We have scheduled two separate, but related, training opportunities on the weekend of August 2-4, 2019 at St. Patrick, Iowa City. The theme for this training is “The Parish As Initiating Community” and will help us recognize how the entire parish serves as the initiating community for those preparing to receive the sacraments. The training has been divided into two portions and we invite you to join us for either or both sessions. We encourage all parishes to have at least one representative at each training. There is a discount for those who participate in both days.

Join Diana Macalintal, from TeamRCIA, as she presents four aspects of the "Roadmap for the Marriage Preparation Journey." These aspects are: Evangelization and Inquiry, Marriage Mentoring, Ritual Preparation and Post-Sacramental Care. Participants will explore effective ways to involve engaged and newlyweds in the life of the parish and receive practical resources for use in marriage ministry.

Join Diana Macalintal, from TeamRCIA, and RCIA ministers from across the diocese for a deeper look at RCIA 75 and explore what it means to form our catechumens and candidates in word, worship, community and witness.

Michael Ruzicki, from Liturgy Training Publications, will guide attendees to an understanding of the adaptations of the RCIA for children of catechetical age, as well as share parish-tested models, sample catechetical sessions and ways to prepare the liturgical rites so that the vision of RCIA Adapted for Children can be fully implemented in our parishes.

Join catechists from across the diocese for a Catechist Skills workshop focused on developing skills for Special Needs Catechesis. We will explore techniques for individualized learning and accepting, accommodating and challenging students who have different learning abilities.

Join other Parish Ministry Leaders from across the diocese for a time of formation prior to beginning a new academic year.  This is a two-day event, beginning at 9AM on Monday, August 19th and concluding at 5PM on Tuesday, August 20th.

Join other Parish Ministry Leaders from across the diocese for a time of formation prior to beginning a new academic year. 

An introduction to Natural Family Planning - practice, methods, and theology. Registration Deadline August 20, 2019.

The next meeting of the DBC will be on Thursday, August 29, at 1 pm at the Chancery. The July meeting has been cancelled.

Join catechists around the diocese for a Catechist Skills Workshop focused on our understanding of the Mass and creative ways to share the beauty of the liturgy with students and families.

An introduction to Natural Family Planning - practice, methods, and theology. Registration Deadline September 8, 2019.

The next meeting of the DLC will be on Friday, September 13, at 10:30am.

Join adults from across the diocese for an Adult Formation Course exploring the social history of the Catholic Church in America. We will explore the Age of Democracy and the experiences of the Irish, German, Italian, Polish and Mexican immigrant groups in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Join "Witness to Love" developers, Ryan and Mary Rose Verret, as they provide resources and training to assist parishes in addressing the unique needs of civilly married Catholics preparing for a sacramental marriage.

Join the Office of Faith Formation for an exploration of some dimensions of faith formation ministry, as well as learn about the ways the Chancery staff is prepared to support you in your ministry. 

Join the Office of Faith Formation for an exploration of some dimensions of faith formation ministry, as well as learn about the ways the Chancery staff is prepared to support you in your ministry. 

Join Ministry Leaders for a 2-day course exploring the foundational role that prayer and worship have in fostering the spiritual growth of parishioners. The Course runs from 9AM-6PM on Saturday, October 5th and 9AM-4PM on Sunday, October 6th. This course is part of the Certificate in Ministry Studies, but may be taken as an individual course.

Parish delegations travel to Indianapolis for a biennial celebration of the young Church sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

Join Ministry Leaders for a 2-day course exploring the foundations for fostering a justice and service consciousness. The Course runs from 9AM-6PM on Saturday, December 7th and 9AM-4PM on Sunday, December 8th. This course is part of the Certificate in Ministry Studies, but may be taken as an individual course.

Since December 8, 2019, is the Second Sunday of Advent, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred to Monday, December 9, 2019. The obligation to attend Mass, however, does not transfer. The Optional Memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, December 9, is omitted this year.

An introduction to Natural Family Planning - practice, methods, and theology. Registration Deadline December 8, 2019.