Rachel Held Evans is a blogger and the author of “Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church.”
Formed In Faith
Sharing the Word through Faith Formation, Archdiocese of Louisville
VBS 2015
Summer is here and that means parish vacation bible school programs are in the final planning stages! Below is a list of vacation bible schools that will be occurring this summer in the Archdiocese of Louisville.
Updated 6/12/15
June Offerings
June is going to be an eventful month in Faith Formation. Listed below are just some of our happenings. To view the entire summer catalog with all our events click here.
To register for courses contact Linda McLemore, (502-448-8581, Ext. 1324), or use our new online registration.
RCIA Team Day: Coming Fully Alive: Conversion in the RCIA
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2015
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: St. Stephen Martyr Parish (Weiker Room -3105 Greenup Rd.)
Presenters: Michael Marchal
Cost: $25.00 (includes lunch) (checks payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Linda McLemore at
email lmclemore@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1324
Catechist Credit: 4.5 hours applies toward Catechetics
What do we mean by “conversion”? Can we recognize how and when it emerges? Michael Marchal will help us to identify the multiple aspects of conversion and ponder how a living faith takes root and develops. In the morning, we will explore the various components of the conversion process and examine how they are at work in our own lives and in the lives of catechumens and candidates. In the afternoon, we will examine the liturgical rites from the same conversion perspective.
An Introduction to Dei Verbum: The Vatican II Constitutional Document on Scripture
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Flaget Center
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 Linda McLemore at
email lmclemore@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1324
Catechist Credit: 3 hours applies toward Theology in the content area of Catholic Beliefs and Practices
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Vatican II, this session is designed especially for all religious educators, as a resource for truly understanding our call as Catholics educators in the era of the New Evangelization. The text of the constitutional documents of Vatican II has influenced our lives, but what does it say in its own words, and how do we faithfully live that in our time? This workshop is designed to lay the foundations to answer such questions and offer a deeper insight into the role of the laity in the New Evangelization.
Living the Paschal Mystery: Engaging in the Intimacy of Christ’s Love
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Flaget Center
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 Linda McLemore at
email lmclemore@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1324
Catechist Credit: 3 hours toward Catechetics
This course will offer topics for teachers to assist adolescents to understand and actively engage the Paschal Mystery in their lives. Primarily, geared for freshmen and sophomore “Paschal Mystery” course in the USCCB revised curriculum framework. Topics will also be able to be applied to help any teen engage in active participation in the mystery of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ in Scripture and daily life.
Disciple Power: Nurturing Young Disciples to Live Their Faith
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Flaget Center
Presenter: Nancy Bird, RCL Benziger
Cost: $25.00 (includes lunch) (check payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Linda McLemore at
email lmclemore@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1324
Catechist Credit: 5 hours applies toward Catechetics
Youth are plugged in and powered up! What can we do to help them develop skills, practice habits and strengthen their faith to live as disciples of Jesus in today’s world? Join us for a lively and practical workshop to help your learners grow in their relationship with Jesus, accept the demands of discipleship, and choose each day to live as disciples!
Presenter: Ms. Nancy Bird is a Catechetical Consultant and Northeast USA Division Manager of the RCL-Benziger Religion Publishers (www.RCLBenziger.com ). Ms. Bird regularly leads catechetical workshops at the L.A. Religious Education Conference, the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coat Religion Conferences, and other diocesan and regional events.
Engagement and Practice: Using Technology Effectively within Religious Education
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Flaget Center
Presenter: Tom Malewitz, Theology Teacher, St. Xavier High School
Cost: $20.00 (check payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Linda McLemore at
email lmclemore@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1324
Catechist Credit: 6 hours toward Catechetics
This two-part session is designed primarily for high school educators to learn, discuss, and apply effective practices of using technology to the religious education curriculum. The first part of the session will focus on effective practices for better and more engaging student involvement in course materials, while the second part will offer educators time to design and present a short lesson for peer critique.
Catholic Social Teachings Coming Alive
Date: Monday, June 22, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Flaget Center
Presenter: Lucio Caruso, Director of Mission at Catholic Charities and Staff from Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services
Cost: $25.00 (includes lunch) (checks payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Linda McLemore at
email lmclemore@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1324
Catechist Credit: 3 hours applies toward Theology in the content area of Justice and 2 hours in Catechetics
As Pope Francis continues to call all members of the Church to be missionary disciples in the world, we as catechists have a special responsibility to prepare and form those we catechize in taking up the Pope’s challenge…
This class will provide a solid foundation for understanding Catholic Social Teaching, and explore creative methods for sharing this dynamic part of our Catholic Tradition. We will also provide an array of resources for you to easily access, and help you find ways for Catholic Social Teaching to come alive for those you teach. Best practices will also be shared with you.
Visioning Marriage and Family Today
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Flaget Center
Presenters: Sue Brodfehrer, Executive Director for Family Ministries, Archdiocese of Louisville and Maureen Larison, Consultant for Adult Formation and Initiation, Archdiocese of Louisville
Cost: $10.00 (checks payable to ALMI)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Linda McLemore at
email lmclemore@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1324
Catechist Credit: 3 hours applies toward Theology in the content area of Family Life
The session will address:
* A Christian understanding of marriage and family and what distinguishes it from society’s understanding
* Today’s challenges to marriage and family
* Our role as teachers and catechists
Catechist Retreat: The Joy of Vocation
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Church of the Epiphany Parish (Lighthouse)
Presenters: Ginny Schaeffer, Director of the Angela Merici Center for Spirituality
Cost: $25.00 (check payable to ALMI) (includes lunch)
Registration: Register prior to class to insure class availability. Contact Linda McLemore at
email lmclemore@archlou.org or (502) 448-8581 ext. 1324
Catechist Credit: 6 hours applies toward Spiritual Formation
Vocation is the place where your joy meets the world’s deep needs. -Frederick Buechner
Ministry can be filled with moments of deep gladness and satisfaction. Likewise, it can be frustrating, time and energy consuming, aggravating and not anything like we might have imagined. During moments like this, how do we not lose the joy promised by Jesus? By staying rooted in our true self and purpose. When we are rooted in the truth of self and purpose we will experience the “joy of the Lord” that gives us strength and that no one can take away.
During this retreat you will be invited to explore, to root yourself in and nurture the truth of who you are and the purpose of your life. Elements of this retreat will include song, prayer, reflection, poetry, silence and group sharing.
Ginny Schaeffer is currently the director of the Angela Merici Center for Spirituality, a ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, and a spiritual director. She has extensive experience directing retreats, facilitating workshops and days of prayer/reflection for a variety of groups. Ginny brings to these settings a holistic point of view, a strong sense of humor and a down-to-earth approach to spirituality. Her great joy is encouraging and empowering others to become the people they are created and to be and to live their true purpose through contemplation, prayer and a healthy Christian spirituality.
RCIA TEAM DAY JUNE 13, 2015
Coming Fully Alive: Conversion in the RCIA
June 13, 2015 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
St. Stephen Martyr, Weiker Room
3105 Greenup Road
Louisville, KY 40217
Cost: $25.00 per person (includes lunch)
What do we mean by “conversion”? Can we recognize how and when it emerges? Michael Marchal will help us to identify the multiple aspects of conversion and ponder how a living faith takes root and develops.
In the morning, we will explore the various components of the conversion process and examine how they are at work in our own lives and in the lives of catechumens and candidates. In the afternoon, we will examine the liturgical rites from the same conversion perspective.
Michael H. Marchal holds degrees from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Fordham University in New York City. He is a retired high school teacher of more than forty years, most of those at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati. During that time he has been involved with worship at Bellarmine Chapel at Xavier University and has served a term on the Archdiocese of Cincinnati worship commission. He has published numerous articles on education and on liturgy and three books: Parish Funerals (Liturgy Training Publications, 1987); Adapting the Liturgy: Creative Ideas for the Church Year (Resource Publications, Inc., 1989); and The Spirit at Work: Conversion and the RCIA (World Library Publications, 2010). Michael’s hobby is cooking, and he enjoys exploring a wide range of cuisines.
To register, see the form below or contact Linda McLemore.
For additional information, please contact Maureen Grisanti Larison by email or at (502) 448-8581, ext. 1308.
Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Louisville, Office of Lifelong Formation and Education
Religiously Unaffiliated Outnumbering Catholics In Recent Poll
A Pew research study in religious practices, in the U.S. today, shows a drop off in those who self-identify as Christians, losing 8 percent since 2007 (-3.1% among Catholics). Still, Christians make up 70 percent of the country’s religious individuals. Meanwhile those that identify with no religion (the “nones”) has grown larger, eclipsing some mainstream groups such as Roman Catholics.
What’s it all mean? Listen to this short, lively interview.
The Source: Religiously Unaffiliated Outnumbering Catholics In Recent Poll
End of the Year PCL Luncheon
Our Retirees: Sr. Marian, Sr. Betty, Diane, Tom, Jan, Sr. Mary Caroline, Sr. Ann
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- The Sign of Peace during our opening prayer.
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- We played Arch Lou Jeopardy.
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- PCLs were treated to relaxing massages.
“It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes.”
—St. Thomas Aquinas
Author Calls for Formation to Meet Challenge of Social Media
(Dreamstime)
We have seen how the use of a simple hashtag can set hearts on fire. Think about the influence of #JeSuisCharlie, #ICantBreathe and #ArabSpring. The power of digital communication is a promise and a threat, a technological wonder and a ticking time bomb.
In Connected Toward Communion: The Church and Social Communication in the Digital Age, author Daniella Zsupan-Jerome acknowledges the unbounded nature of the Internet. “Contributions range freely from the socially conscious Ushahidi to the lolcat, from expert commentary to memes, from words of affirmation to vile comments. It is no longer plausible to imagine an ethical code of conduct that could rein all these in.”
Interactive Web 2.0 technology has allowed the roles of audience and author to merge, and any hope of civility or community must rise from within. The Catholic church has long been conscious of the need for policies regarding the mass media. Church leaders, especially since the Second Vatican Council, have grappled with the problems and potential of what they refer to as “social communication.”
Click here to read the complete article.
CONNECTED TOWARD COMMUNION: THE CHURCH AND SOCIAL COMMUNICATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE
By Daniella Zsupan-Jerome
Published by Liturgical Press, $17.95
Want millennials back in the pews? Stop trying to make church ‘cool.’
(John Jay Cubuay/for The Washington Post)
Bass reverberates through the auditorium floor as a heavily bearded worship leader pauses to invite the congregation, bathed in the light of two giant screens, to tweet using #JesusLives. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts in from the lobby, where you can order macchiatos and purchase mugs boasting a sleek church logo. The chairs are comfortable, and the music sounds like something from the top of the charts. At the end of the service, someone will win an iPad.
This, in the view of many churches, is what millennials like me want. And no wonder pastors think so. Church attendance has plummeted among young adults. In the United States, 59 percent of people ages 18 to 29 with a Christian background have, at some point, dropped out. According to the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, among those of us who came of age around the year 2000, a solid quarter claim no religious affiliation at all, making my generation significantly more disconnected from faith than members of Generation X were at a comparable point in their lives and twice as detached as baby boomers were as young adults.
In response, many churches have sought to lure millennials back by focusing on style points: cooler bands, hipper worship, edgier 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 in a lasting and meaningful way. Young people don’t simply want a better show. And trying to be cool might be making things worse.
Click here to read the entire article.
R.I.P. Deacon Thomas Box
We mourn the passing of Deacon Box, husband of the Parish Catechetical Leader, Mrs. Becky Box, at St. Bartholomew Parish.
Thomas Edward Box
Thomas Edward Box 68, passed away April 21, 2015.
Born in Bremerton, WA on October 17, 1946, Tom was a son of the late Thomas E. Box and Margaret Mann.
Also preceding him in death were a brother Clifford Burk and a brother-in-law Tony Ferguson.
He attended and was a graduate of DuPont Manual High School and in 1997 received his BS from Indiana University Southeast.
Tom worked 25 years for Bell South and 15 years with Acuative. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Louisville in 1984, and was assigned to Resurrection Church and presently assigned to both St. Bartholomew and St. Ignatius Parishes. He served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Survivors include his wife, Mary E. “Becky” VonBokern Box; three sons, Shannon Box (Brittany), Greg VonBokern and Jamie Box; his little buddy “Kirby”; four grandchildren, Zoe, Shane, Joe and Jacob Box; and four sisters, Sharon Ferguson, Vonda Lockhart (Leland), Velva Thomas (Joe) and Patricia Glotzbach (Chalk). Tom is also survived by several nieces, nephews and their children; a host of family and friends, most especially are the parishioners of St. Bartholomew.
A Mass of Chrisitian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at St. Bartholomew.
Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Bartholomew Church or to SEAM, 6500 Six Mile Lane, Louisville, KY 40218.
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/louisville/obituary.aspx?pid=174718268#sthash.4u9uPQBE.dpuf
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