Office of Education, Recruitment & Formation


February 2020 There are two ways of spreading light ... to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it. Edith Wharton (American author, 1862-1937)
Special Interest	Highlights
authentic—and real—catholic community Marcel Lejeune Catholic Missionary Disciples Here's some thoughtful insight into what authentic Catholic community could (should) be. And, we're not talking "fellowship" or "relationships" or "small groups" as so many parishes strive to create. Nor is it about singular events or programs. Read... pew: catholic homilies are the shortest Zelda Caldwell Aleteia It may not seem like it at times, but Catholic homilies are, indeed, the shortest of all major Christian denominations in the U.S. The Pew Research Center has data to back that fact up. ● Aleteia.org offers a very brief synopsis of the Pew findings. Read... ● You can read the complete Pew Research report. Read... When is funny not funny according to st. benedict Joan Chittister NCRonline Sr. Joan, a Benedictine herself, offers a reflection on St. Benedict's 10th step of humility regarding humor. Hey, it's no laughing matter. Read... • • • Return to top	Featured this month ... The clerical abuse crisis is the topic of this month's Article and Resource at Child Protection Read up on healing crystals and keeping your heart in shape at Health & Wellness Information about transit visas, driver's licenses and re-entry permits is noted at Immigration Alerts Read about two unique programs provided by refugee service providers, RefugeeOne and Yes We Can World Foundation, at Immigration Resources There are some fine programs being held this coming June. See the list at Datebook Plus Grants continue to be issued to SVDs wishing to attend ongoing education or formation events. A list of recipients is available at On the Trail Moving ahead ... February 2, 2020 Super Bowl Sunday Is it the game or the commercials? Get your game face on and find out here. March 8, 2020 daylight saving time begins It starts at 2:00 a.m. local time on the second Sunday in March and continues until 2:00 a.m. local time on the first Sunday in November (November 8, 2020). More info on the why, when and who can be found here. Read... March 20, 2020 Spring Equinox The Spring Equinox marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of fall in the Southern Hemisphere. The equinox happens at the same time around the world with both hemispheres receiving equal exposure to the sun's rays. April 22, 2020 Earth Day (50th Anniversary) Earth Day is now recognized as the planet's largest civic event and this year (2020) marks its 50th anniversary. For more information go to earthday.org https://www.earthday.org/ April 24, 2020 arbor day The Arbor Day Foundation has created an initiative (especially appropriate for Arbor Day) called the Time for Trees. Their goal is to plant 100 million trees all around the world by 2022. Read... May 7, 2020 national day of prayer (u.s.) In 1952 Congress declared the National Day of Prayer an official holiday. People on this day pray in churches according to their religion and the president gives a speech. It's a day to be particularly mindful of the many blessings this nation has received. June 1, 2020 Annual Accountability statement (AAS) Program starts June 1 marks the official start of the Annual Accountability Statement Program for fiscal year 2019-20. If you're prepared to submit your Statement now, please do so. (No need to wait.) The form, information, and details about AAS are here... June 21, 2020 father's day Honor and celebrate your father. Here's a brief history and nine interesting facts about the holiday. Read... • • • Return to top
Office of Education, Recruitment & Formation Society of the Divine Word \| Chicago Province \| 1985 Waukegan Road \| Techny, Illinois 60082 www.uscongoinged.org \| Tel: 847.272.2700