VOL. XI VOL. XI ●● No. 3No. 3

Summer 2019Summer 2019

Upcoming EventsUpcoming Events

RROSIEOSIE HHERNANDEZERNANDEZ ●● DirectorDirector ●● rhernandez@dioceseoffresno.orgrhernandez@dioceseoffresno.org ●● 559559--488488--7474 ext. 1017474 ext. 101

The Grapevine NewsletterThe Grapevine Newsletter

Saturday, August 3Saturday, August 3

Matrimony SpecializationMatrimony Specialization

Formation Program Part 2Formation Program Part 2

St. Paul Newman CenterSt. Paul Newman Center

Friday Friday -- Sunday,Sunday,

August 16 August 16 -- 1818

SelfSelf--Care RetreatCare Retreat

St. Anthony Retreat St. Anthony Retreat

Center, Three RiversCenter, Three Rivers

Friday & Saturday,Friday & Saturday,

October 11 & 12October 11 & 12

31st Annual Congress31st Annual Congress

Visalia Convention CenterVisalia Convention Center

Saturday, October 13Saturday, October 13

12th Annual High School 12th Annual High School

Youth DayYouth Day

Visalia Convention CenterVisalia Convention Center

Saturday, October 26Saturday, October 26

Rosary for Life &Rosary for Life &

Respect Life MassRespect Life Mass

St. Mary, VisaliaSt. Mary, Visalia

Saturday, January 11Saturday, January 11

Matrimony SpecializationMatrimony Specialization

Formation Program Part 3Formation Program Part 3

Diocesan Pastoral CenterDiocesan Pastoral Center

Sunday, February 9Sunday, February 9

Bishop’s World Marriage DayBishop’s World Marriage Day

Annual Mass & ReceptionAnnual Mass & Reception

St. Anthony of Padua,St. Anthony of Padua,

FresnoFresno

Formation and

Evangelization Diocese of Fresno

SummerSummerSummer

From the Director…

A re you summer ready? Summertime brings with it the amazingly warm (often too hot!) weather, and a season of barbeques, pool parties, and vacation trips. It is a great

time for family and friends to gather, celebrating the children on summer break and the sunshine lasting well into the night.

In this more relaxed season, what a great opportunity to take care of

ourselves and find time to rejuvenate the spirit. My favorite summertime activity is simply to sit by the pool or on my patio with a good book and a cold bottle of water. The amount of silence in my “normal” day is so little that, for me, summer is a great time to carve out time for silence. Whether it be in prayer or reading a humorous novel, silence around me is key: no music, no Netflix. Just me and the sound of the birds and the trees. What do you do during the summer to carve out time for yourself? What plans do you make to renew your spirit and get ready for another busy time, come September? Here are three ways we Here are three ways we Here are three ways we can help you:can help you:can help you: Our Third Annual SelfOur Third Annual SelfOur Third Annual Self---Care Retreat will take place FridayCare Retreat will take place FridayCare Retreat will take place Friday---Sunday, August 16Sunday, August 16Sunday, August 16---18 at St. Anthony 18 at St. Anthony 18 at St. Anthony

Retreat Center in Three Rivers. Retreat Center in Three Rivers. Retreat Center in Three Rivers. This retreat experience is for anyone in ministry, 18 years of age and older. It is a time of reflection, learning from great speakers, and prayer. This year we focus on how to work with stress, time management, and ways to simplify the craziness of life! The schedule is flexible (you can come one day or three!), and registration is open at https://form.jotform.com/RoseHernandez/self-care-2019.

There are many resources available both online and in our media center for reflection and There are many resources available both online and in our media center for reflection and There are many resources available both online and in our media center for reflection and

rejuvenation! rejuvenation! rejuvenation! Books, movies, and music can be checked out of our media center for your personal or ministerial use! Connect with Gloria, or read her article in this Grapevine issue for some suggestions!

Make plans to join us for our annual Diocesan Congress on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and Make plans to join us for our annual Diocesan Congress on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and Make plans to join us for our annual Diocesan Congress on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and

12, 2019! 12, 2019! 12, 2019! This year’s theme is Renew, Believe, Proclaim, and our keynote speaker is Bishop Brennan! You don’t want to miss this great event! Check with your parish about signing up a Check with your parish about signing up a Check with your parish about signing up a group of youth to attend Youth Day on Sunday, October 13 as well!group of youth to attend Youth Day on Sunday, October 13 as well!group of youth to attend Youth Day on Sunday, October 13 as well!

Happy Summer!Happy Summer!Happy Summer!

— Rosie

Rose M. Hernandez

IN THIS ISSUE… Message from the Director... Pg. 1

Family Life Ministry... Pg. 2 Catechetical Ministry... Pg. 3

Hispanic Ministries... Pg. 4 Media Center... Pg. 5

Youth & Young Adult Ministry... Pg. 6 School of Ministry... Pg. 7 Save these Dates... Pg. 8

Other Office of F & E Staff... Pg. 8 Contact Information... Pg. 8 Mission Statement... Pg. 8

SSERVINGERVING THETHE PPEOPLEEOPLE OFOF GGODOD ININ THETHE CCOUNTIESOUNTIES OFOF MMARIPOSAARIPOSA, M, MERCEDERCED, M, MADERAADERA, F, FRESNORESNO, T, TULAREULARE, K, KINGSINGS, K, KERNERN, I, INYONYO

Family Life MinistryFamily Life Ministry

2

Catholic Family Life and Spirituality

H ow would you describe the spirituality of your family life? In a new edition of her original book, Sacred Dwelling: Discovering and

living your family spirituality, author Wendy Wright in her “Forward” reflects on the value that her book had over a quarter of a century ago and that it continues to have for families today, even as she acknowledges the changes in her family since that time. Out of her own personal experience of raising a family while pursuing doctoral studies in the history of Christian spirituality, this mother and scholar struggled to integrate her family life with her Christian spiritual heritage. In my earlier years, I recall discussions with members of my religious community, as we struggled with the question of how our apostolic life and its spirituality needed to differ from the monastic life, even as we lived out of a monastic spirituality at that time. Over centuries it was the monks in their monasteries who preserved our Catholic spiritual heritage. There has been a gradual awakening over time that other spiritualities besides the monastic one are needed for different ministries. A contemporary response to this call for family life, The Catholic Family Life and

Spirituality Symposium will take place July 18 to 21, 2019 at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. At this invitation-only gathering, 30 plus distinguished theologians, social scientists, and pastoral ministry professionals noted for their work and writings on family life will explore the unique role the Catholic family plays in building the Kingdom of God.

The organizer of this Symposium Gregory Popcak, Director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute, states in the June 13, 2019, Crux article on the Symposium that he and his partners intend to “launch a movement that will facilitate the renewal of Catholic family life.” Popcak continues, “We believe the Church must stop simply ministering to families and start empowering families for ministry. … It is something that requires a daily, intentional investment of time and energy to thrive.” On The Catholic Family Life Symposium website, https://www.cflsymposium.org, Popcak invites “everyone to share their insights on what a family-based spirituality looks like.”

https://dioceseoffresno.org/https://dioceseoffresno.org/

officeoffice--ofof--formationformation--andand--evangelization/familyevangelization/family--lifelife

SSISTERISTER JJOANNEOANNE

BBAUERAUER, CSC, CSC

Family Life MinistryFamily Life Ministry

CoordinatorCoordinator

jbauer@jbauer@

dioceseoffresno.orgdioceseoffresno.org

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FACEBOOK:FACEBOOK:

DioceseDiocese--ofof--FresnoFresno--

FamilyFamily--LifeLife--MinistryMinistry

SAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATE

2020 WORLD MARRIAGE DAY2020 WORLD MARRIAGE DAY2020 WORLD MARRIAGE DAY 3 PM MASS with Bishop Joseph Brennan3 PM MASS with Bishop Joseph Brennan3 PM MASS with Bishop Joseph Brennan

followed by RECEPTION atfollowed by RECEPTION atfollowed by RECEPTION at St. Anthony of Padua, FresnoSt. Anthony of Padua, FresnoSt. Anthony of Padua, Fresno

Sunday, February 9, 2020Sunday, February 9, 2020Sunday, February 9, 2020

SAVE THE DATESSAVE THE DATESSAVE THE DATES

SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONYSACRAMENT OF MATRIMONYSACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY SPECIALIZATION FORMATION PROGRAMSPECIALIZATION FORMATION PROGRAMSPECIALIZATION FORMATION PROGRAM

Saturdays 8 AM Saturdays 8 AM Saturdays 8 AM --- 5 PM5 PM5 PM

Part II: August 3, 2019Part II: August 3, 2019Part II: August 3, 2019 Part III: January 11, 2020Part III: January 11, 2020Part III: January 11, 2020

Catechetical MinistryCatechetical Ministry

3

RROMANOMAN

FFLORESLORES

CatecheticalCatechetical

MinistryMinistry

CoordinatorCoordinator

rflores@rflores@

dioceseoffresno.orgdioceseoffresno.org

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

A s we continue preparing for our 2019 Diocesan Congress we are once again in need

of individuals that can give of their time as congress volunteers. Attached is a link

for volunteer registration at the bottom of this message.

For those that have already registered for this year, I thank you. For anyone interested in

serving as a volunteer and has not registered please register with the provided link or call

our office at 559-488-7474.

As the Lord has granted us many gifts let us put them into good practice, we look forward to

working with you and the talents you can offer to the service of Lord’s people. We thank

you for your attention to this matter and in whatever capacity in which you may be able to

help out.

For more information please contact me through email at rflores@dioceseoffresno.org. If

you know of anyone that might be interested in volunteering but does not have access to an

e-mail account; please feel free to share this information with them.

Thank you and God bless.

Link to Volunteer Registration: Register Here

https://dioceseoffresno.org/https://dioceseoffresno.org/

officeoffice--ofof--formationformation--andand--evangelization/catecheticalevangelization/catechetical--ministryministry

Hispanic MinistryHispanic Ministry

4

Young Catholics are Co-workers of the Vineyard

D ear friends of the Grapevine… On June 8th and 9th, at our beautiful Santa Teresita Youth Conference Center in Three Rivers, CA, young adult leaders of Pastoral Juvenil (Hispanic Youth and Young Adult ministry) from multiple cities and parishes of our diocese met to reflect and

strengthen their spiritual journey, and to exchange experiences about their ministry. We were honored to have Bishop Brennan share a conversation/Q&A session with these leaders. We wanted to learn more about him, about his ministry, and vision, but we also wanted to know how we can help our bishop in our parish youth and young adult groups. Bishop Brennan gave us an empowering response: “ustedes son mis colaboradores”—“you are my co-workers,” he said. He explained that because he can’t be at every parish, parishes have us, leaders of youth and young adult ministries to actively participate in the care for the integral development of our fellow young Catholics. The U.S. bishops in their documents about ministry with young Catholics also highlight the engagement and protagonist of youth and young adults. Renewing the Vision states that one of the goals of youth ministry is to attract youth to be responsible participants of the life and mission of the Church. Sons and Daughters of the Light continues that petition by asking us to invite young adults to embrace the mission of Christ to build the Kingdom of God and consequently to transform society. With these statements, the bishops, including ours, emphasize the role of youth and young adult parish ministers: we are an integral part of the Church’s evangelizing efforts; we are called to remind, encourage, and guide young Catholics in their purpose and mission as members of the Church of Christ; and we are to enable them to do so with the knowledge, skills, and faith in the living God. Dear friend of the Grapevine, next time you hear someone from your parish say that youth will simply not commit, that youth will not be able to take care of this or that parish project, rephrase that sentence to say something like “we haven’t enabled our youth to commit” or “we haven’t empowered our youth to take care of this or that job in our parish.” And then answer, “How do we achieve it?” Our bishops already trust our youth and young adults. Let’s start to do the same in our parishes and invite them to actively participate in the decisions, activities, and committees that have transforming consequences in parishes and society.

Pastoral Juvenil leaders with Bishop Brennan at Santa Teresita Youth Conference Center

https://dioceseoffresno.org/officehttps://dioceseoffresno.org/office--ofof--formationformation--andand--

evangelization/hispanicevangelization/hispanic--andand--multiculturalmulticultural--ministriesministries

BBENITOENITO

MMEDRANOEDRANO

HispanicHispanic

MinistriesMinistries

CoordinatorCoordinator

bmedrano@bmedrano@

dioceseoffresno.orgdioceseoffresno.org

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Happy Summer Everyone!

T he walk with the Lord is a continued encounter with Him in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for vacations, barbeques and family gatherings. The best place to pass on God’s

magnificent plan of sheer goodness is in the family and each other. May our loving God watch

over us and keep alive in our hearts all that we have learned this year.

While many will be experiencing new adventures, let’s remember those that have lost loved ones and

those having challenges adjusting with life on a daily basis due to illness, whether it’s mental or physical.

May God give the caregivers strength, love and compassion to do your work. We praise God for the

many blessings of this summer!

Here are a couple of suggested books to help de-stress, find comfort and healing through Christ’s light.

Media CenterMedia Center

5

GGLORIALORIA

GGARIBAYARIBAY

Media CenterMedia Center

Secretary &Secretary &

ReceptionistReceptionist

ggaribay@ggaribay@

dioceseoffresno.orgdioceseoffresno.org

559559--488488--74747474

ext. 100ext. 100

https://dioceseoffresno.org/https://dioceseoffresno.org/

officeoffice--ofof--formationformation--andand--evangelization/mediaevangelization/media--centercenter

Slow Down – five-minute meditations to de-stress your days by Rev. Joseph M. Champlin

If you have too little time and too much stress, this is the book for you. Adapted from a series of popular radio messages and created especially for busy people, these five-minute meditations will help you slow

down and regain a sense of spirituality in your days.

Stripped at the intersection of cancer, culture, and Christ by Heather King

Healing means so much more than “Getting Well.” Cancer – that unfair, indiscriminate, devastating

disease – affects everyone at some point, whether a family member, a friend, or ourselves. Stripped is a

heartfelt expression of profound Catholic faith in the face of a cancer diagnosis. It demonstrates how King’s medical and spiritual journey led her to a place of freedom in Christ, where she could make an

informed and faith-filled decision about her course of treatment and ultimately, accept her vulnerability.

Finding Your Way to Say Goodbye by Harold Ivan Smith

Harold Ivan Smith has been holding the hands of the dying for years, and he knows how to help. Whether you are the one with the diagnosis, or the one who is caring for the dying, this book will offer support,

encouragement, and some helpful tips. From dealing with the medical staff to talking with family and

friends who are in denial, Finding Your Way to Say Goodbye is an ideal companion for perhaps the most

important journey of all.

A Will to Live: Clear Answers on End of Life Issues by Most Reverend José H. Gómez, S.T.D.

Archbishop José Gómez, renowned expert on death and dying issues, explains what every Catholic needs to know in order to effectively and morally prepare for the inevitable death of our loved ones and even

ourselves. You will learn the answers to these important issues and more: What dignified death means to

a Catholic. Why euthanasia, even if well intended, is murder. What the culture of life really means.

Be Healed – A Guide to Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life by Bob Schuchts

Be Healed presents in book form Bob Schuchts’ popular program for finding spiritual, emotional, and

physical healing through the power of the Holy Spirit and the sacraments. Steeped in scripture and the

wisdom of the Catholic Church, Schuchts’s renowned and trusted process helps people recognize their areas of brokenness and place their hope in the risen Christ.

Youth and Young Adult MinistryYouth and Young Adult Ministry

6

Greetings Fellow Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leaders

Y ou know, sometimes it’s hard to believe that I’ve been in ministry leadership for approximately

two thirds of my life. My first leadership opportunity was when I tagged along with

my mom who volunteered for our parish’s Kinder Catholic program. You may ask, how can a

fifth grader be a ministry leader? I was blessed to have the director ask for me to rise to the challenge

instead of simply playing with the kids. My leadership opportunity was appropriate to my age, of

course, and over the years my responsibilities increased. I continued to be nurtured by my parents, my

parish priests, and many others along the way. I am blessed by their guidance. The reason I share this is

because nurturing the leaders in our Church can begin at a young age with recognizing their gifts and

guiding them towards realizing and using those gifts to further the Kingdom of God.

I spent the last few days at a leadership training conference for teens called Youth on a Mission. It was

wonderful to see young people learn about how to be a disciple of Christ and be empowered into sharing

their gifts with both the parish community and their family and friends. I was blessed to be a part of the

leadership team that gave workshops and lead discipleship groups.

This experience made such a profound impact on my life both personally and professionally. It all

started when the first keynote speaker, Rhyan Ramirez, referenced Pope Francis’ most recent apostolic

exhortation “Christus Vivit”. Rhyan quoted Pope Francis’ letter to young people about their place in the

Church and making a difference. It reads, “Dear young people,“Dear young people,“Dear young people, my joyful hope is to see you keep my joyful hope is to see you keep my joyful hope is to see you keep

running the race beforerunning the race beforerunning the race before you, outstripping all those who are slow or fearful. Keep running, you, outstripping all those who are slow or fearful. Keep running, you, outstripping all those who are slow or fearful. Keep running,

attracted by the face of Christ, whom we love so much, whom we adore in the holy Eucharist and attracted by the face of Christ, whom we love so much, whom we adore in the holy Eucharist and attracted by the face of Christ, whom we love so much, whom we adore in the holy Eucharist and

knowledge in the flesh of our suffering brothers and sisters. Mayknowledge in the flesh of our suffering brothers and sisters. Mayknowledge in the flesh of our suffering brothers and sisters. May the Holy Spirit urge you on as the Holy Spirit urge you on as the Holy Spirit urge you on as you run this race. Theyou run this race. Theyou run this race. The Church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith. We need them! Church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith. We need them! Church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith. We need them!

And when you arrive where we have not yet reached, have the patience to wait for us.”And when you arrive where we have not yet reached, have the patience to wait for us.”And when you arrive where we have not yet reached, have the patience to wait for us.”

These words from Pope Francis along with many follow-up conversations really challenged me to ask

whether we as ministry leaders are recognizing and nurturing the gifts and talents of our young

people. Even though I’m still technically a young adult (two more years of young adulthood as outlined

by the USCCB), it is a constant challenge to stay in tune with teens and other young adults. However,

the greatest challenge is in those who serve in the parish but don’t directly serve youth and young

adults. Therefore, are we as ministry leaders advocating for our young people to be seen and given

opportunities for leadership in our parishes? Are young adults and teens being given the opportunities to

serve at all our parish events and in ways that really utilize their skills and talents? Are we advocating

for them to have input at the parish councils and to be active in all of our parish Masses? Being a youth-

and young adult-friendly parish is recognizing the gifts of the young people and allowing them to be the

Church of today and not just the Church of tomorrow.

We are losing our young people to the world en masse. Are we truly fostering a relationship with Christ

and his Church? Are we nurturing disciples or are we giving them knowledge in hopes that we will keep

them connected as they are already one foot out the door? We need a new way of approaching our young

people. We need a new way of acknowledging their gifts and talents, nurturing their relationship with

Christ, and walking with them through all of life’s challenges and opportunities.

My heart is heavy as I see a Church that is suffering. There has never been a better time to allow our

young people to “run the race ahead of us”. We as a people of God must ask ourselves whether we are

going to run alongside of them or are we standing in the way of their path towards holiness and

discipleship. My challenge to all ministry leaders, including myself, is to engage in ongoing

reflection and prayer about our attitudes and approaches to our young Church. How can we grow as a

people of God? My prayers are with you as we run the race towards heaven.

https://dioceseoffresno.org/officehttps://dioceseoffresno.org/office--ofof--formationformation--andand--

evangelization/youthevangelization/youth--andand--youngyoung--adultadult--ministryministry

KKATRINAATRINA

VVILLEGASILLEGAS

Youth & Young Adult Youth & Young Adult

MinistryMinistry

CoordinatorCoordinator

kvillegas@kvillegas@

dioceseoffresno.orgdioceseoffresno.org

559559--488488--74747474

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FACEBOOK:FACEBOOK:

DioceseDiocese--ofof--FresnoFresno--

YouthYouth--andand--YoungYoung--

AdultAdult--MinistryMinistry

School of MinistrySchool of Ministry

7

B eing Catholic is about more than just reading scripture and donating a tithing. It is also

about helping others to grow and develop their personal relationship with God.

Recently, leaders from many areas of our diocese attended an Adult Faith Formation

class. Rose Hernandez and Andy Ruperto did an excellent job of providing insight, experience,

reflection and encouragement to participants; as they continue on their paths to help others

develop their catechetical skills so that they may continue to share our ministry.

Growing and developing your own faith is a life-long process that is intended to be in a

community setting. Remember, as Catholics, we are Christians who stand together for all. So,

let’s all support each other’s spiritual journey.

If you are a catechist certified at Basic Level Catechesis and you want to help mentor other

catechists develop their skills, then please consider becoming a Master Catechist.

Upcoming Faith Formation Opportunities for those interested in Master Catechist Certification:Upcoming Faith Formation Opportunities for those interested in Master Catechist Certification:Upcoming Faith Formation Opportunities for those interested in Master Catechist Certification:

Saturday, July 27Saturday, July 27Saturday, July 27 Social Justice/Justicia Social

English 8 am – 12 noon or/o Spanish 1 pm – 5 pm

https://www.jotform.com/RoseHernandez/Social_Justice

Saturday, Aug. 10Saturday, Aug. 10Saturday, Aug. 10 Intercultural Diversity/Diversidad Intercultural

9 am – 4 pm English & Spanish Sessions

https://form.jotform.com/RoseHernandez/2019-InterculturalDiversity

Saturday, Sep. 14Saturday, Sep. 14Saturday, Sep. 14 Catechizing Children with Special Needs/

Catequesis a Niños con Necesidades Especiales

English 8 am – 12 noon or/o Spanish 1 pm – 5 pm

https://www.jotform.com/

RoseHernandez/2019CatechizingChildrenSpecialNeeds

Location: Bishop Steinbock Center, 2540 N. Floradora Ave., Fresno, CA 93703

For more information: Diana Rivas drivas@dioceseoffresno.org.

https://dioceseoffresno.org/officehttps://dioceseoffresno.org/office--ofof--formationformation--andand--

evangelization/schoolevangelization/school--ofof--ministryministry

DDIANAIANA

RRIVASIVAS

School of MinistrySchool of Ministry

SecretarySecretary

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Participants of Adult Faith Formation on Saturday, June 22, 2019, with Facilitators, Rose Hernandez (second from right) and Andriel Ruperto (far left)

VVACANTACANT

School of School of

MinistryMinistry

CoordinatorCoordinator

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PPAULAUL

MMENTLEWSKIENTLEWSKI

AdministrativeAdministrative

AssistantAssistant

pmentlewski@pmentlewski@

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MMARIAARIA EELENALENA

GGUERREROUERRERO

BilingualBilingual

SecretarySecretary

mguerrero@mguerrero@

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The Mission of the Office of Formation and Evangelization is to provide SpiritThe Mission of the Office of Formation and Evangelization is to provide Spirit--led service to the people of Godled service to the people of God

under the guidance of Bishop Joseph Vincent Brennan. We are committed to facilitate formation of effective leaders for minisunder the guidance of Bishop Joseph Vincent Brennan. We are committed to facilitate formation of effective leaders for ministrytry

through a process that is collaborative, empowering and sensitive to cultural diversity and pastoral needs.through a process that is collaborative, empowering and sensitive to cultural diversity and pastoral needs.

Other Office of FormationOther Office of Formation

and Evangelization Staffand Evangelization Staff

Contact InformationContact Information

Mailing DIOCESE OF FRESNO - OFFICE OF FORMATION & EVANGELIZATION Telephone FAX Address 1550 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93703-3788 559-488-7474 559-493-2847 To Visit our Website: https://dioceseoffresno.org/office-of-formation-and-evangelization To Sign-Up to Receive our Monthly Newsletter via E-mail. To “Like Us” on Facebook: Diocese of Fresno Office of Formation & Evangelization

Save these DatesSave these Dates

Everyone is invited and encouraged to be a part of this wonderful weekend! Diocesan Congress is not just for catechists, but for Diocesan Congress is not just for catechists, but for Diocesan Congress is not just for catechists, but for people involved in any area of ministry or people who want to people involved in any area of ministry or people who want to people involved in any area of ministry or people who want to learn and share more about their own faith! learn and share more about their own faith! learn and share more about their own faith! We hope we have provided a variety of topics so that there is something for everyone! Friday, October 11Friday, October 11Friday, October 11, is a day dedicated to parish staff and parish leadership. Although registration is open to all, the focus of the workshops is on leadership skills and diocesan policies. Sessions speak to evangelization, record keeping, office skills, planning, self-care, and so much more! All are invited to check out the workshops offered! Saturday, October 12Saturday, October 12Saturday, October 12, has even more to offer! Our keynote speaker for the day is our own Bishop Joseph Brennan, sharing on our theme. Workshops are offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Hmong on a variety of topics and ministries. Mass will be celebrated, where all those with a diocesan certification will receive a special blessing. We will end the day with a sending forth prayer service, strengthened and renewed to serve God’s People. Sunday, October 13Sunday, October 13Sunday, October 13, is our Diocesan Youth Day, …And I Believe. Parishes are encouraged to bring their youth to this extraordinary day of celebrating our faith, featuring Rhyan Ramirez and Doug Tooke. Registration is submitted by parish, and we hope to see a large number of youth gathering in prayer! Registration for Diocesan Congress opens in July. Check our website for more details, or ask your parish if they have received the Congress Registration Guidebooks. To have a registration guidebook mailed to your home, please contact Maria Elena Guerrero at mguerrero@dioceseoffresno.org, or call our office at (559) 488-7474.

Every year in the Fall, several things happen. We look forward to cooler weather, the Halloween decorations come out, and we celebrate the Diocesan Congress!

Friday–Sunday, October 11–13, 2019, will be a big weekend for the Office of Formation and Evangelization, as it is the biggest formation event of our diocese! The 31st Annual Diocesan Congress, The 31st Annual Diocesan Congress, The 31st Annual Diocesan Congress, Renew, Believe, Proclaim,Renew, Believe, Proclaim,Renew, Believe, Proclaim, will take place at the Visalia Convention Centerwill take place at the Visalia Convention Centerwill take place at the Visalia Convention Center.