SACRED HEART PARISH

ADULT RELIGIOUS FORMATION COMMISSION

November 4, 2015 

PRESENT:  Father Warren Stecklein, Sister Rebecca Otter, Lisa Burdett, Diane Dodez, Mary Mitchell, and Regis Lopata

            ABSENT:  Sister Irene Hartman

The minutes from the meeting of September 3, 2015 were reviewed and approved as written.

Nothing new was reported with regard to the Book Nook.

Sister Irene’s plans for the “What You Do To the Least” column for the Sacred Heart Beat include the following:

                        November: Laudato Si #4

                        December: Laudato Si #5

                        January: Laudato Si #6

                        February: Laudato Si #7

                        March: Laudato Si #8

                        April: Option for the poor and vulnerable

                        May: Human development

                        June: Justice issues of a citizen

                        July: economic policy issues

Topics for upcoming Adoration/Holy Hours include:

                        November: prayers for the deceased – Sister Rebecca

                        December: there will be no Adoration/Holy Hour in December

                        January: Christian Unity – Sister Irene (or an alternate)

                        February: Vespers and quiet time

                        March: Scriptural rosary with the sorrowful mysteries – Regis

There was considerable discussion regarding planning for Lenten Faith Sharing groups, and the commission members examined possible programs for such groups.  We looked at some material on-line as well as material that the parish received in the mail.  It was decided to order a program from Bishop Robert Barron and his Word on Fire ministries (www. wordonfire.org).  The program is called Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues.  Once the material is received, we will review it and do additional planning for the groups at the next meeting.

There was also discussion about training/formation for liturgical ministers.  It was noted that webinars for liturgical ministers are available from Liturgical Press, but there is a charge for these, and they are only presented at certain times.  Fr. Warren indicated that he would try to contact a Sr. Marie Zogelman about presenting a possible program for our ministers.  Sr. Marie has a master’s degree in liturgy.

The next meeting of the Adult Religious Formation Commission will tentatively be on Friday, December 4, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the parish office building.  

ARF

 SACRED HEART PARISH

 ADULT RELIGIOUS FORMATION COMMISSION

 September 3, 2015

 PRESENT:  Sister Rebecca Otter, Lisa Burdett, Diane Dodez, Mary Mitchell, and Regis Lopata

             ABSENT:  Father Warren Stecklein, Sister Irene Hartman

 The minutes from the meeting of August 6, 2015 were reviewed and approved with a minor typing correction.

 Sister Irene’s plans for the “What You Do To the Least” column for the Sacred Heart Beat include the following:

                         October: Laudato Si #3

                         November: Laudato Si #4

                         December: Laudato Si #5

                         January: Laudato Si #6

                         February: option for the poor and vulnerable

                         March: justice issues of a citizen

                         April: economic policy issues

                         May: social media: good or bad? 

 Topics for upcoming Adoration/Holy Hours include:

                         September: healing of physical, mental, and emotional illnesses (with an anointing of the sick) – Sister Rebecca

                         October: scriptural rosary with luminous mysteries – Regis

                         November: prayers for the deceased – Sister Rebecca

                         December: there will be no Adoration/Holy Hour in December

                         January: Christian Unity – Sister Irene

                         February: no decision made at this time

A question was raised if the planning of Adoration/Holy Hour is truly a function of the ARF Commission, or if this should be a function of the Liturgy Commission.  Father Warren will be asked about this. 

There was some discussion about the Councils/Commissions dinner and meeting which was held on August 22^nd.  There was some discussion if this meeting should be open to all parishioners.

There was considerable discussion regarding Lenten faith-sharing groups, beginning in

February of 2016.  Mary reported on a web site called Word on Fire (www. wordonfire.org) which is Father (now Bishop) Barron’s web site.  They offer a number of webinars on different topics, which then involves a small group discussion.  The thought was that all participants could watch the webinar together, and break into small groups for discussion.  We will be looking at this web site and evaluating this in the future.  Whatever program we offer for Lenten faith-sharing, we would like to have some sort of evaluation by the participants.  There was also some discussion about whether to offer some type of Ad vent groups this year, but it was decided that we would not do so until next year.   

The commission members had previously discussed having some type of formation/retreat for liturgical ministers in the parish.  Fr. Bob Schremmer was contacted about providing such a session, and he has responded to the request.  He recommended that we use a book called His Mercy Endures Forever, which is about mercy and the Mass (the Church will be entering the year of mercy soon.).   We will obtain a copy of this book for the commission members to review.  The plan is to have some type of formation or retreat in late January or early February of next year. 

The next meeting of the Adult Religious Formation Commission will be on November 5, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sisters’ house.

ARF

SACRED HEART PARISH

ADULT RELIGIOUS FORMATION COMMISSION

May 7, 2015

PRESENT:  Sister Irene Hartman, Sister Rebecca Otter, Diane Dodez, and Regis Lopata

            ABSENT:  Father Warren Stecklein, Mary Mitchell, and Lisa Burdett

The minutes from the meeting of March 3, 2015 were reviewed and approved as written.

It was reported that Lynne Eck is continuing to care for the Book Nook area in the vestibule of the church.

Sister Irene’s plans for the “What You Do To the Least” column for the Sacred Heart Beat include the following:

                        May: Catholic marriage defined (part 1)

                        June: Catholic marriage defined (part 2)

                        July: the right to life                    

                        August: human development

                        September: justice issues of a citizen

                        October: economic policy issues

                        November: social media: good or bad? 

Topics for upcoming Adoration/Holy Hours include:

                        May: prayer for farmers/St. Isadore – Sister Rebecca

                        June: Sacred Heart of Jesus – Regis

                        July: religious freedom – Sister Irene

                        August: prayer for teachers and students – Sister Irene

                        September: healing of physical, mental and emotional illnesses (with an anointing of the sick) – Sister Rebecca

                        October: scriptural rosary with luminous mysteries – Regis

                        November: prayers for the deceased – Sister Rebecca

                        December: there will be no Adoration/Holy Hour in December

Lisa Burdett is the new member of the ARF Commission.  Unfortunately, she was unable to attend this meeting.  We will look forward to working with her in the future. 

There was discussion about training or formation of Mass ministers for next year.  Although no specific decisions were made at this time, there was a consideration of having a retreat for all of the ministries at the same time.  It was thought that two retreat sessions could be scheduled for a period of approximately three hours each.  Any of the ministers would attend only one of the sessions, however.  There was discussion about inviting a speaker from outside the parish to present the retreat.  This could be scheduled some time in late January or early February.  Specific training related to the Mass ministries would only be presented to individuals who are new to the ministry.  There will be additional discussions about this in future meetings. 

The next meeting of the Adult Religious Formation Commission will be on August 6, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sisters’ house. 

ARF

                        SACRED HEART PARISH 

ADULT RELIGIOUS FORMATION COMMISSION 

March 3, 2015 

 PRESENT:  Sister Irene Hartman, Sister Rebecca Otter, Father Warren Stecklein, Diane Dodez, Mary Mitchell, and Regis Lopata 

            ABSENT:   

The minutes from the meeting of February 3, 2015 were reviewed and approved as written. 

It was noted that the Book Nook is still in operation in the vestibule of the church. 

Sister Irene’s plans for the “What You Do To the Least” column for the Sacred Heart Beat include the following: 

                        March: working class people 

                        April: option for the poor and vulnerable 

                        May: the right to life 

                        June: human development 

                        July: justice issues of a citizen 

                        August: economic policy issues 

                        September: social media: good or bad?  

Topics for upcoming Adoration/Holy Hours include: 

                        March: St. Joseph – Regis 

                        April: St. Kateri Tekakwitha -- Sister Virginia Pearl 

                        May: prayer for farmers/St. Isadore – Sister Rebecca 

                        June: Sacred Heart of Jesus – Regis 

                        July: religious freedom – Sister Irene 

                        August: prayer for teachers and students – Sister Irene 

                        September: healing of physical, mental, and emotional illnesses (with an anointing of the sick) – Sister Rebecca 

                        October: scriptural rosary with luminous mysteries – Regis 

                        November: prayers for the deceased – Sister Rebecca 

                        December: there will be no Adoration/Holy Hour in December  

The commission members discussed the recent training sessions for various liturgical ministries.  We have a number of lectors who have not yet completed the training and a make-up session was scheduled for Sunday March 15 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  We will also schedule make-up sessions for greeters and ushers after Sunday and Saturday Masses, but this schedule was not set at this time.  The training for Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist for the Homebound has been completed.  Next year we will consider having a mini-retreat for all liturgical ministers, with training provided only for those new to the ministries.  

It was noted that the Lenten faith sharing groups have been going very well, with the various groups reporting lively discussions regarding issues such as marriage and annulments.  

Since Lynne Eck resigned from the commission, it was determined that Lisa Burdett will be asked if she would be willing to join the group.  She had expressed an interest in it on her stewardship form last fall.  Other parishioners had also expressed an interest in this commission.  

It was noted that other scheduled groups or choir conflict with the meeting times for the commission, so it was determined that we will switch meetings to the first Thursdays of the month.  

The next meeting of the Adult Religious Formation Commission will be on May 7, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sisters’ house. 

ARF

SACRED HEART PARISH

ADULT RELIGIOUS FORMATION COMMISSION

January 6, 2015

 PRESENT:  Sister Irene Hartman, Sister Rebecca Otter, Father Warren Stecklein, Diane Dodez, Lynne Eck, Mary Mitchell, and Regis Lopata

            ABSENT: 

 The minutes from the meeting of October 7, 2014 were reviewed and approved as written.

 It was reported that parishioners are apparently continuing to use the Book Nook in the foyer of the church

 Sister Irene’s plans for the “What You Do To the Least” column for the Sacred Heart Beat includes the following:

                        January: homosexuality

                        February: when does life begin?

                        March: working class people

                        April: option for the poor and vulnerable

                        May: the right to life

                        June: human development

                        July: justice issues of a citizen

                        August: economic policy issues

It was suggested that Sister Irene might consider doing one of the future articles on the dangers of social media.

 Topics for upcoming Adoration/Holy Hours include:

                        January: church unity – Sr. Irene

                        February: vespers and quiet reflection

                        March: St. Joseph – Regis

                        April: Diane will ask Sister Virginia Pearl about a reflection on St. Kateri

                                    Tekakwitha

                        May: prayer for farmers/St. Isadore – Sister Rebecca

 There was considerable discussion about training of new and continuing liturgical ministers, including lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist (EMEs), Sacristans, and Greeters & Ushers.  The names of those interested in beginning in a ministry is not yet known.  The following dates, times, and trainers were set for these sessions:

                        Lectors: February 8^th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Sister Irene and Regis

                                      February 14^th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

                        EMEs: February 7^th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Sr. Rebecca and Diane

                                    February 15^th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

                        Sacristans: January 31^st from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Sr. Irene and Sr. Rebecca

                        Greeters and Ushers: February 22^nd from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Lynne and Mary

                                                          February 28^th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Training for these ministries will generally be based on short books we received about each of these important roles.  There will also need to be a training for some new EMEs for the homebound, but this was not yet scheduled.

 There was also considerable discussion about setting up some faith-sharing sessions for Lent.  At this time, plans were made to have sessions regarding questions about marriage, as Pope Francis has asked for the Church’s input on this topic.  There will be another extraordinary synod about marriage in Rome in October of this year.

 The next meeting of the Adult Religious Formation Team will be on February 3, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sisters’ house.

ARF

SACRED HEART PARISH

ADULT RELIGIOUS FORMATION COMMISSION

August 5, 2014

 PRESENT:  Sister Irene Hartman, Sister Rebecca Otter, Father Warren Stecklein, Diane Dodez, Lynne Eck, and Regis Lopata

            ABSENT:  Mary Mitchell

 The minutes from the meeting of May 6, 2014 were reviewed and approved as written.

 The Commission members reviewed Sister Irene’s article on euthanasia for the September Sacred Heart Beat, and very positive comments were made about it.  Plans for future columns include:

                        October: suicide

                        November: scientific research

                        December: investment policies

                        January: homosexuality

                        February: when does life begin?

                        March: working class people

                        April: option for the poor and vulnerable

                        May: the right to life

 Commission members noted that the book nook at the back of the Church is still being used by parishioners.

Topics for upcoming Adoration/Holy Hours include:

                        August: prayers for students and teachers – to be determined

                        September: healing for physical, mental, and emotional illnesses

                                    (including Anointing of the Sick) – Sr. Rebecca 

                        October: Luminous mysteries of the rosary – Sr. Irene

                        November: memorial service for deceased family members – Sr. Rebecca

                        December: no Adoration/Holy Hour will be scheduled for this month

                        January: church unity – Sr. Irene

                        February: vespers and quiet reflection

 There was discussion about the planned “Momnipotent” program.  Kristen Snodgrass was contacted and asked about leading this program, and she is considering it at this time.  Fr. Warren indicated that we will order the material for this program, and he will follow-up with Kristen.  Diane indicated that she would be willing to assist with this if needed.

 Commission members discussed updating the training for lectors, sacristans, and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist.  A stewardship renewal is planned for this fall by that commission, and we are hoping to attract additional people for these ministries.  We will plan re-training of current Mass ministers at future meetings, and sessions will be scheduled for the beginning of next year.

 There was discussion about planning faith-sharing groups for lent next year, and various possibilities were considered, as there are different options for such groups.  We will be considering this in future meetings. 

 The next meeting of the Adult Religious Formation Team will be on October 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sisters’ house.

ARF

SACRED HEART PARISH

ADULT RELIGIOUS FORMATION COMMISSION

February 10, 2014

 PRESENT:  Sister Irene Hartman, Sister Rebecca Otter, Father Warren Stecklein, and Regis Lopata

            ABSENT:  Diane Dodez and Lynne Eck

 The minutes from the meeting of November 5, 2013 were reviewed and approved as

            written.

 It was announced that Lynne had straightened out the Book Nook in the foyer before Christmas, but it is not known how often parishioners are using this resource.  The Care Notes in the foyer are being used, however.

 Fr. Warren reported that the parish has received a lot of material for use during lent, but he has ordered a number of Magnificat Lenten Companion booklets for the parish.  These will be available for parishioners to take and use during the Lenten season.

 Diane will be doing the Sacred Heart Beat “So Glad You Asked” column for March on the days of Lent.  After March, it was decided that this column will be changed to reflect the Church’s teachings on social justice.   The column will be called “What You Do for the Least”.  This change will be announced in the Sacred Heart Beat.  Sister Irene will write these columns, but will submit them for review to Fr. Warren and other members of the ARF Commission.  The first article will focus on racism. 

 Plans were also made for topics for the monthly Adoration/Holy Hours.  The following were scheduled for the next few months with the individual responsible for the planning of the Holy Hour:

                         February – vespers and quiet reflection

                        March -- scriptural rosary (sorrowful mysteries) – Sister Rebecca

                        April – Adoration/Holy Hour will follow the Mass on Holy Thursday

                        May – farming and agriculture – Sr. Rebecca

                        June – Sacred Heart of Jesus – Regis

                        July – Church – State issues – Sister Irene

 There was discussion about having Lenten group meetings for the parish on the book Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic by Matthew Kelly.  The parish had been given many copies of this book, which were then distributed to parishioners around Christmas.  It was decided to ask a number of parishioners if they would be willing to lead these groups, and the group leaders will be commissioned at Masses on February 22^nd and 23^rd.   Sign-up sheets will be in the foyer of the church, but leaders may also recruit potential group members.  A study guide for the book, along with prayers and discussion questions was found on-line and will be used for the groups. 

 We still have an opening for one member for this commission, and there was discussion about individuals who might be willing to serve on it.  A couple of names were suggested, and one of these individuals will be asked to join us.  

 The next meeting of the Adult Religious Formation Team will be on May 6, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sisters’ house.

 ARF                            

SACRED HEART PARISH

ADULT RELIGIOUS FORMATION COMMISSION

October 1, 2013

 RESENT:  Sister Irene Hartman, Sister Rebecca Otter, Father Warren Stecklein, Diane Dodez, and Regis Lopata

            ABSENT:  Lynne Eck and Jamie Holopirek

 The minutes from the meeting of August 6, 2013 were reviewed and approved as written.

 The commission members decided to postpone purchasing of materials from Lighthouse Catholic Media at the present time.

 There was discussion about the recent training of Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist (EMEs).  We received very positive comments about the sessions, despite the three-hour time period that was scheduled for the training.  Thirty-four of the current fifty-five EMEs attended one of the sessions, which means that twenty-one have not yet attended.  A make-up session was scheduled for Saturday October 19^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Diane will call those EMEs who have not yet attended a training session.  A commissioning for EMEs will be held at Masses on the weekend of October 19^th and 20^th. 

 The commission members also reviewed the recent lector’s training sessions.  The sessions went very well and we again received positive comments about them.  Thirteen lectors attended the training, while fifteen of our current twenty-eight did not attend.  A make-up session was scheduled for Sunday, October 13^th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.  Sister Irene will contact those lectors who were unable to attend the previous sessions.  We will have a blessing for lectors at Masses on the weekend of October 26^th and 27^th. 

 The commission planned the topics for the “So Glad You Asked” column for the Sacred Heart Beat for the next few months.  Sister Rebecca will write about human trafficking for November and Sister Irene will have an article about etiquette in the House of God for the December edition.  For January, Regis will write about the statement “The Lord Be With You”; Sister Irene will write about St. Blaise and the blessing of throats for February; and Diane will have an article about counting the forty days of Lent for the March issue. 

 Plans were also made for topics for the monthly Adoration/Holy Hours.  The following were scheduled for the next few months with the individual responsible for the planning of the Holy Hour:

                         October – scriptural rosary (luminous mysteries) – Regis

November – a Marian hour of prayer with the Knights of Columbus or a memorial service for deceased loved ones by Sister Rebecca

                        December – no Holy Hour will be scheduled for this month

                        January – church unity – Sister Irene

                        February – vespers and quiet reflection

                        March -- scriptural rosary (sorrowful mysteries) – Sister Rebecca

 The commission members reviewed a number of Advent reflection booklets with consideration being given to buying a number of booklets for use by parishioners during that season.  The decision was made to purchase seventy-five copies each of “Waiting for Jesus” from Creative Communications and “The Joy of Waiting” from Twenty-Third Publications.  Some of the copies of both booklets will be given to parishioners in Belpre.

 There was some planning for the Advent wreath-making event scheduled for November 24^th at 2:00 p.m.

 The next meeting of the Adult Religious Formation Team will be on November 5^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Sisters’ house.  Additionally, another meeting was scheduled for February 4, 2014.

 ARF

SACRED HEART PARISH

ADULT RELIGIOUS FORMATION COMMISSION

October 11, 2011

 PRESENT:  Sister Irene Hartman, Sister Rebecca Otter, Diane Dodez, Lynne Eck, and Regis Lopata

            ABSENT:  Father Warren Stecklein, and Jamie Holopirek

 The minutes from the meeting of  were reviewed and approved as written.

Commission members commented on the work Lynne had done on the bookshelf in the back of church.  The bookshelf is looking good and people have been using it.  Lynne found some medals and prayer cards, and also placed these on the shelf. 

The commission planned the topics for the “So Glad You Asked” column for the Sacred Heart Beat for the next few months.  Sister Rebecca will write about evangelization for September.  For the October issue, Lynne will write about outreach and Sister Rebecca about human trafficking for November.  Sister Irene will have an article about etiquette in the house of God for the December edition. 

Plans were also made for topics for the monthly Adoration/Holy Hours.  The following were scheduled for the next few months with the individual responsible for the planning of the Holy Hour:

                        August – school and education – Sister Irene

                        September – prayer for victims of abuse and violence – Sister Rebecca

                        October – we will pray a scriptural rosary (luminous mysteries) – Regis

                        November – memorial service for deceased loved ones – Sister Rebecca

                        December – no Holy Hour will be scheduled for this month

The was again discussion about placing material from Lighthouse Catholic Media for parishioners in the back of church, although no specific decision was made at this time.  An eight-title display of CDs would cost $331 and a sixteen-title display would cost $552.  It is possible that someone would agree to sponsor this display to assist with the financing.  Lynne will contact the organization for additional information and we will consider what types of CDs to have for it.

There was discussion about formation of Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist (EMEs), and information about a formation program with a prayer service was passed out to commission members.  Training sessions will be held for up to three hours on Sunday, September 15^th beginning at 1:30 p.m. and on Saturday, September 21^st at 9:00 a.m.  A small book about EMEs is available and we will order copies for the commission members.  It was agreed that the commission would meet again on September 3^rd to make arrangements for this training.

There was also discussion about formation for lectors, and sessions were scheduled for September 22^nd at 1:30 p.m. and September 28^th at 9:00 a.m.  A small book about lectors will also be ordered for commission members.

The commission members discussed our planned Advent formation activity of making Advent wreaths.  This is scheduled for Sunday, November 24^th at 2:00 p.m.  Diane has been checking on availability and costs for materials, and planning for this activity will be continued. 

There was limited discussion about a Lenten formation activity, which would consist of Word Working sessions, but no specific plans were made at this time.  The commission will also look into a formation activity for the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which will be June 27, 2014. 

The next meeting of the Adult Religious Formation Team will be on September 3^rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Sisters’ house.

ARF

SACRED HEART PARISH

ADULT RELIGIOUS FORMATION TEAM

April 2, 2013

 PRESENT:  Sister Irene Hartman, Sister Rebecca Otter, Father Warren Stecklein, Diane Dodez, Lynne Eck, and Regis Lopata

 The minutes from the meeting of February 12, 2013 were reviewed and approved as written. 

 The team planned the topics for the “So Glad You Asked” column for the Sacred Heart Beat for the next few months.  The May issue will have an article on stewardship of the earth, which will be written by Tom Giessel.  For the June newsletter, the plans are to ask one of the Sisters in Great Bend to write about global warming.  Diane will write about prayer for July; Regis about the Mass in August; Sister Rebecca about evangelization for September; and Lynne will write about outreach for October.

 Plans were also made for topics for the monthly Adoration/Holy Hours.  The following were scheduled for the next few months with the individual responsible for the planning of the Holy Hour:

                         April – Earth Day – Sister Irene

                        May – farming and agriculture – Diane

                        June – Life, Marriage, and Liberty – Regis

                        July – Vocations (employment, underemployment, unemployment) –

                                    Diane

                        August – school and education – Sister Irene

 There was discussion about the Year of Faith study groups that are being held by parishioners.  Some of the groups have already completed the four sessions, while others have had their initial meeting. 

 Elaine Coulson has resigned from this team, and there was discussion about possible replacements for her.  A couple of names were suggested, and Diane will visit with one of the individuals to see if they would be interested in becoming a member of this team.  Sister Irene asked to step down as chairperson of the team, and it was decided that Sister Rebecca and Diane would co-chair the team.  Regis will continue in his position as the recorder. 

 The next meeting of the Adult Religious Formation Team will be on June 4, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sisters’ house. 

 ARF