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Resources for Catechist Formation - The University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) offers a variety of online formation courses to help with catechist formation and general ongoing adult formation and enrichment. Registration for Cycle 5 of the VLCFF is open from June 1 to July 13. This cycle runs from July 18 – August 21, 2022. You do not have to wait until Cycle 1 to start – courses can be taken at any time. Visithttps://oldsite.dio.org/catechesis/approved-formation-programs.htmfor more information about VLCFF and how courses align with the Diocesan Catechist Formation Process. As a member diocese of the VLCFF program, session fees are reduced to $50 per course or $40 per seminar. Spanish language courses are available. And VLCFF has several certificate programs, too. Contact Kyle Holtgrave, Director for Catechesis in the Office for Catholic Education, , for complete details.
Build a Church Lego Contest! - Catholic Times is excited to announce its Build a Church Lego Contest for young children through high school living in our diocese. If you click on the Bulletin Annoucements link of this Parish Link, you will find a bulletin annoucement and flyer available to help promote this fun contest. Parishes/schools are also invited to think of ways to help families obtain Legos or maybe even have a building day at their parish. Parishes could also have all the children who build a Lego church put it on display in their vestibule or other area during a period of time. Thank you!
Corpus Christi procession photos/Eucharist photos - The feast day of Corpus Christi will be celebrated June 19. This day also kicks off the nationwide Eucharistic Revival. Please send Catholic Times photos of your eucharistic processions by submitting them via this link: https://form.jotform.com/210028891044147
On that note, please send any related eucharistic photos your parish captures during these years so we can share them (photos of the consecration, adoration, children receiving communion, etc.)
The §550 Principal Place of Work Policy sets the expectation that all employees shall generally work in person while specifying the exceptions to this general policy, as well as the procedures and requirements of the same.
The §277 Policy Prohibiting The Use Of Social Media By Clergy In Connection To Violations Of The Sixth Commandment Of The Decalogue prohibits certain activities of the clergy in relation to social media.
Video series on the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit - DRE's, PSR teachers, Catholic School teachers, priests, and parish staff are invited to use a new video series on the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit produced by the Communications Office in conjunction with Fr. Mike Haag of our diocese. This series, hosted by Dr. Kevin Vost of our diocese, explains each gift in a real and digestible way that will help children and parents better understand the power of each of the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is our hope parents watch this series with their children, however, teachers of our faith at our schools and parishes can also utilize this series in their classrooms. Here is a link to the playlist. It is also located at dio.org/confirmation We will send a reminder about this series at the beginning of next school year as well.
Missionary Cooperative Program: Just a reminder to send the dates your cooperative missionary will be visiting your parish to the Office for the Missions. Please email the dates to Cindy at .
Send Donations to Office for the Missions: As we near the end of the fiscal year, if your parish has any outstanding mission donations (Rice Bowl, World Mission Sunday, Missionary Co-Op, Catholic Home Missions, Missionary Childhood Association) please send these funds to the Office for the Missions. If you have any questions, contact Cindy Callan, 217-321-1137.
DCJH Donations: As we near the end of the fiscal year, if your parish has any outstanding donations for the Diocesan Campaign for Justice and Hope (DCJH), please send these funds to the diocesan finance office. If you have any questions, contact Cindy Callan, 217-321-1137.
Dobbs Ruling Trigger: The Supreme Court ruling for the Dobbs vs Jackson Women’s Health Organization may be a “trigger” and cause stress and anxiety for men and women who have experienced abortions. For nearly half a century of legalized abortion many women, men, and families have suffered from the aftermath of abortion experiences. Recognizing this pain and loss,
· Proclaim God’s mercy after abortion and compassionately accompany women and men who are suffering after an abortion.
· Refer women and men to our diocesan abortion healing ministry, Project Rachel Ministry, so these women and men receive forgiveness, healing, and spiritual renewal through Christ’s infinite mercy.
· Make your parish what Pope Francis calls “islands of mercy in a sea of indifference” by raising Catholic awareness of the great struggle involved in an abortion, and the guilt, pain, and grief that follow.
Preparations for End of Roe: Guidance to prepare for the U.S. Supreme Court's upcoming decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization might be put to use.
· State Abortion Law Landscape Post-Roe
· Pray for Dobbs prayer and fasting campaign (The website and resources are for public use.)
· Communications Strategy and Approaches
· Diocesan Lay Communicators Overview
· Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization: Top-Line Messaging
· Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization: What to Say and How to Say It
· Ensure our Catholic parishes are places of welcome for women facing challenging pregnancies or who find it difficult to care for their children after birth, so that any mother needing assistance will receive life-affirming support and be connected to appropriate programs and resources where she can get help.
· Help Catholics recognize the needs of pregnant and parenting moms in their communities, enabling parishioners to know these mothers, to listen to them, and to help them obtain the necessities of life for themselves and their children.
· Be witnesses of love and life by expanding and improving the extensive network of comprehensive care including pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, and Catholic health care and social service agencies.
· Proclaim with a clear and united voice that our society can and must protect and care for both women and their children.
· Redouble our advocacy for laws that ensure the right to life for unborn children and that no mother or family lacks the basic resources needed to care for their children, regardless of race, age, immigration status, or any other factor.
· Continue to support and advocate for public policies and programs directed toward building up the common good and fostering integral human development, with a special concern for the needs of immigrants and low-income families.
Project Rachel Resources: For resources to prepare a homily on post-abortive healing, and for information to have available in the confessional, contact the Office for Pro-Life Activities, Missions, and Special Ministries at , or 217-321-1161.
Religious Freedom Celebration: Celebrate our Religious Freedom – Sunday, June 26, 10:00 am Mass, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 East Lawrence Ave, Springfield. Panel discussion follows Mass in the Atrium addressing the intersection of faith and law.