Catholic Education
Community of Religious Educators Meeting - The next CORE meeting is Thursday, May 19 at 10 AM at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Springfield. The keynote presentation will be given by Fr. Mike Haag and his staff on their approach to preparing students and their families for the Sacrament of Confirmation. His approach has three goals: to evangelize the parents; to give the parents the tools to evangelize their children; and to catechize the confirmandi so that they not only know the faith but can express and share it. St. Paul Street Evangelization will also be included in the presentation. I am also planning to have representatives from Ruah Woods join in via internet to talk about their Theology of the Body curriculum. Lunch is provided. RSVP by May 16 so I can plan food accordingly, , or call (217) 698-8500, ext. 154.
What Does a Truly Accessible Parish Look Like? - When a person is asked if their parish is accessible, one often says ‘yes’ if an elevator or ramp is available. While these items are helpful, they might not help a person who experiences mental illness, sensory needs, or an intellectual disability. When one realizes how broad the category of disability is, parish accessibility can be overwhelming. The National Catholic Partnership on Disability is hosting a webinar on ways parish accessibility needs to be assessed for people of all abilities. Accessibility not only requires physical adaptations, but liturgical and catechetical adaptions as well. By raising awareness, we can see Christ in others as that all members of the Body of Christ truly belong. For more information and to register for the webinar, go to https://oldsite.dio.org/catechesis/special-needs.html.
Adult Confirmation - Bishop Paprocki will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for adults who have been catechized but have not yet been Confirmed on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Details, including suggested formation programs, are posted on the diocesan website at https://oldsite.dio.org/catechesis/adult-confirmation.html. Confirmandi must register for this event by May 15. For more information, contact Kyle Holtgrave in the Office for Catholic Education at (217) 698-8500, ext. 154, or email .