Formed In Faith

Weather Cancellations??

Posted on 01/19/2016 by FaithFormation

Please note, that there is the possibility of the coming weather cancelling the workshop for this Saturday.
If this should occur, we will post the cancellation to this page.

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Category: Uncategorized

The issue of The Record dated January 14, 2016 (page 3) contains a large feature on The Name of God is Mercy, which is Pope Francis’s brand new book. Written by Cindy Wooten for the Catholic News Service, the piece in The Record is datelined Vatican City.

Francis Mery Book (1-'16)

The key theme in the book from the Pope is to reach out to stranded, suffering people and help them toward salvation. ‘Take risks to overcome rigidity and prejudice,’ Francis says. ‘Do like Jesus did in order to heal and serve. Build your spiritual credibility in the process.’

The Name of God is Mercy appeared on January 12. Information about the new book was placed, as a scoop, on this Archdiocesan blog — Formed in Faith — just a few days ago (see below).

Year-of-Mercy-Front-Page

Butch Ekstrom Faith-Formation/OLFE

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Category: Uncategorized

Enter the darkness, offer mercy

Posted on 01/12/2016 by FaithFormation

This post first appeared in National Catholic Reporter, under the byline of Joshua J. McElwee, on 10 January 2016. It was titled “Francis pushes for a Church big on mercy, tough on law.”

Francis Mercy

http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/new-interview-francis-pushes-church-big-mercy-tough-law

In a new book, The Name of God is Mercy, Pope Francis describes — via an extended interview with the Italian journalist, Andrea Tornielli — the role of the modern Catholic community: follow Jesus’ example closely and seek to “enter the darkness” in which many of today’s people live.

The book contains Francis’ understanding of mercy and forgiveness and what these things mean to him personally and to the Church.

“We must go back to the Gospel,” he says.

Francis Mery Book (1-'16)

“We need to enter the darkness, the night in which so many of our brothers live. We need to be able to make contact with them and let them feel our closeness (and God’s mercy), without letting ourselves be wrapped up in that darkness and influenced by it.”

Francis talks about those who tie up heavy burdens and lay them on other men’s shoulders, but who are unwilling to move so much as a finger. These hypocrites love the place of honor and want to be called master, he adds.

“This conduct comes when a person loses the sense of awe for salvation that has been granted to him or her.”

Regarding those who rely on clericalism and moral rigidity, opposites to God’s mercy, Francis notes that he has thought that a few very rigid people would do well to slip a little, so that they could remember that they are sinners and thus meet Jesus.

Butch Ekstrom

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Category: Uncategorized

Upcoming Jan. and Feb. Catechist Courses

Posted on 01/12/2016 by FaithFormation

Christology (Introduction)
Dates: Thursday, February 18, 2016
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Ascension School
Presenter: Art Turner, Director of Faith Formation, Archdiocese of Louisville
Cost: $10.00 (check payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Lynn McDaniel at lmcdaniel@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1314
Catechist Credit: 2.5 hours applies toward the Associate Level in the content area of Introduction to Christology or 2.5 hours applies toward Theology in the content area of Christology

This class is an introduction study of the Christian understanding of the person of Jesus and the impact it has on one’s practices.

Development of the Church I
Date: Tuesday, January 12 or Thursday, January 14, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Tuesday, St. Agnes (St. Aloysius Hall) or
Thursday, Our Lady of Lourdes (Professional Team Room)
Presenter: Art Turner, Director of Faith Formation, Archdiocese of Louisville
Cost: $10.00 (check payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Lynn McDaniel at
lmcdaniel@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1314
Catechist Credit: 2.5 hours applies toward Theology in the area of Church

This is a study of the development of the Church and the mutual impact of history on the development of tradition.

Development of the Church II
Date: Tuesday, January 26 or Thursday, January 28, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Tuesday, St. Agnes (St. Aloysius Hall) or
Thursday, Our Lady of Lourdes (Professional Team Room)
Presenter: Art Turner, Director of Faith Formation, Archdiocese of Louisville
Cost: $10.00 (check payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Lynn McDaniel at
lmcdaniel@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1314
Catechist Credit: 2.5 hours applies toward Theology in the area of Church

This is a study of the development of the Church and the mutual impact of history on the development of tradition.

Images of God
Date: Tuesday, February 23 or Thursday, February 25, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Tuesday, St. Agnes (St. Aloysius Hall) or
Thursday, Our Lady of Lourdes (Professional Team Room)
Presenter: Tom Malewitz, Theology Teacher, St. Xavier High School
Cost: $10.00 (check payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Lynn McDaniel at
lmcdaniel@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1314
Catechist Credit: 2.5 hours applies toward the Associate Level or Theology in the area of Spirituality

This class is an exploration into both the personal and communal images of God and how they impact our sense of community and ministry.

Introduction to Scripture
Dates: Thursday, January 14, 2016
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Ascension School
Presenter: Art Turner, Director of Faith Formation, Archdiocese of Louisville
Cost: $10.00 (check payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Lynn McDaniel at lmcdaniel@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581, ext. 1314
Catechist Credit: 2.5 hours applies toward the Associate Level in the content area of Introduction to Scripture or 2.5 hours applies toward Theology in the content area of Scripture

This class explores the Catholic understanding of Scripture and the meanings of inspiration and revelation.

Justice Workshop: “Solidarity with the Poor”
Date: Saturday, January 23, 2016
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Cathedral of the Assumption Undercroft
Presenters: Various Presenters
Cost: $25 (includes lunch) (check payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Lynn McDaniel at
lmcdaniel@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1314
Catechist Credit 7 hours applies toward Theology in the content area of Justice

This is an experiential workshop focusing on the Gospel call to serve the least in our community and to experience God in the poor.

Lenten/Spring Retreat Day: Living the Jubilee Year of Mercy: An Invitation to Embrace the Paschal Mystery
Date: Saturday, February 13, 2016
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Flaget Center
Presenter: Art Turner, Director of Faith Formation, Archdiocese of Louisville
Cost: $25.00 (includes lunch) (check payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Lynn McDaniel at
lmcdaniel@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1314
Catechist Credit: 6 hours applies toward Spiritual Formation

Pope Francis has asked the Church to reflect on how we are to live the call to be people of mercy. How are we being asked to die to self in order to be the people of mercy that God is calling us to be? What do I need to “let go” of in myself in order to have the courage to be merciful and the humility to receive mercy in return?

Multicultural Ministry
Date: Tuesday, February 9 or Thursday, February 11, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Tuesday, St. Agnes (St. Aloysius Hall) or
Thursday, Our Lady of Lourdes (Professional Team Room)
Presenter: The Office of Multicultural Ministry
Cost: $10.00 (check payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Lynn McDaniel at
lmcdaniel@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1314
Catechist Credit: 2.5 hours applies toward Theology in the area of Culture/Diversity

This is a study of the many cultures that are part of the Church today and what that means to us as a community.

Category: Uncategorized Tags: Faith Formation, Justice Workshop, Upcoming Courses

Want millennials back in your pews? Stop trying to make church ‘cool’

Posted on 01/08/2016 by FaithFormation

Mills in Pews

By Rachel Held Evans April 30, 2015

Ms. Evans is a blogger and the author of the book Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church.

“. . . Many churches have sought to lure millennials back by focusing on style points: cool bands, hip worship, edgy programming, impressive technology. Yet while these aren’t inherently bad ideas and might in some cases be effective, they are not the key to drawing millennials back to God. Young people don’t simply want a better show. And trying to be cool might be making things worse.”

In this very good article, from the Washington Post, a young adult author explains why people in her generational group (millennials, Generation Y) often get turned off by church congregations that try to be too cool, too trendy in worship, overly hip and edgy in technology and music. And there are others who recoil in Christian communities that come across as too ‘judgmental’ and ‘hypocritical.’

Evans notes that her peers are less likely to abandon ship and walk away when they find a church community that is truly inclusive; displays honesty and authenticity in communication among congregants; offers meaningful sacraments and prayer experiences; and helps young adults feel less lonely.

Want to know more? Read on. It’s good.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/jesus-doesnt-tweet/2015/04/30/fb07ef1a-ed01-11e4-8666-a1d756d0218e_story.html

Butch Ekstrom BEkstrom@archlou.org

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Category: Uncategorized

Happy Three Kings Day!

Posted on 01/06/2016 by FaithFormation

History of 3 Kings Day – Epiphany
Ruth M. Reichmann

Lovers of carols and Christmas parties know that this season has 12 days, packed with golden rings, calling birds and various kinds of gentry, musicians and domestic workers. December 25 is Christmas – and 25 minus 12 does equal 13. Do the math and you will see why shopping malls, newspapers, television networks, and other cultural fortresses annually deliver some kind of “Twelve Days of Christmas” blitz, beginning on December 13.

Problem is that for centuries church calendars in the East and the West have agreed that there are twelve days of Christmas and they begin on Christmas Day and end on January 6.

The twelve days of Christmas end with the Feast of Epiphany also called “The Adoration of the Magi” or “The Manifestation of God.” Celebrated on January 6, it is known as the day of the Three Kings (or wise men/magi): Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. According to an old legend based on a Bible story, these three kings saw, on the night when Christ was born, a bright star, followed it to Bethlehem and found there the Christchild and presented it with gold, frankincense and myrrh.

To continue with this article click here.

Other links for Three King’s Day:
http://catholicsma.com/three-kings-day/
https://www.pinterest.com/apunamatata/three-kings-day/
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=49
http://nowstar.net/god/prayers/three-kings.htm
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/epiphany

Category: Uncategorized Tags: 12th Night, Epiphany, January 6, Three Kings Day

December 27: Celebrate a Jubilee in Your Household

Posted on 12/17/2015 by FaithFormation

“Christian families, make the threshold of your homes a sign of the Door of Mercy and welcome from God.” –Pope Francis, 11.18.15

The Jubilee of Families, one of the moments of the year-long Jubilee of Mercy, will take place on Sunday December 27, 2015, the feast of the Holy Family.

Here are some resources and suggestions, for your family, for the Jubilee day of December 27 — or for any other time during the Jubilee year.

Resources from the Vatican

The Pontifical Council for the Family has prepared a brief resource for families to use as they enter through the Holy Door in their diocese. This resource includes quotes from Pope Francis’s Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy for families to reflect on. It also provides an opportunity for the family to express their gratitude to each other, invites family members to offer and seek forgiveness from each other, and finishes with a family commitment to serve the poor when returning home. The text is available as a PDF in English here and in Spanish here. (Note that this ritual could be used at any point during the Jubilee of Mercy.)

Suggestions from the U.S. Catholic Bishops

Go to confession as a family. (Visit this page for resources on preparing for and understanding the Sacrament of Penance.)
Pray together one of the great penitential psalms, like Psalm 51 or Psalm 143. Listen, along with reflections, at this page.
Learn about the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Discuss as a family which works of mercy are the most difficult, the most appealing, etc. Decide as a family on one work of mercy to do together during the Jubilee of Mercy.
Read the monthly Meditations On Mercyprovided by the USCCB.
Have each family member to seek and receive forgiveness from other family. Pope Francis calls the word “I’m sorry” one of the three “magic words” in a family’s life (along with “thank you” and “may I”); from his audience of 4.2.14.
Spend time in prayer for a relationship that needs forgiveness and healing, asking the Holy Spirit for insight on how to reconcile with that person.
Read this article about forgiveness together — then discuss it.

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Category: Uncategorized

Spring 2016 Catalogue

Posted on 12/09/2015 by FaithFormation

Click image to view the Catalogue.

Category: Uncategorized Tags: Catalogue, Faith Formation, Spring 2016

Step Into the Jubilee Year of Mercy

Posted on 12/08/2015 by FaithFormation

Welcome to the beginning of the Year of Mercy in the global Catholic community.

Catholics have long been called to recognize the universal hunger for forgiveness and mercy; to consciously seek God’s mercy; and to act mercifully– in all ways — to others, just as the Creator is merciful without question or limit.

An official Year of Mercy, when celebrated periodically by the Church, offers believers a variety of prayers, rituals, and spiritual practices to do such things.
Individuals and communities can offer signs of goodness, love, forgiveness, and mercy to others in countless ways. These gestures are symbolic of the boundless care that the Creator has for all.

In particular, though, Catholics speak of seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy. The corporal works relate to the physical or bodily needs of human beings. The spiritual works relate more specifically to the needs of the human soul.

The gospel roots of these moral ‘works’ stem from the ministry and witness of Jesus of Nazareth. Two particular passages from the Gospel of Matthew allude to the import of doing mercy. In Matthew 5, 3-10, Jesus teaches on the spirit of the Beatitudes. Then, in Matthew 25, 31-46, Christ reveals the works of mercy essential to living the Gospel fully.

The Second Vatican Council taught that doing the various Christian works of mercy – on one’s own or with companions — affords the world a striking testimony regarding virtuous life and discipleship in action.

The Corporal Works of Mercy
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick and those in prison
Give to the poor Bury the dead

The Spiritual Works of Mercy
Counsel the doubtful
Instruct the ignorant
Admonish the sinner
Comfort the sorrowful
Forgive injuries
Bear wrongs patiently
Pray for the living and the dead