The Holy Fathers' New Encyclical LetterPope Francis' new encyclical, Dilexit Nos, calls the faithful to open their hearts to the love of Christ through devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, emphasizes that this devotion offers a "simple and powerful cure" for modern society's challenges. The encyclical, released from the Vatican Oct. 23, invites prayerful reflection and encourages sharing Christ's light through service.Read Catholic News Service’s story on Dilexit Nos here.
From the Director of LiturgyThe Solemnity of the Immaculate ConceptionThis is notification that the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – observed this year on December 9 – IS a Holy Day of Obligation.In a memorandum received from the Holy See last week, the Dicastery for Legislative Texts responded to the question posed by the USCCB concerning when a holy day of obligation occurs on a Sunday in Advent, Lent, or Easter and the observance is transferred to Monday, does the obligation to participate in Mass also transfer?The Dicastery responded “the feast must be observed as a day of obligation to which it is transferred.”Therefore, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Monday, Dec. 9, 2024) is to be observed as a holy day of obligation.
From the Christian Formation OfficeDOSA Welcomes the OCIAThe OCIA will be implemented in several stages, with the following dates:Availability: Orders placed and will be in prior to the sessionsIt can be used in liturgy on Dec. 1, 2024, which is the First Sunday of Advent. It must be used: on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.To welcome the revised Order and to ensure that the parish OCIA teams are prepared for this Lent, the OCIA Advisory Board will be providing four trainings for OCIA teams:Dec. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., St. Madeleine Sophie Parish, High Springs Dec. 15, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Blessed Trinity Parish, JacksonvilleJan. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Corpus Christi Parish, St. Augustine Jan. 5, from 12:30 to 6:00 p.m. Sacred Heart Parish, Fleming IslandMore details are available on the JotForm: https://form.jotform.com/242665466655165. It is imperative that every parish select one of these offerings and send their team for training.
Discernment Evening – Ministry Formation ProgramAll vocations in the church, including lay ecclesial ministry, require discernment. For the past 30 years, the U.S. bishops have used the term "lay ecclesial minister" to describe laypeople called to serve publicly alongside bishops, priests and deacons. This calling begins with discernment, followed by a systematic program of formation in spirituality, academics, human development and pastoral skills. Our diocesan Ministry Formation Program fulfills the mandate found in the U.S. bishops’ Co-Workers in the Vineyard. For more information, click here.To support those considering lay ecclesial ministry, the Office of Ministry Formation will host a discernment night on Monday, Nov. 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hurley Auditorium of the Catholic Center, 11625 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville. All are welcome. RSVP to layministry@dosafl.com if you plan to attend.
From the Family Life OfficeWebinar: Caretaking through the Holidays with Dr. Janet Mullins, PysDThe holidays can be hard to balance when caring for someone you love. Join us for a webinar on caretaking through the holidays with Dr. Janet Mullins, PsyD, on Nov. 12, at 12p.m. To register for the webinar, click here.Life-Giving Wounds Virtual Support GroupAdult (18+) children of divorce, separation or family brokenness are invited to attend a monthly, 9-week virtual support group for reflection and healing among peers. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from Nov. 12 through Jan. 28 with breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The cost to participate is $35 and includes a copy of Life-Giving Wounds: A Catholic Guide to Healing for Adult Children of Divorce or Separation by Dan and Bethany Meola and the companion workbook.To register or for more information, click here. For promotional flyer, click here. For any questions, contact us at familylife@dosafl.com.
From the Human Life & Dignity OfficeElection Day Prayer at Holy Family Catholic ChurchFather David Keegan invites the diocesan community to join in prayer on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9800 Baymeadows Road. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Mass at 7:30 p.m. A rosary will be prayed each hour from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. If your parish has similar plans, please contact Maureen Shilkunas at mshilkunas@dosafl.com to share details.Prayer RequestPlease pray for Baby Sofia K., born at 21 weeks and weighing 1 pound, along with her family and medical team.Mass for the Precious Ones with Bishop PohlmeierThe Office of Human Life and Dignity invites you to the annual Mass for the Precious Ones on Nov. 3, honoring all children lost through miscarriage or abortion. Families who have experienced these losses, including those who have gone through a healing program after abortion, are especially welcome. Bishop Erik Pohlmeier will celebrate the Mass at 2:30p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine. All are welcome to attend.
From the Risk Management OfficeCyber/Fraud Training Series – Payments FraudRisk Management and the Fiscal Office have teamed up with Truist Bank to provide some insight, tips and resources on the topic of Payments Fraud and some ways you can avoid the pitfalls. Please join us for for a great webinar on Monday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. Sign up now and we look forward to seeing you there! https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/32d337da-6c9e-4dc6-88a0- 0581e1da1012@3ab14778-9e3c-4a99-be9d-1a240473c710Please do not hesitate to contact the office of Risk Management if you have any questions. Call Deborah Tauro at (904) 208-6950/direct.
