Catechetical Ministries

Ecclesial Staff

 

		Tish Scargill Director of Catechetical Ministry TScargill@dioceseofmonterey.org (831) 645-2830
		Terry Burrows Associate Director TBurrows@dioceseofmonterey.org (805) 458-2006

Director's Message:

   Happy New Year! 2022! Nostradamus (the French plague doctor, astrologer and seer) published his widely quoted book “Les Prophéties” in 1555, He had some dire predictions for 2022 including rising cost of food and severe climate patterns. Even though those predictions may seem to be coming true, as Catholics we are assured to “be not afraid” or “fear not”. According to www.catholic-resources.org  those phrases appear around 100 times in the Old Testament and 44 times in the New Testament. So throughout the generations fear has been a very real feeling. As we move into the new year, still dealing with the Covid -19 pandemic and all of the guidelines and mandates, we can be confident that God will not abandon us in our time of need. Parishes are working diligently, making sure that everyone is safe and stays well. While this may mean some disruptions in the usual routine, once it is safe to do so, things will begin to look familiar. However, we should always evaluate what the lesson is in all of this and not yearn to return to the way we have always done things. How has your family changed? What do you do differently now? Are you cooking together and eating meals together more? Are you praying, playing games, or going for walks together?
    
   This spring, the Diocese of Monterey will join dioceses all over the world in conducting the Synod that the Holy Father Pope Francis has asked for. It is an opportunity to let your voice be heard in regards to the Church. No issue will be off the table. Once the listening sessions are done, then a report will be compiled and the US Bishops will meet, another report will be sent to Rome, and then a final synod in Rome will happen in 2023. This is a very exciting time for the Church and the faithful!
Using the practice of living as a synodal Church means:
* The conversations lead to conversion to Christ and commitment to active participation in the mission given by Christ — Communion
*The people of God talk with one another and listen to one another about questions that matter — Participation
* The communion exists for a common purpose; mission flows naturally from the experience of communion —Mission Hearing sessions will be held throughout the diocese in late Winter and Spring. Your parish will have more information.
Blessings on this New Year!
Mission Statement:
Catechetical Ministry forms adults in the foundational beliefs of the Catholic Church and assists them in the training and catechizing of others.   The Department of Catechetical Ministries in the Diocese of Monterey participates in the Church`s mission to enable all people regardless of race, language, or country of origin to come to a profound and living knowledge of God in order to live a life of Christian Faith.

Description of Ministry:
The fulfillment of the catechetical needs of the diocese and the provision of catechetical resources for all parishes which includes the formation of catechists and master catechists, formation and training of parish DRE`s and CRE`s, formation of Catholic School religion teachers and the development of policies and guidelines for the sacraments of youth. This ministry also includes the on-going formation and training of R.C.I.A. leadership and teams.