If you are in the catechetical ministry or you are looking for some enrichment, the answer to the question is that we can never stop talking about mercy, not even after this Jubilee Year of Mercy draws to a close in a few weeks
That is why the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office has chosen "Mercy/Misericordia" as the theme for our annual Catechetical Forums, which take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx and on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Sacred Heart Parish, Monroe, in Orange County. We always hold two forums for the convenience of the people in our very large archdiocese
The forums offer workshops in English and Spanish to assist our catechists and catechetical leaders in providing authentic and dynamic faith formation to children and youth who do not attend Catholic schools and count on their parish religious education programs for formation in the Catholic faith. Since these youngsters spend five days a week in their schools, it is vital to deliver engaging catechesis for them. The archdiocesan mandate calls for them to put in an additional 50 hours a year attending the programs, including at least two family catechesis experiences
Well, you might think, I am not a catechist. What's in the forums for me? Plenty. Just consider these topics to be discussed: how we become mercy to one another; mercy as an experience, not just an abstract idea; the domestic church—bringing the Word of God to the kitchen table; and more. There's even a workshop on difficult people and mercy. I must go to that one myself
If you are a catechist, you can catch workshops on social media in a religious education setting, making the family partners in faith, teaching the Old Testament to middle school students, managing change and stress. Catechists know a lot about that last one
There is something for everyone at the Catechetical Forums. The entire day, which includes Mass, keynote speeches and the opportunity to take three workshops, is a mere $25.00. Group rates are available for groups of five or more persons. Just visit the Catechetical Forum website for all the details