Catholic teaching has long affirmed the inalienable dignity of all people, regardless of ability, but the church’s ministry to people with disabilities is still developing. Lori Weider, the chair of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability’s Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the mother of two adults with disabilities, said, “Nationally, I feel like there’s been a lot of improvement in accepting and welcoming and including people with disabilities, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

Click here to read the entire article.

Jesus as the model accompanist

One way to understand the “art of accompaniment” is to recall the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus is our model as the one who accompanies. The disciples are those seeking something deeper—perhaps freedom from fear or confusion.

You may think you’re not Jesus and won’t be able to accompany seekers in ways that lead them to an encounter with Jesus offering freedom or healing. You’re not alone. No one is born a spiritual accompanist. You become one through the gifts of the Holy Spirit and by practicing holy listening.

Click here to read the complete article from Nick Wagner on TeamInitiatiion.com.

Starting Fresh

The beginning of a new teaching year with your religion class is a promising time. There are new students to meet and an opportunity to share with them your faith in Jesus Christ. You will be preparing material you hope will interest the children, and will motivate them to apply what they are learning into a daily spiritual practice. As a catechist, you hope to see your students share in the same wonder you experience with your Catholic faith.

Click here to read the entire article by HELEN SECRETI

It is with much regret that we are cancelling the upcoming classes Christus Vivit: Exploring Pope Francis Apostolic Exhortation for Young People and  Thomas Merton and Pope Francis: Voices for Change in the Cultures of Unrest. Both classes were scheduled for 7/22 with Tom Malewitz as the presenter.  We hope to be able to reschedule these classes at a later date. 

CERTIFICATE IN THE PRACTICE OF CATECHESIS:

The New Online Certificate Program begins in October 2024

The new Certificate in the Practice of Catechesis provides a holistic educational experience for all leaders in catechetical ministry – integrating personal spiritual growth, leadership formation, and the latest thinking, approaches, and skills for catechesis today.

The Certificate in the Practice of Catechesis is an applied education program, designed to help leaders in catechetical ministry develop and implement vibrant and engaging faith formation with age groups across the life span, with families, and with all generations together.

The Certificate Program is a 12-month online formation program consisting of five courses and a retreat experience. 

To learn more click here.

Our office will be closed July 4 and July 5 for the holiday. Please have a safe and enjoyable holiday and weekend with your family and friends.

All of the classes listed below are preapproved for catechist credit with the Archdiocese of Louisville Ministry Institute. Click here to view the complete list of VLCFF course with ALMI catechist credit information. Registrations for VLCFF courses are completed directly with VLCFF.

• A Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry (YM)
• Autism in Faith Formation (SN 4)
• Basics of Catechist Formation 1.2: Vocation of the Catechist
• Bereavement Ministry: A Christian Perspective
• Bible Basics
• Catechetical Methodology
• Catholic Beliefs
• Catholic Identity and Culture (Sem)
• Christology
• Church History 2
• Conscience
• Ecclesiology: Beginnings of the Church
• Faith and Human Development
• Images of Jesus
• Images of Mary (Sem)
• Introduction to Liturgy
• Introduction to Pastoral Care
• Introduction to Practical Morality
• Introduction to Prayer
• Introduction to Scripture
• Mary in the Liturgical Life of the Church
• Ministry Leadership in the Church Today (Sem)
• New Testament
• Old Testament
• Old Testament Literature and Theology
• On Bended Knee (Sem)
• Our Hearts Were Burning (Sem)
• Pastoral Approach to Culture
• Poverty in the U.S. and Around the World
• Praying With Children
• RCIA: A Process of Conversion, Catechesis and Community
• Roman Catholic Catechesis for Faith Formation
• Sacraments
• Spirituality in Adult Learning and Faith Formation (AFL 6)
• Study of The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium)
• Survey of Catholic Doctrine
• Survey of Catholic Social Teaching
• The Mass
• Theological Reflection: Key to Connecting Faith and Life (Sem)
• Vocation, Spirituality and Discipleship of Catechists