Meagan Van Dyke
Catechetical Portfolio
Bio
Hi! My name is Meagan Van Dyke, and I live in south Florida with my husband and two cats. Currently, I am the Director of Faith Formation at a medium-sized parish and have been working in a parish setting for the past 9 years. I now direct and manage all of the Sacramental prep and RCIA at our Parish along with regular youth, and adult faith formation, ranging from religious education classes for children to adult bible studies and small groups. This year I am focusing on continuing to grow opportunities for Adult Faith Formation along with our Ministries for families. An interesting fact about me is that I have a serious tea addiction and whenever we travel, I enjoy finding local tea shops and trying new kinds of tea. This past summer I was able to have tea in Denmark, Norway, Maryland, and Canada. Even after trying tea all over my favorite is still Earl Grey de la Crème. When my husband and I are not at Church we enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, and traveling.
Education
MA in Catechetics
Catholic University of America, May 2023
BA in Theology & BA in Catechetics
Franciscan University, May 2014
Professional Experience
Director of Faith Formation St Patrick Catholic Church, Palm Beach Gardens, FL: Fall of 2018 to Spring 2023
Director of Youth Faith Formation St Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church, Wellington, FL: Spring 2014 to Fall 2018
Featured Work
This series of reflections was written during the 2020 lockdown when Faith Formation was primarily done at home
Catechist SUmmer Formation Session
the Vocation of a Catechist
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
The Trinity
The Sacraments
of Healing:
Reconciliation
Service
Mystagogy:
Parish Life
Mystagogy:
Catholic Moral Life
Mystagogy:
Catholic Social Justice
Favorite Books and Resources
Get in Touch
LinkedIn
vandyke@cua.edu
EMAIL ME
The Story of Salvation
Story Timeline:
- Creation - Unity with God & with humanity
- Fall - Breaks relationship with God
- Redemption - Restores relationship
Covenants:
Adam & Eve -- One Holy Couple
(Genesis 2:15-3:23)
Noah & his family -- One Holy Family
(Genesis 9:8-17)
Abraham & his tribe -- One Holy Tribe
(Genesis 17:1-9)
Moses & his people -- One Holy Nation
(Exodus 12:37-42)
David & his kingdom -- One Holy Kingdom
(2 Samuel 7:8-27)
Jesus the Savior -- One Holy Church
(John 10:10)
Article - 01
Join Mission of the Son & Spirit
Fashion not only affects culture but also functions as a mirror, reflecting significant cultural developments.
Article - 02
Names, Titles, & Symbols
The design development phase of the project specifies and explains all key components of the project, with a focus on material selection.
Article - 03
Spirit of Christ in the Fullness of Time
These are tasks that need to be completed on an individual basis. The strategies are made up of these action elements.
Article - 04
Restoration to Divine Image
These are tasks that need to be completed on an individual basis. The strategies are made up of these action elements.
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Veni Sanctus Spiritus
Come Holy Spirit
fill the hearts of your faithful
and enkindle in them the fire of your love
Send forth your spirit and things shall be created
and you shall renew the face of the earth
Holy
Catholic Church
The Communion of Saints
The Forgivness of Sins
And Life Everlasting
Christology
JESUS CHRIST
GOD THE SON
CHRIST IS COMING
CHRIST REDEEMS THE WORLD
GOD REVEALS HIS PLAN IN PERSON
THROUGH THE PASCAL MYSTERY
GOD'S PLAN FOR SALVATION IS FORESHADOWED IN THE OLD
TESTAMENT (GEN 22:1-14,
PASSION, DEATH, RESURRECTION, AND ASCENSION
OUR PARTICIPATION IN GOD'S SALVIFIC PLAN
THE INCARNATION - JESUS IS BOTH TRUE GOD AND TRUE MAN RECONCILIATION - CHRIST BRIDGES THE GAP BETWEEN GOD THE FATHER AND HUMANITY
MODEL OF HOLINESS - JESUS TEACHES US HOW TO LIVE
BODY OF CHRIST - HUMANITY IS ABLE TO PARTAKE IN DIVINE NATURE, AS A MEMBER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST
WHILE HIS FIRST COMING WAS IN HUMILITY TO BRING SALVATION, HIS SECOND COMING WILL BE IN GLORY TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD
BECAUSE OF SALVATION MAN'S BODY WILL NO LONGER BE SEPARATED FROM HIS SOUL
THE LAST JUDGEMENT WILL REVEAL THE GOOD THAT EACH PERSON DID OR FAILED TO DO
"WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?"
WE ENTER INTO A COVENANT WITH CHRIST BY BEING IN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM
THIS COMMUNION MUST CHANGE OUR LIVES AND CALLS FOR CONVERSION
CONVERSION IS ON GOING
IN THE EUCHARIST CHRIST REMAINS WITH US ALWAYS
References for Further Reading:
US Catholic Catechism for Adults pgs. 77-100
Catechism of the Catholic Church par. 422-682
Scripture References:
Mt 16:16
Acts 4:12
Jn 7:16
Mt 16:13-20
Jn 20:28
Mary's Role
in Salvation History
Mary, the New Eve
“Mary Consoles Eve” - Sr. Grace Remington
"The knot of Eve's disobedience was loosened by Mary's obedience. The bonds fastened by the virgin Eve through disbelief were untied by the Virgin Mary through faith."
~ St. Irenaeus
The Four Marian Dogmas
Mary is the Mother of God
- She conceived Jesus in her womb
- He took His human nature from her and was born of her “according to the flesh”
- Lk 1:43; Gal 4:4-5
Immaculate Conception
- To prepare her for saying “YES” to His invitation, God made Mary full of grace.
- She was born wholly by His grace; her entire life is sinless
- She was redeemed from the moment of her conception; this grace flowed from the Cross of her Son ahead of time
- Sinlessness is freedom to say yes to God. Mary used this freedom to give herself wholeheartedly to the Person and work of her Son
- Lk 1:28-38; Eph 1:3-4; Jdt 15:9-10
Perpetual Virginity
- His miraculous birth did not diminish her virginity but sanctified it. It is a holy sign of the mystery of the Incarnation. That her Son, Jesus, is truly the eternal Son of the Father.
- Isa 7:14; Mt 1:18-25; Ezek 44:1-2
Assumption
- Sinless, she does not experience the chief consequence of sin: death
- She shares in the merits of her Son’s passion and glorification
- Heb 11:15; Lk 1:28; Gen 3:19; 2 Kings 2:11
Our Lord . . . was not averse to males, for he took the form of a male, nor to females, for of a female he was born. Besides, there is a great mystery here: that just as death comes to us through a woman, life is born to us through a woman; that the devil, defeated, would be tormented by each nature, feminine and masculine, as he had taken delight in the defection of both. (St Augustine, Christian Combat 22.24)
Mary, the New Eve
from the Missal of Bernhard von Rohr
"This page shows Mary contrasted with Eve both in the garden, dispensing fruits from them Tree of Life to humanity. This image illustrates the concept that Eve, through her disobedience, conceived sin and death in the world and Mary through her obedience,
conceived life and redemption for humanity."
Echoing the Mystery- Unlocking the Deposit of Faith in Catechesis written by Barbara Morgan and Sr. Athanasius Munroe, O.P.ading
Our Lady of Loreto in the Refugee's Cloak
by Margherita Gallucci (2020)
Artist Margherita Gallucci described the inspiration for Our Lady of Loreto in the Refugees Cloak painting as follows: "One day I was shocked to see images of children, women, and men who had lost their lives at sea while trying to reach the Italian coast, were fleeing the war, the misery, and the violence of other people who took advantage of their weakness. Men and women covered themselves with the emergency blankets given to them the rescuers, and in seeing those women who tried to protect themselves and their children, I thought of... I thought about how easy it can be to see God and Mary in a statue, and how paradoxically it is more difficult to see God in our brothers and sisters... Perhaps if each of us was covered by a golden mantle, we would be able to recognize at first sight the preciousness of each person."
(Created in Christ: A Catholic Response to the Sin of Racism, Sophia Institute Press pg. 7)
The Wedding Feast at Cana
The Second Luminous Mystery
A. Our Father: Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
B. Ten Hail Marys: (while meditating on the Mystery)"Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen."
- There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. (Jn 2:1-2) Hail Mary...
- When the wine provided for the wedding was all finished, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'they have no wine.' (Jn 2:3-4) Hail Mary...
- Jesus said, "Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not come yet' (Jn 2:4) Hail Mary…
- She said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ So he told them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ (Jn 2:5,7) Hail Mary…
- ‘Now take some to the steward.’ When the steward tasted it he exclaimed, ‘You have kept the best wine till now!’ (Jn 2:8, 10) Hail Mary…
- This was the first of the signs given by Jesus, and his disciples believed in him. (Jn 2:11) Hail Mary…
- Then he came to Judea and some Pharisees asked him, ‘Is it against the law for a man to divorce his wife?’ (Mk 10:1-2) Hail Mary…
- Jesus said, ‘From the beginning of creation God made them male and female.’ (Mk 10:7) Hail Mary…
- This is why a man must leave father and mother and be joined to his wife.’ (Mk 10:8; Gn 2:24) Hail Mary…
- They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.’ (Mk 10:9, 10) Hail Mary…
C. Glory Be: "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."
D. Oh My Jesus: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen."
CELEBRATION OF THE RITE OF BAPTISM
Dearly beloved, with one heart and one soul, let us by our prayers come to the aid of these our brothers and sisters in their blessed hope, so that, as they approach the font of rebirth, the almighty Father may bestow on them all his merciful help.
Litany of the Saints
Following the venerable tradition of the church, we now call upon the saints in heaven to intercede for these chosen ones. (PRESIDER asks elect to kneel for the duration of the Litany sung by the cantor.)
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. Saint Michael, pray for us. Holy Angels of God, pray for us. Saint John the Baptist, pray for us. Saint Joseph, pray for us. Saint Peter and Saint Paul, pray for us. Saint Andrew, pray for us. Saint John, pray for us. Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for us... etc.
Presider: Almighty ever-living God, be present by the mysteries of your great love and send forth the spirit of adoption to create the new peoples brought to birth for you in the font of Baptism so that what is to be carried out by our humble service may be brought to fulfillment by your mighty power. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
Presider Blesses The Water (see reverse side for Blessing)
Presider: I now address you, my brothers and sisters who are asking for baptism, to reject Satan and his works, and to profess your faith with us for the first time. I also address you candidates who are already baptized to stand and renew your baptismal promises and to profess your faith in the Catholic Church. And lastly, I invite all of your faithful gathered here to stand and join in the renewal of your baptismal promises.
RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL PROMISES (all respond.)
Presider: Dear brothers and sisters, through the Paschal Mystery we have been buried with Christ in Baptism, so that we may walk with him in the newness of life. And so I ask you: Do you renounce sin, so as to live in the freedom of the children of God? ALL: I do.
Do you renounce the lure of evil, so that sin may have no mastery over you? ALL: I do.
Do you renounce Satan, the author and prince of sin? ALL: I do.
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? ALL: I do.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of the Father? ALL: I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? ALL: I do.
And may almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit and bestowed on us forgiveness of our sins, keep us by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord, for eternal life. ALL: Amen.
Presider: You have professed your faith before God and this community. I now invite our elect to the water of baptism.
RECEPTION OF BAPTISM
Presider: (Call each by name), I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
CLOTHING WITH BAPTISMAL GARMENT
Presider: (Name each Neophyte) You have each become a new creation and have clothed yourselves in Christ. Receive this baptismal garment and bring it unstained to the judgment seat of Our Lord Jesus Christ, so that you may have everlasting life. Neophytes: Amen.
PRESENTATION OF LIGHTED CANDLE from Easter Candle
Presider: (Name each catechumen) you have been enlightened by Christ. Walk always as a child of the light and keep the flame of faith alive in your heart. When the Lord comes, may you go out to meet him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.
Neophytes: Amen (Godparents give candles to neophytes and everyone returns to their seats)
The SACRAment of Baptism
The SACRAment of Baptism
O God, who by invisible power
accomplish a wondrous effect
through sacramental signs
and who in many ways have prepared water, your creation,
to show forth the grace of Baptism;
O God, whose Spirit
in the first moments of the world’s creation
hovered over the waters,
so that the very substance of water
would even then take to itself the power to sanctify;
O God, who by the outpouring of the flood
foreshadowed regeneration,
so that from the mystery of one and the same element of water
would come an end to vice and a beginning of virtue;
O God, who caused the children of Abraham
to pass dry-shod through the Red Sea,
so that the chosen people,
set free from slavery to Pharaoh,
would prefigure the people of the baptized;
O God, whose Son,
baptized by John in the waters of the Jordan,
was anointed with the Holy Spirit,
and, as he hung upon the Cross,
gave forth water from his side along with blood,
and after his Resurrection, commanded his disciples:
“Go forth, teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
look now, we pray, upon the face of your Church
and graciously unseal for her the fountain of Baptism.
May this water receive by the Holy Spirit
the grace of your Only Begotten Son,
so that human nature, created in your image
and washed clean through the Sacrament of Baptism
from all the squalor of the life of old,
may be found worthy to rise to the life of newborn children
through water and the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is...
Water = New Life:
Creation - Gen 1:9-10
Noah and the Flood - Gen 8: 1-5
Moses and the Red Sea - Ex 14:21-22
Anointing with the Spirit
1 Chr 29:22 - Solomon becomes King
Death and Resurrection
Rom 6:3-4 Die with Christ so that we might rise with Christ
A Family Name
The Trinitarian Formula "I baptize you in THE NAME OF..."
Matt 3:16-17 - "This is my beloved son..."
Rom 8:14-17 - Adopted sons and daughters of the Father
Cleansing from Original Sin
Restored to the original image and likeness, void of grace filled
A Symbol of Grace:
"an outward sign of an inward grace, that has been instituted by Jesus Christ"
~ St Augustine
Matter and Form:
Matter = Water (H2O)
Form = "I baptize you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"
The SACRAment of Confirmation
CELEBRATION OF THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION
Presider: Will the newly baptized, and (call Candidates by name), who are seeking Confirmation, now please come forward and be introduced by your sponsors...
My dear candidates for confirmation, by your baptism you have been born again in Christ and you have become members of Christ and of his priestly people. Now you are to share in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit among us, the Spirit sent by the Lord upon his apostles at Pentecost and given by them and their successors to the baptized. The promised strength of the Holy Spirit, which you are to receive, will make you more like Christ and help you to be witnesses to his suffering, death, and resurrection. It will strengthen you to be active members of the Church and to build up the Body of Christ in faith and love.
Presider: (addresses the people) My dear friends: in baptism God, our Father gave the new birth of eternal life to his chosen sons and daughters. Let us pray to our Father that he will pour out the Holy Spirit to strengthen his sons and daughters with his gifts and anoint them to be more like Christ the Son of God. (All pray briefly in silence)
LAYING ON OF HANDS
Presider: (with hands outstretched) All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their Helper and Guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen
ANOINTING WITH CHRISM
(Minister of the Sacrament takes chrism and goes to each candidate)
Godparent or sponsor places right hand on the right shoulder of the candidate.
The minister of the sacrament dips his right thumb in chrism and makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed as he says:
Minister of Sacrament: (Call by SAINT’S name...), be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
Newly confirmed: Amen.
Minister of the Sacrament: Peace be with you.
Newly confirmed: And with your spirit.
Presider: Let us now welcome our newly baptized, received, and confirmed into the parish family of St. Patrick Church.
Applause. Newly confirmed and sponsors return to their places in the assembly.
The SACRAment of Confirmation
Born again in Christ by baptism you have become members of Christ and of his priestly people.
Now you are to share in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit among us, the Spirit sent by the Lord upon his apostles at Pentecost and given by
them, and their successors to the baptized.
The promised strength of the Holy Spirit, which you are to receive, will make you more like
Christ and help you to be witnesses to his suffering, death and resurrection.
It will strengthen you to be active members of the Church and to build up the Body of Christ in faith and love…
All –powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life.
Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide.
Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgement and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of
wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Matter and Form:
Matter = Chrism Oil
Form =
Pastor: Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit
Candidate: Amen
Pastor: Peace be with you
Newly Confirmed: and with your Spirit
Confirmation is...
Outpouring of the Holy Spirit:
Pentecost - Gen 1 :2 & Acts 2:2
Spreading and Defending the Faith:
Acts 1:8 - You will receive power
Eph. 6:13-18 put on the full armor of God
Helper and Guide:
Jn 14:15 -I will send you an Advocate
Outpouring of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Wisdom
Understanding
Right Judgement
Courage
Knowledge
Reverence
Wonder and Awe
Anointing:
1 Sam 16:12-13
Metaphorical or Literal?
Mk 14:22-24 - This is my Body... This is my b1ood
Jn 6:51-56 - Bread of Life Discourse
Bread of Life Discourse: Jn 6:51-56
The response of the audience is not one of metaphorical teaching.
Jesus Commanded the Apostles to celebrate the Eucharist until His Return so that we would be able to live in His love until he comes again.
The Sacrifice of the Cross is one single sacrifice with the Eucharistic Sacrifice
The Eucharist Unifies the Church, The Mystical Body of Christ. The Sacrament makes the Church.
By faith we know the eucharist is the true body and true blood of Christ
Cor 10:16-17 - The Eucharist is our participation in the Body and Blood of Christ
Rev 19:9 - Blessed are those invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb
Rom 12:1 - Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God
Jn 6:53 - Unless you eat My Flesh and drink My Blood, you have no life."
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
Metaphorical or Literal?
Mk 14:22-24: This is my Body... This is my b1ood
Jn 6:51-56: Bread of Life Discourse
Passover and the Last Supper
Institution of the Eucharist
Bread of Life Discourse: Jn 6:51-56
The response of the audience is not one of metaphorical teaching.
Transubstantiation - Substance and Accidents
Substance = What a thing is
Accidents = What our senses perceive
Matter, Form, & Minister
Matter = Bread and Wine
Form = Prayers of Consecration
Minister = Priest
Source and Sumit of Christian Life
Unites us to Christ's Life = Communion
New and Everlasting Covenant
Eucharistic Adoration
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from you.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me
and bid me come to you
That with your saints I may praise you
For ever and ever. Amen.
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy.
Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her Glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints. Amen.
Anointing of the Sick
"Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven."
James 5:14-15
"By his passion and death on the cross Christ has given a new meaning to suffering: it can henceforth configure us to him and unite us with his redemptive Passion" ~ CCC 1505
Effects of the Sacrament
- Unites us with the Passion of Christ
- Strength, Peace, and Courage to endure suffering
- Calls on Communion of Saints to intercede for those who are ill
- Forgiveness of sins (if unable to go to Confession)
- Restoration of health (if it is conducive to the salvation of their soul)
- preparation for passing over to eternal life
Matter
Anointing the forehead and hands with Oil of the Sick
Form
“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin, save you, and raise you up.”
SAraments of Healing
Holy Week at Home
This Holy week is very different from any other we've ever celebrated, but is also an excellent opportunity for us to make the events of Holy Week, that we normally would commemorate with an evening service, more interactive and hands on for kids.
There are several different ways you can engage your kids this week and I have included a few options here in this email. You can look through these or any others you might have also found and choose the ones that fit your family best. I will also send out another email on Holy Thursday/Good Friday/Holy Saturday with meditations and reflections specific for that day. I also encourage you to decorate your home as we might decorate the Church at this time of year. Again this is a really great opportunity for you to share your faith with your children and include them in the events that we are remembering this week. Let me know if you have any questions, and I'd love to hear from you how these activities worked for you!
Holy Thursday Activities
Good Friday Activities
Holy Saturday Resurection Cookies