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Minutes May 1 Meeting

5/18/2023

Agenda Forming Disciples May 1, 2023 Family 21 6:30 PM at Blessed Trinity - Faith Formation Room of the school building behind the church

Attending: SMdP: Lanette Jennings, Toni Goins-Singletary; STL: John Monnin , BT: Pat Dyer, Nancy Arnold, CB: Dcn, Jerry Hodson
Excused: Deborah Jones, Olive Ndyashimi, Debbie Obstarczyk, Ed White

Questions from the group in regard to links sent after last month’s meeting. No concerns.
Questions regarding the difficulty in getting sign-ups for children and teens.
- What can we do? Continue to look for ways to connect families as well as face-to-face conversations. Find out their story.
- How strict should we be? Cut-off at missing the two classes. Create an ability to catch-up. This is the results of the concerns of fairness, adequate catechesis and embracing the enthusiasm where we find it.
- Contact Fr. Ron for suggestions in regards to the recent African immigrants. Dcn. Jerry Hodson did not feel that there were, at this time, any cultural concerns for us with the Hispanic community being served.
- Baptism (under age 7) Ascension Press video. Set-up sessions and cancel if not needed.
- First Reconciliation/First Communion? Children attending preparation at other parishes? Discuss with the pastor if it comes up.
- Confirmation? Treat adults differently? At this point continue with the mixed group and address individually if this becomes a problem.
- The programs that we use for Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation have videos and other materials available on-line and free that enable easier make-ups for those who missed classes.
- Initiation of children over age 7
  - Enrollment in K-8? Continue with current plan.
  - How do we get them into Reconciliation classes? Involve in education piece and return at the First Communion retreat.
  - How do we get them to continue catechesis? Consider some virtual classes in the future. Consider something to engage parents.
- Make-up classes? Individualized.
- High School - no students came to the meeting for enrollment - ideas? See “Big Ideas” brainstorming.
- Assessment of numbers of baptized children not involved in faith formation Parishes will look individually at this. SMdP plans to send letters directly to families. BT and STL did not feel that this was a concern although STL has seen some new children in the church recently.
- What is Catechesis of the Good Shephard? A discussion ensued. Initially, the FF committee had decided against this program. The Diocese continues to encourage this. It was not considered viable at this time; however, it was suggested and narrowly agreed that Toni Goins-Singletary and (Pat Dyer has someone involved in preschool education in mind to join her) look for another person to do a field trip to a program that is up and running in a Family. Concerns were cost, whether or not parents utilized the program, staffing, and how the families stay connected to their home parishes if there is only one “room” in a family. Pat Dyer will try to set up this trip.
- Possibly increase mentors to other age groups - one model used elsewhere assigns mentors to groups and the mentors stay with the same group as they age Get mentors together for training. Encourage mentors in younger grades.
- AOC - None from the group
What are our Big Dreams? Let’s have a little fun with this. Think about what you want to see - money, staff are no objects for dreams. The items below were generally well supported and will be considered for our future plans. Attached to these notes will also be a complete list of ideas brought to us by John Monnin who did a little research before coming to the meeting. Unless otherwise indicated, the suggestions came from John Monnin’s research.
- Dcn. Jerry Hodson would like to see family faith formation events with a meal, lesson, and a project.
- Toni Goins-Singletary mentioned the possibility of doing a musical/play on a scripture theme with adults and children participating. She had discussed this at another meeting. At least one parent had agreed to help with the set and costumes/advertising if this was done.
- Game Nights - some discussion on whether to hold multiple sessions at different churches or just one. Consensus was to begin with one and see how it is attended. Plan would be to have questions about scripture, faith, our parishes, and some timely fun topics. If this is well attended, we would add more events/sites.
- Sports nights - basketball seemed to be on top of the list. Suggestion to look for partners - other churches, PBA, Holy Name, Knights of Columbus etc. to help with organization, set up, clean up, food service and coaching. Maybe hold a contest.
- Difficult questions night. Separate nights or separate locations (at the same church) for adults and teens - involve clergy, instructors. Allow questions from the floor as well as in suggestion boxes in advance and at the meetings.
- Dance competition, Walk-A-Thon or cookie sale to raise money for a cause directed by those involved after some Catholic Social Teaching.
- Encourage participation in church picnics ((at least one is already scheduled SMdP)
- Church Carnival - BT plans another neighborhood event, SMdP has planned an “Night Out” event, and STL is planning for their feast day - all in August.
- Marital Success workshops (We have not yet addressed the Sacrament of Marriage)
The following items remained from our last meeting -
- Tabled to our next meeting. Share things we wish we were still doing - has not been done in over two years.
- What do we perceive our needs to be?
  - Connection of families to each other
  - Connection of families/individuals to a parish community
  - Money
  - “Staff”
- This will remain an on-going question and we will come back to it with other discussion: Are there other groups or individuals we will want to contact to create a plan or who have particular skills and knowledge that will help us? Where might we want to take “field trips” - virtual or in-person?
Assignment for our next meeting:
- Review the list below from John Monnin for other ideas
- Review and answer the questions from inventory notes 4-8 below
- Review any links that may be helpful in making recommendations
John Monin’s List of “Big Ideas” - Plan would be to involve some catechesis in all events. There has been no discussion on these.
- Visits to Care Homes (Might we partner with InReach?OutReach for this?)
- Talent competitions
- Additional Bible Studies (CB will be adding a virtual one) We currently have a mix of in-person and virtual with different formats.
- Awards Night - local heroes
- “Medical Camp” Look for volunteers for B/P, eye exams and the like.
- Zoom courses on differing topics.
- Community garden
- Guest lecture on different topics.
- Craft workshops - make and take Rosaries with teaching on how to pray the Rosary and the Mysteries attached to each decade/day of the week.
- Movie Nights - we have done these before. They were really enjoyed by those who attended, but they were not well attended.

Quote from Living as Missionary Disciples
Evangelization invites people to experience the gradual and lifelong process of conversion: to draw all people into a deeper relationship with God, to participate in the sacramental life of the Church and to develop a mature conscience. (p. 12)
Next meeting date? June 5, 6:30 PM St. Charles’ Hall at Blessed Trinity

Upcoming Meetings:

June meeting -
- Safe Environment
- Youth Ministry - including a report from CB on their recent efforts
- Young Adults
- Adult
- Share things we wish we were still doing - have not been done in over two years.

July meeting - This meeting may be virtual due to conflicts in schedules and the holiday. A decision will be made at our next meeting.
- Catechist formation
- RCIA/OCIA

August meeting - Planning for the future

September meeting - Planning for the future

Resources:

Convocation for catechesis July 26 at St. Leo the Great. This is an all-day event with speakers from Detroit (just went through a “renewal” process) and Wisconsin (family catechesis.) Lots of information on Catechesis of the Good Shephard and using technology and more! Registration information is coming soon.
Youth Convention planning session on June 17 at 9 AM. Convention is for grades 3-6. This is an opportunity to address children who leave the Church in middle school. Held at Our Lady of Pompeii, Lancaster. Must pre-register. Includes breakfast.
GEMS - sign up for this helpful newsletter.
Revive - see attached flyer.
Youth and adult ministry - https://www.volunteerwny.org/need/
Workshops for catechists and leaders - sample here https://www.volunteerwny.org/need/
St. Bernard’s Here is the link to the course catalog. They have been offering a free audit in the summer. https://stb.highland.dev/2022-2023-Course-Catalog.pdf
For those interested in ministry to youth - Mental Health crisis in teenage girls
Increasing engagement: Church Growth
This article is from research done by a Protestant church but has some valuable insight: Obstacles in passing on fath
Help forming catechetical leaders
Research from FF committee on why and when Catholics leave the Church.
- “We have completed our study of why people leave the Church and will now focus on re-engagement and retention; however, a new article that just came in may be helpful as well as two books that were mentioned.” (From meeting notes FF) Two basic themes and one surprise: lack of concrete relationships and not connecting faith to their lives. Surprise? They leave in middle school.
  - Blessed Are the Bored in Spirit: A Young Catholic’s Search for Meaning by Mark Hart
  - You Lost Me: Why Young Catholics Are Leaving the Church by David Kinnaman
  - https://uscatholic.org/articles/202106/black-catholics-are-leaving-the-church-why/?utm_source=Main+Reader+List&utm_campaign=d59873393c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_03_16_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_407bf353a2-d59873393c-91246125 Fr. Bryan Massingale
  - Why Catholics leave the Church article
- Can we create a plan to change the tide? Radical hospitality videos: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/confirmation-hospitality-video-series/?cid=74265758-1be2-4273-b830-fc12ba6957fd#video1

Notes: Inventory and statistics notes. (Highlighted areas are questions to address.)

The numbers enrolled in programs are from the Family as a whole since there is only one program for religious education.
Committee members will all be able to see and add notes to these minutes. Please do so in a different color and put your name after the comment.
Space available and equipment:
1. St. Lawrence has a large hall and kitchen with limited access to the internet. This space is handicap accessible. There is a projector, speakers, and a portable screen. There are several meeting rooms in the rectory - one with a television.
2. Blessed Trinity has a large hall with kitchen, internet access and handicap ability as well as a classroom that will accommodate 25. There is a projector and large screen in the cafeteria and a 40-inch television in a classroom.
3. Ss. Columba-Brigid has a newer hall with kitchen and internet access as well as a large screen and a couple of smaller classrooms with handicapped access attached to the church. There are other rooms in the office building.
Fees
1. Currently $6/child with a maximum of $20/family - families have been about 50:50 in paying the fees. Fees have been collected per year and not per program. Donations have also been received to cover some costs.
2. No fees have been charged for retreats.
3. We have not charged differently for active vs inactive parishioners (definition is attending Mass and participating in parish activities)
4. Food - we have had volunteers and family potlucks
5. Paper supplies have come from different parishes and donations and craft supplies, some old supplies
6. Books have been donated from other parishes and a few bi-lingual books ordered and paid for by CB Using Christ Our Life from Loyola Press.
7. Currently being taught by a combination of volunteers (one is a paid secretary with elementary teaching experience in a Catholic school and one is a practicing Catholic and a deacon.) One paid staff member (paid by Blessed Trinity) used for some classes and is currently also working with the other parishes to make programs possible- elaborate at meeting.
8. Do we need to make changes here? Are there grants available?

Record Keeping - has been done by coordinators of programs and turned over to the parishes for recording in sacramental books. Registration forms are emailed to the parishes. Need buy-in and planning input.
Religious education staff within the parishes includes one “certified” DRE, a former elementary school teacher (Catholic School,) and a deacon - there are no catechists. How can we recruit catechists?
Family calendar - Faith Formation consults the “Family” calendar when determining dates and times for events. Who should we be working with to ensure that other groups also do so to avoid conflicts?
Assessment of “family” needs regarding those who are behind in faith formation or new to the parishes. SMdP is currently doing this. Who else needs to do this?

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May 18th, 2023

5/18/2023

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Notes from Meeting April 10. 2023

Notes from Meeting Forming Disciples April 10, 2023 Family 21 7:00 PM at Blessed Trinity - Faith Formation Room of the school building behind the church

Attending: Ss. Columba-Brigid: Dcn. Jerry Hodson, St. Martin de Porres: Tina Goins-Singletary, Deborah Jones, Caroline Fulkerson, Blessed Trinity: Nancy Arnold, John Monin, Patricia Dyer

Excused: St. Lawrence: Deborah Obstarczyk, Ss. Columba-Brigid: Olive Ndyasimi (spelling,)
Blessed Trinity: Ned White, St. Martin de Porres: Lanette Jennings

These notes were made together while we were meeting.

Introduce two new members of the pillar committee and get to know each other a bit. (10 minutes) Members introduced themselves and their background experiences. Several have religious education experience, four have been on the Faith Formation committee, two have marketing experience, one is a parent of eight who has also taught religious education - another is a father who has recently had children in religious education, one has library science experience and has taken classes in adult faith formation, one has experience with youth ministry. One is a teacher who is currently teaching religion in the “Family.” All recognized the unique concerns of city parishes.
Discussed and acknowledged that being able to get children enrolled in programs has been difficult. Children are often not in church. Acknowledged that youth programs and adult programs are likely to be the best way to get them into church.
Diocesan Faith Formation Link Reviewed available models. Forming Disciples Standards are available here.
Review what is currently being done in our parishes - in the last two years. (30 minutes)
- Confirmation - Dcn Jerry (5 minors, 2 adults)
  - Meeting four meetings spring and six in the fall. Meeting CB. Spring: Videos with discussion from Alpha International called Living Life On Purpose. Videos are attached to the minutes.
  - Fall classes are based on Decision Point. Retreat and volunteering. Grade 9 and above. Program Link
- Initiation of children over age 7 and adults - Dcn. Jerry Currently held immediately after Sunday Mass at CB. This is a known concern for children from other parishes as this interferes with them attending Mass at their home parishes.
  - Five classes with a retreat and enroll in Faith Formation classes.
  - Children should also be enrolled in our K-8 program, and depending upon their age at reception into the Church should continue in K-8 education.
- First Reconciliation/First Communion - Patricia Dyer for Debbie Obstarczyk (6 students) Thursday evenings at 5:30 PM in late winter and spring.
  - To be admitted to First Communion must complete First Reconciliation
  - Program Link First Reconciliation and Program Link First Communion
  - Six of each FR before Easter and FC after Easter Dynamic Catholic
  - Retreat - plan to add reconciliation to retreat
  - Meal - potlucks. Parishes provide the first one and parents thereafter.
  - FC on the same day in the “home” parish on the Feast of Corpus Christi
  - Scavenger Hunt done in the home parish and a tri-fold will be created to be shared with the parishes for a weekend following First Communion
- Baptism - Pat Dyer
  - Reviewed what is currently going on in parishes - CB is using a different video for different ethnicities (African American, Hispanic, and White families,) Meetings are 1:1 with pastoral associate. STL is 1:1 with deacon using an older video, SMdP has had various people do training at different times in the last few years. BT has been pastoral associate and priest with the family using a video that has pretty good content but is ethnically homogenous and a little outdated.
  - Plan discussed by Faith Formation Committee for group meetings for sacramental preparation for Baptism.
  - Plan and advertise guidelines in advance. Sessions are to be held every 3-6 months depending upon needs.
  - Reviewed the many programs that were discussed in the Faith Formation committee.
  - Faith Formation committee is close to recommending Ascension Press’ program as a group as it is the best of what we have seen as to cultural sensitivity and family-friendly. Sample One Sample Two
  - Meal?
- K-8 - Pat Dyer (12 enrolled total)
  - Each enrolled student receives an age-appropriate text to work on at home
  - Group meets together with a meal quarterly
  - Group is divided into four age groups at quarterly meetings.
  - A project or lesson is planned for the four age groups and a unit test is also given to students in grades 3-5.
- High School - no students came to the meeting for enrollment
- Youth Ministry -
  - Toni Goins-Singletery and Lanette Jenning for SMdP. KPC - Junior Daughters must have made First Communion. Relationships are important and the desire to join encouraged them and their friends to become involved in attending Mass, religious education and service. Men looking to add Junior group - not yet done. Knights of Peter Claver
  - Youth choir/music
  - CB has done some work on a Youth Room and has had some youth programs in the past.
  - Youth Stations of the Cross were done at CB with youth from all parishes invited.
  - Several years ago there was a mission trip.
- Adults - Pat Dyer et al (please feel free to add anything that isn't mentioned)
  - Mens and womens’ groups at CB
  - Women’s Guild SMdP
  - Ladies Sodality BT
  - Holy Name SMdP and STL (co-ed)
  - Bible SMdP moves around Tuesday evenings
  - Bible Study BT on Zoom plus a couple in person
  - Bible Study prior to 11 AM Mass on the weekend readings CB
  - Choirs
  - Prison Ministry with education
  - Movie Nights
  - #OneBody partnership with FF committee presentation - others “in the works”
The following items were deferred until our next meeting:
- Share things we wish we were still doing - has not been done in over two years.
- What do we perceive our needs to be?
Are there other groups we will want to contact to create a plan?
What are our Big Dreams?

Next meeting date?

May 1, 2023 at BT 6:30 PM

Notes:

The numbers enrolled in programs are from the Family as a whole since there is only one program for religious education.
Committee members will all be able to see and add notes to these minutes. Please do so in a different color and put your name after the comment.
Space available:
1. St. Lawrence has a large hall with limited access to the internet. This space is handicap accessible.
2. Blessed Trinity has a large hall with internet access and handicap ability as well as a classroom that will accommodate 25.
3. Ss. Columba-Brigid has a newer hall with kitchen and internet access as well as a large screen and a couple of smaller classrooms with handicapped access attached to the church. There are other rooms in the office building.

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Minutes May 1 Meeting

May 18th, 2023

Notes from Meeting April 10. 2023

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