Forming Disciples Pillar Update

FORMING DISCIPLES PILLAR UPDATE
 
Since we began coming together as a family of parishes, we have been using terms like “pillars” to describe the six advisory groups, composed of members from our three parishes, who assist in the forming of our family identity.  For the next month, included in the bulletin will be information about each pillar. This information should help explain (1) who composes each pillar (2) the tasks the diocese has given each pillar and (3) what the pillars are currently working on as a group.  
 
The following comprise the membership of our Forming Disciples Pillar:
 
Kasey John, Chair (BONAS) 
Crystal Wilczewski, Secretary (BONAS)
Lisa Worth (SJTE) 
Ann Sorokes (SJTE)
Gayle Faulkner (BSMA) 
Mary Ann Zitnik (BSMA)
Sr. Regina (BSMA/SJTE)
 
According to the Diocesan Road to Renewal “Playbook,” the following topics are covered under this pillar, “Religious Education (Kindergarten through grade 12), Catholic Schools, OCIA/RCIA, Sacramental Preparation, Youth Ministry (Grades 6-8), Youth Ministry (Grades 9-12), Young Adult Faith Formation, Adult Faith Formation, Adult Leadership Training, Inclusive Catechesis, Family Formation.”
 
The Forming Disciples Pillar has been hard at work planning ways to successfully merge on the “Road to Renewal.” We have been scheduling activities, community service, dinners and retreats that we will be participating in together in order to give students and families more opportunities to become familiar with each other and the good things going on in all parishes. We have also been reading through and evaluating the available programs for this year’s religious education program in order to best decide which program fits all parishes’ needs. We have made adjustments to our programs and schedules so that, as a family, we are more congruent and unified. 
 
Kasey John will be running a teacher prep session for all educators at each of the parishes to better prepare them with common standards, scheduling and lesson planning for the upcoming year. We have also proposed a youth RCIA program as well as a Religious Education Program for students with special needs. As you can see, we have been busy and also are making lots of progress in doing our part on the “Road to Renewal.”