used by a Pope is also a very rare car because there are very few models left in the whole world.”
One of the crown jewels in the collection is the Fiat 1107, where John Paul II was shot on May 13, 1981. Of course, it holds great symbolism for the Church. The Papal cars have adapted to the times. After the 1975 jubilee, the Pope used the first “Popemobile,” an all-terrain, white car used to make his way among the crowds. You can watch a two (2) minute video from Rome Reports on Popemobiles (http://tiny.cc/g1ho1w).
USA: 'Angel' Priest Identified
The media in America was full of reports last week of a mystery priest who came to the aid of a seriously injured young woman trapped at the scene of a critical car accident in eastern Missouri. Rescue workers described his arrival as a "miracle" and say that the girl, 19 year old university student Katie Lentz, who had multiple injuries had been fading fast until the priest came and prayed with her. Although more than 70 photographs were taken at the scene, none of them showed a priest, and the workers, and the girl's family were desperate to know who the priest was. The road had been blocked off in a mile in either direction and it did not seem possible that someone could have got to the accident scene unnoticed.
Raymond Reed, fire chief of New London, Missouri, said: "Whether it was an angel that was sent to us in the form of a priest or a priest that became our angel, I don't know Either way, he helped so much." Katie's mother Carla, said emergency workers have told her there was no way her daughter should have lived inside such a mangled car. She said she believed the priest was an angel who had saved her daughter's life.
On Monday afternoon the mystery priest was identified as Father Patrick Dowling, from the Diocese of Jefferson City. Fr Patrick explained that he had been on his way to celebrate Mass when he realise there was an accident ahead. He parked his car and walked 150 yards or so to see whether he could do anything to help. He gave her absolution, anointed her and prayed with her for a short time. Then the rescue workers needed space, so he said: "I stepped to one side and said my rosary silently until the lady was taken from the car - then I left."
He said he admired the way the calm and professional way the team had worked to rescue Katie. "Many people were praying for her there" he said. "What I did was simply part of my duty as a priest."
Search Institute Shares Results From Week One PollsLast week, the Search Institute launched a new month-long web poll to help them learn which "soft skills" parents, educators, and youth program leaders are most interested in helping kids
develop. They will take the results from this informal poll into consideration as they continue
their work in creating research-based surveys that measure the development of noncognitive skills,
as well as in their national initiatives to prioritize and measure these skills. They will also be
providing weekly updates that feature the noncognitive skill that is leading in the poll, and at the
end of the month, they will share the final results with visitors to their websites.
As promised, the results from their first week are in!
This week's leading noncognitive skill is PERSEVERANCE. Perseverance is the capacity to stick to a goal or complete a task despite difficulties. Perseverance is illustrated by qualities like grit, tenacity, delayed gratification, self-discipline, self-control, and passion for long-term goals. You can read more on this topic, see a list of conversation starters on the topic and/or watch the video of Search Institute President and CEO, Kent Pekel talk about perseverance and other interesting findings from the poll results at http://www.search-institute.org/blog/noncognitive-skills-week-one-results
FREE Professional Development Webinar –THIS Tuesday, August 20