RECongress 2009 - Period 1: Friday, February 27, 2009

CONGRESS 2009 WORKSHOPS & LINKS
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This movement workshop will take you out of your chair and expose you to innovative ways to involve your students in the faith stories. Participants will learn songs and choreography for the Advent cantata “We Shall Prepare,” a collection of songs and dramatic readings that bring the key figures and events of the Old and New Testaments to life. Come in comfortable clothes as you say “yes” to dance. (Cantata by Mark Friedman and Janet Vogt.)

Donna Anderle is an accomplished dancer, teacher and choreographer who has taught from primary through university level. She is on the teaching faculty of The Cincinnati Ballet Company, and is involved in various outreach dance programs for Cincinnati inner-city schools. Anderle has performed movement for prayer and celebration at major liturgical conventions, and gives keynote presentations, workshops and concerts.

Mark Friedman is a religious educator, teacher, author and Grammy Award-winning composer of religious music. His music is sung throughout the world and appears in many hymnals of various denominations and languages. Friedman began his work in education as a classroom religion teacher, campus minister, liturgist and pastoral minister. He is a regular speaker at national conferences and diocesan gatherings.

In this session we will explore how God desires our friendship by using Scripture, theology and poetry. The relationship of friendship with God to prayer will also be explored.

Jesuit Fr. William Barry has taught at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, at the University of Michigan, and at Boston College, where he was Rector of the Jesuit Community and on the Board of Trustees. Presently, he is Co-Director of Jesuit Tertianship, and gives retreats and spiritual direction. He is author or co-author of 20 books and, until the end of 2008, he was Editor-in-Chief of the quarterly Human Development.

Lay Catholics are often described, in Church teaching and in theology, as having a distinctly “secular” identity or mission. In this session we will look at what this means, with particular attention to recent research on secularity, for the purpose of exploring the complexity of what it means to be a lay, “secular” Catholic – and what this might mean for how we practice Catholicism.

Dr. Tom Beaudoin is Associate Professor of Practical Theology in the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University in New York. He is author of many published articles and essays on faith and culture; his most recent book is “Witness to Dispossession: The Vocation of a Postmodern Theologian.” Dr. Beaudoin lectures nationally and internationally and is a frequent and popular speaker at the Los Angeles Congress.

What caused the first Reformation? What are the issues in the current state of the Church crying out for reform? How can we get to reform without schism or excommunication? This workshop will address reform as a needed, healthy, therapeutic process to engage in.

Fr. Patrick Brennan, a priest for 35 years, has been Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Inverness, Ill., since 1994. He is also President of the National Center for Evangelization and Parish Renew, and travels extensively as consultant to parishes and church organizations. Fr. Brennan is a practicing psychotherapist and author of 15 books on spirituality, psychology and church renewal. He is also host of a weekly radio program.

1-05 What Does It Mean to “Forgive from Your Heart”? (Workshop Closed)

In Matthew 18, Jesus talks about the need to “forgive each other from your heart.” Given Jesus’ earlier prayer wherein we ask God to “forgive us as we forgive,” Fr. Michael Crosby will probe such questions as: How do we get reconciled with enemies? What do we do when others don’t ask us for forgiveness or don’t repent? In this session we shall see how forgiveness in Matthew’s Gospel promises a new way of life for us and our world.

Fr. Michael Crosby, a Capuchin Franciscan of the Midwest Province, lives in a downtown Milwaukee parish that serves the poor and leads retreats around the world. The majority of his time, Fr. Crosby is writing and lecturing on contemporary biblical spirituality. His latest works are “Finding Francis, Following Christ” and “The Paradox of Power: From Control to Compassion in a World of Violence.”

As we begin our annual Lenten season this year, let us keep our eyes on the prize: the Lord’s victory over sin and death through Jesus’ glorious Resurrection. This workshop will walk us through the Gospel texts that proclaim the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just like the Resurrection, we will see old things new. (This is a companion to the 2008 Congress workshop, “An Adult Appreciation of the Passion and Death of Christ.”) This workshop will be especially helpful to catechists, RCIA leaders, persons with a hunger for a deeper spirituality through our Scriptures, and liturgy planning personnel.

Fr. John Cusick, a priest of the Chicago Archdiocese, is Director of their Young Adult Ministry Office. In 1977, he began this outreach to those in their 20s and 30s, married and single, and it has been his full-time ministry since 1985. Along with his colleague, Dr. Katherine DeVries, they have authored the book, “The Basic Guide to Young Adult Ministry.” He resides at Old St. Patrick’s Church in downtown Chicago.

1-07 Catholic Women: In the Church and in the Public Square (Workshop Closed)

Catholic faith cannot be confined to private life or parish life. When “being Catholic” is a public issue, what models are there for Catholic women? Since the middle of the 20th century, the theme “women in church and society” has been a constant but always changing theme. We’ll examine this theme by looking at some icons for faithful women – and ask how to live them with integrity, whether in public or in private life.

Dr. Nancy Dallavalle is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Fairfield University in Connecticut, where she has taught undergraduates full time for the last 15 years. She has spoken in parishes in the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., and at numerous scholarly conferences on Catholic theology and culture. She has published essays in Commonweal and the National Catholic Reporter, and has done interviews with print and television media.

Jeremiah is one of the Bible’s most imaginative and intriguing prophets. He is “God’s Prophet” gifted with imagination and intuition, and burdened with a harrowing yet hopeful mission. This workshop explores the life, times, persona and message of Jeremiah, and captures his pain, pathos, struggle and joy associated with his mission. Jeremiah invites us to journey with God while letting go to God in the service of the Truth.

Carol Dempsey, a member of the Dominican Order, is Professor of Biblical Studies at the University of Portland, Ore., where she teaches on the undergraduate and graduate levels. She has authored four books and edited four others. A leading biblical scholar, Sr. Dempsey has published numerous articles and over 40 papers in addition to delivering many keynote addresses to various audiences nationally and internationally.

If your catechetical setting is in need of some new ideas and new life, then come to this workshop! We will explore how religious education not only can but should be filled with joy and enthusiasm! Focus will be on creative ideas and techniques that can be immediately used in the catechetical setting with elementary-aged children. Don’t miss this one!

Steven Ellair has been involved in catechetical ministry for over 19 years – as a parish catechist, youth minister, Catholic school teacher, and for over eight years as the Consultant for Elementary Catechesis at the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Ellair is currently a Senior Editor with RCL Benziger and continues speaking nationally and writing on issues related to catechesis.

Before children can come to treasure the pure life, parents must first understand the challenges they face. In this session, Jason Evert offers communication techniques, resources, statistics and a wealth of information to assist parents in their task as primary sex educators of their children.

Jason Evert is author and speaker with Cath olic Answers, based in San Diego. He has given over 1,000 lectures to thousands of teens nationally and internationally; venues have included the National Catholic Youth Conference and the 2008 World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. Evert is author of nine books, including “Theology of the Body for Teens” and “Pure Faith.” He and his wife, Crystalina, are hosts of the EWTN series, “The Pure Life,” and are co-founders of the Web site chastity.com.

What is the story of you, and God, and love? Fr. Bob Fabing will explore our human experiences and our relationship with God involving our movement into love from failure to success, from darkness to light, from worry to freedom: the ups and downs of our everyday lives of love. Knowing that God did not choose to save people by logic, God enters into the movement of your becoming you, inspiring and guiding the movement toward love in your life. Fr. Fabing will use music from his new CD, “Your Song of Love,” to bring to light these themes.

Fr. Bob Fabing has founded 61 marriage counseling and family therapy centers, “The Jesuit Institute for Family Life International Network,” with locations on five continents. The Jesuit priest is also founder and Director of the 36-Day Program in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos, Calif., where he lives. Fr. Fabing is author of books and composer of 11 CDs of liturgical music.

In this session, James Finley will lead a prayerful exploration of the 14th-century Christian classic, “The Cloud of Unknowing.” The emphasis will be on this spiritual book’s guidelines for practicing contemplative prayer, in which we come to a profound experience of oneness with God. The session will include sitting together in silent prayer, embodying the contemplative church absorbed in communal openness to God.

Dr. James Finley has been a student of contemplative prayer for more than 10 years, six of which he spent at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, where he studied with Thomas Merton. He is an author and has taught religion in Catholic schools in the Cleveland Diocese. For the past 30 years, Dr. Finley, now a clinical psychologist in California, speaks at conferences and leads meditation retreats throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Why does the Bible always end up on our “back burner,” spiritually? How many times have you said, “I really want to start reading the Bible more,” only to have your enthusiasm be overtaken by a busy schedule, confusion when reading, or other “more accessible” forms of prayer? Come and hear a few fundamental principles and practical ideas that will allow you to finally make the Bible an integral part of your daily prayer life.

Based in Phoenix, Mark Hart is Executive Vice President for Life Teen. He leads training conferences, retreats, camps and parish missions for all ages, and has taught countless classes on high-school and college campuses. Hart is also well-known as a weekly regular on Catholic radio programs, a guest columnist/writer for Catholic periodicals, and as a popular guest on Catholic television/video programs.

In our hearts, we are all dancers. God wants us to be our true selves – joyous, aware and living each moment with arms wide open, responding to the love of the Beloved, a reflection of the glory of God that is within us. So why do we live guarded and afraid, our days filled with hurry and noise? Fear labels and restricts our lives. The voice of Grace tells us that we are more than our labels, more than our fear. The Hopi say, “To watch us dance is to hear our heart speak.” So, let’s dance. Terry Hershey will help us learn what it means to dance free from our limitations of fear, insecurity or pain. Join in as we dance for laughter, for tears, for hopes. We are dancers, we create the dreams.

Terry Hershey is a Protestant minister and a landscape designer on Washington’s Vashon Island, near Seattle. He lives, writes and teaches the subject of his eighth book, “Sacred Necessities: Gifts for Living with Passion, Purpose and Grace.” Hershey, as founder of “A Few Things That Matter” Seminars and as a national speaker, has presented throughout the country on the topics of relationships, spirituality ... and gardening.

When someone has experienced a loss – or is suffering in any way – as followers of Jesus it is important that we reach out to them. Yet we often feel so helpless. What do we say to someone who has just buried a loved one or experienced some other tragedy? What can we expect of ourselves – or others – when we are grieving? How do we best care for children who face sadness or loss? Using story, demonstration and the insight of his lived experience, Fr. Joe Kempf offers us loving perspective, helpful ideas, and healing wisdom.

Winner of the Great Preacher Award from th e Aquinas Institute of Theology, Fr. Joe Kempf is Pastor of Assumption Parish in O’Fallon, Mo., and author of the book, “No One Cries the Wrong Way.” He is founder of the non-profit company Gospel Values, and has recently completed a series of DVDs for children called “Big Al LIVE.” His new book is titled, “My Sister is Annoying…”

Again and again the Church has emphasized the importance of the adult in faith formation. While many of our resources and efforts are focused on youth and young adults, it is critical that adults be properly formed in the faith. In this session we will reflect on what could be done to strengthen adult formation.

Gerald Kicanas is Bishop of the Diocese of Tucson, Ariz., and formerly Auxiliary Bishop for the Chicago Archdiocese. Ordained in 1967, Fr. Kicanas served in various capacities in the seminary system of Chicago for over 25 years, and was Rector of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Ill. Bishop Kicanas is currently Vice President for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Chair of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, and on the Board of Directors for the National Pastoral Life Center.

What can the distinctive lives, experiences and spiritualities of the members of the Holy Family teach us? We will look at the ways that Jesus of Nazareth came to understand his own vocation, how Mary was able to say “yes” to God in the midst of doubt, and how St. Joseph was able to lead a “hidden life” of holiness. In each case we will learn how lessons from these extraordinary lives can help us in our own ordinary ones, and how their models of holiness and discipleship are more relevant than ever.

Fr. James Martin is a Jesuit priest and Associate Editor of America, the Catholic magazine. He is author of several award-winning books, including “My Life with the Saints,” “A Jesuit Off-Broadway” and “Becoming Who You Are.” Fr. Martin is a frequent commentator in the media on religion and spirituality. He leads retreats and parish groups and presents at numerous national conferences, including several Los Angeles Religious Education Congresses.

Paul, though known by most, primarily, as a writer of New Testament letters, was truly at his best when caring like a pastor for the people he had brought to faith. Celebrating the year of St. Paul, this workshop will study his theology, marvel at his zeal, find support in his tender encouragements, be pushed by his ardent challenges, and be comforted by his pastoral insights. This workshop will also address his passages on women, the end of the world, and the great questions of faith and works of the law.

Fr. Pat Mullen is Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, New Testament at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, Calif. A priest of the of Los Angeles Archdiocese, Fr. Mullen has taught at Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles and at the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, Calif. He is a regular speaker at the Los Angeles Congress and for annual diocesan conferences for the dioceses of Reno, Boise, Las Vegas and San Diego.

1-19 Setting Your “Yes” on Fire: Exploring the Meaning of “Active Participation” Today

In every celebration of the Eucharist we say “yes” to encountering Christ Jesus, to participating in his redemptive dying and rising fully, consciously and actively for our salvation and the transformation of the world. On December 4, 2008, we celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy in which the expression, “full, conscious, active participation” appears at least 17 times – more than any other expression or concept. In recent times this turn of phrase has come under not a little scrutiny. In this workshop we will explore this term in light of recent scholarship so as to set our hearts on fire, yet again, in the celebration of each and every Eucharist.

Fr. J-Glenn Murray, a member of the Maryland Province of Jesuits, is Director of the Cleveland Diocese’s Office of Pastoral Liturgy. He was the principal drafter of “Plenty Good Room: The Spirit and Truth of African American Catholic Worship,” a document from the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Liturgy and the Black Catholic Secretariat. In addition to his other duties, Fr. Murray maintains a busy national speaking schedule.

The basic techniques involved in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and related forms of assisted reproductive technologies are considered in this session. Various risks and side effects are assessed, including multiple conceptions, birth defects, super-ovulatory drug usage, and the production and freezing of extracorporeal human embryos. Moral difficulties are analyzed, including an examination of IVF and its impact on human procreation through restructuring it as production, and its ramifications for the marriage covenant through violations of exclusivity and surrogacy, as well as difficulties with cryopreservation and selective reductions.

A priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Mass., Fr. Tad Pacholczyk is Director of Education for the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. With his advanced work in dogmatic theology and in bioethics, he has testified on stem cell research before state legislatures, and given presentations on contemporary bioethics throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Fr. Pacholczyk has had numerous media appearances on CNN, “ABC World News Tonight,” and National Public Radio.

“Emerging Church” seems to be a parallel church movement, ecumenical by nature, that encourages people to remain deeply rooted in their historic denominations, while also drawing upon an amazing Gospel consensus that is “emerging” beyond and alongside of all Christian denominations. Could this be a new kind of reformation – from within? Could this be the way that the Holy Spirit is inviting us all into the full Reign of God? Although the term “Emerging Church” is being used in many ways today, Fr. Richard Rohr will try to give an honest description of its promise, its strengths, and its potential difficulties and weaknesses.

Fr. Richard Rohr is a Franciscan pri est of the New Mexico Province. He founded both the New Jerusalem Community in Cincinnati and the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, N.M., where he presently lives. He divides his time between local work and preaching/teaching around the world. Fr. Rohr is probably best known for his writings and numerous audio and video recordings. Many of his books and conferences have been translated into German, Spanish and other languages.

In this session we will consider some of the most interesting – and controversial – ways that St. Paul read his “Bible” – the Jewish writings we now call “The Old Testament.” What do we think about Brother Paul’s interpretations?

Dr. Daniel Smith-Christopher is Professor of Old Testament Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he has taught since 1989, and also serves as Director of Peace Studies. Author of dozens of scholarly articles and 11 books, Dr. Christopher lectures internationally as well as at gatherings of the Roman Catholic, Presbyterian and United Methodist Churches in Southern California, and at various meetings of the Society of Friends (Quakers) across the country.

The Christian family – regardless of its age, stage or make-up – lives out the Paschal Mystery in the daily “dying and rising” of ordinary family life. We don’t often recognize these great mysteries of our faith as we struggle through them. But sin, grace and redemption are lived throughout the life cycle of a Christian marriage and family.

Paula D’Albor Stuckart is currently Chaplain and Director of Volunteers in a hospice program in New Orleans and Coordinator of a parish religious education program there. She has presented workshops and classes at Notre Dame Seminary, at over a dozen dioceses throughout the country, and at the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers’ Conference, where Stuckart is a member and previous Co-Chair of their Education and Formation Commission.

1-24 The Top Five Skills Needed for Forming the Faith of Teens (Workshop Closed)

Forming the faith of teens today ain’t what it used to be ... and that’s a good thing! Leading teens down the road of discipleship today requires that all leaders, catechists and volunteers possess a new set of skills marked by engagement, partnership and empowerment. Come discover the top five skills that will take us there, along with some techniques and strategies that will bring the faith formation of teens to a whole new level.

Michael Theisen has been involved in yout h ministry and adolescent catechesis for 25 years, authoring more than 15 books and numerous articles. His experience extends from parish to diocesan and national levels, and he is a frequent speaker and trainer throughout the United States. Theisen serves as Convener for the Partnership for Adolescent Catechesis, a collaborative group comprised of national organizations with support from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

This workshop will survey the various rites – acceptance, sending, scrutinies, baptism, confirmation and first Communion – explain their significance, and give priests and those preparing these rites some practical ideas on making them come to life.

Paul Turner is a priest for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo. He presently is Pastor at St. Munchin and St. Aloysius Catholic Churches. Fr. Turner has served as past president of the North American Academy of Liturgy and as a facilitator for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL). He has presented many national and international workshops and has written several books as Initiation resources.

Come and experience music that can ignite our people to say “yes” from the heart. Find out how music gets our assemblies from lip service to enthusiastic commitment. We will sing music for Ordinary Time and the seasons.

Christopher Walker is an internationally known church composer, speaker on liturgical music, and choral conductor. Presently, he is Director of Music at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Los Angeles. Walker has spoken and conducted in countries around the globe, and his music is sung in churches worldwide. His latest offering is “Glory Bound,” a compilation of songs and psalms from the collection “Morning and Evening – Prayer for the Commute.”

1-27 Every Time I Feel the Spirit: Black Spirituality and Religious Expression

This workshop will focus on black spirituality. Together, we will examine the components of African-American spirituality, which has roots in Africa and America. We will specifically look into black religious expression, which includes storytelling, music, preaching, drama and movement.

Dr. Vanessa White is Assistant Professor of Spirituality/Director of the Augustus Tolton Scholars Program at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She also teaches at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana and at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Dr. White is an experienced workshop presenter, retreat facilitator and teacher who lectures nationally on Christian spirituality and issues pertinent to the spiritual life of black Catholics.

1-80 korean workshop:
Effective Parenting through Better Understanding of our Children and Ourselves

In order to exercise more effective parenting for our children, we need to prepare ourselves by learning more about our children’s developmental stages and their particular emotional needs at each stage. This re-education process will enlighten us about what we, as parents, have missed out on during our own upbringing while growing up. The understanding of our children and ourselves may be one of the most important prerequisites toward exercising a more effective parenting skill as well as building communication skill.

Dr. Roland Kim is a Korean-American clinical psychologist in private practice. Bilingual in Korean and English, he has been helping parents and children for the last 10 years specializing in counseling teenage children. He has published several books on parenting in the Korean language and has given numerous seminars at various organizations throughout the United States. Dr. Kim founded a “Good Father” movement in the Korean community 15 years ago based on his own counseling practices.

2009 RECongress Period 1

Religious Education Congress
Friday, February 27, 2009
10:00 - 11:30 am

2009 RECongress Period 1

Religious Education Congress Friday, February 27, 2009 10:00 - 11:30 am

Religious Education Congress
Friday, February 27, 2009
10:00 - 11:30 am