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July 9, 2020
St. Augustine Zhao Rong
and the Martyr Saints of China
Office of Catechesis
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Nuestro Modo de Proceder and
Preparing For Fall Catechesis

In his book Heroic Leadership, Chris Lowney writes:

The early Jesuits referred often to nuestro modo de proceder, "our way of proceeding," or in Americanese, "the way we do things." No one ever tried to capture nuestro modo in writing, because no one could have and no one needed to. "Our way of proceeding" flowed from a worldview and priorities shared by all members of the Jesuit team. Their way of proceeding was a compass, not a checklist. If you know where you're heading, the compass is an infinitely more valuable instrument.

As we've navigated the challenges of what can charitably be called a most unique year, we would do well to make sure that our compasses are properly aligned. Our usual checklist of activities won't serve us as well as we adapt to social distancing, an increased use of technological tools, and the real possibility of a resurgence of the Covid-19 virus in our communities.

In this I believe we will be well served by the new Directory for Catechesis (see below). While the English translation is not yet available it will be an invaluable resource, source for reflection, and guide to our common ministry in the months and years ahead.

In the meantime, know that you are in my prayers as you plan for the coming year. Guidance to help you plan for catechesis in the midst of the Covid-19 virus will be coming form the diocese soon. Thank you again for your service and the great flexibility and faith you have demonstrated this year. You are a blessing to your communities and to our diocese.

Online Study: Open Wide our Our Hearts

Holy Spirit at Geist Parish will be hosting on online study of the USCCB's document Open Wide Our Hearts. This document affirms that Catholics are called to fight against every affront to the dignity of human life, including racism. Join Pastoral Associate Shannon Schmidt for an open, honest, and hopeful discussion of this letter on Thursdays evenings from July 16-August 6; register online for details.

Catechist Self-Assessment

As we prepare for fall catechetical programming, a useful exercise for returning and new catechists is to complete a simple self-evaluation about the faith knowledge and skill in catechesis. This can helps catechists identify their strengths and areas of further growth. It can also help catechetical leaders customize catechist formation to the needs of their volunteers.

The Office of Catechesis has created a simple self-assessment form for your use. Feel free to share it with your catechists.

New Directory for Catechesis

On June 25 the Vatican announced the promulgation of a new Directory for Catechesis. This document, which highlights "the close link between evangelization and catechesis" and "underlines that every baptized person is a missionary called to find new ways of communicating the faith with commitment and responsibility," replaces the current General Directory for Catechesis released in 1997 (which was itself an update of the General Catechetical Directory of of the 1970s).

While the English text of the new directory will not be available for a few weeks, the Office of Catechesis will be putting together resources to share with you and catechists to help us better understand what it teaches about catechesis and evangelization in the 21st century.
Are You Busy Doing the Right Things? (Ascension Press; July 2020)

Upcoming Events

Ordination of a Priest and Deacons
Saturday, August 1; 11a ET
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception
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