Dec. 21, 2023 Parish Link
Scout Sunday - BSA had incorrect information on their website! The annual observance for Scout Sunday is February 4, not 11. Scouts who have earned a religious emblem or recognition in 2023 will be honored in the Catholic Times. Please have completed religious award forms submitted by the end of the year for inclusion in the 2023 honors. The order form as well as suggestions on how to celebrate Scout Sunday in your parish is available on the diocesan website at https://dio.org/scouts/.
Retreats for Catechists - As part of the Evermode Institute formation program, all catechists and parish catechetical leaders participate in an annual retreat. Dates for 2024 are January 13 and April 6. Fall/Winter dates for the 2024-2025 school year have not been announced. Hospitality is available starting at 9:00 AM with the retreat starting at 9:30. The day concludes around 2:30 PM. The Evermode Institute is at 4867 Laverna Road in Springfield. The entrance will say “South Lobby” on the door. Register expected attendance for either date to catechesis@dio.org. Deadline is a week prior to the event.
Community of Religious Educators (CORE) - The next CORE meeting is Thursday, January 18 at 10 AM at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Springfield. CORE stands for Community of Religious Educators and is a regular gathering of religious educators for ongoing professional development, insights into diocesan initiatives and for networking with one another. Lunch is provided. Please register by January 11 by contacting Kyle Holtgrave at kholtgrave@dio.org or call (217) 698-8500, ext. 154. More information is available at https://dio.org/catechesis/parish-catechetical-leaders/.