RECongress 2007 - Period 6: Saturday, March 3, 2007

CONGRESS 2007 WORKSHOPS & LINKS
THURSDAY	• Youth Day Info • Youth Day Schedule • Youth Day Workshops
WORKSHOPS FRIDAY: SATURDAY: SUNDAY:	Page Links • Period 1 • Period 2 • Period 3 • Period 4 • Period 5 • Period 6 • Period 7 • Period 8	PDF Links • Friday PDF • Saturday PDF • Sunday PDF
EN ESPAÑOL VIERNES: SÁBADO: DOMINGO:	TALLERES • Sesión 1 • Sesión 2 • Sesión 3 • Sesión 4 • Sesión 5 • Sesión 6 • Sesión 7 • Sesión 8	• español PDF
2007 FEATURES	• Youth Day • Theme • Cardinal Online • Photos • Schedule • Speakers • Order Recordings • Comments • Exhibitor Listing • Exhibitor Categories • Statistics

Here is an invitation to express in dance form the love, beauty and light within us. This workshop will lift you up as the room fills with energy, laughter, beautiful music and moments of reflection. Come prepared to move! Here’s an opportunity for all those who love to dance to join together to simply celebrate life. Experience Christ’s light before us, behind us and within us!

In this session we will hear testimonies about Catholic identity, drawing on the experience of lesbian and gay Catholics, which calls the whole Church to examine what it means to live a full, Catholic life. All are welcome. (This is the conclusion of a three-year cycle of sessions on homosexuality and Catholicism moderated by Dr. Tom Beaudoin; speakers will include Fr. James Martin, Sr. Patricia Farrell and panelists from the Los Angeles Archdiocese.)

Tom Beaudoin is Assistant Professor in the Religious Studies Department at Santa Clara University in California, and a Fellow in the American Psychoanalytic Association. He lectures nationally and internationally on practical theology, and is author of the book “Consuming Faith,” as well as many published articles and essays. Dr. Beaudoin is a frequent and popular speaker at the Religious Education Congress.

James Martin, a Jesuit priest, is Associate Editor at America magazine. He is author of a number of books, including, most recently, “My Life with the Saints” and “Becoming Who You Are.” His articles have appeared in America, Commonweal, The (London) Tablet and U.S. News & World Report. Fr. Martin has spoken at various religious conferences, parishes, retreat houses, and is a frequent commentator in the media on Catholic issues.

Sr. Patricia Farrell is active in vocation ministry for her religious community, as well as for the larger Church community. She has studied theology at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif., and at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis. Sr. Farrell also completed the program at the Spiritual Directors’ Institute at Mercy Center in Burlingame, Calif. She leads retreats for parishes, young adult groups and faculties.

Sometimes living the moments and recognizing the sacredness in everyday things is very hard to do. We are challenged to think about how we spend our days with what truly matters. Come away with 12 tips for truly “seizing the day.”

Drawing on the example of the Apostle Paul, from his ministry we learn wisdom for our own. Adherence to the Risen Christ in the Body of the Church, passion to proclaim the Gospel, confidence in the power of God over our human weakness, collaboration in ministry, freedom from all that impedes the Gospel – all these are hallmarks of St. Paul’s life that can also empower our own.

Sr. Barbara Bowe is Professor of Biblical Studies and Director of the Biblical Spirituality Program at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. While biblical spirituality is an underlying emphasis in her teaching, her special research interests include Johannine and Pauline studies plus issues of early Christian ecclesiology. She is author of “Biblical Foundations of Spirituality” and “Touching a Finger to the Flame.”

Music can easily and effectively be woven into religious education to enhance knowledge, understanding and faith development. This workshop will demonstrate a variety of practical activities suitable for children at the elementary level, utilizing song and movement. Come ready to participate in activities that will energize, unite and inspire your students as they grow in faith!

John Burland is an educator and composer of religious music for children and adults. He was a classroom teacher for 14 years and has spent over 20 years as a religious educator in school and parish communities. Burland presently is the Project Officer-Liturgy/Music for the Catholic Education Office in Sydney, Australia, where he conducts workshops, celebrations and reflection days for children, families and teachers.

Our Catholic faith is a treasury of lived experiences of Emmanuel, “God-with-us.” When we gather for weekly worship, we bring with us our lives and experiences that will be connected to the Word of the Lord. Fr. John Cusick will use seven short human experiences passed on to him from his dad to reveal “God-with-us.” We will explore how and where the secular and sacred meet in the routine of every day. After all, we are the light of the world. The light is within; let’s turn it on!

Fr. John Cusick is Director of Young Adult Ministry for the Chicago Archdiocese. His full-time ministry is with those in their 20s and 30s, and he speaks nationally on young adult issues. Also, he does extensive speaking and preaching at parish missions several times a year throughout the United States and in parts of Europe. Fr. Cusick’s work and thoughts on young adults was highlighted in the October 2006 issue of U.S. Catholic.

Thomas Merton retrieved the contemplative depths of the Liturgy of the Hours for contemporary Christians. In this session, Sr. Meg Funk will present a teaching on this monastic form of the Liturgy of the Hours prayed in common. Sr. Kathleen Deignan will offer an experience of praying the Hours with Thomas Merton as personal contemplative practice.

Sr. Meg Funk, a Benedictine nun from Indiana, is currently Director of the School of Lectio Divina at Benedict Inn in Beech Grove, Ind. She formerly served as Executive Director of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, as Prioress, and as Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. She has given retreats at abbeys in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Bismarck, N.D. Sr. Funk’s most recent book is “Humility Matters.”

Sr. Kathleen Deignan is Professor of Religious Studies at Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y., and founder and Director of its Iona Spirituality Institute. A sister of the Congregation of Notre Dame, she is a composer of sacred song and musician in residence with Schola Ministries, which has produced over a dozen of her original recordings. Her recent books include “When the Trees Say Nothing: Thomas Merton’s Writings on Nature.”

Move over, Donald Trump! Our bishops were the first to give us the vision for catechesis: apprenticeship-learning by doing. Explore this Vatican II-inspired generating vision for Christian formation that can help transform catechesis at all age levels.

Jerry Galipeau is a published author, composer and recording artist. The Worship Resources Editor at World Library Publications presents keynotes and workshops throughout North America on initiation, liturgy, evangelization, catechesis and ritual music. He is also a parish initiation minister and a team member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate.

This workshop will look at the dynamics of Mexican immigration, Christian spirituality and human transformation. It will also look at effective ways of ministerial outreach to the growing presence of Latinos in the Church. The presentation will begin with a film produced by Fr. Daniel Groody called “Dying to Live: A Migrant’s Journey,” which examines the places of hope and faith among some of the godless moments of the journey across the Mexican border and into the United States.

Fr. Daniel Groody is Assistant Professor of Theology and Director of the Center for Latino Spirituality and Culture at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He has worked many years in Latin America, particularly along the U.S.-Mexico border, and has authored a book and is Executive Producer of a video about migrants. A member of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, he has given talks worldwide and has numerous published articles.

We need intimacy. However, our culture equates intimacy with sex, and this myth drives much of our modern culture; all the while most people are left starving for real intimacy. Make a list of what’s not working in your life. Most people name a relationship somewhere on their list. Maybe it’s a relationship with your spouse, or your boyfriend or girlfriend, or perhaps a relationship with a child or parent. In this session, Matthew Kelly will help you understand what has brought you to where you are in this relationship, and will offer you a road map for how to get to where you need to be in the relationship.

How can we help our local faith community to raise a community of stewards? Explore the concept of stewardship in the context of youth ministry and obtain practical strategies to mobilize the faith community in its stewardship to the youth of the parish. Learn how time, talent and treasure can mobilize and energize your youth ministry efforts.

Team, staff and parish tensions involving individuals are an inevitable part of the human condition. This workshop will explore alternatives for dealing with such situations.

The instances of migration in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth are noteworthy: Mary’s trek to visit Elizabeth, the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, the travels of the shepherds and the Magi to see Jesus, the escape of the Holy Family to Egypt. But the most significant migration is the migration of Christ himself: from heaven to Earth, from divinity to humanity. Indeed, Jesus’ birth is a history of divine revelation manifested through human migration! It is recommended that participants study in advance the infancy narratives in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 and bring their Bibles to the workshop.

Timothy Matovina is an Associate Professor of Theology and the William and Anna Jean Cushwa Director of the Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. In addition to his scholarly work, Matovina offers presentations and workshops on U.S. Catholicism and on ministry and theology. His publications include the recent, co-edited book, “The Treasure of Guadalupe.”

6-14 Stand in the Light: Don’t Just Stand There, Do Something – Absorb the Light!

Our God is the maker of the Earth and the ground we stand on, with our heads in the sky, listening to the Word that is revealed to us. How do we absorb the Light of God? How do we take it into our bodies, into our communities and stand transfigured by the light of truth, and mercy, justice and peace intertwined. To stand in the presence of the Light is to know security, sanctuary and refuge. Come stand in that Light and absorb the power of the Holy Ones. Listen to the stories of God telling us not to fear and who – and what – to listen to. This is where we learn how to be “light standing in Light.”

Through Baptism we are made one with Christ. As we share his life we share in his ministry of priest, prophet and king. This workshop will explore the ways catechists live this call, in the presence of those being catechized, for the sake of the Kingdom. How do we speak the truth, call forth blessing, and imagine the Kingdom to and for those who so desperately need the “Living Word”?

Participants will learn how to implement Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory in their assessments and lessons for the development of understanding, problem-solving and special talents. In this workshop, Dr. Robert Pavlik will focus on how to (a) enhance and diversify how topics and concepts are accessed, understood and demonstrated; (b) simulate solving real-life problems; and (c) assist students in the development of special areas of expertise. (This workshop expands upon Session 1-23.)

Sr. Helen Prejean shares the story of her journey accompanying six death‑row prisoners to their deaths. In so doing, she began to suspect that some of those executed were not guilty. This realization inspired her second book, “The Death of Innocents.” In this workshop Sr. Helen tells of her experience with the U.S. courts and its broken death penalty system. She will expose how innocent people are condemned to death along with the guilty.

Sr. Helen Prejean has lived and worked in Louisiana all her life. In 1991, while working with inner-city residents, she began counseling death-row inmates. This Sister of St. Joseph of Medaille wrote a book about the experience, “Dead Man Walking,” which became a best-seller and Oscar-winning movie. She divides her time between campaigning against the death penalty and counseling individual death-row prisoners.

Discovering the spirituality of the liturgical year through service of the poor is a way of living the core of Christian life. Authentic prayer and real service revitalizes the parish community. We will explore the elements of liturgical spirituality including embracing suffering, truth-telling and shared ministry.

Fr. Ronald Raab serves as Associate Pastor at the Downtown Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Old Town Portland, Ore. He preaches parish missions and directs retreats around the country. Fr. Raab writes about his ministry experiences in Ministry and Liturgy magazine. He also hosts a weekly Scripture commentary on radio KBVM-FM 88.3, serving Oregon cities.

Since August 29, 2005, my city of New Orleans, my parish, and I have been working hard to recover from the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina. I assure you that it has not been easy. During the past year, my faith, my strength and my courage have all been tested. Many people ask, “What is it that makes you get up each morning to face the hard task of redeveloping a faith community?” Well, my answer is quite simple: “I Still Believe!” This interactive and fun workshop will focus on the “core beliefs” of our faith and how these core beliefs can be strength through the storms of our lives!

Fr. Tony Ricard is a priest of the New Orleans Archdiocese. He currently serves as Pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in New Orleans and as a Core Instructor for Church Doctrine at Xavier University’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Notre Dame University in Indiana. The popular and returning Congress speaker also serves as the Director of Knight Time Ministries and as one of the chief editors for Two Knights Publishing Co.

Why did Jesus’ agony take place in a garden rather than in the temple, in the desert, on a mountain or a plain? Because gardens are the archetypal place for lovers. The tears that Jesus sheds in Gethsemane are not the tears of a physical athlete, but the tears of a lover, a moral athlete. What was the real drama that took place in Gethsemane? What is its real lesson for us? What really was the Passion of the Christ?

The majority of the Sunday Gospels that we will hear in 2007 come from the Gospel of Luke. This Gospel holds together interior spiritual development and exterior efforts to adjust the social structures toward justice. This is just the pairing we need today. Too often spirituality is pursued independent of justice, and justice is pursued independent of spirituality. The Gospel of Luke sheds light on both and how they are intrinsically related.

The primary aspect of leadership is self-definition. This workshop will focus on the person of the leader, looking at issues of self-esteem, personal development and related issues dealing with the person of the leader.

In this session Pam Stenzel discusses the importance of character-building in children. You will hear Pam’s insight and knowledge in this comprehensive training seminar for parents and educators. Don’t miss this valuable information on the difficult task of raising emotionally healthy children.

Using art as a method to teach religious education is not a new concept. Throughout most of the Church’s history art has been and continues to be an effective way to educate people about Christ’s love for us. This workshop derives from Multiple Intelligence Theory and specifically looks at the visual learner. The focus will be on art and images that are readily available in textbooks or other printed media, on the Internet, on video, etc. The end result is to help catechists be more sensitive to students who learn primarily through visualization and to apply this in the religious education class.

Born in Arizona to parents of Mexican descent, Victor Valenzuela is fully bilingual and bicultural. He has been in ministry for 20 years, including classroom teaching, youth ministry, teacher training and writing and development of new materials. He has presented workshops to numerous groups both regionally and nationally. Valenzuela currently is a National Religion Consultant for Bilingual Resources at William H. Sadlier.

6-25 The Eucharist: Reconciliation, Remembrance, Rejoicing (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

German theologian Karl Rahner once wrote, “The real challenge in accepting the God-man is to accept the fact that we human beings are the very ones with whom God has chosen to be the ones in whom God means to become all in all” – an incredible concept. The Eucharist is where this can occur. Drawing on the Emmaus story, we will reflect on the relationship between the Eucharist and our daily lives.

Going from “performance” to expressing the hidden depths of music isn’t easy. Whether you sing as a cantor, in the choir or in the pew, come and discover ways to get at the heart of our music ministry. Come ready to sing, laugh, pray and transform your music in church.

Christopher Walker is an internationally known speaker and musician. His music – especially his children’s music – is sung throughout the United States, the United Kingdom and in other parts of the Catholic world. The former Director of Music for the Clifton Cathedral in England is presently Director of Music at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Los Angeles.

6-27 God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It

Across the world today we face both religious fundamentalists with a scary interpretation of faith and politics as well as secular fundamentalists who think faith should have no impact on our public life. The first group doesn’t speak for many of us; the second group doesn’t want us to speak. We will explore an exciting alternative and one that is sweeping across the globe that focuses on the crucial connection between the two deepest hungers in our world today: the hunger for spirituality, and the hunger for social justice.

Jim Wallis is a best-selling author, public theologian, preacher, speaker, activist and international commentator on ethics. He is President and Executive Director of Sojourners magazine and Convener of the Call to Renewal Network. Wallis is also author of numerous books and newspaper and magazine columns. He travels extensively both across the country and abroad, organizing, preaching, debating and leading seminars and retreats.

6-28 You Can’t Do God’s Work Without It – Five Skills to Kick Your Communication to the Next Level

Over 80 percent of our day is spent communicating. Char Wenc will focus on the people skills that are crucial to success in communication and the practical things that really make it work, even with the most challenging person. As a Professor of Interpersonal Communication at Loyola University in Chicago, Wenc will share her knowledge and experience with humor and realism. What you will find in this workshop is what you were never taught in any classroom, but it will empower you in both your professional and personal life.

Every new epoch in the life of an individual or a society announces itself initially through difficulty, confusion or a sense of losing anchorage. We seem to be in this stage at the present. In the midst of a challenging complexity – personal or political – how do we navigate rough waters? Through the insights of poetry, David Whyte will look at the part of us that can “go ahead,” beyond the boundaries. It is this experience of the frontier where courage, imagination and energy are all found for transitional challenges. Poetry can be our conversation with the intangible, the numinous and the about-to-happen.

2007 RECongress Period 6

Religious Education Congress
Saturday, March 3, 2007
3:00 - 4:30 pm

2007 RECongress Period 6

Religious Education CongressSaturday, March 3, 2007 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Religious Education Congress
Saturday, March 3, 2007
3:00 - 4:30 pm