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Office of Faith Formation

Role of the Office

Mission

To provide resources, training, and support to faith formation leaders and parents in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau as they answer Jesus’ call to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching to observe all that I have commanded you.”   (Matthew 28:19-20)

This mission specifically actualizes the second of our three priorities in the Diocesan Mutually Shared Vision: “grow in holiness, form intentional disciples, and be sent to witness.”

Our goals are to:

  • Aid the bishop in his role as the principal teacher of the faith
  • Assist in the planning and evaluation of faith formation ministry “in its definitive aim of putting people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy with Jesus Christ” (Catechesi Tradendi # 5).
  • Promote the formation of catechists, including the dimensions of “knowing-how to be with, knowledge, and savoir-faire” (Directory of Catechesis #136).
  • Collaborate with all offices of the Catholic Center in the Diocesan Mutually Shared Vision

    IMPORTANT DATES

    DATE EVENT LOCATION DETAILS
    Feb. 18 Rite of Election St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau
    Feb. 23-24 DYC: Into the Deep Vietnamese Martyrs Retreat Center, Carthage
    Feb. 25 Rite of Election St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield
    Mar. 31 Easter
    Apr. 12-13 The Gathering The Landing, Van Buren View the Flier
    April 19-20 DYC: Into the Deep Pinecrest Camp, Fredericktown View the Flier
    Sr. Janine Tran, CMR

    Sr. Janine Tran, CMR

    Director | [email protected]

    Shasta Beckers

    Shasta Beckers

    Administrative Assistant [email protected]

    For Those Searching

    Why am I here?  What is the meaning of life? What happens after death?

    Welcome to being human!  Each of us is created in the image and likeness of God and we are invited to become a child of God, to make this world a better place, and to enjoy an eternal life of loving communion with each other and God.

    However.  However, the human journey many times does not seem this clear. Or easy. Or possible.

    Thank you for visiting our webpage and allowing us to accompany you as you figure out life’s deepest questions.

    1. Consider watching the 7-part series “The Search” by Augustine Institute. Each video is approximately 25-30 minutes. Watch it with a friend. Or two.

    Episode 1:  What do you seek?

    Episode 2:  Who are you?

    Episode 3:  Why a God?

    Episode 4:  What’s our story?

    Episode 5: Who is Jesus?

    Episode 6: Am I saved?

    Episode 7:  Why a Church?

    1. Read about how others found meaning and purpose. Here are some recommendations:

    The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day

    The Ear of the Heart:  An Actress’ Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows by Mother Dolores Hart OSB

    Rome Sweet Home by Kimberly and Scott Hahn

    Treasure in Clay:  The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen by Fulton J. Sheen

    1. Pray this prayer by Thomas Merton

     “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”

    1. If you are interested in joining the Catholic Church, we WELCOME you. Please give us a call here at 417-866-0841 OR visit a Catholic church nearest you by using this link Find a Church. And you can learn more about these first steps here at our  RCIA page.

    Know that we are praying with you and do not hesitate to reach out to us if you want to chat.

    For Those Seeking to Grow

    Explore Franciscan Univ. Catechetical Institute

    Catholic school administration and teachers, parish ministry leaders, and catechists are asked to complete the workshops in their designated Learning Track to receive Catechetical Certification through Franciscan University and the Diocesan Office of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation. Other individuals may scroll through the complete list of available workshops and select the topic that most interests them to begin learning more about the Catholic faith and the evangelical mission of the Church.

    For directions on opening a Franciscan Catechetical Institute account, completely free to all those in our diocese, please click here.

    To know more about the complete Diocesan Catechetical Certification Process, please click here to download the handbook.

    For Pastors and Catechetical Leaders

    The Diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis supports catechetical leaders (CRE’s and DRE’s) in their ministry with children and families. We are here to assist you in a variety of ways. Read More.

    Child & Family Faith Formation Resources
    The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis supports catechists and parents in forming the faith of all family members by providing recommendations for curriculum, resources, best practices, etc. Read more.

    Whole Family Catechesis

    Holy Week Resources for Families and Classrooms:

    Adult Faith Formation

    • Real + True – Video Lessons on the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
      Real +True is a project of OSV under the patronage of the Holy See.  It offers brief video lessons over the four pillars of the Catechism:  Creed, Sacraments, Ten Commandments, and Prayer.  The videos are brief and well-done.  It would make a wonderful adult faith formation resource and/or study group.  
    Upcoming Events
    Training & Helpful Links

    When seeking answers to questions about doctrine and/or ministry practices, it is often helpful to turn to resources from the Vatican, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and other National Ministry organizations

    Sacramental Preparation

    Penance & Reconciliation

    First Holy Communion

    Confirmation

    Lenten Youth Project

    Each year during Lent, Bishop Edward Rice issues a special invitation to all of the children of the diocese to join him in a collaborative work of mercy. Donations are collected and moments of prayer are offered in the Catholic Schools and in Parish Schools of Religion in an effort to help the poor, the marginalized, or those in need of special assistance during a time of crisis in their life. A specific community organization, in a designated area of the diocese, is chosen as a recipient of the donations collected each year.

    This year, Bishop Rice is inviting the youth of our diocese to help raise money in support of five different local food pantries as they provide food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need. Please join us in the mission to feed the hungry in our diocese!

    This year’s Lenten Youth Project – Feeding the Hungry in Southern Missouri

    Past Lenten Youth Projects

    Past efforts have contributed to the following organizations:

    Grant Opportunities

    Do you need help funding your parish or school events? Do you want to attend an event, but need financial help? Would you like to take some classes or attend a conference to improve your knowledge of Catholic teachings?

    Scroll down for links to the GRANT forms.

    The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau has special funds available:
    Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund Grant
    * For parishes and schools, to support ministries or for individuals to attend camps or conferences
    Diocesan Lay Endowment Fund Grant
    * For adults to use for lay ministry training

    Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund

    The main objective of the Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund is to support those activities which: create opportunities for youth and families to encounter Christ, provide more effective ways of accompanying youth and families in their faith formation, and prepare them as intentional missionary disciples. The Diocesan Youth Endowment Committee will continue to pray, seek input from parish leaders, and discern carefully the priorities for ministering to youth and their families. May our good and gracious God continue to bless all of the generous donors and guide the endeavors of parishes, schools, and the diocese in ministering to youth and their families.

    Parishes and Schools

    Parishes and schools may use this form for:
    * New Faith Formation/Evangelization initiatives in Catholic High School
    * Guest speaker presentations or retreats in Catholic grade schools
    * Guest speaker presentations or retreats in parishes
    * Youth Adventure Program Retreats/Lock-ins
    * Funding for Youth Ministry program subscriptions (ie. Lifeteen, YDisciple)
    * Resources/Supplies for faith formation and youth ministry programs – books, online resources, computer/smart tv, etc.
    – Application for GROUP/PARISH/SCHOOL Grant Assistance

    – Solicitud de Asistencia de Subvención para Grupo/ Parroquia/ Escuela

     

    Individual Youth

    Individuals may use this form for assistance with:
    * National Conferences, Institutes (ie. NCYC, Notre Dame Institute, etc.)
    * Camps (ie. Life Teen Camp)
    * Steubenville Conference
    * DYC
    * Camp Re-NEW-All
    * Camp Barnabas
    * March for Life Pilgrimage
    Check the application for deadlines.
    – Application for INDIVIDUAL Grant Assistance 
    – Solicitud de Asistencia de Subvención Individual

    Lay Endowment Grant Fund for Adults

    The Endowment Fund for Lay Leadership is a fund to promote continuing Catholic education and formation among the laity of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Read more.

    Safe Environment

    All adults, age 18 and older, who are working or volunteering with minor age children, must be compliant with the Diocesan Safe Environment Policies.

    Safe Environment Requirements for Adults Working and Volunteering with Children

    1. Fill out and submit a Background Check form
    2. Register for and attend a Virtus training class (in person or online options) – Calendar of upcoming classes
    3. Read, sign, and submit a copy of the Diocesan Code of Conduct. This is required every year.

    For more information on all Diocesan Safe Environment Policies, Guidelines, and Requirements, Read More.

    To access #1 and #2 above, please visit the Office of Child & Youth Protection under the Prevention and Protection tab. The documents may be found there.

    4. Complete monthly safety environment Virtus training bulletins.  Please make sure your email address is current in the Virtus system.

     

    Safe Environment Lessons

    Each child, grades Kindergarten through Twelve, enrolled in parish religious education programs and/or Catholic schools is to be taught two safe environment lessons annually.  Parish catechetical leaders and Catholic school principals log on to their Virtus accounts to access the introductory video.  You can find more information on these lessons under the TRAINING tab on the Office of Child and Youth Protection page. Contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection for help.

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