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DCS Mission & Catholic Identity
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December 8, 2023Dear Catholic School Partners,
As we eagerly enter the season of Advent, a time of joyful anticipation and spiritual reflection, we extend our warmest greetings to each one of you. Your dedication to nurturing the minds and hearts of our students is truly a blessing, and we are grateful for the invaluable contributions you make to the mission of Catholic education.__________________________________________________________________
What is Advent?Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.Here are some ADVENT ideas and resources from the USCCB as well as other reputable sites.-
Here’s a quick overview of Advent Adventure and a note from the creators of "Holy Heroes:
"If your family is like ours, Advent is the most hectic time of the year. With all the work you do to create that joyful Christmas Day, who has the time (or energy) to make Advent into a fruitful time of spiritual anticipation and preparation for your family?
It’s easy… We do all the work for you, then we send you daily emails full of fun for ages 3 and up. You just click-and-watch short videos … click-and-print off fun activities … click-and-pray along with us!"Sign up for the FREE Advent Emails at https://adventadventure.com/and make Advent come to life!
Holy days of obligation (also known as feasts of precept) are days when the faithful are obliged to participate at Mass and abstain from unnecessary work or other activities which hinder the suitable relaxation of mind and body. Each Sunday is a holy day of obligation, and six Solemnities are also observed as feasts of precept in the United States. The next 3 Holy days are...- December 8, 2023 (Friday) the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
- December 25, 2023 (Monday) the solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
- January 1, 2024 (Monday) the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
As a reminder, in accordance with the ADLA policies for Liturgical Education and Celebrations, all Catholic School communities in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are expected to offer the celebration of Holy Mass as a school community on Holy Days of Obligation when those fall on a school day.
hould you need any support, resources, music ministers, etc. please contact [email protected] or [email protected]VOCATIONS OFFICE NEWS
What is Fully Alive?
Fully Alive gives high school men the opportunity to discern where God may be leading them to and bring them into a deeper and intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Through various activities and teachings, we aim to provide these young men the tools needed in order to live out a Holy life as sons of God and be Fully Alive.
The Next Fully Alive Event:Friday December 22nd, 2023Time: 9 AM - 1 PM
QUEEN OF ANGELS CENTER FOR PRIESTLY FORMATION
5434 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY (A NOTE FOR COACHES)
Sophia Institute has been working diligently with a team of scholars and theologians to pull together comprehensive resources to help teachers and principals pastorally respond toTransgenderism in Catholic schools.
You’ll find a series of free videos, Workshops, and classroom materials on understanding and responding pastorally to gender.
This page was developed by our team in collaboration with the Person and Identity Project, and the support of excellent speakers including Monica Ashour of TOBET, Susan Selner-Wright, Ph.D., John Bursch, J.D., Deacon Patrick Lappert, MD., and James Melone, Ed.D.
Be sure to also check out their School Resource Guide to help gain so more knowledge and insight for you and your staff.
A CATHOLIC APPROACH TOSOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Catholic Approach: Virtue Education is complete SEL.Education in Virtue integrates key insights and strategies from theApplied Educational Neuroscience (such as neuroplasticity) and places them in dialogue with the Christian tradition. This groundbreaking synergy offers educators a wealth of practical insights into the formation of the whole person for wellness and holiness.Disciple of Christ | Education in Virtue from OpenLight Media looks to Jesus as the perfectly virtuous man. Their resources complete formation by orienting students to Him as the model and source of their holiness and wholeness. The virtues are what it “looks like” and “sounds like” to be a disciple of Christ.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles- Department of Catholic Schools is proud to announce its partnership with Franciscan University’s Catechetical Institute, a robust international catechetical formation program. This initiative, launched in 2017, is dedicated to shaping individuals responsible for the spiritual development of others, including priests, deacons, educators, parents, and more, across 35+ countries and 120+ dioceses worldwide. Thanks to the generous support of the Dan Murphy Foundation, this valuable formation platform is now accessible to ALL Catholic Schools within the ADLA, along with their affiliated members, at absolutely no cost. We encourage you to explore and participate in the workshops on this platform at your convenience, enabling Catholic school teachers to achieve basic catechetical certification through the ADLA Catholic Schools track. Detailed instructions for account setup can be found in the provided PDF guide. Join us in this enriching educational opportunity!For any questions related to Catechetical Formation please visit the DCS CATECHETICAL CERTIFICATION website or contact Greg Perea, Director of Faith Formation and Religious Instruction at [email protected]
Youth Day - February 15, 2024Adult Days - February 16-18, 2024
SAVE THE DATE - January 20, 2024! One Life LA. We would like to organize a Catholic School "Meet Up" ! All are welcome. Register individually or your school here. , More details as the event gets closer!
Embark on a journey of awe and discovery as you explore the miraculous process of human fetal development in this compelling video. Witness the intricacies of life unfolding, from conception to birth, and marvel at the profound truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Share this powerful message as a testament to the sanctity of life, and let the beauty of creation be your guide in spreading the ProLife message. Click the link here for more videos on articulating the ProLife message.
RETREAT SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTDr. Claudia Alvarez-Roddy
Dr. Claudia’s primary objective is to facilitate a tailored retreat for faculties & staffs with workshop or prayer service experiences for each educational institution, precisely attuned to their unique requirements. To initiate this collaborative process, she offers a comprehensive one-hour consultation with the school's principal or designated religion coordinator. During the session, Dr. Claudia engages in a thoughtful dialogue to identify the overarching theme of the retreat, workshop or prayer service. Together, they collaborate to craft a program meticulously designed to enrich and benefit the school community.FEE: The starting rate is $150 per hour, with an additional requirement of a minimum of 8 hours of preparation at $80 per hour. To honor the commitment to accommodate various budgetary considerations, a sliding scale is available and can be applied on a case-by-case basis.For more information contact her at:310-946-3735 or [email protected]
The month of December includes two feast honoring the Blessed Mother as the Immaculate Conception on December 8th (Holy Day of Obligation) and Our Lady Of Guadalupe on December 12th.As a reminder, in accordance with the ADLA policies for Liturgical Education and Celebrations, all Catholic School communities in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are expected to offer the celebration of Holy Mass as a school community on Holy Days of Obligation when those fall on a school day. Should you need any support, please contact [email protected]
Please visit https://lifejusticeandpeace.lacatholics.org/homeless-persons-memorial on information to register for this Mass, as well as make a donation to the cause.
National Catholic Schools Week (CSW) is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. Now entering its 50th anniversary year, CSW has traditionally been held the last week in January, January 28 to February 3, 2024, Schools typically observe the week with Masses, assemblies and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members to celebrate what makes Catholic schools great. Make DCSW and CSW your own and share your ideas with other schools using #CSW2024. This year’s new theme is Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community and will be used through 2026. Visit the NCEA website for more info!
Our Convocation Day with Archbishop Gomez will be held on January 17, 2024, save the date! More details to follow.
ATTENTION PRINCIPALS: NCEA-ACRE- INFORMATION:Traditionally, the ACRE Exam has been used in the ADLA to assist elementary school leaders in the evaluation of catechetical/religious education programs in Catholic schools and parishes. ADLA has opted to utilize the ACRE in grade 5 (Level 1) and grade 8 (Level 2) for the last several years.Although the ACRE testing window has traditionally been early December, we learned recently that the DCS control that window. As a result we are encouraging schools to complete the ACRE assessment no later than March 1st. This would only be for 5th and 8th grades. The information for signing up a school can be found here: https://ncearise.org/Our-Assessments/ACREThe only schools that would be exempt from ACRE are those participating in the ARK Pilot Program.Let me know if I can be of further assistance.Should you need further information to ensure that your school is prepared for this assessment, please contact: [email protected] or call at 1-800-707-NCEA. More information can also be found on their website at: https://ncearise.org/.
Catechetical CertificationWhat is the CI?The Catechetical Institute (CI) at Franciscan University of Steubenville work to prepare clergy, religious and laity to join the “army of catechists” called for by St. John Paul II, eager to help the Church in her mission of making all nations joyful disciples of Jesus Christ. We combine a thorough formation in Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Magisterial documents with training in effective pedagogical techniques to help those we serve to grasp the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Father’s plan, and to bear witness to others faithfully of the wonderful life of grace in the Holy Spirit.PRINCIPALS ONLY- ADLA CATHOLIC SCHOOL MINISTRY PROFILE
ALL PRINCIPALS ONLY (Parish, Archdiocesan, Private Schools)Please be sure to submit the ADLA Catholic School-Ministry Profile if you have not yet done so. This will allow our team to better understand your school community needs and how we can provide support to schools in the areas of Campus Ministry, Retreats, Faith Formation, Catechetical, Liturgical, and Christian Service programs.For further information or assistance, please contact:Email: [email protected]All Staff TK-8 and High School Theology Teachers, & Campus Ministers!In order to communicate Faith formation and Spiritual Growth opportunities being offered throughout the ADLA, as well assist principals in managing the Catechetical certification process for all ADLA teachers, we are requesting that all principals, religion teachers and campus ministers, serving in both elementary and high schools complete the DCS Religion Teacher Profile & Catechetical Certification Application Form This form is also used as the application for Catechetical Certification and/or renewal. However, if that is not needed at this time, the teacher can select “Religion Teacher Profile only” on the form. This information will allow us to provide resources and information directly to your teachers related to the function areas we are supporting in this role.Please be sure to include any dates and documents related to catechetical certification status.
TEACHER FORMATION OPPORTUNITY
Notre Dame is now accepting applications from schools for the 2024 Teaching Life and Human Dignity Symposium. The Symposium will be held on the beautiful campus of the University of Notre Dame, June 16-21. This week-long experience is designed to help teachers and administrators integrate the Catholic faith across the subject areas and school culture through the lens of human dignity.The deadline for applications is December 15, 2023. Accepted applications will be notified by January 22, 2024.Take a moment to learn more about this incredible opportunity to learn from leading experts, cultivate the professional skills necessary to promote a culture of life, and network with colleagues from across the country. Click here to learn more!
If you would like to be part of this wonderful event and bring your choir, please see contact the Pueri Cantores office. 714-633-7554 /[email protected] / or visithttps://www.pcchoirs.org/2023-southern-california-youth-choral-festivalfor more information.
We recently hosted Paul J. Kim at the CS4 Life Event at LA Cathedral and our students really connected with him and his powerful message! Paul is an international Catholic speaker, musician, and comedian, whose presentations have impacted audiences of all ages in 48 states and 16 countries over the past decade. He is the author of "A Catholic Guide To Adulting", he has a background in Marriage & Family Therapy, and his videos online have accumulated tens of millions of views.
He will be in the So Cal area on the following dates for parish missions and is looking to book some additional school presentations (K - 12th grade) while he is in town.
Jan. 16th, 2024
Jan. 18th, 2024
Feb. 28th, 2024
Apr. 23rd, 2024
His travel accommodations are already taken care of so this would be an additional benefit to those who'd like to take advantage of this opportunity. You can find out more about his ministry, learn about his talk topics, and fill out a booking inquiry directly here at:
PJKmusic.com
Or email him at: [email protected]
As we embark on this Advent journey together, may the light of hope, peace, joy, and love illuminate your campuses and hearts. Thank you for your tireless dedication to the education and spiritual growth of our students.
Wishing you a blessed Advent season filled with the warmth of God's love and the joy of anticipation.
In His service,Erick Rubalcava & Greg PereaMission in Catholic Identity TeamContact us at:Archdiocese of Los Angeles- Department of Catholic SchoolsErick Rubalcava (213) 637-7485 │ Greg Perea (213) 637-7022Department of Catholic Schools-Mission and Catholic Identity likes to keep its records up to date. Hieu, would you mind filling out your organization name (parish/school/acc-dept.) real quick?All information shared is completely private and only for Department of Catholic Schools-Mission and Catholic Identity administrative purposes.
Sent by Erick Rubalcava[SECURITY NOTICE] This email came from an outside source. Be careful with any links or attachments in this email.
