Bishop's Appeal 2008

Spreading the Good News

By Sister Cathy Galaskiewicz, O.P.

Diocesan Director of Catechesis

Every adult, teen, and child in our Diocese of Memphis is gifted with opportunities to grow in understanding the Catholic faith. Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ is the heart of the mission of the diocese, and this is the specific commitment of the Office of Catechesis. Funds generated by the Bishop's Appeal supplement the programs offered by the Office of Catechesis. Without donations from the people of the diocese, it would not be possible to serve so many.

The parish is the primary setting for lifelong faith formation. Led by the pastors, Directors of Religious Education and Adult Faith Formation Coordinators, 47 parishes and missions seek to meet this need for the parishioners.

Family-centered catechesis supports family life as parents and children grow in faith together. Whole community catechesis provides times of prayer, study and celebration for the whole parish family at significant times during the year.

To encourage and strengthen the faith of the young people of the diocese, 650 catechists in our parishes and 250 religion teachers in our Catholic schools teach the Catholic faith to our children and teens. All catechists take part in annual programs in theology and catechetical methodology to help them continue to share the faith as effectively as possible.

More than 5,000 children and teens are involved in parish religious education programs. They and their families prepare for the reception of the Sacraments. They continue to discover at ever deeper levels the wonder of faith throughout childhood and their teenage years. A highlight of the summer in many parishes is Vacation Bible School, which brings together children, teens, and adults in a creative, enjoyable, and faith-filled learning experience.

Catechesis for those with special needs is also provided by the Office of Catechesis. Resource persons are available to assist parishes and families in providing sacramental preparation and fuller faith formation for those with special needs. Inclusion in regular parish religious education classes or individual/family formation is made available through parish directors of religious education.

Lifelong adult faith formation is available throughout the diocese. As adults, we may seek a deeper knowledge of our faith. This may be in response to questions that others ask us about our faith. We seek greater understanding within ourselves, as we continue to mature. As we share programs beyond parish boundaries, adult faith formation becomes geographically accessible to all.

The Office of Catechesis also coordinates programs in theology and biblical studies for adults.

The Catholic Faith Foundations Theological Studies program offers courses in Catholic Perspectives on the Bible, Catholic Belief, Worship, Moral Teaching, Prayer, Spirituality, Church History, and Catholics and Other Faith Traditions. Persons who complete 100 hours of study, including all topics in the program, receive a diocesan certificate.

Many parishes offer Bible study opportunities. Parishes may partner with the Office of Catechesis in offering courses toward a Biblical Studies certificate, awarded after completing 150 hours of study covering the various parts of the Bible.

Courses in theology and biblical studies are also offered in Spanish in the Memphis and Jackson Deaneries. This is a joint effort of the Office of Hispanic Ministry and the Office of Catechesis. Some parishes offer parent sacramental programs in Spanish, with bi-lingual texts in use for the children.

Christian Brothers University now offers a Master of Arts in Catholic Studies degree. Participants may choose to take courses toward a certificate, or to take courses of particular interest, or to audit classes. The program began in August 2006 and a third cohort group is set to begin in August 2008. This program is strongly supported by the Diocese of Memphis. This is an excellent way to learn about Catholicism in a Catholic academic setting, either for personal enrichment or as ministerial formation.

The Director of the Office of Catechesis works in collaboration with the Catechesis Advisory Board. This Board assists in analyzing needs, setting direction, reviewing programs and norms, and offering wisdom and support to the mission of catechesis in the diocese. Board members are appointed by the Bishop and serve for a term of 3 years.

The Office of Catechesis is at the service of all Catholics and other interested persons. We work in collaboration with parish catechetical leaders and other diocesan offices. With the support and prayers of the people of the Diocese of Memphis through the Bishop's Appeal, we can continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all.

For more information about the diocesan Office of Catechesis, call 901-373-1203.

For more information about the 2008 Bishop's Appeal, call 901-373-1208 or visit www.cdom.org.