Diocese Communication Tools
One of the biggest challenges to a successful cohort program is effectively communicating to parish and school leaders to invite them into each stage and encourage them to attend in-person events, apply to be a pilot parish, and stay engaged. This page outlines tools and tips for strong communication along the way.
Short Descriptions
Exciting Grant Opportunity: A Family Approach to Sacramental Preparation!
The research and church teaching are clear: if we want faith the be passed on to the next generation, we need to put parents at the center of the catechetical process. This is a unique opportunity for your parish to try a two-year, time-tested, USCCB-approved family sacramental preparation program at no cost and with free training and support. All parishes and schools in the [Name] Diocese are invited to apply for the Growing Up Catholic Community Initiative, which will prepare your parish team to coach parents to be the primary voice sharing faith with their children. Visit [diocese].growingupcatholic.com to RSVP for the initial presentation and to learn more.
Free Grant Program: Coach Parents to Share Faith with their Children
If we believe that parents should be the primary catechists of their own children, we need to back it up with action. Studies have consistently shown that parents who embrace this role are the most likely to have children who remain Catholic into adulthood. The Growing Up Catholic Community Initiative can empower your parish to coach parents and help them to practice sharing faith with their children, all through a two-year, USCCB-approved sacramental preparation process. The initiative provides free curriculum, training, support, and evaluation—an average value of over $5000 per parish! Visit [diocese].growingupcatholic.com to RSVP for an initial presentation and to learn more.
Information Sheets
This four-page handout is a persuasive, succinct overview of the grant initiative for parishes and schools. We include it in our parish postal mailings. Feel free to share the document or quote from it to spread the word. It includes:
- A short, introductory article about family catechesis and our coaching methodology.
- A description of how the grant initiative works.
- An overview of our curriculum resources.
- Contact information for learning more.
Postal Mailings
We postal mail two envelopes to every parish in the diocese: one to the pastor and one to the main catechetical leader. It includes the introductory letter below and the information sheet above. It is helpful if the diocese can provide us with a mailing list to save us the work of compiling it ourselves.
Support from the Top
Bishop Ramón Bejarano of the Diocese of Monterey really wanted to attend our initial training presentation for his diocese, but had a scheduling conflict. So he recorded a short video (in English & Spanish) to play at the event. he did a great job... watch it below! As you can imagine, the directors and catechists who attended loved it and felt encouraged and supported.
Might you be able to do something similar for your diocese?
Logos
Feel free to use any of our logos to promote the grant initiative in your diocese. Click to download full-size images.
Growing Up Catholic
The Pastoral Center
Curriculums
