We invite you to spread the word to all the faithful and to participate in the fourth annual Fortnight for Freedom, a 14-day celebration of our Freedom to Bear Witness to the values of our faith with respect to the gift of life, conscience rights, immigration, adoption, marriage, health care and many humanitarian concerns.

As part of our observance of the Fortnight, you are invited to join with Bishop Burbidge for the celebration of Mass on Thursday, June 25 at 6:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Raleigh. A reception and picnic sponsored by the Knights of Columbus will follow the Mass. For more information and educational resources on the Fortnight for Freedom, access our website at www.dioceseofraleigh.org/fortnight-for-freedom.  Be sure to read the statement at the top from Archbishop Lori, check out the flyer from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops entitled Current Threats to Religious Liberty, and take advantage of the prayer resources.  There is also an excellent one-minute video, "A Call to Prayer," and consider adopting one of the suggested prayer practices prior to and during the Fortnight.  Prayer is the most important tool we have as we seek to protect our religious liberty.

On Thursday, June 4th, comprehensive 2015-2016 Youth Ministry calendars were sent out to all parishes, missions, and schools. The calendars list the dates of all events including Youth Ministry courses, deanery meetings, retreats, and Youth Board meetings from June 2015 to May 2016. Additionally, the World Youth Day event, which is July 24th-August 2nd, 2016 and the National Catholic Youth Conference, which is November 19th-21st, 2015, are listed. Thank you DRE's and Youth Ministers for all your assistance, and we look forward to seeing you all at this upcoming year's events! 

SAVE THE DATE!  On Sunday, August 30, 2015, the Diocese of Raleigh will hold its annual celebration of Lay Ministry Sunday.  On the day preceding this celebration all lay ministers are invited to attend a Mass, conversation, and lunch with Bishop Burbidge.  We will gather at St. Mary Mother of the Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 29th.  There is no charge for this special event, but all participants are asked to register in advance so we can prepare to welcome you.  Questions?  Contact Bea Callery (bea.callery@raldioc.org or 919-821-9715).

We are starting a new year of the Youth Ministry Certificate classes. Our goal this time is that Youth Ministers can finish in a year all the courses required for Diocesan Certification. If you are interested in National Certification you need to complete the advancing section or (section B) for each class. The first course for this new academic year starts on June 2015.

Course 1A Fundamentals of Catholic Youth Ministry

Course Description: This course addresses the essential vision, research, and theory needed to understand the depth and the breadth of ministry to youth in the Catholic Church in the United States.

Orientation June 8-14 (for new students) 

Week 1- June 15-21

Week 2 - June 22-28

Week 3 - June 29-July 5

Week 4 - July 5-11- 1A Portfolio Due at the end of the week.

Week 4- Break for Advance/National Certification students July 5-11 week

Course 1B Advancing the Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry

Week 5- July 13-19

Week 6- July 20-26

Week 7- July 27-August 2

Week 8- August 3-9 Portfolio due at the end of the week.

The cost for this first section is $45 dollars. To register contact Andrea.Stone@raldioc.org

Holy Redeemer by the Sea will be offering a Level 1 Training for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from June 27th through July 2nd.  At least 10 participants are needed before we can schedule actual times and final price so please let Grace Ghirardi know by early June if you intend to register.  If there are less than ten participants, the session will be cancelled.  Grace can be reached at 261-4700 x4700 or gsghirardihr@gmail.com.  Training will be conducted by Barbara Matera of Pittsburg, PA.

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