November/December 2015
Greetings from Jayne

Oh my... I thought I had scheduled an auto-delivery of the November RE newsletter but seems I fell short of the goal -- mea culpa!  Below is the November message intended for you:

Did you feel my prayers for you on All Saints Day?  As I journey from parish to parish, working alongside you, listening to your heroic stories of ministering to children and parents (particularly those whose lives are filled with sorrow and hardship yet find Christ's comfort in your presence), praying and sharing stories of faith with you, I truly feel as though I am walking among the Communion of Saints!  

Shown here is a portion of one of the exquisite tapestries featured in Our Lady of Angels Cathedral in Los Angeles. The Communion of Saints consists of females and males of all ages, races, occupations and vocations the world over -- just like you! How wonderful to realize that these holy men, women, and children constantly pray for us and are a source of inspiration for our lives. In this sense, every day is All Saints Day -- a sentiment confirmed in me each time I am in your presence.

Blessings upon you all!

Jayne

Catechist Retreat: Turn Our Hearts to Christ

The Catechist Retreat series kicked off in fine fashion in October at Annunciation Church on the Big Island. Our time was spent in prayer and discernment over scripture readings from the Acts of the Apostles and participating in engaging Confirmation learning centers for families (for grades 2 - 5). To our delight Annunciation parishioners Lisa Dahm and her sons Ethan and John Paul (pictured at right w/ Sr. Angie Laurenzo, CSJ, and myself) attended as a family.  The boys, ages 6 & 9, were attentive and enthusiastic participants who gave us great hope as the diocese prepares to confirm children who have reached the age of reason.

Evangelizing and catechizing parents is a tall order.  Yet "Jesus does not say: Go off and do things on your own.  No! Jesus says: 'Go, for I am with you!' This is what is so beautiful for us; it is what guides us.  If we go out to bring his Gospel with love, he walks with us, he goes ahead of us, he gets there first." (Pope Francis, International Conference on Catechesis, September 27, 2013)

Refer to the Calendar of Event below for retreat dates.

Doctrinally-sound content delivered right to our computers and hand-held devices!  Check out this great video on the sacrament of Confirmation.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation

Year of Mercy:Catechist Style
Holy Door

Thanks to Deacon Modesto Cordero who shared with me the Holy Door design for the Diocese of Honolulu (pictured here.)

As we EXIT the Cathedral Basilica (and designated churches on each island) we are reminded to "Go In Peace, Glorifying the Lord with Your Life" and to "Be Merciful Like the Heavenly Father".  Flanking the door are the Corporal Works of Mercy which enliven our mission of mercy.

During Advent, why not have families create a Holy Door for their home?  A simple sign posted above the door or a more elaborate replica of the diocesan design would be great! 

An Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy
(Encourage your catechists and parents to sign up!)

Pope Francis has designated the year of 2016 as an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. It is important for you to know why and to be prepared. In a free, four-part series delivered weekly, we will explain how to make this Year of Mercy a profoundly transformative experience.

Join Fr. Matt Guckin, Fr. Josh Johnson, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and Jeff Cavins to hear four insightful perspectives on how to unpack the graces the Year of Mercy promises.


CRS Rice Bowl (Lent)

What?  We haven't begun celebrating Advent and we're talking Lent already?  YES...we have committed to joining forces with the Office for Social Ministry to promote active participation in CRS Rice Bowl in 2016.  The curriculum is easy to use and engages the entire family in living out key principles contained within Pope Francis' second encyclical "Laudato Si".

Please include these lessons in your program during Lent -- you'll be glad you did.

Resources for Restoring the Original Order of the Sacraments of Initiation

Loyola Press has introduced its new resource for Restored/Original Order. Contact your Loyola Press representative for more information.  A comprehensive listing of publishers' resources are available on the Diocese of Honolulu's website.  These include resources from RCL Benziger, Sadlier, Our Sunday Visitor, The Pastoral Center, and Saint Mary's Press.
Calendar of Events




 
  
Big Island 
August 17, 2016
Big Island Faith Formation Conference
St. Joseph High School, Hilo

Molokai
  
  
Lanai
July 9, 2016
Lanai Faith Formation Conference
Sacred Heart Church


Maui
January 9, 2015
Maui Catechist Retreat: Turn Our Hearts Toward Christ
RE Leadership Meeting during lunch
St. Ann Church (Waihee)
9 AM - 3 PM

September 17, 2016
Maui Faith Formation Conference
St. Theresa Church, Kihei
Oahu  
February 20, 2016
Oahu Catechist Retreat: Turn Our Hearts Toward Christ
St. Stephen Diocesan Center
9 AM - 3 PM

June 17 - 18, 2016
Oahu Faith Formation Conference
St. Theresa/Co-Cathedral School
 
Kauai 
March 12, 2016
Kauai Catechist Retreat: Turn Our Hearts Toward Christ
St.Catherine Church, Kapaa
9 AM - 3 PM

October 15, 2016
Kauai Faith Formation Conference
location TBA