Getting Started

 All 2013 Getting Started sessions will be held at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Center in Madison in September on the days listed below.  Each session will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Lunch will be provided at all sessions.

Thursday, September 5
Thursday, September 12
Thursday, September 19
Thursday, September 26
Thursday, October 3
Thursday, October 10

This program is offered free of charge.

For more information or to register, contact the OEC at:

Phone: 608-821-3160
E-mail: oec@straphael.org

Session I: Evangelization and Catechesis in the Diocese of Madison

• Participants will be given a general introduction to the geographical and organizational structure of the Diocese of Madison. 
• Participants will learn about the mission, structure, functions, personnel and services of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. 
• Participants will be introduced to the vision and mission of evangelization and tasks of catechesis.
• Participants will learn about the mission and structure of the parish and your role in it and job description.
• Participants will be given copies of and introductions to some essential Church catechetical documents and Diocesan Catechetical Standards. 
• Participants will be given a tour of the various departments at the Bishop O'Connor Center.

Session II: The Work of Parish Catechetical Leaders and Sacramental Preparation

• Participants will receive practical help concerning where to begin and what to do first in their ministry. 
• Participants will learn effective approaches to recruitment, training, and evaluation of catechists and other volunteers. 
• Participants will identify strategies and resources for developing partnerships with parents in the religious education of their children. 
• Participants will be introduced to major projects of the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, especially those directly connected to their work, including:
  • eNews 
  • Regional Gatherings of parish catechetical leaders 
  • Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute
  • Workshops, speakers, retreats and other enrichment opportunities offered by the diocesan office 

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• Participants will receive a basic understanding of sacramental theology, especially pertaining to Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation, and be able to articulate key concepts.
• Participants will examine diocesan policies regarding preparation for and reception of the sacraments, especially Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.

• Participants will explore the key role of parents and sponsors in the preparation process for reception of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.

• Participants will become familiar with resources and materials available for use in programs of sacramental preparation.

Session III: Youth Foramtion & Marriage and Family

• Participants will review the PK-8 diocesan religious education standards and examine a process for developing curriculum based on those standards.

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• Participants will clarify their understanding of and articulate a vision for parish youth formation.
• Participants will become familiar with programs, resources and materials available for middle school and high school youth formation.

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• Participants will be introduced to diocesan programs and resources for marriage preparation.
• Participants will be introduced to diocesan resources for learning and teaching Theology of the Body, enriching and strengthening marriage in their parishes.
• Participants will learn about NFP training and resources available in the Diocese of Madison

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Adult Faith Formation  (Adults, Young Adults, RCIA)

• Participants will explore a vision of adult faith formation and its centrality to the overall vision of evangelization and catechesis.
• Participants will become familiar with variety of adult faith formation resources and opportunities.

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• Participants will examine the special situation of young adults (ages 20-40) and how they can best be invited to fuller participation in the life of the Church.
• Participants will become familiar with resources and programs specially designed to encourage young adult participatints.

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• Participants will explore family faith formation and how to incorporate adult learning opportunities into any religious education program.

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• Participants will examine the process of the RCIA and its history.
• Participants will understand the role of the parish RCIA team.
• Participants will explore strategies for inviting inquirers to participate in the RCIA process.
• Participants will explore the role of the sponsor.
• Participants will be introduced to helpful RCIA materials, resources and contacts.