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October 2020
A REMINDER...
We recommend that you click on 
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(at the top of this email newsletter), so you don't miss any information!

Sharing our Faith
in Response to COVID-19

PLEASE NOTE:
In an effort to be responsive to your needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Archdiocesan Faith Formation Team has been providing resources and online events specifically related to faith formation.  While we will continue to update the Guidance Document found in the Google Shared Drive, we will no longer be sending out the COVID-19 Newsletter. We hope this resource has been helpful to you during this time, and we will continue to evaluate ways to serve you.


Guidance for Faith Formation (Google Doc)
CLICK HERE to open the document. Please note revisions to Recommendations #2 and #3. or access the document in the Google Shared Drive --> FFL Catechesis & Evangelization --> COVID-19 Guidance and Resources --> Covid FF Guidance.

Health and Safety Considerations - Faith Formation
The Faith Formation Health and Safety Considerations document can be found in the Google Shared Drive --> FFL Catechesis and Evangelization --> COVID-19 Guidance and Resources --> Health and Safety Considerations for Faith Formation Programs

Guidance on Virtual Meetings with Minors
Safe environment guidance during virtual meetings can be found in the COVID FF Guidance document. (Recommendation #4).
 

Stories from the Field

MOMENTUM: The Accompaniment Symposium
by Melanie Vobr

Melanie Vobr, Coordinator of Youth Formation at Notre Dame Parish, Cresco, shares her experience of attending this virtual event. To read Melanie's article, click here.

United in Prayer with Those Affected by the Derecho
We join in solidarity with all those affected by the derecho storm that devastated communities throughout the Archdiocese and surrounding areas on August 10, 2020. 
  • Please read our reflection on this tragic event. 
  • Here is a prayer for those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by this natural disaster.
If you have a story to share about the storm, how it has impacted people in your community, or ways your parish is assisting those in need during this time, we invite you to send us your story.

NOTE:  For the November edition of InFo, we are looking for your stories about how faith formation programming has been impacted during this unprecedented time. We invite you to share your experiences...What is working well? What has not been entirely successful, but has been a helpful learning experience? Every parish/cluster is forming the faithful in new and innovative ways!  If you have something to share, we invite you to write an article about it (approx. 200 words). Please send submissions to Lynne Chapman.
 
Equipping YOU for Ministry
Faith Formation Professional Development Resources
These resources can be referenced in the Google Shared Drive --> FFL Catechesis & Evangelization --> FFL Professional Development Resources or at this link:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cDp2zyHwQXNVEcTxlQLYx7tsYIUc-bm0.
You can also access a document listing elements specifically helpful to new and nearly new FFLS (or anyone who might like a refresher) by clicking here.


 

Virtual Open House
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 10:30 AM

(or 10:00 AM for those who wish to join early)
The Faith Formation Team will now be offering Virtual Open House opportunities on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. We will be opening the Zoom at 10:00 AM to offer time for anyone to ask specific questions of members of the Faith Formation Team.  During this time, it will also be possible for you to "chat" with others who have joined. In addition to checking in with everyone to see how things are going, the VOH will include small-group break-out discussion.
Upcoming VOH dates: October 6 and October 20.
Here is the link: FFL VOH Link OR
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85486894538?pwd=OEU1cVFzVlpRaHhlaEdaeFFUMVhlQT09
Meeting ID: 854 8689 4538         Passcode: 1L0N41
To join by phone, dial:  (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID: 854 8689 4538         Passcode: 649832



Fall Pastoral Leadership Study Day (PLSD)
Thursday, October 15, 2020     9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

The Fall PLSD will be held at the Bien VenU Event Center in Cedar Falls. Tom Green, the founder of Gateway Pastoral Resources, will be the keynote speaker on “High Performing Parish Leadership.” The day will focus on the most important factors of a parish staff’s effectiveness—trust, communication, and parish team health. Due to COVID-19, participants can choose to participate in-person (CDC guidelines will be followed) or join the event virtually (via live-stream and Zoom). To learn more and register for either format, click here.


Surviving Divorce Program Facilitator Training
Saturday, October 31, 2020     9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Hiawatha

If you would like to start, grow, or continue ministry to the divorced and separated in your parish, join program creator, Rose Sweet, for inside tips on starting, running, and successfully managing a Surviving Divorce support group. This facilitator training day will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Hiawatha. CDC COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. For more details and registration, visit:
www.dbqarch.org/surviving-divorce-training-registration.


University of Dayton VLCFF
Registration for Cycle 7 will close on October 14.
Cycle 7 courses will run from October 18 - November 21.
Registration for Cycle 1, 2021 will open on October 21, and closes on December 30, 2020.
Cycle 1 will run from January 3 - February 6, 2021.
Remember, you have a voucher for one free course per year!!!
For a complete list of courses, go to:
 https://vlcff.udayton.edu/calendar/
You may click on any course to get an overview of the course as well as the course objectives. For more information on VLCFF or to use your voucher go to https://vlc.udayton.edu or contact Carla Kasal.

 

Upcoming Events to Promote

An Evening for the Divorced and Separated and Those Who Love Them
Friday, October 30, 2020    6:30 - 8:30 PM
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Hiawatha

Join Catholic author and speaker, Rose Sweet for "An Evening for the Divorced and Separated and Those Who Love Them." Whether you are divorced or separated, or want to help someone you love who is, you're invited to come and hear how the Church can help those who have experienced divorce or separation. The evening will include a talk by Rose Sweet and time for Q&A. CDC COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. The event will also be live-streamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person. There is no cost, but please RSVP at
www.dbqarch.org/rose-sweet-event-rsvp.

News to Know
The Great Media Give-Away Coming Soon!
September 29 - October 5, 2020

You are welcome to come to the Great Give-Away at the Pastoral Center from Sept 29 - Oct 5 to obtain books, DVDs, games, music CDs, etc. from over 3000 media items weeded from the ERC this summer. While many resources are older and well used, many are current and in great shape. Please click HERE for required sign-up for a day/time (evening/weekend options included!) so that we can keep social distancing and keep everyone safe as you wear your mask. If you are unable to attend in person because of time or distance, please contact the ERC to discuss alternatives.


Invitation to Participate in Novena
September 21-29, 2020

Archbishop Jackels, the other Catholic bishops of Iowa, Bishop Robert Gruss of Saginaw, MI, and Bishop Brendan Cahill of Victoria, TX will be leading a livestreamed Novena to St. Isidore for those negatively affected by the recent derecho wind storm. The Novena has been coordinated by Catholic Rural Life and will be livestreamed at 10 a.m. (for about 15 minutes each day) from Monday, September 21 through Tuesday, September 29.  Archbishop Jackels will be leading our livestreamed prayer on Monday, the 21st and Wednesday, the 23rd. All are welcome to join in prayer via the livestream on the Catholic Rural Life facebook page and website.


Annual Faith Formation Report (AFFR) Survey
Each year we invite all Faith Formation Leaders to share about the ministries that are occurring in their parishes. This survey, referred to as the AFFR, collects important information like enrollment, number of catechists, etc. that is shared with the USCCB and the Vatican. The information also helps the Archdiocesan Faith Formation team to better serve you by knowing a little more about the services you provide. You will receive an email in early October with a unique login and password so you can access the survey that is custom designed just for you. Also, members of the Archdiocesan Faith Formation team will be available to assist you in completing the form live via Google Meet.  it is really important that you complete the survey when invited to do so. Thank you for your help with this.



Important Catechetical Institute 2020-2021 Update
As a result of a conversation with the Catechetical Institute, the expiration date has been extended to November 1, 2020.  We continue to work with the Catechetical Institute to consider our options for partnership this year.  At this time, we ask that you wait to renew your subscription until we have more information.  Consider taking advantage of the new workshops and tracks that are available.  Faith Formation Leaders are able to request a mentor to accompany or walk with them as they progress through tracks.  If you have not already signed up for a free account, would like more information about how the Catechetical Institute can help you in the formation of catechists, or learn how to access your free account please contact Joanne Pohland.  


LeadersGram Resources Moved Exclusively to Website
The LeadersGram webpage will still offer the printable monthly prayer for meetings, as well as monthly discussion suggestions for Faith Formation Commissions. Please direct your Faith Formation Commission members to this webpage.
 
Faith Formation Resources
 
          Ministering With Media (ERC)          


Faith Formation: Models and Methods
The ERC is adapting to assist no matter your models and methods:

  • Providing resources as you form your families in the faith
  • Helping you discover and utilize media, tools, and technology that lead to engaging faith formation
  • Inservicing catechists to better utilize media resources, tools, technology, and textbooks

An ERC Media Blast was sent on September 2nd offering ideas and resources for creative online faith formation. If you did not receive the email, please contact Tricia or subscribe HERE.
 

If you are new to our ministry and need a little overview of the services provided by the ERC, please check out the document here and feel free to contact Kim and Tricia with any questions you have. 
Kim – 563.556.2580, ext. 210 or dbqmed@dbqarch.org
Tricia – 563.556.2580, ext. 214 or dbqcmed1@dbqarch.org.

Don’t Forget Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/dbqarch
 
 
          For Ministering to Catechists          
 

Making Plans for Fall Programming?

  • Don't forget to share your planning progress with the Faith Formation Commission in your parish/cluster.  As Commission members are often parents, they may be able to offer insights you have not thought about.
  • Check out the recorded publisher presentations found in the Google Guidance document under "Resources for Reopening Parishes --> For Moving Faith Formation Online." 
If you have any questions about resources for Fall faith formation programming, please contact Joanne Pohland or Tricia Tranel.

 

          For Ministering to Families          


Family Prayer Resources during COVID-19Webpage (in English and Spanish)

Recommended Marriage Resources during COVID-19

Resources for ministering to the Divorced and Separated

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Find resources to respond to Domestic Violence here.


 
          For Ministering to Youth and Young Adults          

NCYC Update
The Archdiocese is temporarily holding off on any planning and deadlines for NCYC '21 (National Catholic Youth Conference) until at least February of 2021. If the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) decides to host NCYC in Indy in 2021, and we feel it will be a safe experience for our teens, we will ramp up promotion, group sign ups, and collection of essential paperwork in the Spring. If you have questions, please contact Kevin Feyen.


 
          For Ministering to Adults          
 
The Search by Chris Stefanick
This 7-episode series is perfect for evangelization, as it explores the deepest questions of the human heart. It includes videos and a study guide. Click here to learn more, or access it on FORMED.org if your parish has a subscription.

Check out a new resource for Advent and Christmas with Fr. Dave Pivonka:
https://www.igniteyourparish.com


For a listing of upcoming virtual conferences click here.

Please contact Matt Selby for questions or consultation on Adult Faith Formation.


 
        For Ministering to Persons with Diverse Abilities        


Parish Advocacy Matters!
October is National Disability Employment, Down Syndrome, and Learning Disabilities Awareness month. October 4-10 is Mental Health Awareness week. We encourage you to start discussions at your parish about how you can be more inclusive. Do an at-home activity or add a prayer petition during the weekend Mass to raise awareness about persons with disabilities, and share resources. Who in your parish could be an advocate for persons with disabilities?


October is Respect Life Month
For family resources, videos, activities and prayers, and to learn more about Respect Life Monthclick here

  • Respect Life Resources from the USCCB, including posters, reflections, graphics, study guide and action guides, can be found here.
Disability Inclusion Events Postponed
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the annual Celebration of Life Mass and Mass for Mental Illness Awareness will be postponed until October 2021. The Winter Disability Inclusion Retreat scheduled for January 2021 has also been canceled. We pray that all the most vulnerable members of our society remain safe and healthy during this time, and we look forward to gathering for future events.

 
Check out resources for inclusive catechesis available here. For additional resources and support, contact Lynne Chapman or Tricia Tranel.
Online Faith Formation Resources
Click on the icons below to read current editions
of these Faith Formation resources!




       
 
Recognitions
(If you know someone who should receive special recognition, please let us know.)
Welcome!
We welcome the following FFLs starting new positions:
  • Taylor Fortmann - St. LaSalle Pastorate (Balltown, Holy Cross, Luxemburg, Rickardsville, Sherrill)
  • Kim Kleve - St. Peter, Clermont
  • Jill McGarvey - St. Jude, Cedar Rapids
  • Cassie Schetgen - Holy Spirit Parish, St. Patrick and Cathedral of St. Raphael, Dubuque
Farewell!
We bid farewell to the following FFLs leaving their positions:
  • Kay Goedken - Holy Family, New Melleray
  • Brian Nilles - St. LaSalle Pastorate (Balltown, Holy Cross, Luxemburg, Rickardsville, Sherrill)
  • Mary Olson - St. Peter, Clermont
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the following, who have completed courses from the University of Dayton VLCFF over the past few months:
  • Sarah Casey, Hiawatha - Emotional Intelligence and its Impact on Faith Formation
  • Deacon Michael Ellis, Dubuque - Echoes of Racism: Whispers of Healing
  • Mary Ann McCauley, Dubuque - Introduction to Christian Morality; Hope in Times of Crisis
We're Here for You!
The Faith Formation Staff at the Archdiocese of Dubuque is a team of dedicated professionals whose role is to assist parish leaders in the formation of Missionary Disciples. While each staff member has a specific focus, all members work together as a team with a shared vision.
 
* Parish visits                                             Virtual or in-person consultation   
* Phone calls                                             * Parish presentations               
* Email correspondence                            * Any other way we can be of assistance
Jim Betzner
Faith Formation Event Registration
ext. 286

j.betzner@dbqarch.org

 

Lynne Chapman
Faith Formation Communications
Disability Inclusion
ext. 246

l.chapman@dbqarch.org

 

Kim Feldman
Resource Consultant
ext. 210

dbqmed@dbqarch.org

 

Kevin Feyen
Youth and Young Adult Ministry
ext. 253

k.feyen@dbqarch.org
 
 
Carla Kasal
Administrative Services
ext. 267

c.kasal@dbqarch.org



Joanne Pohland 
Children and Family Formation
ext. 255

j.pohland@dbqarch.org
 

Matt Selby
Adult Faith Formation
Marriage and Family Life Services
ext. 233

m.selby@dbqarch.org


Tricia Tranel
Resource Consultant
ext. 214

dbqcmed1@dbqarch.org


 
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