Parish Leaders

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Parish Leader Convocation

Each September, the Convocation kicks-off the start of the parish catechetical year, serving as commencement and development for all Parish, Catechetical, and Ministry Leaders, as well as catechists and volunteers, ahead of Catechetical Sunday. Leaders and volunteers gather for Mass with our Bishop, keynote speaker, resources, and community, so as to set and receive vision as the Fall begins.

Cohorts & Coaching

Parish leaders can join cohorts spanning catechesis, youth ministry, RCIA, and marriage. These groups of leaders meet throughout the year for ongoing networking, idea sharing, support, and prayer with colleagues and Secretariat staff. To get connected with a group, contact the persons listed below. Additionally, individual check-ins and support are regularly offered, especially to new personnel.

Attleboro Deanery Catechetical Leaders:

Email Elaine Corvese – transfigurationreled@gmail.com

Fall River & Taunton Catechetical Leaders:

Email Kathy Banalewicz – faithformation@3cfallriver.org

New Bedford Catechetical Leaders:

Email Beni Costa-Reedy – beni@stmarysdartmouth.org

Cape Cod Catechetical Leaders:

Email David Carvalho – dcarvalho2@dioc-fr.org

RCIA & Adult Formation Leaders:

Email Dcn Chris Paul – cpaul@dioc-fr.org

Youth Ministry Leaders:

Email Oscar Rivera – orivera@dioc-fr.org

Formation Experiences

We have worked with various parishes and personnel to tailor specific workshops and talks to what they are looking for, including: for Parish Council meetings, Parish Missions, Eucharistic talks, Days of Reflection, Parent Sessions, Theology of the Body talks, Respect Life talks, RCIA team training, and Parish Evangelization workshop. Below are three additional examples of opportunities we’ve worked with several parishes on:

Family Matters: How families can discuss challenging topics and share Catholicism with their kids

The Catechist Lab: Training series for catechists on evangelizing catechesis, skillsets, and engagement

EPIC: Training series for youth ministry and Confirmation core teams

Media & Communications

The Secretariat releases a weekly e-update with upcoming items, updates, and resources.

Additionally, our Youtube Channel features over 22 hours of content, including webinars, trainings, interviews, and more.

EquipCatholics

An online community platform for parish leaders and volunteers, EquipCatholics provides individuals with a central location for resources, discussion forums and groups, the ability to share materials and best-practices, participate in virtual gatherings and webinars, and take online courses.

Planning Guide

Our planning guide provides you with background, steps, prompts, and resources to help you in your planning process.

The guide speaks to areas of baptism preparation, family and children’s ministry, ministry to young people, and adult and RCIA ministry.

Parish Resources

Below is a resource packet on how parishes can utilize social media and bolster hospitality efforts to welcome individuals back.

For questions or to request help, contact: David Carvalho – dcarvalho2@dioc-fr.org