Program resources
Pastoral Plan for schools:
“Called to be the loving face of christ”
Effective planning is critical for the sustainability and vitality of Catholic schools. The New Ulm Diocesan Fourth Plan for Parishes identifies demographic realities within the diocese. The same demographics and many of the other challenges effecting parishes also effect Catholic schools. We must be continually ready to renew and to adapt to these challenges as we prepare for a future of Catholic school educational opportunities within the diocese. This Pastoral Plan for Catholic Schools identifies areas for various groups to discuss and address in the upcoming years.
Use this link to view the Diocese of New Ulm’s Pastoral Plan for Schools.
Early Catholic Family Life Program
Catholic schools are encouraged to offer the Early Catholic Family Life [ECFL]Program as a part of their outreach to young families.
In the ECFL program, parents are supported in the spiritual and religious Catholic education of their children, ages 0 to 5 years, through participation in a seven-session/two-hour weekly program. Modeled after the Minnesota Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Program, each session includes a parent-child interaction component, a parent discussion time, and a children’s time. Activities and shared ideas provide suggestions for establishing a Catholic culture in the home beginning in the very early years of childhood.
Individuals interested in participating in such a program should contact the local Catholic school or area faith community office to see if it is offered and to express an interest in the program.
Training manuals and program materials are available through the Office of Catholic Schools.
Facilitator training was held in the diocese in the summer of 2013 and is frequently held in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
The program was developed by Jo Ann and Al Foley of St. Paul, Minnesota. Jo Ann and Al are active Catholic parishioners in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Jo Ann is a retired University of Minnesota Early Childhood professor.
If you would like more information about the program, or how to start it in your parish, please contact Joanne and Alan Foley at 612-925-1203, by email at alanfol@gmail.com or visit their website. Should you have further questions, please feel free to call the diocesan director of the Office of Catholic Schools.