DIOCESE—During its regular meeting Nov. 3, the Diocesan Pastoral Council learned about a new way to do catechesis.

 

“Engaging the family” and giving them the tools and support necessary to pass on the faith, values and morals of the Catholic Church is what family catechesis is about according to the presentation by John Jelinek, diocesan director of religious formation. 

 

Family catechesis began in the Diocese of Rockford about five years ago at the Church of Holy Apostles Parish in McHenry. Today, about 34 parishes are using some form of the program with about 12 others set to begin.

 

Jelinek outlined what the program is, why it began in the Rockford Diocese and how it works for any size parish. With slides and examples, Jelinek illustrated the effectiveness of helping adults and children know and learn their faith not just during class time, but also in the home and everyday life. 

 

The form of religious education supports what is said in Lumen Gentium that “The family is, so to speak, the domestic church. In it, parents should by their word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children ... .”

 

Jelinek’s presentation was followed by a lively discussion among DPC members, some of whom are from parishes currently using a family catechetichesis program. 

 

Bishop David Malloy addressed the council on issues presented at the Synod of Bishops from the Pan-Amazon Region. He also told DPC members that Diocese of Rockford would be undergoing its onsite audit of child protection policies, procedures and trainings by the U.S. Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops Nov. 4-5 and what that entails. 

 

Bishop Malloy also outlined his upcoming ad limina visit to the Vatican where he will meet with various Vatican departments and Pope Francis, Dec. 8-14. Bishop Malloy will be with the pope along with about 25 bishops from Indiana, Iowa and Illinois.

 

In addition, the council heard updates on feedback from Ministry Day and from the Office of Communications and Publications.

 

Info: Kevin Fuss, Diocesan Pastoral Council director, kfuss@rockforddiocese.org