To Pastors and Pastoral Leadership:

In his address to the Ontario Bishops, Pope Benedict stated, "Affirm your commitment to make Christ increasingly more visible within the Church and society. . . make God visible in the human face of Jesus. In helping individuals to recognise and experience the love of Christ, you will awaken in them the desire to dwell in the house of the Lord, embracing the life of the Church. This is our mission."

With this mission in mind, the diocesan plans for a new and re-focussed sacramental preparation process continue to unfold. Pope Benedict has challenged us to resonate with the living statement of faith: "We know and believe the love God has for us"(1Jn 4.16).

The following lists our progress and intentions:

• The ad hoc committee was formed and has been meeting regularly.

• Catechetical information was gathered from all regions of the diocese.

• Professional development day for priests - facilitated by Dr. Joanne Chafe + The General Directory for Catechesis +Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community were distributed.

• Sudbury and North Bay catechists gathered in Sudbury for an introduction to the General Directory for Catechesis. Unfortunately, the Sault Ste. Marie catechist evening was cancelled, but will be rescheduled at a more appropriate date for all concerned.

• In the spring of 2007, we will facilitate an orientation session for all potential catechists.

• The formation process for catechists will begin in September of 2007 in each region. We have adopted the following motto: GOOD NEWS TO SHARE!

The package we have put together will help you and your parish leadership to develop in the area of catechesis and the new evangelisation. This package includes:

We will be posting links to on-line resources - various prayers, guided meditations, community builders and ice-breakers to the diocesan website under sacraments and preparation. You will also find skills and techniques conducive to adult learning which will include resources and enrichment.

To move forward with the formation process for catechists we would like to have each of your parish lists of catechists and potential catechists by March 1^st , 2007.

As we reach out to the parents of our children when they are initiated into the sacraments, we are involved in an exciting evangelisation process. Thank you for sharing in the mission. We have GOOD NEWS TO SHARE!

+ Robert Harris

Auxiliary Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie + Coordinator of English Pastoral Services

Reflection Questions for leadership to identify catechists pdf