Mission Matters: Feb. 2, 2016

This week’s “Parish Table Talk”:  Mid Atlantic Congress is finally here; Lent tips from Pope Francis; Family Day for Lent; Videos to inspire others, and Update on Family Life Materials, plus this Thursday’s Blog post.

Watch for this Thursday’s Post:

Spiritual Accompaniment: Transitioning the Mountaintop Experience to Reality by Margaret Brogden, Coordinator of Youth Ministry Formation.

Parish Table Talk

Mid Atlantic Congress is finally here! We look forward to welcoming all of the pastoral leaders to Baltimore this week and pray that all will be renewed, connected and energized for our mission!

• Lent Tips from Pope Francis:  From his messages, here are some practical ways to make the most of this Lent.  How will your approach to Lent this year be different?

• Family Day for Lent:  Looking for an idea to gather families for Lent?  We have created an inter-generational gathering based on the parables of mercy.  The program is set up with talking points, videos, crafts, and games.  Let us know if you find it helpful.

• Videos to Inspire others: Most of you are familiar with the Busted Halo Ash Wednesday and Lent in 2 minutes.  St. Augustine and Ascension Youth Ministry took to Youtube to get their Lenten message out (see below). There are many ways to reach your parishioners and those who are not coming to your parish!

• Update on Family Life Materials:  In case word hasn’t made it out, we want to be sure that those of you who order family life materials are aware of the following:
  As of this year RCL Benziger is packaging the Human Reproduction supplements A and B separate from the 5th and 6th grade Family Life packet. Because this change might be unanticipated for many, RCL Benziger is offering the A and B supplements for free for the 2015-2016 year for each 5th and 6th grade packet you order. Note that you must include the supplements in your order (they will not be automatically added to your cart). In addition to offering the A and B supplements for free for this year, RCL Benziger is also offering reduced shipping through March 25th. If you have questions about this change to their family life packaging, you can call our local RCL Benziger representative Jeff Daley, or you can call Abby Kibler from our department’s Division of Catechetical and Pastoral Formation at 410-547-5414.

Questions? Feedback? Please leave a comment below.