In this session, Fr. Robert Barron will demonstrate how the Gospel of John proposes a new way of seeing, moving and being in the world. By examining the stories of the Wedding Feast at Cana, the Woman at the Well, the Man Born Blind and others, he will show how the uniquely Christian way of life is formed.

Discover the keys to engaging and enjoying this energetic age as a catechist, teacher, youth minister or parent. Learn practical tips and tools for responding to their needs whether in a classroom, youth room, living room or minivan! Explore ways to maximize the "teachable moments" that are often hidden amidst the chaos, comedy and confusion.

This workshop, based on Pope John Paul II’s 1995 encyclical, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), will explain the Church’s desire to promote a culture of life from the moment of conception until natural death. It will review Church teachings about moral issues surrounding the beginning and ending of human life. It will provide an understanding of the essential theological grounding of the Church’s bioethical teachings found in the biblical revelation of the human person as created in the image of God.

Without lay leadership in parishes, organizations and dioceses, Catholic Church life would be dormant. But what is the future of lay leadership? Is it aging as quickly as the ordained and professed? Where are all the younger people? This workshop will explore the aging "age of the laity" and offer some hands-on ways to pass on the baton to the next generation.

The first Christian communities had a fire that caused them to risk everything and to live in a radically different way. At some moment we all come face to face with that same challenge. We stand at the Sea of Galilee and hear a voice saying, "Come, follow me." In the midst of demanding schedules, the needs of family and the day-to-day tasks of life, how do we respond to this invitation of Love?

Our eyes and our hearts are capable of much greater vision than we have hitherto believed. The light that we are and that we are being called to is opening up new horizons and beckoning us into depth yet unfathomed. In the light of this, we will reflect together on our sacred stories and ask ourselves how they can speak to us more deeply today. We will look at contemporary science discoveries concerning the interconnectedness of the universe as a whole, and explore their significance in supporting our ancient myths and our quest for the Holy.

We are still dealing with the pain and confusion caused by the clergy sex abuse scandal. This is the worst crisis ever experienced by the U.S. Catholic community, and the problem is worldwide. Yet, we must move beyond the crisis toward the renewals and reforms that will help heal, and then prevent such a scandal again. Among other things, this requires us to reclaim the vision that the Church laid out for itself beginning at the Second Vatican Council.

This workshop is not a lecture but an experience … it is not for the dying but for the living. The stories and pastoral tools presented here come from the real-life experience of a chaplain who personally attended the deaths of 500 people. Participants, regardless of profession or training, will leave with the encouragement to embrace this important ministry that is our "common vocation" as human beings and as Christians.

Christian families are challenged each day to be people of forgiveness and reconciliation. How do they meet the challenge? What are the distinctions between forgiveness and reconciliation? Can forgiveness happen without reconciliation? What are some concrete strategies for living as forgiving and reconciling families? This interactive workshop will answer these and other questions about the meaning of forgiveness and reconciliation in family life today.

What does it mean to be truly gathered? To be a people who find ourselves in the Word? To join ourselves to Jesus’ self-offering and feast with Him at table? To be sent? These four questions guide Bob Hurd’s exploration of a spirituality of the liturgy in reflection and song.

Whether in our vocation or something that life suddenly throws at us, sometimes we are called to put words on what we believe. Perhaps we’re with someone who just learned of a loved one’s death ... or talking to a group of teens who want to test us ... or responding to a child’s simple question. And we wonder: How do I know what to say? Who am I to speak? What is the Good News in its simplest forms? Through demonstration and story, Fr. Joe Kempf offers some practical suggestions on our attempts to put words on that which is beyond words.

What is it that makes retreats "life changing"? How do you plan your own? What resources are available to help plan a retreat, whether it is for one day or the whole weekend? How do I involve youth in planning? Come and get the latest retreat updates!

For our ministry of faith formation – initiating folks young and old into our Catholic life of communion, creed, ethics and celebration – our Catholic tradition offers a rich and hearty menu of flavorful signs and symbols that hold strong formative potential. Come and explore the components of the recipe for the "great Catholic marinade"!

This workshop explores the possibilities for evangelization inherent in the religious practices and spiritual traditions of African-American, Asian-American, Latino/Latina and European-American Catholics. Particular emphasis is given to popular piety as a source for faith formation and to the ways pastoral ministers can critically engage popular religious traditions.

Repeat after me: "Be still and know that you’re NOT God!" Sharing the Good News of Jesus is serious stuff, but it requires an open mind, heart and spirit to be effective. Let’s explore how humor and faith-sharing can open hearts and be effective in helping folks meet Christ Jesus, the Way!

The Lenten/Easter season begins with our being marked with ashes and ends with tongues of fire on the feast of Pentecost. There are so many rich symbols and rituals in this holy time. This workshop will provide examples of how to introduce children to these symbols and invite them to participate more meaningfully in the rituals. Through these experiences catechist and child will come to understand more deeply the richness of these days. Materials and activities will be presented which are ready to use with children, or are easily adaptable.

As we engage in the ongoing work of renewing the church as a vibrant evangelizing force in society, there is recognition that we need both effective leaders and "faithful followers." This workshop considers the characteristics of "faithful followers" and models of adult faith formation that support and strengthen them.

It has been said that we could drop the central doctrine on the Trinity, and 99 percent of the church would continue on exactly as usual. How can this be true? What are the practical and pastoral implications of a God who is movement, mutuality, and unhindered giving and receiving? A "God who is first of all community" could effect everything from your politics to your prayer life, from your sexual ethics to your entire world view. "Let’s make the Church Trinitarian again," says Richard Rohr.

Why are teens such risk takers? Why are they so moody? Does alcohol affect the adolescent brain differently than the adult brain? Contrary to popular belief, the adolescent brain is not a finished product; it is very much a work-in-progress. How can the information about adolescent brain-development help us answer puzzling questions and help us understand teens better? This workshop will connect the dots between neuroscience and adolescent psychology. The result will be important to all religious educators working with young people.

We are challenged as Catholics by the prayer of Jesus in John 17 – that all who believe in Him might be one with God and with one another. Where are we in meeting that challenge? An assessment will be made of our current relationships with our fellow Christians as well as practical advice as to what can be done on the parish level.

Too often we fail to see Jesus as a troublemaker in His culture and in His religious tradition. This presentation will reflect on how and why Jesus got in trouble and explore its implications for our own work for social justice.

This workshop will introduce children to the biblical Stations of the Cross in a new and involving way, as well as offer guidance for teachers on other forms of prayer during Lent. A music component will be offered as well.

Comedy and tragedy communicate where information rarely does! Laughter and tears are necessary ingredients of conversion, bringing life to our message. Come and experience comic timing, the healing of laughter and the power of a good story. Use these skills in your own catechesis. (Continued in Session 8-25, but as a separate and distinct session.)

This session explores the leadership practices that shape and support vital communities of faith. Theologian Annie Jaubert reminds us that in the earliest Christian communities leadership was seen as "the responsibility of all and the charge of some." What is the charge of pastoral leadership today? The Whiteheads will draw resources from pastoral theology and leadership studies as they examine the dynamics of leadership in parish ministry, religious congregations and small faith communities.

Prayer is an integral part of every Christian’s faith life. And the model for all Christians who pray is Jesus. In each of the four Gospels Jesus prays, but He prays the most in Luke. This workshop will explore the seven times Jesus prays in the Gospel of Luke as well as the three parables that Jesus tells about prayer – the parables of the Friend at Midnight, the Persistent Widow, and the Pharisee and Tax Collector. Emphasis will be placed on how in the Gospel of Luke Jesus models prayer as an integral part of a Christian’s faith life.