2008 RECongress Period 6
Religious Education Congress
Saturday, March 1, 2008
3:00 - 4:30 pm
= Recorded
session
6-01 Toward a Theology of a Just Peace
R. Scott Appleby
Catholic ethicists and theologians are rethinking just-war
theory even as they are understanding better the sacramental, liturgical and
formative dimensions of the church’s work for peace in conflict settings from
inner-city America to the Philippines. This workshop provides an overview and
assessment of this cutting edge of Catholic thought and practice.
6-02 Lift Your Gaze and Foster Hope in the Work for Justice
Seeing the circumstances of today’s world, the Christian
vision of social justice summons us to lift our gaze toward a reconciled new
creation. Facing the current reality of social conflict, we are called to unite
in transformative action and to foster hope in the work for justice.
Maria Pilar Aquino
Dr. Maria Pilar Aquino is Professor of Theology and Religious
Studies at the University of San Diego, where she has been teaching since 1993.
A founding member of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United
States, she has been a member of the board of directors of various national and
international theological societies.
6-03 Roundtable on Catholic Identity and Homosexuality
Dr. Tom Beaudoin
This session will feature a panel conversation, moderated
by Dr. Tom Beaudoin, about what being Catholic means for the lives of lesbian
and gay Catholics today.
6-04 Are Natural Disasters Really Punishment for Sin?
Dianne Bergant, CSA
Despite the fact that we have accepted the findings of
contemporary science, many people still maintain that natural disasters are
punishment for sin and point to passages in Scripture to support their claim. A
few such passages will be examined in order to discover whether or not such
claims can be justified.
6-05 Conscience Formation for the Adult Catholic
Gerald D. Coleman, SS
This workshop will address various pertinent concerns about
adult formation of conscience, including: the meaning of conscience; how one
makes an informed decision in conscience; the role of the magisterium (the
teaching church); dissent and disagreement; and reception of the Eucharist when
one’s personal conscience is in direct conflict with church teaching, for
instance, on abortion or physician-assisted suicide.
6-06 Music and Words – A Marriage for Liturgical Prayer
Come to see an example of how to weave music with the
ritual texts for Mass. The right song will heighten the prayer experience and
give us a deeper encounter with Christ. Be prepared to sing!
Jaime Cortez
Jaime Cortez is a pastoral musician, composer, recording artist,
music teacher and clinician. He lives in Mesa, Ariz., where he is Music Director
at St. Bridget Church and music teacher at Queen of Peace Catholic School. Over
the past 25 years he has specialized in music and liturgy for Catholic schools
and bilingual music. His latest collection is entitled “Adviento.”
6-07 Getting the People Done
We used to say that the people were here to get the work of
the church done, but might we not also say that the church exists to in order
that people get “done”? At the heart of successful ministry – whether it be
catechesis, pastoral care, liturgy or administration – lies the ability to
develop people. This workshop offers a “theology of volunteers” and practical
suggestions on how to make a meaningful match between the gifts of the faithful
and the opportunities in our ministries.
Mia Crosthwaite
Mia Crosthwaite is a lecturer, catechist, minister and author of
“Go and Do Likewise, Catholic Social Teaching in Action.” She serves as
Coordinator of Parish Life & Faith Formation for the Diocese of Boise, Idaho,
where she formerly served as Director of Adult Catholic Education and as
Legislative Liaison for the Idaho Catholic Conference. Crosthwaite has presented
at numerous parish adult catechesis, catechist formations and retreats.
Tricia Hoyt
Tricia Hoyt is Director for the Office of Peace and Justice at
Catholic Charities in the Phoenix Diocese. She is also a leader and instructor
on the Phoenix-based Survival School: Church Leadership Training, a national lay
leadership training event. Hoyt is co-author of the “MOMS - Ministry of Mothers
Sharing” books and a Spanish-language version of the ministry, De Madre a Madre.
6-08 Two Practical Strategies to Renew Parish Life: “Within
These Walls” & “The Third Moment of a Sacrament”
Rev. John C. Cusick
“Within These Walls” is a unique catechetical strategy
that allows any parish to use the signs and symbols within the walls of their
church building as an amazing tool to teach the faith and pass it on generation
after generation. “The Third Moment of a Sacrament” is a very engaging strategy
to stay connected with many of the “loosely connected” people who approach our
parishes at sacramental moments. If this strategy is implemented, there is a
high degree of probability that parish attendance will increase and parish life
will be more alive.
6-09 Hispanic Catholics: A Blessing and a Challenge for the
Church
(Workshop Closed)
Based on 21 years of successful Hispanic ministry in a
predominantly Mexican parish in Chicago, discussion will focus on the blessings
of faith and culture and the system of values Hispanic Catholics bring to a
parish. We will also look at the challenges of many needs requiring a pastoral
response, such as internal family conflict, domestic violence, discrimination,
preservation as well as integration of cultural traditions with those of the
United States, financial support for their parish, and action for justice.
Charles W. Dahm, OP
Dominican priest Charles Dahm served for five years as a
missionary in Bolivia. After returning to the United States, he founded and was
staff at 8th Day Center for Justice in Chicago. Between 1986-2007, he served as
Pastor of St. Pius V Church in Chicago. An occasional lecturer, Fr. Dahm is
serving as an independent pastoral consultant and Co-Coordinator of Justice and
Peace for Dominicans in North America.
6-10 Helping Children with Special Needs Develop the Skills to
Solve Their Own Problems
Constance Dembrowsky
Break the Cycle of Learned Helplessness by empowering
children and teens to work through difficulties and solve problems. Learn to use
a four-step process to teach your students or your own children to develop
personal responsibility by clarifying problems, identifying possible solutions,
evaluating consequences, and then making sound choices for resolving the
problems.
6-11 Much ado about Parents*!!!
(Workshop Closed)
If there is one thing you hear catechists frequently
talking about, it is the involvement of parents* in their child’s catechetical
formation. Whether it is in traditional classroom settings or whole community
events, the numbers of parents* “missing in action” frustrates the efforts of
even the most seasoned catechist/catechetical leader. We will address a whole
range of issues from non-involved parents* to the overly involved. We’ll even
look at comments from parents* and how they square off on this issue! Come spend
an invigorating hour plus. Perhaps you’ll leave seeing this “parent*” issue
“anew”!
* Of course, today “parents”
could mean grandparents, guardians, foster parents, etc. This too will be
addressed.
Ken Doran
Ken Doran’s 30 years in catechetical ministry reflect broad
experience on diocesan, school and parish levels. He is currently National
Religion Consultant for William H. Sadlier and has been a workshop presenter at
numerous national and diocesan catechetical events. Doran is also Master
Catechist for the Diocese of Camden, N.J., as well as fifth-grade and Communion
catechist at Holy Saviour Parish in Westmont, N.J.
6-12 Lift Your Gaze: Evangelize Anew
The church exists in order to evangelize, that is carrying
forth the Good News into every strata of persons, people and society. What do we
need to be and do to evangelize? What areas do we need to touch, to heal with
the transforming power of the Gospel?
Msgr. Ray East
Msgr. Ray East is presently Pastor of St. Teresa of Avila Parish
in Washington, D.C., where he is also Director for the Office of Black Catholics
and the Vicar for Evangelization for the archdiocese. Msgr. East works in the
areas of youth ministry and has a passion for evangelization.
6-13 Puppies, Butterflies and Rainbows
Steven Ellair
The world of the preschool child is filled with such wonder
and awe. If we can see the world with those same eyes, we can unlock the secrets
to helping the preschool child prepare for a life of faith. Come to this
workshop to explore the essentials of an effective ministry with preschool
children. And be ready to sing and dance!
6-14 Nouwen, Merton, and the Living Gospel: Reading Our
Own Story in God’s Story of Jesus
The task of the spiritual life is learning to see our own
story in relation to the story of Jesus. This is not just a story of glorious
mysteries, but of sorrows and joys, suffering, and the ongoing call to
conversion. Drawing on the example of spiritual writers Henri Nouwen and Thomas
Merton and the lives of the saints, this session will show how we can learn to
read our own life story as a Gospel text.
Robert Ellsberg
Robert Ellsberg is Publisher and Editor in Chief of Orbis Books,
based in Maryknoll, N.Y. A former editor of The Catholic Worker, he worked with
Dorothy Day for the last five years of her life and is currently editing her
diaries and letters. He has written many award-winning books on saints including
the popular “All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets and Witnesses for
Our Time.”
6-15 Forgive and Be Free
(Workshop Closed)
“You can’t hit your brother! Apologize right now!” Does
that sound familiar? Most of us have been taught many things about forgiveness,
from the time our parents first forced us to say “I’m sorry.” But what if most
of what we’ve been taught is not true? What if continuing in your same patterns
means you cannot fully heal, and you remain blinded by anger, grudges and hate
from the past? Come challenge old notions of forgiveness and reconciliation, and
open yourself to the freedom and new vision that come from true forgiveness.
Amy Florian
Amy Florian is a liturgy and bereavement consultant with over 30
years of experience in parish ministry. She has published numerous articles and
two books, “Sign & Symbol, Word and Song” and “The Mass: An Invitation to Enjoy
It.” Florian also serves as Executive Director of Stauros U.S.A., an
organization dedicated to exploring the mystery of suffering. Her workshops,
training sessions, missions and retreats span the country.
6-16 Globalization, Spirituality and Justice
(Workshop Closed)
This session will look at the challenge of living out our
relationships with God, others, ourselves and creation, particularly with the
complex challenges posed by globalization. After offering an overview of
globalization, Fr. Daniel Groody will then explore an “underview” of
globalization (the problem of poverty) and an “innerview” (the terrain of the
human heart). Particular attention will be given to Catholic social teaching and
contemporary spiritual practices that can help us as we explore what it means to
be human amidst the contemporary world’s challenges. This session will explore a
spiritual reading of globalization and a global reading of spirituality.
Rev. Daniel G. Groody, CSC
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.
6-17 Renewing the Face of the Earth/Christian Worship and
Earthkeeping
Marty Haugen
From the beginning of creation, God has covenanted in love
with humans, calling us to be partners in treasuring the sacredness of all life
and creation. In the 21st century, when we have the power to preserve or destroy
this planet, when North Americans consume so much of the world’s resources, what
does the Eucharist have to say to us about our role in the web of life?
6-18 A Gentle Plea for Chaos: Life as a Journey, Not a
Destination
Terry Hershey
Insight, love, surprise, discovery and joy all come from
places of uncertainty, even chaos. This goes against the grain of a culture
afraid of mystery, questions and doubt. These shadowy places are too easily
dismissed as darkness. But what if hope is really about God (literally) with us?
In the midst? In these shadows. Jesus invites us to let our “light shine.” We
are invited to see prayer as living this
moment with open hands and heart. Open
and awake to the wealth of life’s quirky offerings, without the need to tidy up.
In that space my heart can expand to receive those parts of my life … the messy,
the uncertain, the doubts, the shadows. And my light will shine.
6-19 On the Road Again: Transforming Families, Systems and
Ourselves
“Get on the Bus” and the “Chowchilla Family Express” are
two California programs that unite families with their loved ones in prison.
Come and learn how you can be a part of an evolving new paradigm, a new
movement, a new mission, and a new future. This presentation will feature real
stories, real people and real possibilities for getting on the road with
reunification of families.
Suzanne Jabro, CSJ
Sr. Suzanne Jabro has served as a leader in the correctional
justice movement for more than 30 years. As a Catholic Chaplain, she ministered
to men, women and children in various detention facilities throughout California
and Washington states. In the 1990s, she served as Director of the Los Angeles
Roman Catholic Detention Ministry Department, the largest in the United States.
Sr. Jabro is currently Executive Director of the Center for Restorative Justice
Works, and founded the Get On The Bus program.
Eric DeBode
Eric DeBode is Program Director for the Chowchilla Family
Express, referring to the Central California Women’s Facility and Valley State
Prison for Women that are located near the central California city. After nine
years in the Jesuits, DeBode has run a drop-in center for the homeless in
Tacoma, Wash., spent several years working at the Los Angeles Catholic Worker
and was Director at California People of Faith Working Against the Death
Penalty.
6-20 The Gift of Friendship
Friends shape who we are and who we are yet to be. Friends
help us live better, counteract stress and are a very important part of how we
attain maturity and wisdom. For couples, the first friend is the life partner.
For celibate women and men and clergy, friends are the characteristic way to
experience intimacy. This workshop will explore the characteristics of healthy
friendships, the skills needed to develop these critical relationships, how
women and men approach friendships, and the obstacles that prevent healthy
relating with both men and women. Growth in friendship with God will also be
addressed.
Lynn M. Levo, CSJ, PhD
Lynn Levo, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a licensed
psychologist, consultant, author and lecturer. She consults with religious
congregations of women and men, and has presented nationally and internationally
on fostering healthy integrated sexuality, celibacy, relationships, intimacy and
mutuality in community. Currently, Sr. Levo is the Director of Education and
Editor of Lukenotesat Saint Luke Institute
in Silver Spring, Md.
6-21 The Book of Revelation and Worship in the Presence of God
(Workshop Closed)
Craig R. Koester
The Book of Revelation invites people to encounter God and
the Lamb. Although many people assume that Revelation is about the future, it
profoundly shapes the way we worship. Its opening chapters offer glimpses into
the life of congregations. Then it takes us into the presence of God and scenes
of heavenly worship. Much of the church’s music has been inspired by Revelation.
Well-known compositions like Handel’s “Messiah” and many newer songs are based
on passages from Revelation. Knowing the music makes Revelation a more
accessible and meaningful part of Scripture. And knowing Revelation gives new
dimensions to our own worship life.
6-22 Lift Your Gaze ... See a New Vision with a New Heart
(Workshop Closed)
Megan McKenna
Do we see or are we blind? Are we hard-hearted or are our
hearts softening and growing more courageous with risk and standing up for our
faith? Do we know that we were born blind but now we can see? Or do we think we
can see just fine and we judge the problem to lie in others’ seeing (our eyes
are connected to our ears and our tongues)? Do we tell the stories of truth and
stand up for our God in Jesus preaching the gospel of justice and peace for all?
This gaze of God is the look of courage, fortitude and enduring grace in the
face of violence and untruth. Come lift your gaze and draw others to the cross
in hope.
6-23 The Women in the New Testament
Fr. J. Patrick Mullen, PhD, STL
Beginning with Mary (Jesus’ mother), Mary Magdalene, Martha
and Mary, and others, will will examine both how Jesus’ life and ministry were
encouraged and assisted by holy women. In addition in this session, we will look
at how, particularly from Luke’s perspective, Jesus responded to their needs and
concerns.
6-24 Ecotheology from the Future: The Apocalypse as Basis
for Environmental Responsibility
Sr. Carolyn Osiek, RSCJ
Most inquiries into what the Bible has to say about
environmental responsibility begin with Genesis 1-2 and our God-given charge to
fill, subdue and seemingly take care of the Earth. Here we will start not at the
beginning but rather where most think is the end: the Book of Revelation.
6-25 Being Missionaries to Our Own Children – Today’s Real
Missionary Task
(Workshop Closed)
Ronald Rolheiser, OMI
The toughest missionary task in the world today is
communicating the faith to our own children. Secular culture, with its many
distractions, has some particular resistances to the Gospel even as it contains
much that is moral. Is secular culture post-Christian? Are we living in a
tyranny of relativity? Or is secular culture merely the grandiose adolescent
child of Christianity, not bad but just not finished? How do we become
missionaries inside of secularity, inside of our home cities, inside of our own
homes?
6-26 Interaction in Multicultural Settings
Where are we in understanding the interaction of people in
multicultural settings? This workshop will review some of the major approaches
and look at some emerging models and their implication for ministry. (This will
be repeated in Session 7-23.)
Robert Schreiter, CPPS
Fr. Robert Schreiter, a member of the Society of the Precious
Blood, is Professor of Theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He
lectures worldwide on themes of interculturation, reconciliation and mission of
the church today, and has published 17 books on these themes. Fr. Schreiter is
Past President of the American Society of Missiology and of the Catholic
Theological Society of America.
6-27 The Great Awakening
(Workshop Closed)
We won’t get to social justice without a revival of faith.
Something is happening around the country and it’s felt everywhere. Faith is
being applied to social justice more now than at any other time in several
decades, and spiritual power is being harnessed for social change. We may be
poised on the edge of a new “great awakening” – a time like times before in
American and world history when faith really changes things … big things. In
this workshop, Jim Wallis will explore the promise and possibility of revival
today.
Jim Wallis
Jim Wallis is a best-selling author, public theologian, speaker
and international commentator on ethics and public life. As President and
Executive Director of Sojourners/Call to Renewal, he convenes a national network
of churches, faith-based organizations, and individuals working to overcome
poverty in America. In addition, Wallis is Editor in Chief of Sojourners
magazine. His columns appear in major national newspapers, and he regularly
appears on radio and television.
6-28 Modern Media: A Test for the Modern Church
(Workshop Closed)
David Walsh, PhD
This workshop will break new ground on the impact of mass
media on children, families and communities. Dr. David Walsh will combine the
latest discoveries in the field of brain research with empirical data to show
how and why mass media are so powerful in shaping attitudes, values and
behavior. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of media on the
“culture of disrespect.” Dr. Walsh will present compelling evidence that the
influence of media is one of the greatest challenges facing religious educators
today. He will also offer a concrete plan for change and explain why it is
imperative to address the role of media in the lives of believers.
6-29 One-minute Meditation: A Practical, Pastoral and Powerful
New Way to Pray
Tom Zanzig
Sometimes in our ministry and in our personal spiritual
life we think too big, developing visions and expectations of others and
ourselves that overwhelm and frustrate us. In this workshop, Tom Zanzig
encourages us to think small, to imagine what might happen – in our own lives,
in our ministries, in our parishes – if we could just get enough people to do a
little. You might just leave this workshop asking, “Can it really be this
simple?!”
6-70 Vietnamese Workshop
Bro. Fortunat Phong
