RECongress 2009 - Period 5: Saturday, February 28, 2009

CONGRESS 2009 WORKSHOPS & LINKS
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Belying stereotypes as “God’s Rottweiler” and “Herr Panzerkardinal,” Pope Benedict XVI has impressed audiences around the world with his positive presentation of the Christian message. This session explores the “affirmative orthodoxy” that has emerged as the heart of Pope Benedict’s papacy.

John Allen is the prize-winning Senior Correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter and Senior Vatican Analyst for CNN. During the recent visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United States, Allen co-hosted CNN’s coverage of the Yankee Stadium Mass and provided extensive commentary throughout the trip. He is the author of five best-selling books and writes frequently on the Church for major national and international publications.

Love unfolds through hearts, hands and actions. How can our liturgy help us to practice the embodiment of our love and faith? The use of movement, dance, gesture, sign language, procession and storytelling within liturgy can give us a chance to practice love in our actions! Come explore these elements of liturgical movement to inspire your own assembly’s embodiment of faith.

In this jubilee year in honor of St. Paul, the Church’s first theologian and greatest missionary, we are challenged to critically examine Paul’s approach to women and women’s issues in his day. Paul’s life and letters have often been misused by authorities throughout the Church’s history to minimize the role of women. Discover how Paul worked alongside women in the early Church and examine some of the most controversial texts of Paul’s letters.

The popular television program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” shows the dramatic change in peoples’ lives when a problem-house is transformed into something entirely new. After hearing the challenge: “Repair my House, you can see it is falling into ruin,” Francis of Assisi discovered it was the Gospel that could bring about personal, communal and social transformation. Eight hundred years ago this year, his vision was approved by Pope Innocent III.

5-05 Unfolding the Gifts of God’s World: Touching the Young Child’s Heart (Workshop Closed)

The Los Angeles Archdiocesan Early Childhood Board will present ways to accentuate God’s gifts of light, air, water and Earth to the preschool-aged child. Activities will be demonstrated to enforce the valuable lessons of caring for and protecting the environment by learning about our oceans, land, sun, moon, wind and air. Special emphasis will be placed on enabling participants to use songs, storytelling and spontaneous prayer in early childhood catechesis.

Continuing the vision that has spanned over 30 years, this 20-member board of multi-talented catechists, educators and professionals strives to help others appreciate the importance of experiencing God’s love in concrete ways during the formative pre-school years of children ages 3 through 5. Workshops offered by the Early Childhood Advisory Board are informative with a “hands-on” approach to religious formation.

Are you looking for new ways to enliven prayer with children? Then you can’t miss this workshop! In this session we will explore how essential prayer is for children and learn easy techniques for creating powerful prayer experiences. We will identify the keys necessary for nurturing a child’s relationship with God and understand how our own spirituality is essential to creating meaningful prayer.

5-07 Awe-filled Wonder: Science and Spirituality in Search of a Better World

All human longing for the Ultimate is rooted in the context of the time in which it arises. It formulates its vision out of the language and symbols of its age in order to present a time-relevant approach to that which, in spite of all our striving, nevertheless and for all times remains Holy Mystery. During our time together, we will explore Christian spirituality through the context of our time and reflect on the expansion of consciousness that is being opened up for us by the extraordinary scientific discoveries of today. We will use the new vision offered us there as a way to dialogue, to explore, to take back ownership of our personal God-quest.

We realize more and more, to quote John Henry Newman, that the heart is “reached, not through the reason, but through the imagination.” This is more than a question of attractive pedagogy. The imagination is now recognized as a deep language of possibility and meaning. After a quick overview of what major thinkers have said about imagination (ranging from William Lynch to Dorothee Soelle, Paul Ricoeur to Martha Nussbaum), this presentation will explore faith as a form of imaginative knowing. Such an approach seems of spiritual and pastoral relevance in our postmodern culture.

Michael Paul Gallagher, an Irish Jesuit priest, is presently Professor of Fundamental Theology at the Gregorian University in Rome where, until last year, he was Dean of the faculty of theology. Previously he taught modern literature for nearly 20 years at Ireland’s largest state university. He is author of nine books of pastoral or spiritual theology, including “Clashing Symbols, The Human Poetry of Faith” and a 2008 booklet, “The Disturbing Freshness of Christ.”

How do we make our homes, families and marriages more Catholic? How do we make time for prayer and find balance in such an unbalanced and busy world? How can we put the “Holy” back in Matrimony, keeping our vocation and family prayer life primary? This session is where the timeless Wisdom of God and the practical realities of modern life collide.

Is happiness purely subjective or is happiness like gold, namely, there is fool’s gold and real gold? The Christian monastic tradition sees joy as true happiness and, in this presentation, Abbot Christopher Jamison will explore the demons that prevent us knowing that joy and will offer monastic insights about how to handle those demons. The contemporary quest for happiness offers an important starting point for evangelization.

Who is annoying in your family? Family life is holy. It is also usually messy, sometimes hilarious, and always challenging. Can any one understand the letting-goes in the heart of a parent? What do we do with the unique wounds and blessings that are ours from our families? Where is God to be found in the mix of it all? With the help of his blue, furry friend, Big Al, and using down-to-earth wisdom, Fr. Joe Kempf will offer perspective and skills for loving the families we are called to serve. This presentation will also help us see the beauty and blessings, humor and holiness of our own families, whatever their shape.

In this workshop, we will be invited into an experience of Ignatian meditation to inflame our hearts. We will see, feel and be with Jesus as prisoner – captive yet free. By meditating on Jesus as a Risen Prisoner we can experience a transforming power to free us from our own personal prison cells. When we leave this workshop, we will have a method of contemplative prayer to use in schools, in detention facilities, in religious education, and in our homes.

Chaplain Javier Stauring is Co-Director of the Office of Restorative Justice for the Los Angeles Archdiocese. In this capacity, he supervises the Catholic Detention Ministry programs inside juvenile halls and probation camps in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Stauring oversees three other restorative justice programs and also serves as Policy Director of Faith Communities for Family and Children, an interfaith coalition of religious leaders in Los Angeles.

Fr. Michael Kennedy has been a priest for over 35 years, working with the poor and disenfranchised in California, Mexico, Central America and South America. He is also author of five books that present a dynamic prayer method used in homes, schools and detention facilities. Currently, as Director of Restorative Justice for the California Province of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), Fr. Kennedy works with incarcerated youth and gives retreats in state prisons.

Have you ever come away from Mass saying, “What a great liturgy today, the music was so wonderful!” or perhaps, “Mass was so disappointing today, the music was awful!”? We’ve all been witness to the power of music to shape our experience of liturgy – for better or for worse. In this session, as we explore the various components of the liturgy, we’ll see firsthand the ability of properly selected and well-presented music to amplify our sense of prayer. In doing so, all will be compelled to raise our song to God as members of a singing assembly.

A pianist, composer, arranger and producer, Peter Kolar is Senior Editor of Hispanic Music and Publications for World Library Publications in Chicago, where he created the bilingual missal “Celebremos/Let Us Celebrate” and the hymnal “Cantos del Pueblo de Dios.” Kolar was music director of Holy Cross Parish in Chicago for 12 years, where he led its acclaimed marimba ensemble. He is currently Director of the El Paso Diocesan Choir and an instructor for the Tepeyac Institute.

Where two or three are gathered, conflict is inevitable and disruptive, yet need not be destructive. Contrary to popular belief not all conflict is negative, painful or unpleasant. Harnessing the power of conflict can lead to new ideas and creative solutions while failure to address conflict can negatively impact what the group is trying to accomplish together. Leaders often face conflict opportunities, either with individuals or when asked to handle conflict among others. This workshop will assist participants to understand conflict, explore constructive strategies to address conflict, and reduce destructive responses while enabling a conflict competent environment.

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 Director of Education and Editor of Lukenotes at Saint Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Md.

The territory has changed and we need a new map! Perhaps the most challenging aspect of catechetical ministry is fostering the faith-maturing process in young people. This workshop will explore the current situation and the preferred reality of adolescent catechesis, identify basic principles, and describe practical approaches. This session will also propose critical dimensions of a new catechetical map.

Bob McCarty is Executive Director for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, based in Washington, D.C. He has been in professional youth ministry since 1973, serving in diocesan, parish, school and community programs. McCarty offers workshops and training programs in ministry skills internationally. His most recent book, “Be A Champion for Youth,” is co-authored with his wife, Maggie. He still volunteers in his parish’s youth program at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fulton, Md.

5-16 “Fill the Earth and Subdue It”: The Bible on Stewardship and Ecology (Workshop Closed)

The Bible does not directly address the part that humans play in global warming, the melting of ice caps, car exhaust or water conservation. However, stewardship and ecology do reflect God’s concern for creation, teaching us values that can help guide our discussions on being good stewards of the world. This workshop will bring forth insights from the Sacred Scriptures to equip teachers and preachers to shape a faithful, biblical approach to this pressing issue of the 21st century.

5-17 Natural Science and Catholic Theology: A Perspective from Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II’s views on the relationship of science and theology are not known as well as many of his other teachings. This presentation will outline the Pope’s vision for a healthy and mutual relationship between science and theology. John Paul II upheld the Catholic position that “truth cannot contradict truth,” and we will illustrate this principle by referring to his teachings on evolution.

5-18 Seven Catholic Ideas Our Kids Need to Know about Relationships and Sexuality

Parents desperately want to teach their kids a life-giving approach to relationships and sexuality, but they want help. This session will explore seven Catholic ideas that parents can use to teach their children about chastity. It will also illustrate practical, effective techniques for sharing these ideas. This affirming approach to chastity formation offers encouragement to parents and deepens relationships between children and parents and the Church.

Deacon Eric Paige coordinates and presents the Formation for Love and Chastity Program for the Seattle Archdiocese. He also serves as a Pastoral Associate at All Saints Parish in Puyallup, Wash. In addition, Deacon Paige is archdiocesan consultant for pastoral leaders and parishes. He has presented to parents and teens, to parish leadership, and to members of Catholic faith communities and ecumenical organizations.

This workshop will open with a brief review of the core beliefs of Multiple Intelligences (MI) Theory espoused by Dr. Howard Gardner. Participants will receive a packet of MI-inspired strategies for teaching and learning such concepts of faith as grace, Sacraments, faith, denominations, love, religion, spirituality, hope, sexuality and heaven. The workshop features modeling and rehearsing of the strategies.

Dr. Robert Pavlik’s career as a teacher, professor, administrator and author spans 43 years. He teaches courses and conducts workshops nationally and internationally on literacy, Multiple Intelligences theory, change theory, futures studies and sustainability. Dr. Pavlik is currently Assistant Director at the Institute for the Transformation of Learning at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

5-20 Voices of Truth: Women Prophets and Preachers in the New Testament (Workshop Closed)

In this session, we will delve into an exploration of New Testament figures – such as Mary Magdalene, the Samaritan woman, the Caananite mother, Anna, and the widow before the unjust judge – to reclaim prophet voices of women for our day.

Every parent wants a responsible, trustworthy and dependable child. Many are surprised to learn how their own parenting style may sabotage their child’s ability to be accountable. Practical blueprints will be outlined to help parents teach responsible behavior.

5-22 Tune In: Use Their Issues, Teach to Their Issues, Touch Their Hearts! (Workshop Closed)

Jesus commanded his Apostles to make disciples of all nations and teach them to observe all that he had commanded. (The Church has not ceased to devote her energy to this task.) This workshop will demonstrate that young people’s issues are found in their culture and expressed in popular music and media. And so are the solutions to their concerns. You will learn effective, practical and easy-to-use strategies to catechize through music that they are already listening to. This approach works!

Anna Scally, President of Cornerstone Media Inc., is a columnist for their Top Music Countdown online resource and also host of their audio show, “Burning Issues.” Her work has appeared in several journals and popular publications, and she has been a presenter at all the major conferences for religious educators in North America. Scally has been Master of Ceremonies at World Youth days in Denver, Toronto, Germany and Sydney, Australia, earning her the title, “The Pope's DJ.”

5-23 Preserving Sacredness of Family When a Loved One is Dying (Workshop Closed)

When illness enters a family, changes occur on many levels: routines, relationships, hopes, communication, roles, and even our faith. Our Catholic traditions of generosity, service and compassion for the vulnerable are perfectly suited to uplift and preserve the integrity of these families during their extraordinary journeys. Our faith and school communities can do more to help mobilize practical, emotional and vital help that can sustain the family through the challenges and losses. The help we offer now has an enduring impact on the family for years to come. This session will inspire and provide you with ways to reach out to your own community.

Liz Sumner is Director of The Center for Compassionate Care at The Elizabeth Hospice in Escondido, Calif. She has spent nearly 30 years in hospice, dedicated to improving the care and support for dying children, adults and their families. She has received several local and national awards. Sumner is recognized as one of the pioneers of the evolving field of pediatric and perinatal palliative care, and has been an expert consultant to many developing programs and national initiatives.

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 is a repeat of Session 3-24.)

This will be a practical workshop giving you the tools you need to celebrate the Word with children in your parish, in your school, or in your religious education class. This workshop will also present ideas for celebrating the Word in the Initiation of Children. If you love children and want the Word to be alive in them (and you!) come prepared to participate in Word and song.

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.”

Sr. Paule Freeburg, a Daughter of Charity, is Director of Development at Mother of Sorrows School in South Central Los Angeles. She has been teaching and writing for children since 1986, and has been a frequent workshop presenter in children’s spirituality throughout the United States. Sr. Freeburg currently celebrates the Word with the children at Mother of Sorrows School and at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Westwood, Calif.

Commercials on television appear every 12 minutes! They are humorous, energetic and present a persuasive view of the world. We hardly notice what effects they have on us. In this workshop, we will look at a selection of TV advertisements (mostly from England) and consider what they are trying to communicate. We will then consider how we might use them in our preaching and teaching to reveal more about what we desire, not so much in particular merchandise, but in the Gospel itself. In a deeply materialistic and commercial environment, see how you too can use ads to reveal the deeper yearnings of our culture. You will never look at commercials in the same way!

David Wells is currently Director of the Department of Formation for the Diocese of Plymouth, England, where he is responsible for adult education and training. He has been a member of several national and regional committees in the United Kingdom. Wells is a nationally recognized storyteller. He has been a speaker for national conferences in Canada, Ireland and Great Britain, and has appeared on television in several countries.

5-27 Rebuilding, Renewing and Restoring the Church: The World of Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903)

Only 125 years ago, women and men of learning and perspective considered that the Roman Catholic Church was dying, deeply wounded, and ending her place in the world. The papacy was at a low point of power and prestige, and the movers and shakers of the world had turned their backs on Rome. Cardinal Vincenzo Pecci, 78 years old, was elected to sit in the very humbled Chair of St. Peter, and brought the Church into the 20th century. He is one of the great and creative bishops of the Roman Church. He begins a conversation with the modern world, with the scientific community, with the Church outside of Europe, and with the great issues of the age.

Fr. Thomas Weston has been the Superior of the Jesuit Community of Oakland, Calif., since 2003. A retreat director, speaker and facilitator, he has worked extensively with alcoholics and addicts in recovery and their families for close to 30 years. Fr. Weston, a former high school teacher and associate pastor, is a frequent presenter at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress and is a member of the National Catholic Council on Alcoholism.

2009 RECongress Period 5

Religious Education Congress
Saturday, February 28, 2009
1:00 - 2:30 pm

2009 RECongress Period 5

Religious Education Congress Saturday, February 28, 2009 1:00 - 2:30 pm

Religious Education Congress
Saturday, February 28, 2009
1:00 - 2:30 pm