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Comings & Goings

Evangelizing Catechesis in Oakland, CA

Thanks to the catechetical leaders and youth ministers who came out in Oakland, CA, to spend the day looking at how we can make our catechesis more evangelizing. We were blessed with a visit from Bishop Barber, S.J., who spoke eloquently about his desire for catechesis to be more evangelizing, for us to expect more from those we teach, and for us to give them an experience of the transcendent.

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Comings & Goings

Finding God in Trenton, NJ!

I had a wonderful experience this past weekend with many good folks from the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey! On Friday, I enjoyed lunch with the staff of the diocesan catechetical office, Fr. Douglas Freer (Vicar for Catholic Education, Director of the Ministry of Catechesis and Evangelization), Jill Kerekes (Associate Director for Parish and School Catechesis), and Matthew Poole (Coordinator for Adult Faith Formation and New Evangelization). It was great to take the time to […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Chris Brett Discusses the 8th Graders’ Confirmation

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 8th grade catechist Chris Brett talks to his students about their recent Confirmation. Watch for the following: Chris asks them about Fr. Matt’s visit the previous week Chris asks about their Confirmation: the bishop’s homily, his vestments, whether everyone showed up, etc. Notice how relaxed and free-flowing the conversation is. Occassionally, Chris needs to “shush” them but it is just a gentle reminder to not all talk at […]

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Comings & Goings

Terrific Time in Tucson!

I had the most wonderful weekend in Tucson, AZ, speaking at their catechetical conference Co-Workers in the Vineyard. First, it was wonderful because my wife, Joanne, was able to travel with me for once and we got a chance to visit with her sister, nieces, and god-daughter. Second, it was wonderful because we got to see Bishop Gerald Kicanas who hired me right out of college to teach at the high school seminary almost 30 […]

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Liturgy and Sacraments

More About Receiving From the Cup

First, I’d like to thank the many people who engaged in such a healthy and respectful conversation about the issue of receiving the Precious Blood at Mass (in response to the actions taken by bishops in Phoenix and Madision to limit the reception of the Cup).  I read too many blogs where Catholics speak disrespectfully to one another and I’m happen that doesn’t happen here. The heartfelt comments that came in represent both sides of the […]

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Junior High

What Age to Confirm?

I was quoted in an article in the current issue of the National Catholic Reporter, talking about the issue of what age to confirm. What are your thoughts about this issue? (pictured: Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, N.D., and Fr. Luke Meyer, chancellor, talk with children at St. John Catholic Church in Wahpeton prior to their April 23, 2010, confirmation and first Eucharist Mass. (Diocese of Fargo/Tanya Watterud)

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Comings & Goings

A Peek at My Springfield Trip

Over the past few days, I’ve enjoyed a visit to Springfield, IL, for the installation of my brother Tom as bishop. We had a wonderful time and it was a fantastic celebration. Here are a few pics. In the sacristy after the Installation Mass with just part of the family.           A visit from Abraham Lincoln at the reception at the Old State Capitol               […]

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Comings & Goings

Vegas and Springfield on my Mind

I haven’t had much Internet access for a couple of days, but I wanted to say hi and let you all know that I am having a fantastic time at the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership in Vegas. I’ll have pics and some thoughts by Thursday when I get home. Also, I’m happy to share that my brother Tom has been named the Bishop of Springfield, Il, which is about 3 hours from Chicago! http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=36235 […]

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Creative Moments

Exploring the Rite of Confirmation

Tonight is our final Confirmation Intensive for this year. It is also an Open House for parents to attend to see what their kids are up to every Monday evening…hope we get a good turnout. Anyway, for this evening’s intensive, we are reflecting on the Rite of Confirmation itself, taking each of the following five components of the Rite and putting them “under the microscope” for closer study in preparation for the sacrament which is […]

Confirmation Preparation Class
Junior High

Rite of Confirmation: The Bishop’s Homily

For our next (and final) Confirmation Intensive, we are focusing on the Rite of Confirmation, which includes the following: the Presentation of the Candidates the Bishop’s Homily the Renewal of Baptismal Promises the Laying on of Hands and the Anointing with Chrism the General Intercessions I’m currently sharing with you what I’m developing for each of these 5 elements of the Rite (the kids will exerience five, 15-minute mini-sessions, one on each of the 5 elements). We […]