National Parish Religious Education Week - Semana Nacional de Educación Religiosa Parroquial
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
November 2-8, 2014
National Parish Religious Education Week
Semana Nacional de Educación Religiosa Parroquial
Celebration Guide
Guía de celebración
1005 N. Glebe Road
Suite 525
Arlington, VA 22201
800.711.6232
www.ncea.org
reled@ncea.org
Copyright/ Derechos de autor © 2014
The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) owns all rights, La Asociación Nacional de Educación Católica (NCEA, por su sigla en
including but not limited to the copyright, in this celebration guide inglés) posee todos los derechos, entre otros, los derechos de autor,
and all portions of it, including the logos and clip art (“promotional de la presente guía de celebración y todas sus partes, incluidos los
material”). NCEA grants permission to use, duplicate and/or distribute logotipos y el "clip art" ("material promocional"). La NCEA otorga el
the promotional material in any media only to Catholic parishes, permiso para utilizar, duplicar o distribuir el material promocional por
(arch)dioceses and organizations owned and controlled by Roman cualquier medio solo a las parroquias católicas, (arqui)diócesis y
Catholic entities. These organizations may use the promotional organizaciones que pertenezcan a las entidades católicas romanas y
material only as follows: (1) The material must be used to further the que estén controladas por estas. Dichas organizaciones podrán utilizar
goals of the Catholic parish religious education promotion. (2) The use el material promocional solo de la siguiente manera: (1) El material
by a Catholic parish or diocese must be within the geographical deberá utilizarse para impulsar las metas del fomento a la educación
boundaries of the diocese or parish community. (3) The logo and religiosa parroquial católica. (2) La utilización por parte de las
other artwork must be used in their entirety without changes or parroquias o las diócesis católicas debe estar dentro de los límites
deletions of any kind in design, color or any other element. (4) geográficos de la comunidad diocesana o parroquial. (3) El logotipo y
Promotional material may not be used to create any of the items las demás ilustraciones se deben utilizar en su totalidad sin cambios ni
without written permission from NCEA (5) Except as necessary for its eliminaciones de ningún tipo respecto al diseño, los colores ni
own use, a Catholic parish, (arch)diocese or organization owned and cualquier otro elemento. (4) El material promocional no podrá
controlled by a Catholic entity may not authorize a commercial utilizarse para crear ninguno de los artículos sin el permiso escrito de
vendor to create or distribute items using the logo or any other la NCEA (5) Salvo en los casos en que sea necesario para su utilización
promotional material without the prior written permission of the interna, ninguna parroquia, (arqui)diócesis u organización católica
Project Director, NCEA Religious Education Department. Except as que pertenezca a una entidad católica y que esté controlada por esta
provided above, no promotional material may be reproduced without podrá autorizar a ningún proveedor comercial la creación ni la
the permission of the copyright owner. distribución de artículos que contengan el logotipo ni ningún otro
material promocional sin el permiso escrito con antelación del
Sections of the National Catholic Schools Week 2013 Marketing director de proyectos del Departamento de Educación Religiosa de la
Handbook were adapted with permission. NCEA. Salvo en los casos previstos anteriormente, ningún material
promocional podrá reproducirse sin el permiso del propietario de los
derechos de autor.
Existen secciones del "Folleto comercial de la Semana Nacional de
Escuelas Católicas 2013" que se adaptaron mediante los permisos
correspondientes.
Designed and edited by/Director: Lori Dahlhoff
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview of National Parish Religious Education Week ........................................................................................ 1
A Week of Ideas for Celebrating Parish Religious Education ................................................................................ 3
Appendix A: Sample Prayers and Intercessions Highlighting Parish Catechesis ........................................... 4
A Litany of Catechetical Saints
Isaiah 50:4-7
A Prayer for a Teacher before a Religion Class
Sample Intercessions (Spanish and English)
Appendix B: Who Parish Religious Education Serves .............................................................................................. 9
Appendix C: Reflection on Encountering Christ through the Family (English and Spanish) .................. 11
Appendix D: Certificate of Special Appreciation (English and Spanish) ........................................................ 14
Appendix E: Tips for Sharing Good News from Parish Religious Education (English and Spanish) ..... 17
Appendix F: Quotes Supporting Parish Catechesis (English and Spanish) ................................................... 20
Appendix G: Sample Promotional Information...................................................................................................... 23
Theme Explanation (Bilingual English/Spanish)
Sample Graphics (Bilingual, English, Spanish)
Sample Poster (Bilingual English/Spanish)
Bulletin Notices (Spanish and English)
Announcement for Website, Blog or Social Media Network (Spanish and English)
Sample Tweets
Sample News Release (Spanish and English)
-i-
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) celebrated the first National Parish Religious Education
Week in November 2013. The idea of a distinct, national celebration of parish catechesis has surfaced
repeatedly over the past few decades. Local and regional celebrations already exist in some parts of the
country. NCEA’s offerings build on these efforts as well as the service of women and men, adults, youth, and
children, laity, ordained, and professed religious in echoing the Gospel and helping people grow in the
knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.
Special thanks go to the following for their contributions to initiating NCEA’s celebration of Parish
Religious Education Week:
Project Development Team Dr. Peter Murphy, Executive Director, Secretariat of
Evangelization and Catechesis, United States Conference
Barb Morgan, OFS, Director of Parish School of of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Religion, Immaculate Conception, Dardenne Prairie, MO
New England Conference of Diocesan Directors of
Brigid Johnson, Director of Religious Education, Religious Education
Immaculate Conception Church, Knoxville, TN
Cathy Marbury, Associate Director of Religious Education,
Office of Formation and Discipleship
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta
NCEA Staff
Cathy Roberts, Director of Family Faith Formation,
St. John Nepomucene R.C. Church, Bohemia, NY Br. Robert Bimonte, FSC, President
Jayne Mondoy, Director, Office of Religious Education, Marcella (Mickie) Abatemarco, Associate Executive
Diocese of Honolulu Director, Religious Education Department
Dr. Joe Bound, Director of Education, Anne Balzhiser, Administrative Assistant, Religious
Diocese of Green Bay Education Department
Dr. Lori Dahlhoff, Executive Director, Kathy Mears, Executive Director, Elementary Schools
NCEA Religious Education Department Department
Shannon Andrea, Director of Marketing Communications
Present and past members of the National Association of
Parish Catechetical Directors (NPCD) Kisha Briscoe, Digital Marketing Coordinator and
Webmaster
Lauri Becker, Director of Faith Formation, St. Therese of
Deephaven, Deephaven, MN
ABOUT THE COVER: The image conveys Jesus Christ as the center of the work of catechesis.
Christ’s light (gold) is both gathered together from and sent out to the ends of the earth
through making disciples. The words extending from the theme represent the wide variety of
names used currently to identify parish religious education and faith formation programs that
flows from initiation into the sacramental life of the Church (blue). Thank you to the more than 200
NPCD members who responded to the survey that led to this graphic.
- ii -
Overview of National Parish Religious Education Week
Every day of the week some type of religious education activity is going on in a parish somewhere in
the United States and its territories. As the hub of lifelong faith formation, the parish – both the
people and the place – weaves together essential strands within the fabric of effective Catholic
education. NCEA’s annual celebration of National Parish Religious Education Week highlights the
vital role of the parish in fulfilling the Church’s mission of evangelization and catechesis.
As a fruit of the Year of Faith, NCEA established the week beginning the first Sunday of November as
an annual National Parish Religious Education Week. During this week, NCEA focus is on the value of
parish-based efforts to form people of all ages in the Catholic faith and way of life. Goals for the first
few years of the new celebration include:
• Honoring those serving in parish religious education
• Sharing the contributions parish communities are making to sound education in the Catholic
faith
• Helping build bridges between Catholic parish and school educational programs as well as
other entities that provide religious instruction and ongoing faith formation.
The guiding theme for the celebrations in 2013 to 2015 is Encountering Christ Every Day ~
Encuentro con Cristo cada día. Keeping the national theme consistent for the first three years is
important to building momentum for the national awareness of the effort, building a “bank” of
resources used in local parish celebrations, and complementing the changing themes of other efforts
such as Catechetical Sunday.
The celebration encourages people across the country to reflect on the parish as a “catechizing
community” and to highlight its contributions to our Church and our communities. To allow for local
communities to choose when and how to celebrate, NCEA’s annual celebration guide outlines seven
suggestions for activities - or a “week” of ideas - to mark the occasion through parish-based
catechetical efforts or by participating in national events. Additional ideas may be drawn from
resources for Catechetical Sunday 2014 (Teaching About God's Gift of Forgiveness / Enseñando
sobre el regalo del perdón de Dios), Vocations Awareness Week, and the upcoming 8th World
Meeting of Families in September 2015 (Love is our mission: the family fully alive / El amor es nuestra
misión: La familia totalmente viva )
May all we do to advance the Church's mission of evangelization and catechesis glorify God as
we celebrate encountering Christ every day.
-1-
Celebrating along with NCEA
Faith communities across the country are encouraged to celebrate the parish “as the living and
permanent environment for faith growth” (General Directory for Catechesis, no. 158) when and how
it best fits the local situation. A basic way anyone can join in the celebration is to praise God for
giving the world the Good News of Jesus Christ and entrusting the Church with the mission of
proclaiming him through who we are, what we teach, and how we exercise discipleship through
participation in parishes.
This celebration guide outlines seven suggestions for activities - or a “week” of ideas - to mark the
occasion through parish-based catechetical efforts or by participating in national events. The guiding
theme is Encountering Christ Every Day ~ Encuentro con Cristo cada día. Various examples
building on this theme are provided in English and Spanish as part of the Appendices.
Additional ideas may be drawn from Catechetical Sunday 2014 (Teaching About God's Gift of
Forgiveness) and USCCB vocations awareness materials. The 2013 celebration guide is also available
online in English and Spanish.
Consider starting this year with an eye toward building on these efforts over time. Here is a sample
preparation timeline:
August–September2014 .... Familiarize yourself with the reason for the celebration and
Plan when and how the local community will celebrate parish
catechesis
August–October 2014 ........ Promote the parish celebration
November 2014 .................. Celebrate, making sure to record the event(s) in photos, videos,
print, or other media, and sharing the experiences with the whole
parish community as well as the diocese and NCEA
December 2014................... Review the celebration, including gathering feedback from
participants and generating ideas for future activities
-2-A Week of Ideas for Celebrating Parish Religious Education
There are as many different ways to celebrate the parish for her efforts in deepening and handing on
the Catholic faith as there are parish faith communities and people in them. With the help of the Holy
Spirit, these seven ideas will spark local creativity in marking National Parish Religious Education
Week 2014. Samples and background information for various activities are included as appendices to
this guide or as hyperlinks. Additional examples are also available on the NCEA website.
1. WORSHIP: Highlight catechetical saints in the litanies prayed for All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and
other liturgies throughout the week [Appendix A].
2. INFORM: Provide a “Did You Know?” segment in your regular parish communications so you can
feature information about the goals and important concerns being addressed in parish religious
education programs [Appendix B].
Example: Participate in the NCEA webinar on “Education for Community Life and
Vocation” November 6, 2014 from 1-2 pm ET or from 7-8 pm ET. Registration information
will be available in October
3. PRAY: Begin regularly scheduled faith formation/religious education sessions with a special
prayer service [Appendix A & C].
Example: Daily prayer book from St. Therese of Deephaven, Minnesota
4. COMMEND: Recognize local leaders of parish catechesis for their work on behalf of the faith
community, especially the pastor and director or coordinator of religious education programs
[Appendix D & E].
Example: On Parish Catechetical Leader Appreciation Day–Wednesday, November 6–gift
your local leaders with the NCEA Religious Education Department Commendation
5. TELL: Share the good news about what the parish has done, and is doing, to form and educate
people of all ages in the Catholic faith and Christian discipleship [Appendix B & E].
Example: NCEA will be conducting a social media campaign throughout the week using
#ParishRE14 on Twitter (@NCEALDahlhoff and @NCEATalk). Also join us on Facebook
6. STUDY: Offer a parish-wide study on the importance the Church places on catechists and the
parish as a “living catechesis” [Appendix F].
Example: Have all groups meeting that week begin with a 15 minute discussion, using
guides such as NCEA’s pamphlets “Catechesis in Parish Life” or “Home and Parish as
Partners”
7. SERVE: Express the interrelated nature of parish catechesis by connecting various aspects of the
community in serving with and for one another, such as organizing a service day or connecting
parish and Catholic school learners who utilize the same space.
Example: Story of Partnership Between Parish RE Programs and the Parish School from
Saint Theresa Parish in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
-3-Appendix A
Sample Prayers and Intercessions Highlighting Parish Catechesis
A Litany of Catechetical Saints
Isaiah 50:4-7
A Prayer for a Teacher before a Religion Class
Intercesiones de ejemplo
Sample Intercessions
Catholic parishes, schools, and (arch)dioceses
may reprint the litany in full for use in celebrating
National Parish Religious Education Week 2014
-4-A Litany of Catechetical Saints
Catechetical saints are men and women who helped people to know, understand, and appreciate
what God has done for us in Jesus Christ and to respond to God’s gifts of love and faith with their
whole lives. These men and women taught through who they were and what they did, as well as
through their words. Let us join with them and the whole communion of saints as we pray:
Lord, have mercy. Be merciful,
Lord, have mercy. Lord, save your people.
Christ, have mercy. By the mystery of your holy Incarnation,
Christ, have mercy. Lord, save your people.
Lord, have mercy. By your cross and resurrection,
Lord, have mercy. Lord, save your people.
By your coming,
Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us. Lord, save your people.
Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
God the Father, have mercy on us. Lord, spare us.
God the Son, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Lord, graciously hear us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Lord, have mercy on us.
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Mary, Star of the New Evangelization, pray for us. Son of the living God,
St. John the Baptist, pray for us. hear our prayer.
Christ, hear us.
St. Paul, pray for us.
Christ, hear us.
St. Cecilia, pray for us. Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, pray for us. Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.
St. Ambrose, pray for us.
St. Gregory the Great, pray for us. Lord, have mercy.
St. Bonaventure, pray for us. Lord, have mercy.
St. Benedict, pray for us. Christ, have mercy.
St. Scholastica, pray for us. Christ, have mercy.
St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us. Lord, have mercy.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us. Lord, have mercy.
St. Angela Merici, pray for us.
St. Julie Billiart, pray for us.
St. John Bosco, pray for us.
St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.
St. Charles Borromeo, pray for us.
St. Robert Bellarmine, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Our Lady of Good Help, pray for us. National Parish Religious Education Week Celebration Guide 2014 © NCEA.
All you holy men and women, pray for us. Reprinted with permission.
-5--2-
Isaiah 50: 4-7 (adapted)
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher,
that I might know how to sustain the weary with a word.
Morning by morning the Lord GOD wakens--
-- wakens my ear to listen as one who is taught;
The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backward.
I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
The Lord GOD helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
A Prayer for a Teacher before a Religion Class
Adapted from a prayer by Dr. Michael Horan in
Stay with us, Lord: Prayers and reflections for educators (NCEA, 2005. p. 41).
Gracious God, Source of Wisdom, I give you thanks,
for you have guided me in the path and brought me to the present moment.
May your Spirit guide me again as I prepare to teach your Word.
Open my mind to the needs of my students,
quicken my heart to the stirrings of their hearts.
Deepen my conviction that your presence is present in their questions,
inviting us all to know you and to love you, for you are
Love Unending and Wisdom Unsurpassed. Amen.
-6-Intercesiones de ejemplo
Pidamos a Dios, fuente de toda sabiduría y conocimiento, que escuche nuestras oraciones .
Por la Iglesia, para que las vidas de todos los miembros de la comunión de los santos continúe
proclamando la Buena Nueva de Jesucristo en cada rincón de la Tierra, te rogamos, Señor:
Pidamos a nuestro Padre eterno, que en Cristo nos ha dado un manantial de verdad y amor, que
renueve nuestro compromiso de proclamar el Evangelio y de formarnos los unos a los otros en la fe
católica.
Por la Iglesia, para que todos los bautizados proclamen el Evangelio en sus propias palabras y
durante sus vidas, oramos:
Por el papa Francisco, [nombre del obispo local] y todos los obispos, para que el Espíritu Santo
continúe guiándolos en su función de catequista principal, oramos:
Por nuestros líderes locales y nacionales, para que todas sus decisiones construyan el bien común y
honren la dignidad de la persona humana, especialmente la dignidad de los pobres y vulnerables, te
rogamos, Señor:
Por los pastores, especialmente [nombre del pastor], para que recurran a las Sagradas Escrituras y la
eucaristía para fortalecer el cuerpo de Cristo a través de su enseñanzas y predicaciones, oramos:
Por todos aquellos que, mediante su trabajo y sus aportaciones, han hecho posible nuestros
programas catequéticos parroquiales, especialmente [nombre del líder o de los líderes catequéticos
parroquiales], para que su cooperación con el Espíritu Santo fructifique alegría y paz, oramos:
Por nuestros catequistas, para que permanezcan cerca de Jesucristo, el gran Maestro y primer
Evangelizador, oramos:
Por los adultos, jóvenes, niños y familias de nuestra parroquia, para que sigan multiplicando sus
conocimientos y amor por los unos a los otros y por Dios, oramos:
Por nuestra comunidad parroquial, para que Dios continúe bendiciendo todos nuestros esfuerzos y
que se ayuden los unos a los otros a encontrar a Cristo y multiplicar la fe cada día, oramos:
Por todos nosotros, para que la semilla de fe plantada en nuestros corazones crezca fuerte y
fructifique para alimentar nuestro mundo, oramos:
Por quienes han fallecido, especialmente quienes nos han enseñado el estilo de vida católico, para
que su testimonio de fe los lleve a la luz de la presencia de Dios, oramos:
-7-Sample Intercessions
Let us ask God, the source of all wisdom and knowledge, to hear our prayers.
For the Church, that the lives of all members of the communion of saints will continue to proclaim
the Good News of Jesus Christ in every corner of the earth, we pray:
For Pope Francis, [name of local bishop] and all bishops, that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide
them in their role as chief catechist, we pray:
For our local and national leaders, that all their decisions will build up the common good and honor
the dignity of the human person, especially the dignity of those who are poor and vulnerable, we
pray:
For pastors, especially [name of pastor], that they will draw upon Sacred Scripture and the Eucharist
to strengthen the Body of Christ through their teaching and preaching, we pray:
For all those who by their work and their contributions have made our parish faith formation
programs possible, especially [name of parish catechetical leader(s)], that their cooperation with the
Holy Spirit will yield the fruits of joy and peace, we pray:
For our catechists, that they will remain close to Jesus Christ, the one Teacher and first Evangelizer,
we pray:
For the adults, youth, children and families of our parish, that they will continue to grow in
knowledge and love for one another and for God, we pray:
For our parish community, that God may continue to bless all our efforts to help one another
encounter Christ and grow in faith every day, we pray:
For all of us, that the seeds of faith that have been planted in our hearts will grow strong and
bear much fruit to nourish the world, we pray:
For those who have died, especially those who have taught us the Catholic way of life, that their
witness of faith will bring them into the light of God’s presence, we pray:
-8-Appendix B
Who Parish Religious Education Serves
Catholic parishes, schools, and (arch)dioceses
may reproduce the following page without alternation for use
in celebrating National Parish Religious Education Week 2014
Additional statistics are available from sources such as NCEA,
the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), and
the National Study of Catholic Parishes with Hispanic Ministry
-9-Who Parish Religious Education Serves
National statistics taken from The Official Catholic Directory 2014, P.J. Kenedy & Sons, p. 2103.
Totals include U.S. territories and Eastern Rite Catholic churches
Approximately 69 million people are officially connected to
17,900 Catholic parishes in the United States.
Ideally, every Catholic is served by parish religious education and faith formation in some way.
Adults plus Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Infant Baptisms ................................................................. 730,171
Adult Baptisms .................................................................... 39,654
Received into Full Communion ...................................... 66,831
Marriages ............................................................................. 157,755
Children and Youth K-Gr. 12 enrolled in Parish Programs
Elementary Religious Education ............................... 2,715,621
High School Religious Education ................................. 640,585
First Communions ............................................................ 775,645
Confirmations .................................................................... 583,358
Children and Youth K- Gr. 12 enrolled in Catholic Schools
Elementary ....................................................................... 1,252,397
High School......................................................................... 563,644
The Catechism of the Catholic Church uses the word “catechesis” to describe this work:
“[Catechesis is] an education of children, young people, and adults in the faith of the
Church through the teaching of Christian doctrine in an organic and systematic way to
make them disciples of Jesus Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Glossary).
Christian discipleship – a permanent commitment to following Jesus throughout life –
involves learning and growing in wisdom and knowledge at every age. Discipleship also
involves sharing when and how Jesus Christ has been encountered so others might come to
know, love, and serve him too.
National Parish Religious Education Week Celebration Guide 2014 © NCEA.
Reprinted with permission.
- 10 -Appendix C
Reflection on Encountering Christ through the Family
Reflexión sobre el encuentro con Cristo a través de la familia
Catholic parishes, schools, and (arch)dioceses
may reproduce the following pages for use in celebrating
National Parish Religious Education Week 2014
The full text of the encyclical Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith)
is available online [English or Spanish]
- 11 -Reflection on Encountering Christ through the Family
The first encyclical issued by Pope Francis focused on faith: Lumen Fidei (The
Light of Faith). A papal encyclical is a letter addressed to the bishops, priests,
deacons, consecrated persons, and the lay faithful of the Catholic Church and
intended for general circulation throughout the world. Encountering Christ at
every age is among the topics addressed in the letter.
In the family, faith accompanies every age of life, beginning with childhood: children
learn to trust in the love of their parents. This is why it is so important that within their
families parents encourage shared expressions of faith which can help children gradually
to mature in their own faith. Young people in particular, who are going through a period
in their lives which is so complex, rich and important for their faith, ought to feel the
constant closeness and support of their families and the Church in their journey of faith.
We have all seen, during World Youth Days, the joy that young people show in their faith
and their desire for an ever more solid and generous life of faith. Young people want to
live life to the fullest. Encountering Christ, letting themselves be caught up in and guided
by his love, enlarges the horizons of existence, gives it a firm hope which will not
disappoint. Faith is no refuge for the fainthearted, but something which enhances our
lives. It makes us aware of a magnificent calling, the vocation of love. It assures us that
this love is trustworthy and worth embracing, for it is based on God’s faithfulness which
is stronger than our every weakness.
Pope Francis, The Light of Faith (June 2013) no. 53.
Pause for a few moments to think about five ways you may have come to know more about Jesus and
faith in God through your family. Write or draw examples: What happened? Who was involved? What
did you learn?
Say a prayer of thanks to God for these gifts.
Ask the Holy Family to pray for you for help to grow in those ways you have not yet experienced Christ.
National Parish Religious Education Week Celebration Guide 2014 © NCEA.
Reprinted with Permission.
- 12 -Reflexión sobre el encuentro con Cristo a través de la familia
La primera encíclica emitida por el Papa Francisco centrada en la fe: Lumen
Fidei (La luz de la fe). Una encíclica papal es una carta dirigida a los obispos,
sacerdotes, diáconos, personas consagradas y los fieles laicos de la Iglesia
católica y destinada a la circulación general por todo el mundo. El encuentro
con Cristo en todas las edades es uno de los temas abordados en la carta.
En la familia, la fe está presente en todas las etapas de la vida, comenzando por la
infancia: los niños aprenden a fiarse del amor de sus padres. Por eso, es importante
que los padres cultiven prácticas comunes de fe en la familia, que acompañen el
crecimiento en la fe de los hijos. Sobre todo los jóvenes, que atraviesan una edad tan
compleja, rica e importante para la fe, deben sentir la cercanía y la atención de la familia
y de la comunidad eclesial en su camino de crecimiento en la fe. Todos hemos visto
cómo, en las Jornadas Mundiales de la Juventud, los jóvenes manifiestan la alegría de
la fe, el compromiso de vivir una fe cada vez más sólida y generosa. Los jóvenes
aspiran a una vida grande. El encuentro con Cristo, el dejarse aferrar y guiar por su
amor, amplía el horizonte de la existencia, le da una esperanza sólida que no defrauda.
La fe no es un refugio para gente pusilánime, sino que ensancha la vida. Hace descubrir
una gran llamada, la vocación al amor, y asegura que este amor es digno de fe, que
vale la pena ponerse en sus manos, porque está fundado en la fidelidad de Dios, más
fuerte que todas nuestras debilidades. Papa Francisco, La luz de la fe, (junio 2013) no. 53.
Haz una pausa para pensar durante unos momentos en cinco formas en las que quizá hayas podido
conocer más acerca de Jesús y hayas podido tener fe en Dios a través de tu familia. Escribe o dibuja
ejemplos: ¿Qué ocurrió? ¿Quién participó? ¿Qué aprendiste?
Eleva una oración de agradecimiento a Dios por estos obsequios.
Pide a la Sagrada Familia que ore por ti para que te ayude a crecer en aquellas formas en las que aún no
has experimentado a Cristo.
Semana Nacional de Educación Religiosa Parroquial 2014 Guía de celebración © NCEA.
Usado con los permisos correspondientes.
- 13 -Appendix D
Certificate of Special Appreciation
Constancia de apreciación especial
Catholic parishes, schools, and (arch)dioceses
may reproduce the following page for use in celebrating
National Parish Religious Education Week 2014
Current NCEA members may request a customizable WORD
version of the certificate. Contact the NCEA Religious
Education Department via email at reled@ncea.org
- 14 -Certificate of Special Appreciation
During National Parish
Religious Education Week
name of parish
celebrates that Jesus Christ is the
center of the work of catechesis,
gathering together and
sending out His Light to the
ends of the earth as we heed the
commission to go and make disciples.
Our parish community acknowledges and extends its deepest appreciation to
name of person
for assisting the adults, youth, and children of the parish
to encounter Jesus Christ every day as they continue to
grow in knowledge and love of God through the Catholic Church.
Given this ________ day of ____________________, 2014.
_________________________________ __________________________________
Pastor Chair, Parish Pastoral Council
- 15 -Constancia de apreciación especial
Durante la Semana de Educación
Religiosa Parroquial
nombre de la parroquia
celebra que Jesucristo es el centro
de la obra de la catequesis,
reuniéndose y enviando Su Luz
a los confines de la Tierra
mientras atendemos la encomienda
de salir y formar discípulos.
La comunidad de nuestra parroquia reconoce y agradece profundamente a
nombre de la persona
por apoyar a los adultos, los jóvenes y los niños de la parroquia
a encontrar a Jesucristo cada día mientras siguen
multiplicando sus conocimientos y amor a Dios a través de la Iglesia católica.
Se expide el día ____ de ____________________ del año 2014 de la era cristiana.
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Pastor Presidente del Consejo Pastoral Parroquial
- 16 -Appendix E
Tips for Sharing Good News from Parish Religious Education
Consejos para comunicar noticias buenas derivados
de la educación religiosa parroquial
Catholic parishes, schools, and (arch)dioceses
may reproduce the following page in full for use in celebrating
National Parish Religious Education Week 2014
- 17 -Tips for Sharing Good News from Parish Religious Education
✜ Start with what you are doing now. Present a brief summary of what is currently going on in
the parish’s faith formation and religious instruction programming. What works? What has been
improved or expanded in the last few years? Show the numbers and, when possible, the faces of
those participating in formal programs sponsored through the parish.
✜ Determine your audiences. Figure out what audiences you need to reach within the parish and
beyond. For most parishes, those include parishioners, parents, guardians, current and
prospective students, grandparents, potential volunteers, new community residents, and
community leaders.
✜ Craft key messages. Determine messages that will resonate with each audience and what you
want them to do as a result, such as pray for those involved in sacramental preparation, enroll or
keep their children in the parish religious education program, sign up for an adult Bible study, be
trained as a catechist, or provide volunteer support. For example, parents of prospective students
may want high-quality, faith-based education that also incorporates web tools for families so
emphasize in your story-telling how your programs meets those desires.
✜ Develop tactics. Determine how you will reach each audience with your messages. Tactics
include newsletters, online postings, YouTube videos, radio campaigns, and yard signs. You can
also use personal contact and social media. Another tool is special events, such as open houses,
educational seminars or parish gatherings. You can reach into the community by organizing
service projects, setting up student displays in public spaces, and arranging for student musical
and drama groups to participate in festivals.
✜ Put it all together in a plan. For each audience, list the tactics you will use to achieve your goals
and objectives. Specify who is responsible for each task, what resources are needed and when
each task will be completed. Review your plan to make sure that it’s do-able with the people and
resources available, that it will help you achieve your goals, and that it will enhance your parish’s
evangelizing and catechizing mission.
✜ Create “listening” loops. Identify ways for those who hear your messages to respond along with
ways you will share what you are hearing. Establishing a practice of listening as well as telling
strengthens relationships between the parishioners, volunteers, staff, and community members.
Listening loops also provide critical feedback about what parishioners are taking away from your
communications (i.e. what they heard, not simply what you hoped they would hear) as well as
insight into which tactics are most effective.
National Parish Religious Education Week Celebration Guide 2014 © NCEA.
Reprinted with permission.
- 18 -Consejos para comunicar las noticias buenas derivados
de la educación religiosa parroquial
✜ Comience con lo que usted está haciendo ahora. Presente un resumen de lo que está
aconteciendo en la formación parroquial de la fe y la programación de la instrucción religiosa.
¿Qué es lo que sí funciona? ¿Qué se ha mejorado o ampliado en los últimos años? Muestre las
cifras y, cuando sea posible, los rostros de los participantes en los programas formales
administrados a través de la parroquia.
✜ Defina a su público. Piense en el público al que usted debe acercarse dentro de la parroquia y
más allá de esta. En el caso de la mayoría de las parroquias, dicho público incluye a los feligreses,
padres de familia, tutores, estudiantes actuales y futuros, abuelos, posibles voluntarios, nuevos
habitantes de la comunidad y líderes comunitarios.
✜ Elabore mensajes clave. Defina mensajes que tendrán eco en cada público y lo que usted desea
que hagan en consecuencia; por ejemplo, orar por los participantes en la preparación
sacramental, inscribir o retener a sus hijos en el programa parroquial de educación religiosa,
inscribirse en un estudio bíblico para adultos, recibir capacitación como catequista u ofrecer
apoyo voluntario. Por ejemplo, es posible que los padres o los futuros estudiantes deseen una
educación de alta calidad fundamentada en la fe que también incluya herramientas web para las
familias; en consecuencia, destaque en su relato la forma en que sus programas satisfacen dichos
deseos.
✜ Desarrolle técnicas. Defina la forma en que se acercará a cada público con sus mensajes. Entre
las técnicas se incluyen boletines de noticias, publicaciones en línea, videos de YouTube,
campañas de radio y letreros en exteriores. También puede recurrir al contacto personal o las
redes sociales. Otra herramienta son los eventos especiales, como reuniones de puertas abiertas
("open house"), seminarios educativos o reuniones parroquiales. Puede acercarse a la comunidad
mediante la organización de proyectos de servicios, la instalación de exposiciones estudiantiles
en espacios públicos y las gestiones para que grupos estudiantiles de música y teatro participen
en festivales.
✜ Reúna todo en un plan. Enumere las técnicas que utilizará para lograr sus metas y objetivos con
cada público. Especifique quién es el responsable de cada tarea, qué recursos se necesitan y
cuándo puede concluirse cada tarea. Evalúe su plan para asegurarse de que se pueda realizar con
los recursos humanos y materiales disponibles, que le ayudará a lograr sus metas y que impulsará
la misión evangelizadora y catequista de su parroquia.
✜ Cree círculos de "audición". Identifique formas en las responden quienes escuchan sus
mensajes, además de formas en las que usted compartirá lo que escucha. Al establecerse una
práctica de escucha y relatos, se fortalecen las relaciones entre los feligreses, los voluntarios, el
personal y los miembros de la comunidad. Los círculos de audición también ofrecen comentarios
fundamentales acerca de lo que los feligreses se llevan consigo a partir de las comunicaciones de
usted (p. ej., lo que ellos escucharon, no solo lo que usted esperaba que escucharan), además de
discernimiento en cuanto a cuáles tácticas son más eficaces.
Semana Nacional de Educación Religiosa Parroquial 2014 Guía de celebración © NCEA.
Usado con los permisos correspondientes.
- 19 -Appendix F
Quotes Supporting Parish Catechesis
When available, links are provided to the full text of
the document from which the quote is taken
- 20 -Quotes Supporting Parish Catechesis
But how can they call on him in whom they have not Catechists / Los catequistas
believed? And how can they believe in him of whom
they have not heard? And how can they hear without I am anxious to give thanks in the Church's name to
someone to preach? And how can people preach all of you, lay teachers of catechesis in the parishes,
unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful the men and the still more numerous women
are the feet of those who bring [the] good news!” throughout the world who are devoting yourselves to
the religious education of many generations. Your
Romans 10:14-15
work is often lowly and hidden but it is carried out
with ardent and generous zeal, and it is an eminent
form of the lay apostolate, a form that is particularly
To fulfill the mandate she has received from her
important where for various reasons children and
divine founder of proclaiming the mystery of
young people do not receive suitable religious
salvation to all men and of restoring all things in
training in the home.
Christ, Holy Mother the Church must be concerned
with the whole of man's life, even the secular part of Pope John Paul II, On Catechesis In Our Time, no. 66
it insofar as it has a bearing on his heavenly calling.
Therefore she has a role in the progress and Queridos catequistas, se han acabado los tres
development of education. puntos. ¡Siempre caminar desde Cristo! Les doy las
Second Vatican Council, gracias por lo que hacen, pero sobre todo porque
Declaration on Christian Education están en la Iglesia, en el Pueblo de Dios en camino,
porque caminan con el Pueblo de Dios.
Permanezcamos con Cristo –permanecer en Cristo-,
tratemos de ser cada vez más uno con él;
sigámoslo, imitémoslo en su movimiento de amor,
en su salir al encuentro del hombre; y vayamos,
Parents / La familia
abramos las puertas, tengamos la audacia de trazar
nuevos caminos para el anuncio del Evangelio.
Los padres de familia son los primeros educadores
en la fe. Junto a los padres, sobre todo en Discurso del Santo Padre Francisco a los participantes en
determinadas culturas, todos los componentes de la el congreso internacional sobre la catequesis
familia tienen una intervención activa en orden a la
educación de los miembros más jóvenes. Conviene
determinar, de modo más concreto, en qué sentido Dear catechists, [sic] Always start anew from Christ!
la comunidad cristiana familiar es « lugar » de I thank you for everything that you do, but above all,
catequesis. La familia ha sido definida como una « because you are part of the Church, the pilgrim
Iglesia doméstica », lo que significa que en cada People of God, and you accompany God’s People
familia cristiana deben reflejarse los diversos on that pilgrimage. Let us remain with Christ –
aspectos o funciones de la vida de la Iglesia entera: abiding in Christ – and let us always try to be one
misión, catequesis, testimonio, oración... La familia, with him. Let us follow him, let us imitate him in his
en efecto, al igual que la Iglesia, « es un espacio movement of love, in his going forth to meet
donde el Evangelio es transmitido y desde donde humanity. Let us go forth and open doors. Let us
éste se irradia ». La familia como « lugar » de have the audacity to mark out new paths for
catequesis tiene un carácter único: transmite el proclaiming the Gospel.
Evangelio enraizándolo en el contexto de profundos Pope Francis, Year of Faith Address to Catechists
valores humanos.
del Vaticano Congregacion para el Clero En la boca del catequista vuelve a resonar siempre
Directorio General para la Catequesis 255 el primer anuncio: «Jesucristo te ama, dio su vida
para salvarte, y ahora está vivo a tu lado cada día,
para iluminarte, para fortalecerte, para liberarte».
Parents are the most influential agents of catechesis
Santo Padre Francisco La alegría del Evangelio 164
for their children. They have the unique
responsibility for the education of their children; they
are the first educators, or catechists. They catechize On the lips of the catechist the first proclamation
primarily by witness of their Christian lives and by must ring out over and over: 'Jesus Christ loves you;
their love for the faith. he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free
National Directory for Catechesis, no. 54 C you.' Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, no. 164
- 21 -Parish / La parroquia
La parroquia es, sin duda, el lugar más significativo La pedagogía catequética es eficaz en la medida en
en que se forma y manifiesta la comunidad cristiana. que la comunidad cristiana se convierte en
Ella está llamada a ser una casa de familia, fraternal referencia concreta y ejemplar para el itinerario de
y acogedora, donde los cristianos se hacen fe de cada uno. Esto sucede si la comunidad se
conscientes de ser Pueblo de Dios. La parroquia, en concibe como fuente, lugar y meta de la catequesis.
efecto, congrega en la unidad todas las diversidades En concreto, la comunidad viene a ser lugar visible
humanas que en ella se encuentran y las inserta en del testimonio de la fe, cuida la formación de sus
la universalidad de la Iglesia. Ella es, por otra parte, miembros, les acoge como familia de Dios,
el ámbito ordinario donde se nace y se crece en la constituyéndose en ambiente vital y permanente del
fe. Constituye, por ello, un espacio comunitario muy crecimiento de la fe.
adecuado para que el ministerio de la Palabra Vaticano Congregacion para el Clero
ejercido en ella sea, al mismo tiempo, enseñanza, Directorio General para la Catequesis 158
educación y experiencia vital.
Vaticano Congregacion para el Clero
Directorio General para la Catequesis 257 Catechetical pedagogy will be effective to the extent
that the Christian community becomes the point of
concrete reference for the faith journey of
The parish is, without doubt, the most important individuals. This happens when the community is
locus in which the Christian community is formed proposed as a source, locus and means of
and expressed. This is called to be a fraternal and catechesis. Concretely, the community becomes a
welcoming family where Christians become aware of visible place of faith-witness. It provides for the
being the people of God. In the parish, all human formation of its members. It receives them as the
differences melt away and are absorbed into the family of God. It constitutes itself as the living and
universality of the Church. The parish is also the permanent environment for faith growth.
usual place in which the faith is born and in which it Vatican Congregation for the Clergy,
grows. It constitutes, therefore, a very adequate General Directory for Catechesis, no. 158
community space for the realization of the ministry of
the word at once as teaching, education and life
experience. La educación en la fe por los padres debe comenzar
Vatican Congregation for the Clergy, desde la más tierna infancia. Esta educación se
General Directory for Catechesis, no. 257 hace ya cuando los miembros de la familia se
ayudan a crecer en la fe mediante el testimonio de
una vida cristiana de acuerdo con el Evangelio. La
In a time when excessive individualism threatens the catequesis familiar precede, acompaña y enriquece
fabric of community life, we remember that las otras formas de enseñanza de la fe. Los padres
catechesis is an ecclesial activity accomplished by, tienen la misión de enseñar a sus hijos a orar y a
with, and for the community of faith. Our experience descubrir su vocación de hijos de Dios. La parroquia
tells us that the most effective catechesis builds es la comunidad eucarística y el corazón de la vida
upon the foundation provided by vitally alive parish litúrgica de las familias cristianas; es un lugar
communities. privilegiado para la catequesis de los niños y de los
National Conference of Catholic Bishops, padres.
In Support of Catechetical Ministry Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica 2226
Education in the faith by the parents should begin in
The single most critical factor in an effective the child’s earliest years. This already happens
catechetical program is the leadership of a when family members help one another to grow in
professionally trained parish catechetical leader. faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with
the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes,
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, accompanies, and enriches other forms of
National Directory for Catechesis, no. 54 B.5
instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of
teaching their children to pray and to discover their
vocation as children of God. The parish is the
I have the strength for everything through him who
Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical
empowers me.
life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for
Philippians 4:13 the catechesis of children and parents.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2226
- 22 -Appendix G
Sample Promotional Information
Parishes have a variety of media options to promote their Parish Religious Education Week
activities, including the parish bulletin, the school website, the pastor’s blog and social
media. Use the following samples to develop your own Parish Religious Education Week
announcements.
Theme Explanation (Bi-lingual English/Spanish)
Sample Graphics (Bi-lingual, English, Spanish)
Sample Poster (Bi-lingual English/Spanish)
Avisos por boletín
Bulletin Notices
Anuncio para la página web, "blog," o red social
Announcement for Website, Blog, or Social Media Network
Sample Tweets
Ejemplo de publicación de noticias
Sample News Release
- 23 -Theme: Encountering Christ Every Day ~ Encuentro con Cristo cada día
The guiding theme for the celebrations in 2013, El tema de la guía para las celebraciones en 2013,
2014, and 2015 is “Encountering Christ Every Day 2014 y 2015 es "Encountering Christ Every Day ~
~ Encuentro con Cristo cada día.” Every day of Encuentro con Cristo cada día." Cada día de la
the week some type of religious education semana, se desarrolla algún tipo de actividad de
activity is going on in a parish somewhere in the educación religiosa en alguna parroquia de los
United States and its territories. As the hub of Estados Unidos y sus territorios. Como el centro
lifelong faith formation, the parish – both the neurálgico de la formación de la fe durante toda la
people and the place – weaves together essential vida, la parroquia (las personas y el lugar) une
strands within the fabric of effective Catholic hebras fundamentales en la tela de la educación
education. NCEA’s annual National Parish católica eficaz. La celebración anual de la Semana
Religious Education Week celebration highlights Nacional de Educación Religiosa Parroquial de la
the vital role of parish in fulfilling the Church’s NCEA resalta la función imprescindible de la
mission of evangelization and catechesis. parroquia para el cumplimiento de la misión de
evangelización y catequesis de la Iglesia.
The theme echoes the call for Christian disciples
to see and reflect Jesus Christ in daily living. It El tema fomenta la petición de que los discípulos
also reminds us that catechesis - everything the cristianos vean y sean el reflejo de Jesucristo en la
Church does to educate people in the Catholic vida diaria. También nos recuerda que la
faith - is a moment in the process of catequesis, todo lo que hace la Iglesia para educar a
evangelization. las personas conforme a la fe católica, es un
momento en el proceso de evangelización
- 24 -Sample Graphic Identifiers
Catholic parishes, schools, and (arch)dioceses may include these graphics without modification in materials
celebrating National Parish Religious Education Week 2014. Hi resolution graphics are available through the
NCEA website.
Publishers and other entities must secure permission from the NCEA Religious Education Department in
writing prior to utilizing these images on websites or in other materials.
- 25 -Sample Poster: Current NCEA members may request a customizable WORD version at reled@ncea.org
National Parish Religious Education Week
Semana Nacional de Educación Religiosa
Parroquial
November 2-8, 2014
Encountering Christ at the center Encontrar a Cristo en el centro
of the parish’s work in catechesis de la labor parroquial en la catequesis
where adults, youth, and children donde los adultos, los jóvenes y los
learn the Catholic faith and niños aprenden la fe católica y
express it as Christian disciples la expresan como discípulos cristianos
- 26 -Avisos por boletín
Aviso por boletín correspondiente al domingo, 7 de septiembre de 2014
En noviembre, nos uniremos a una celebración de la Semana Nacional de Educación Religiosa
Parroquial. La celebración hace hincapié en que Jesucristo es el centro de los programas de
formación de la fe de la parroquia y que, al ayudar a los adultos, los jóvenes y los niños a encontrar a
Cristo cada día y crecer en nuestra fe católica, estamos respondiendo a la gran encomienda de "salir y
formar discípulos". Consulte un calendario de eventos en el boletín o visite [dirección de la página
web]. Para fungir como voluntario durante las festividades, comuníquese con [número telefónico y
dirección de correo electrónico del coordinador de la celebración parroquial].
Aviso por boletín correspondiente al domingo, 5 de octubre de 2014
En cuatro semanas, comenzaremos una celebración de la Semana Nacional de Educación Religiosa
Parroquial. . Nuestra celebración destacará cómo nuestros programas de formación de la fe de la
parroquia conservan a Jesús en el centro de la ayuda brindada a adultos, jóvenes y niños para
encontrar a Cristo todos los días y el valor que añaden a nuestra comunidad. Consulte un calendario
de eventos en el boletín o visite [dirección de la página web]. Para fungir como voluntario durante
las festividades, comuníquese con [número telefónico y dirección de correo electrónico del
coordinador de la celebración parroquial].
Aviso por boletín correspondiente al domingo, 19 de octubre de 2014
En dos semanas, comenzaremos nuestra celebración de la Semana Nacional de Educación Religiosa
Parroquial, nuestra celebración destacará cómo nuestros programas de formación de la fe de la
parroquia conservan a Jesús en el centro de la ayuda brindada a adultos, jóvenes y niños para
encontrar a Cristo todos los días y el valor que añaden a nuestra comunidad.Consulte el calendario
de eventos en el boletín de la próxima semana o visite [dirección de la página web]. Para fungir
como voluntario durante las festividades, comuníquese con [número telefónico y dirección de correo
electrónico del coordinador de la celebración parroquial].
Aviso por boletín correspondiente al domingo, 26 de octubre de 2014
Únase a la celebración de la Semana Nacional de Educación Religiosa Parroquial, a partir del próximo
domingo, 3 de noviembre. El tema de este año es "El encuentro con Cristo cada día", que celebra
nuestra dedicación a la formación de la fe para toda la vida. Hemos planeado una gama de
actividades para demostrar cómo nuestra parroquia ayuda a adultos, jóvenes y niños a conocer y
amar a Jesucristo y la Iglesia Católica más profundamente mediante nuestros esfuerzos de educación
religiosa.
- 27 -You can also read
