the flameac47c81d2fd43d445875-42b9739ed74a52bd096aec1d76ef96c6.r34.… · we still have openings...
TRANSCRIPT
The FlameThe FlameSt. Jude Catechist and Volunteer Newsletter
September 2019
Dear Catechists and Volunteers,
Welcome back to another year of Family Faith Formation at St. Jude! We are gratefulthat you have answered God's call to minster to the children and families of St. Jude! A
special welcome to all new catechists and volunteers!
Our Kick-Off Meeting is on Monday, September 9th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Youwill receive your Catechist Folder and textbook at this meeting. We will also
be going over policies and procedures. If you are unable to make thismeeting, please call Sarah or Katie to make other arrangements to pick-up
your materials.That same night, we will hold New Catechist Training from 8:00 - 9:00 pm. All first
year catechists are asked to attend. We will dive deeper into the resources andmaterials we give you. If you are a returning catechist, you are welcome to stay for a
refresher!
At our meeting, we will go over important information for the upcoming year. After ourmeeting, please take time to read your catechist and volunteer handbook. Even if you
are a returning catechist, please review our policies and procedures. We want toensure a safe and positive year for everyone!
All volunteers must complete a new DCFS form. If you need any additional paperwork,Katie and Sarah will reach out to you.
Please return your paperwork to the office as soon as possible.
We still have openings for catechists and classroom aides. Please spread the word andinvite someone you know to be a catechist or aide. Being a classroom aide is a great
opportunity for Junior High and High School teens!
Please submit your Today at a Glance and Materials Requests3-5 days before your session. These can be submitted at the Catechist Website at
the link belowClick Here for Catechist Website
Today At a Glance is a newsletter written by the catechist that is given to families atthe end of your session. It is our way of connecting with parents as they teach the restof each unit at home. The newsletter lets them know what the children learned in class,then gives suggestions for teaching the next two chapters. A "How to Write a Today Ata Glance" and sample newsletters are available in the Catechist drop box (see below).
Faith Formation provides many materials you might need for class, such asconstruction paper, crayons, videos, etc. We can also make copies of worksheets.
Since we have so many volunteers and families, please submit theseMaterials Requests ahead of your session.
In this edition of "The Flame", you will find our session dates, the link to the Dropbox(which contains all of your catechist materials), a summary of what will be covered in
the Parent session, announcements and events for catechists, information onupcoming St. Jude events, and the contact information for the Catechist Mentor and
Special Needs Catechist.
You are always in our prayers. We thank God each day that you are in our lives.Please let us know if there is anything you need.
God Bless!
Sarah & Katie
September Session DatesSunday A
September 15th
10:15 - 11:45 am
Tuesday ASeptember 17th
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Wednesday ASeptember 18th
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Sunday BSeptember 22nd
10:15 - 11:45 am
Tuesday BSeptember 24th
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Wednesday BSeptember 25th
6:00 - 7:30 pm
If you are in need of a sub, please let us know right away!
Link to Dropbox!
Click the link below to explore catechist lesson plans, theclassroom media guide, and much, much more!
In the media guide, you will find links to great online resourcesfrom YouTube channels to classroom blogs!
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fo567fgfvjfv1s2/AABWKjoJLbpaDvbAkY8sl3ara?dl=0
New For You in the Dropbox
Over this summer, we updated theresources available for you in theDropbox. A BIG THANK YOU to LaurenPearson, Kelly Phelps, and Krista Larsonfor their help in updating the lesson plansfor Grades 1-4! We have also includednew resources for helping you write yourToday at a Glance Newsletter and tips forcreating a prayer space in yourclassroom.
Children feel more welcomed and
Textbooks will be given out tostudents at your September
session.DO NOT LABEL ALL BOOKS -please only label books forchildren who are present in
class.Please return any unused books
and labels for absent children to theFaith Formation workroom
after class.
special when you are able to call
them by name! For the first class,
we will provide labels in your supply
bin. We encourage you to create
your own reusable name tags. You
can use table tents, name badges,
etc. Please let us know if you need
assistance or suggestions.
Our Topic This Month is REVELATION God wants us to know him, to be in relationship with him, to grow closer to
him.
God reveals himself to us through creation, in Word, in Sacred Scripture and
Sacred Tradition, and most especially through his Son,
Jesus Christ.
Each grade will approach Revelation in a different way. Please contact Katie or
Sarah if you are looking for suggestions of stories, videos, or activities
for your grade level.
As catechists, sharing your own faith is one way you can reveal God to the
children. Talking about your own relationship with God helps the children
to know God in a new way.
Connecting With Catechists
Have you completed theConnecting With Catechists
Interview?Click here to complete the interview.
Please complete by your Septembersession date.Thank you!
CATECHIST ONGOINGFORMATION HOURS
Each year, the Joliet Dioceserequires every catechist toparticipate in and report a
minimum of 6 hours of activitiesthat help you to strengthen yourpersonal relationship with Jesus.
Remember - you cannot pour froman empty cup! Nurturing your own
spiritual health is important!
If it helped you to grow closer in your relationship with God, it counts!
UPCOMINGFORMATION
OPPORTUNITIES
Disciples Making DisciplesFormational Training for Catechists
When: Saturday, September 7thTime: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Holy Trinity ChurchWestmont, IL
This 4 hour training counts towardyour on-going formation and isgreat for new catechists. Learnmore about your faith and gain
confidence in your role as acatechist. Great resources
provided!
SAVE THE DATE
Catechist Day of Formation:Saturday, October 19th
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
From Mass to Mission:Understanding the Mass andHow It Shapes Us to Live as
Disciples of Christ
Guest Speaker Joyce DonahueMass with Fr. Burke Masters
Hot Breakfast will be served!
Other dates available throughoutthe year.
Click Here to Register.
Counts toward yourOn-Going Formation Hours
Upcoming Events at St. Jude!(Please suggest one or more of these events to
families in your Today at a Glance!)
Pray Day at the ParkSunday, September 29th
10:00 AM
Join us immediately following the9:00 am Mass at the St. Jude
Playground. This event is great for
Ministry TrainingMinisters of Holy Communion
Tuesday, September 10th orThursday, September 19th at 7 pm
in The Church
preschool and kindergarten agechildren and their families. We will
explore a fun introduction to creativekid prayer then let families get to
know one another!This is a great Explore 4 Event!
ReadersTuesday, September 24th at 7 pm
in The Church
Welcome Deacon SarfrazAlam, OSA!
Deacon Sarfraz Alam, OSA is currently aprofessed Augustinian in the Province of St.Augustine in California. He was ordained a
Deacon on June 8in Los Angeles.
As part of his formation, Deacon Sarfraz willbe serving as a deacon at St. Jude from
July 15 through December 10 whilecompleting his Scriptural Studies at theCatholic Theological Union in Chicago.
He will be ordained a priest on December14 at St. Patrick’s Church in San Diego.After his ordination, Father Sarfraz willreturn to his hometown in Pakistan tocelebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in his
home parish. Afterward, he will receive hisnext assignment from his Prior Provincial.When you see him at Mass, please stop
and welcome him to St. Jude!
Do you follow us on Social Media?
Like and follow us at
St. Jude Parish Faith Formation on
Facebook and encourage families to
follow us as well! We share lots of
resources and information this way!
To access your free subscription to "CatholicNetflix", visit www.FORMED.org and create an
account using our special code '8c62ef'. If you haveany questions about FORMED or need help
creating your account, please contact the Faith Formation Office.
Catechist MentorThis experienced catechist is available to you for advice, ideas, and support. Please
contact her at any time. She is ready and willing to help!
Kelly Phelps: [email protected]
Special Needs CatechistPlease contact DeAnne if you have questions about including and engaging thechildren in your class who have special needs. If we know a child has a need or
accommodation, it will be indicated on your class list.
DeAnne Suarez: [email protected]
Faith Formation StaffKatie Neu, Director of Lifelong Faith Formation 815-463-4291 [email protected]
Sarah Gibbons, Coordinator of Family Faith Formation 815-463-4223 [email protected] Kacor, Catechetical Support Associate 815-463-4262 [email protected]
Why is our newsletter called The Flame?
In Icons of St. Jude, he is often depicted with a tongue offlame above his head. This flame represents his receipt ofthe Holy Spirit at Pentecost as one of the twelve apostles
present in the Upper Room.We too have the flame of the Holy Spirit above our heads as
we help to form the faith of the families of St. Jude!
The Holy Spirit guides us and speaks through us!