Monday Message, August 24, 2026
KNOW
We’re back and better than ever! We hope you have had a wonderful summer and while we know many of you worked all summer (Ministry Platform, anyone?), we also hope you got some time off to play in the garden, sit on the beach, or stare at the stars. Lots to talk about, so let’s get started:
The Fall Forum is September 12, 2026. Details are here. Registration is open. We will be updating photos this year, so look your best. We will also be hearing from the Bishop, Fr. Ford, and Institute staff about OCIA, the year ahead, Confirmation, decrees about formation, and more. See you there.
Bishop Frank Teaches the Faith launches on September 18, 2026 when the first ten episodes drop. Toolkits will be given out to those who requested them at the Fall Forum.
We have updated the events page with all that you need to know this year and we’ve added all of the links to Sunday Setup videos for you to find more quickly. Check it out here.
Want to know what going to Mass does for children? Check out this story.
Want to help children understand the Mass more completely? Check out this new resource.
The most up-to-date Confirmation schedule is here (updated). We are also building a resource page with more information you might find helpful, including all readings for Confirmation, Sponsor informaiton, and handouts you can use with parents and students. Stay tuned.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd News
We are so grateful for all that God has accomplished through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in our Diocese!
As we begin our second year of CGS formation, we are excited to share that we now have eight active Atriums, with others currently in development. Over the past two years, we have offered both weeklong intensive formation and weekend formation, and it has been a joy to see so many catechists, parents, and parish leaders embrace this beautiful method of catechesis.
As we continue to grow, we are exploring another option. We are considering offering a weekday formation, held during school hours, to better serve parents and others who may find it difficult to attend full-week or weekend sessions. This format could allow you to complete the formation while children are in school.
Would this option be helpful to you?
If you think you would benefit from a weekday training schedule, please let us know via email. Your feedback will help us determine whether there is enough interest to offer this additional formation opportunity. Thank you for being part of the growing CGS community. We look forward to continuing this journey of formation with you!
Around the Diocese
Dr. Sri is an internationally renowned Catholic speaker, bestselling author, founding leader of FOCUS, host of the acclaimed All Things Catholic podcast, and an adjunct professor at the Augustine Institute. He will be at Sr. Rose of Lima on October 2 and 3rd. See this link for more information.
The New England Biblical School is now accepting applications for the coming year. Read all about it, spread the word (in English and Spanish), but downloading this packet.
A Prayer for the First Week of School
Master and Teacher,
Bless the students who will have trouble settling down this week, whose minds are still at the beach or at grandma’s swimming pool, or the amusement park or soccer camp.
Bless those who sit nervously in class: those who are new in school and those who never read anything over the summer and know a test is coming anyway.
Bless those who will struggle, those who will succeed, and those who get lost in the crowd.
Bless the new friendships that will begin on day one and bless those cherished friendships that will be renewed.
Bless them all with compassion, that they may root for the underdog, celebrate those who accomplish much, and pray fervently for each other.
Bless them with an environment free from bullying, needless competition, and petty jealousy.
Help them, Lord, to fall in love with learning.
Bless the parents of these students, their first teachers in the ways of faith.
Give them patience when the homework takes too long, give them the courage to understand that their children are not perfect and give them the courage to discipline with love.
May they abdicate less and partner more.
And we beg you, Lord, to bring these children safely home at the end of the day, the week, or the semester.
Keep them free from violence – at home and at school – on the bus and on the streets – and guide them home to the waiting arms of those who loved them first.
Finally, Lord, we pray in the thanksgiving for the men and women who have already been hard at work straightening desks, taping names to cubbies, painting lockers, planning classes, cleaning rooms, decorating bulletin boards, hanging posters, and studying test scores.
Bless these servants with peace, patience, persistence, and your Spirit, that they may be Your presence to our young people, Your hands, and Your voice.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord: teacher, servant, and source of all hope.
Amen.
Download here.
LAUGH
