It was a blessing to be with all of you at the recent elementary teacher inservice on November 10 and high school teacher inservice on November 17. The witness you shared in the notes from the Conversations in the Spirit has enriched both my own faith and my appreciation for the deep faith which is the foundation of your individual and collective call to this ministry. Christ does not call any of us in the same way, and we are all on a different path in relationship with Him. I am grateful for your shared commitment to following where He leads and that we can all accompany one another on our journeys.
In unveiling his vision for evangelization in the Diocese of Camden and the action steps his evangelization team are taking, Bishop Williams shared the wisdom that our first step in evangelization is to deepen our own commitment as disciples. The first phase of this work in our diocese begins in parishes. Pastors and parish catechetical leaders are reading Forming Intentional Disciples in book clubs through March. In April, they will invite members of their parish communities to participate with them in the School of Discipleship, led by Jeff Cavins at the Catechetical Institute of St. Paul Seminary.
The School of Discipleship will be held in approximately ten different parishes across the diocese on three Tuesday evenings in April and one in May. Participants will attend all four sessions, which will include livestream presentations from Jeff Cavins, small group participation, and prayer.
Many of you have expressed your eagerness to participate in this first phase of the evangelization vision. As discussed during the inservices, we are excited to extend an invitation to two opportunities for any teacher who would like to be involved in this phase.
- First, the Office of Catholic Schools will conduct a book study for all who are interested. The book study will be held virtually from 3:15 to 4:15 on three days after school, one each in January, February, and March.
- Second, all teachers are invited to experience the School of Discipleship with other members of their parish in April and May. The book study is not required to participate in the School of Discipleship.
We would like to facilitate these opportunities for all teachers who would like to participate in this phase. If you are interested, please complete the interest form and information request so that we can either enroll you in the book club or connect you with your parish team to be included in the School of Discipleship – or both.
As Bishop Williams’s vision for discipleship and evangelization unfolds in the coming years, we look forward to deepening the participation of all teachers. Your vocation and your witness are critical to inviting each student into personal relationship with Jesus and the depth and richness of the Catholic faith. Thank you for continuing to say “yes” to this calling and for all that you do every day for and with your students.