RECongress 2009 - Period 3: Friday, February 27, 2009

CONGRESS 2009 WORKSHOPS & LINKS
THURSDAY	• Youth Day Info • Youth Day Schedule • Youth Day Workshops
WORKSHOPS FRIDAY: SATURDAY: SUNDAY:	Text Page Links • Period 1 • Period 2 • Period 3 • Period 4 • Period 5 • Period 6 • Period 7 • Period 8	PDF Downloads • Friday Workshops • Saturday Workshops • Sunday Workshops
EN ESPAÑOL VIERNES: SÁBADO: DOMINGO:	TALLERES • Sesión 1 • Sesión 2 • Sesión 3 • Sesión 4 • Sesión 5 • Sesión 6 • Sesión 7 • Sesión 8	• talleres en español
REGISTER	• Register • Download the Registration Guidebook
2009 FEATURES	• Youth Day • Theme • Cardinal Online • Comments • Schedule • Speakers • Topics • Order Recordings • Photos • Exhibitors • Exhibitor Categories • Statistics • Theme Songs

Ministry is challenging in this postmodern age and calls for ongoing creativity and evaluation. This workshop will assist pastors and ministers in thinking through their strategies for energizing their communities.

Donna Ciangio, a Dominican Sister of Caldwell, N.J., is founder and Director of Church Leadership Consultation, in which she serves as presenter, facilitator and consultant to over 100 dioceses around the world. She has served in pastoral and school ministry in urban and suburban parishes, lecturing and training extensively, helping priests and parish staffs. Sr. Ciangio has been a presenter at various diocesan religious education conferences and has taught a doctoral level course.

We know that children learn experientially, and so the question is: What experiences should we provide our students so that they will not only learn what we need to teach them, but will remember how the lessons were made a part of their lives? This presentation will offer several suggestions so that, when they try to describe their own faith journey, they will have to say, “You had to be there!”

Currently, Carol Cimino, a Sister of St. Joseph of Rochester, N.Y., is National Religion Consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc. She has taught and been an administrator at all levels of Catholic education, and has been a catechist for 11- to 18-year-olds. Sr. Cimino has been a public speaker since 1987 and gives talks and workshops across the country. But she is most proud of the fact that she is still the only woman religious to have been a three-day champion on “Jeopardy!”

This workshop will discuss how to help Catholics (in school and parish settings) to understand and appropriate Catholic social teaching – and make it relevant and alive.

Fr. John Coleman, a Jesuit priest and author, is currently Casassa Professor of Social Values at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He formerly taught at the Jesuit School of Theology and at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif. Fr. Coleman has also been on the faculties at Louvain University in Belgium, at the University of Chicago, and at the University of Western Australia. He has spoken widely in church, university and secular settings for over 40 years.

Ignatius of Loyola believed that mysticism was the logical climax of any spiritual journey and not a grace reserved for a chosen few. In his writings we find that Ignatius begins by living for God (Autobiography or Testament), moves into being with God (The Spiritual Exercises), and culminates in the very Being and Essence of the Divine (Mystical Journal). This workshop will define the goal, the means and the obstacles that one may encounter on the spiritual journey as experienced by Ignatius. It will help participants to grow as mystics in their everyday lives and ministry.

Fr. Paul Coutinho is an internationally recognized Ignatian scholar, author and speaker. A native of India and Jesuit priest from the Bombay Province, he frequently leads retreats, gives spiritual direction and trains spiritual directors. Fr. Coutinho currently creates and runs programs for Saint Louis University’s Mission and Ministry Office, though he divides his time between the United States and India. He is also Editor of Ignis, the South Asian Ignatian spirituality journal.

Research shows that one of every four women experiences domestic violence in her life. Most victims suffer so secretly their family, friends and even their pastors fail to notice their oppression. Our parishes can and should be safe havens for victims of domestic violence and their children, and minister to their need. Based on 10 years of experience of developing a parish program to support victims of domestic violence, Fr. Charles Dahm will lead an examination of the reality of domestic violence, how to understand it, discover it and respond to the victims in a pastoral way.

Dominican priest Charles Dahm served for five years as a missionary in Bolivia before returning to the United States. He founded the 8th Day Center for Justice in Chicago. Between 1986-2007, he served as Pastor of St. Pius V Parish in Chicago, where the pastoral team developed the largest parish program for victims of domestic violence in the country. Currently Fr. Dahm is Co-Coordinator of Justice and Peace for Dominicans in North America and Associate Pastor of St. Pius V Parish.

As evangelizers we are summoned to be instruments of justice and peace in our households of faith, in our parish communities, at work and always. This session will explore ways of weaving faith and justice. Participants will be invited to thoughtful reflection and concern, and sent to “ignite their yes!” to make a difference in our world.

Msgr. Ray East, a nationally known inspirational speaker and revivalist, is Executive Director for the Office of Black Catholics and Vicar for Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. He is also Pastor of St. Therese of Avila Parish in Southwest Washington, D.C., a vibrant African-American Catholic community. Msgr. East works in the areas of youth ministry and has a passion for evangelization.

Learn about the meaning of the entrance rites of the Mass, their theology and spirituality. Experience the beauty of music and the rich tradition of musical prayer that leads us into the liturgy. Understand the joy that is given to us as we prepare to go to the altar of God.

Since 1990, Fr. Richard Fragomeni has taught at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he now is Associate Professor of Liturgy and Homiletics and Chair of the Department of Word and Worship. He has been active in parish renewals and diocesan workshops and has been keynote speaker or presenter at many national events. Fr. Fragomeni has authored a number of articles that have appeared in a variety of publications.

The legalization of same-sex marriage in California and Massachusetts has heightened the conversation about the nature of commitment, the meaning of faith, and homosexuality. For Catholic gays and lesbians, this has created a problem of conscience. For the broader Church membership, it has created a conflict of commitment. For many, the value of commitment and the meaning of faith are on a collision course. This session will look at the issues faced by the whole of the Church – ecclesiastical leadership and laity alike.

Dr. Greer Gordon is the recently appointed Director for the Office of Evangelization for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, La. A Roman Catholic theologian, author and lecturer, she has been involved in university administration and has been a member of the faculties at Regis College, at the University of Massachusetts, and at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. A former L.A. Congress keynoter, Dr. Gordon was the first woman Baccalaureate speaker at both Boston University and Regis College.

This workshop will look at the dynamics of global immigration, Christian spirituality and human transformation. In particular, it will examine issues of Mexican immigration and ministerial outreach to the growing presence of Latinos in the Church. It will look at the geographical, conceptual and theological territory of migration and 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, a Holy Cross religious, is a scholar and teacher, an award-winning author and film producer. He is currently Assistant Professor of Theology and Director of the Center for Latino Spirituality and Culture at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He is the author of various books and articles that have been translated into five languages. Fr. Groody is also the Executive Producer of “Dying to Live,” “Strangers No Longer” and “One Border, One Body: Immigration and the Eucharist.”

Many of us are “cultural Catholics,” born and raised in this rich tradition of Christian faith. But what “keeps” us here and what helps us to “keep on” growing in our Catholic identity? We need to be clear about the rich treasury that is ours if we are to make this faith our own and continue to grow in holiness of life as Catholic Christians.

Dr. Tom Groome is Director of Boston College’s Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. The award-winning author has written more than a half dozen books and over 100 published articles and essays. He has made over 500 public presentations in the past 25 years, including keynote addresses at all the major North American conferences of religious educators, both Catholic and Protestant.

One of the many gifts lay ecclesial ministers bring to our Church is their sense of being called by God to this ministry. Their experience is stretching our traditional language of vocation. In their 2005 document, “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord,” the U.S. bishops acknowledge this and call for “a more thorough study of our theology of vocation.” This workshop begins to imagine what that theology might look like.

Dr. Edward Hahnenberg is Associate Professor of Theology at Xavier University in Cincinnati. He is a past consultant to the Subcommittee on Lay Ministry for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Dr. Hahnenberg has presented at conferences across the country, and is the author of numerous articles and two books: “Ministries: A Relational Approach” and “A Concise Guide to the Documents of Vatican II.”

What will be the future of Sunday Eucharist in North American communities? How can we bring generations and cultures and diverse communities together in a way that is faithful to a living Christian tradition and also engaged with and relevant to a changing world? How can music help those who prepare and lead worship to inspire and ground our assemblies? Liturgical composers of two generations offer ideas, suggestions and hope.

For over 30 years, composer Marty Haugen has presented workshops, concerts and presentations across North and Central America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim. His range of musical compositions continues to appear in hymnals for U.S., Canadian and Australian Catholics, Evangelical Lutherans and several other Protestant denominations.

Tony Alonso is one of the most prominent voices in contemporary liturgical music. In addition to several published collections of liturgical music, he has authored many books for youth and youth ministers about liturgy. Alonso has presented as a speaker or musical artist at major conferences and events across the United States, Canada and Europe. He currently serves as part of the Campus Ministry team at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

This workshop will address the question of the use of Mark’s Gospel during the Easter season. The Lectionary uses only Mark 16:9-20 for Sundays in Year B and then uses only texts from John’s Gospel for the remainder of the Sundays of the Easter season. Sr. Dorothy Jonaitis proposes that Mark’s Gospel has a message for the Easter season, and this presentation will explore that suggestion.

A Dominican Sister of Grand Rapids, Mich., Sr. Dorothy Jonaitis is Professor of Biblical Studies at the University of Dallas School of Ministry. For the past 25 years, she has taught adult education in parishes and has given numerous workshops at parishes and diocesan conferences, including the Religious Education Congress. Sr. Jonaitis is currently working with three others at the School of Ministry on a four-year project to revise The Catholic Biblical School Program.

In today’s fast-paced society, it is important to maximize your efforts at capturing the attention of your primary audience through creativity, intentional planning and positive imaging. This workshop will provide strategies to aid participants in sharing the “Good News” of their local youth ministry utilizing basic marketing skills.

For the past 29 years, Colette Kennett has been employed by the Catholic Diocese of Belleville, Ill., where she serves as Directory of Youth Ministry. She has served diocesan youth and their adult leaders regionally, nationally and internationally. Kennett is active in Girl Scouts and has given presentations at numerous conferences, rallies, retreats and civic events.

Praying in Color is an active and meditative prayer practice for the word-weary and fidgety pray-er. It is both a process and a product. The process uses pen, paper and markers to create a time of stillness and listening. The product is a prayer drawing or icon – a visual reminder to continue to pray throughout the day. Praying in Color is a prayer practice for adults and children aged 5 and older. Absolutely no artistic ability is necessary! This workshop is based on Sybil MacBeth’s book of the same title. (This will be repeated in Session 4-17.)

Sybil MacBeth is a teacher by vocation and a dancer and doodler by avocation. As a teacher of mathematics at the high school and college levels for 15 years, she combines her experience in the classroom with her love of prayer to create workshops that engage the whole body and differing learning styles. As author of “Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God,” she has lead workshops on the topics and on liturgical dance since 1990.

3-16 Love Unfolding, Songs for the Seasons: Using Music to Bring New Life to Liturgical Seasons

Music and song are recognized as crucial elements of vibrant, meaningful and inclusive liturgy, but how can we use music to better promote full, conscious and active participation as parishes and schools celebrate the seasons of the Church year? Come along ready to sing, move and have fun!

Teacher and music liturgist, Michael Mangan is one of Australia’s most popular contemporary Catholic composers. His 130 songs, psalms and acclamations are sung in parishes and schools throughout Australia, New Zealand and North America, where he regularly tours presenting concerts, music workshops and music ministry leadership at conferences, parishes and schools. Mangan presently serves as Music Director at All Saints Parish in Albany Creek, Brisbane, Australia.

3-17 Care for Creation: Embracing the Life We Are Given (Workshop Closed)

How do we understand the human condition? From the scientific evidence available today, we know the universe is more expansive and interconnected than anyone previously imagined. This new worldview represents a significant development in human self-understanding and brings a depth of insight into the moral imperative to care for creation. This workshop will explore the shift that is taking place in our understanding of the world, the challenges it presents to the human community, and the implications it has for our spiritual journey.

Fr. Joe Mitchell, a Catholic priest and member of the Passionist Community, is founder and Director of the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center in Louisville, Ky. His ministry has included directing retreats, parish missions, meditation courses, studies in spirituality, and religious environmental education programs throughout the country.

In this session, embryonic stem cell research will be considered in the light of morally acceptable alternatives, and we will carefully consider the various media myths surrounding this area of science. Recent developments will also be considered, which have both scientific and moral implications. The need for the careful protection and safeguarding of embryonic humans will be stressed and highlighted.

There are days when our work with teens is so much like what Jesus described in the parable of the sower and the seed – some takes root and some doesn’t. Can we do anything to “better our chances”? Is there such a thing as “Miracle Grow”? We’ll discuss struggles and strategies for helping youth grow ... and lead.

Based in Lafayette, La., Mike Patin spent six years as a high school teacher and coach, and has worked in youth ministry for nearly 20 years. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at the Notre Dame Graduate School of Theology in New Orleans, and has served on the Board of Directors of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Since 2003, Patin has been speaking to young people and adult audiences in diocesan, regional, national and international settings.

Opening the “door” is a way of speaking about an invisible passageway through which we enter the endless territory of truth secluded in our interior world. This symbolic door of the heart opens inward to the deepest, truest part of who we are. There we find the inherent goodness seeded in us at our birth. The door then opens outward to the world where we bring this giftedness and share it with others. In this workshop, come, be inspired to grow spiritually and to deepen your desire to be a person whose life reflects the goodness of the Holy One.

Sr. Joyce Rupp has been a facilitator and speaker at retreats and conferences for 30 years in the United States, Canada, Africa, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. She is Co-Director of the Institute of Compassionate Presence. Sr. Rupp, a member of the Servants of Mary community, describes herself as a “spiritual mid-wife.” She is the award-winning author of numerous popular books that have been published in eight languages. Her latest title is “Open the Door: A Journey to the True Self.”

Research in neurobiology suggests that the relationship between parent and child – the interactions that take place – profoundly impact the health of the developing mind. Learn why parenting with the brain in mind is essential for teaching teens to regulate their emotions, make sound decisions, and be happy and productive adults.

Patt and Steve Saso are authors of the award-winning “Parenting Your Teens with T.L.C.” Patt, a psychotherapist, has served as a marriage and family therapist for over 18 years. Steve has over 34 years of experience in the field of education as a high school teacher, administrator and pastoral counselor. They are co-owners of Saso Seminars & Counseling Services, based in Milpitas, Calif. Together, they have produced books, educational CDs, and write a monthly online newsletter.

We live in times of immense change and uncertainty. How can we live true to the Christian vision amid all this flux? Where can we find solid ground and sift the authentic from the illusory? We will explore some practical ways of making wise choices in an unwise world and becoming active co-workers with God in the shaping of our destiny.

Margaret Silf is a retreat facilitator and award-winning author of several books; her latest are “Roots and Wings” and “At Sea with God.” She is a regular columnist for America magazine and travels extensively within the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, South Africa and Malaysia for retreats and speaking engagements. Events have included the Jesuit Tri-Province Conference in Maryland; Fairfield University in Connecticut; and the Centenary Conference at Loyola, Spain.

Responding “yes” to life is an invitation that gifts us with an openness and awareness of God in our daily life. By saying “yes,” we become more keenly aware of holy moments in our relationships, in our work world, and with our friends and family. We begin to observe personal growth in joy and peace as we live life more abundantly.

A Sister of St. Joseph, Anne Smollin is a licensed therapist and group facilitator, lecturer, consultant and author. She is currently Executive Director of Counseling for Laity in Albany, N.Y. The former elementary schoolteacher lectures extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Ireland and Australia speaking to religious communities, conventions and businesses.

LeAnn Thieman said “yes!” when she helped rescue 300 babies at the end of the Vietnam War. Believing we all have individual “war zones,” she shares life-changing lessons learned from Operation Babylift. This poignant, yet humorous presentation inspires audiences to balance their physical, mental and spiritual lives, to truly live their priorities, and to make a difference in the world. (This will be repeated in Session 5-24.)

LeAnn Thieman was accidentally caught up in the Vietnam orphan airlift in 1975, and helped rescue 300 babies as Saigon fell to the Communists. She has shared her incredible story on numerous radio and TV programs. Now, as co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living Catholic Faith” and eight other Chicken Soup titles, she is a full-time professional speaker and member of the Speaker Hall of Fame.

About half the people joining the Catholic Church are already validly baptized. What catechetical formation is best for them? How should they be treated differently from unbaptized catechumens? Is the Easter Vigil really the best occasion for their reception into the full communion of the church?

Join Jim Wallis as he describes how the community of faith can lead a movement for the common good that especially puts the poor and the vulnerable at the top of the national and global agenda.

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 working to overcome poverty in America. In addition, Wallis is Editor-in-Chief of Sojourners magazine. His columns appear in major national newspapers.

3-27 Welcoming Children with Disabilities to the Sacraments: Guidelines and Methodology (Workshop Closed)

Being Catholic means welcoming all, especially those with different abilities. This workshop, presented by a child psychologist and a parish Director of Religious Education, will discuss ways to help children with disabilities understand and experience the sacraments.

Dr. Joseph White is Director of Family Counseling and Family Life in the Diocese of Austin, Texas, and a National Consultant for Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Co. He has authored several books and articles on catechesis and ministry, including “7 Secrets of Successful Catechists,” “Catechists for All Children,” and “Burnout Busters: Stress Management of Ministry.”

Ana Arista White is a parish Director of Religious Education in Austin, Texas, and a National Consultant for Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Co. She is author of several books on catechesis, including “Teach It: Early Childhood,” and “Teach It: Eucharist and the Mass,” and is a popular catechetical speaker at diocesan and national conferences.

3-28 Songs of Our Hearts and Meditations of Our Souls: Prayer in the Black Tradition

This workshop will focus on prayer in the African-American tradition. There will be a special emphasis on the contemplative as well as the expressive traditions in prayer and worship.

2009 RECongress Period 3

Religious Education Congress
Friday, February 27, 2009
3:00 - 4:30 pm

2009 RECongress Period 3

Religious Education Congress Friday, February 27, 2009 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Religious Education Congress
Friday, February 27, 2009
3:00 - 4:30 pm