RECongress 2010 - Period 1: Friday, March 19, 2010

CONGRESS 2010 WORKSHOPS & LINKS
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From an early age children experience the joy of song. Song builds a rich foundation for learning. As religious educators, how can we use the power of song to enrich our children’s journey in faith? This workshop will demonstrate how song and movement can be incorporated into religious education as effective teaching and learning tools. A variety of catechetical themes will be addressed during this session. Come ready to participate in songs and activities that will energize and engage your students as they journey in faith.

John Burland is an educator and composer of religious music for children and adults. He is the Project Officer-Liturgy/Music for the Catholic Education Office in Sydney, Australia, where he conducts workshops, celebrations and reflection days for children, families and teachers. Burland has 20 years of experience in school and parish communities, and now is a regular speaker at conventions and gatherings across Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

An intimate marriage does not come easy, but it is possible to refresh and improve your marriage. In this session, you will learn to set the mood, tone and atmosphere in your relationship to make your marriage your top priority. Learn that your circumstances might not always be able to change, but your attitude can change, and that makes all the difference. Jim Burns will speak frankly about romance and intimacy, communication and conflict, friendship, fun and growing toward spiritual intimacy with your spouse. You will receive practical help and be encouraged with an exciting strategy of having a healthy marriage.

Jim Bums is President of HomeWord and host of its national radio broadcasts. He speaks to thousands of people around the world every year. Burns is a three-time Gold Medallion Award-winning author and has written books for parents, students, youth ministry and church leaders, with over 1.5 million resources in print in over 20 languages. His most recent works include "The Purity Code, Teaching Your Children Healthy Sexuality" and "Creating an Intimate Marriage" book, audio resource and marriage kit.

Take a scriptural walk through the earliest revelation of Emmanuel-God with us, as described in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John. Though we have heard these wonderful Scripture stories since we were the smallest of children, they are not children’s stories. They are the powerful encounters of God intervening among the good and evil of humanity. You are invited to experience a new appreciation of something we have known all our lives.

Ordained in 1970 for the Chicago Archdiocese, Fr. John Cusick began the archdiocesan ministry to those in their 20s and 30s in 1977 and has maintained that ministry ever since. He is presently Director of the Young Adult Ministry Office for the Chicago Archdiocese. He has been a part of the Theology-on-Tap program for the past 29 years. Fr. Cusick speaks nationally and internationally at diocesan conferences, parish missions and priest convocations.

Recent surveys tell us that young people spend, on average, four hours a day in front of a television or computer screen. What would the faith of young people look like if we started using the remote control to spread the Gospel message? This workshop will share tips, ideas and practical suggestions for how to use the iPod, DVD, television and computer remote to spread the Good News. It is no longer a question of whether we should use modern media. The question is how? The answer is here.

Patrick Donovan is Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Wilmington, Del. Prior to his current work, he served as parish youth minister then as Theology Department Chair at Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Knoxville, Tenn. Donovan was on the adjunct faculty at the Center for Ministry Development and at LaSalle University in Philadelphia. He has written a multi-volume publication, and his latest book is titled "Using the Remote to Channel Jesus."

1-05 From Pulling Hair to Quiet Prayer: Tips for Classroom Management and Discipline (workshop closed)

This lively and practical workshop will explore effective ways to handle classroom discipline situations and reveal successful classroom management strategies. Focus will be on preventative measures and positive solutions. If you’ve ever had "one of those days" in the classroom, then this workshop is for you!

Steven Ellair has been involved in catechetical ministry for over 20 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.

1-06 The Living Eucharist: Our Love, Joy, Need, Fear, Sorrow and Anger Find a Home (workshop closed)

This interesting session will center on a Eucharistic spirituality of emotionality involving the experience we have of love, joy, need, fear, sorrow and anger finding a home in the Living Eucharist of Jesus. Fr. Bob Fabing will delve into this through the window of the very meaning of the Eucharistic dynamics of: 1) the Liturgy of the Word; and 2) the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This Eucharistic spirituality session will move into a practical and meaningful understanding of the sacrament of the Eucharist as a place to go with our emotional experience and as the "here and now" embodiment of the presence of God inviting us to come simply as we are.

Fr. Bob Fabing has founded 82 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 five books and composer of 10 CDs of liturgical music.

During our time together we will explore the often untapped sources of strength that lie deep within each one of us by virtue of our covenant and baptism into the vision of Christ Jesus. We will look at the power of the Resurrection as marking the defining moment of our faith and explore what this means for us, and what it calls us to. St. Paul surmised, "If Christ has not risen, our faith is in vain." What if the reverse is true as well? If our faith is in vain, that is, if we do not live its mandates, then Christ has not been raised. We might still be able to claim that he has been exulted and sits at the right hand of God, but the depth meaning of Resurrection is lost.

In addition to teaching spirituality at the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago, Sr. Barbara Fiand lectures and gives retreats throughout the country and abroad. Her primary area of interest is the transformation of consciousness happening at this time in history and the theological challenges that this invites. Sr. Fiand, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, has written nine books and currently lives in Cincinnati.

1-08 Saying Yes to Love and Intimacy: The Spiritual Journey into Mutual Loving

Most of us are familiar with the contemporary moral proverb: "Just say no." While this ethical guideline may be helpful at certain times, it does not tell us what we are called to say "yes" to with our lives and our loving. Every Christian disciple – regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation or life circumstances – is called to a life of Gospel intimacy. In other words, we are summoned to learn the art and practice of loving self-disclosure in relationships of mutuality, trust and respect. This presentation explores five qualities that are the hallmarks of authentic Christian intimacy in today’s complex culture.

Fran Ferder, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, is Co-Director of TARA, a counseling and consultation resource located in the Pacific Northwest. Since 1985, she has served as a clinical psychologist in Washington and Oregon, and as an Adjunct Professor in the graduate School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University. She maintains a busy speaking schedule nationally and internationally. Individually and together with Fr. John Heagle, she has written a number of books.

Fr. John Heagle, a Catholic priest for the Diocese of La Crosse, Wis., is Co-Director of Therapy and Renewal Associates (TARA) and Adjunct Professor at Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry. He has more than 40 years of experience as a pastor, as founding Director of the Office of Justice and Peace for the La Crosse Diocese, and as Director of Campus Ministry at Viterbo University in Wisconsin. Fr. Heagle, an author and practicing psychotherapist, has speaking engagements internationally.

Pope Benedict XVI’s recent encyclical, "Caritas in Veritate" (Charity and Truth), affirms that without God, man would not know where to go. Benedict invites us to see life as "interconnectedness to God." Join Fr. Richard Fragomeni as he discusses the encyclical’s implications for liturgy and parish life.

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

During every election season there is a great deal of debate about the obligations of Catholic voters. This workshop will consider insight offered by our Catholic tradition and offer some practical guidelines into the process of "electoral discernment."

Dr. Richard Gaillardetz is the Margaret and Thomas Murray/James J. Bacik Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Toledo, Ohio. He has published over 80 articles and seven books, and his work has been honored by the Catholic Press Association. A frequent conference speaker, Dr. Gaillardetz was an official delegate on the U.S. Methodist-Catholic Ecumenical Dialogue and served on the Board of Directors for the Catholic Theological Society of America.

The vision for Christian formation that the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) puts forward is rooted in the apprenticeship model. Discover ways to align your initiation ministry – and all catechetical formation – more closely to the Church’s originating vision for the RCIA: learning by doing.

Dr. Jerry Galipeau is Associate Publisher at World Library Publications in Illinois. He is a past Chair of the Board of Directors of The North American Forum on the Catechumenate and has authored numerous publications and has presented keynotes and workshops. Galipeau has served as Adjunct Faculty member at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and has presented institutes throughout the United States and Canada for The North American Forum on the Catechumenate.

Culture is evolving. Lives grow busier. Attention spans (of both young and old) continue to shorten. Ironically, the more wireless we get, the more difficult it seems to "unplug." How, then, do we evangelize a time-conscious culture with the timeless truth of the Gospel? How does catechesis "fit in" and tradition remain relevant to a culture with little time for the Timeless One? Come laugh and learn with Mark Hart as he shares both the opportunities and struggles of sharing and teaching the faith in a screen-based culture.

Affectionately known to millions simply as the "Bible Geek," Mark Hart serves as Executive Vice President for Life Teen. He has keynoted dozens of congresses, and leads training conferences, retreats, camps and parish missions for both young and old. The award-winning author is also well-known in Catholic media circles through his weekly iTunes podcast as well as a regular on Catholic television and radio programs, and a guest columnist/writer for Catholic periodicals.

1-13 Live Without Fear: The Truth About Intimacy, Love, Passion and Sexuality

Most of us don’t want intimacy, we want security. Because intimacy is about openness, vulnerability and risk. And vulnerability can hurt. What does it mean to be real, to be honest or open? What do we desire in our relationships? Is it possibility to love someone even with doubts, mystery and upheaval? Is it possible to find a relationship with someone who is afraid of intimacy? How do we find strength even when trust is betrayed? How do we practice a love built on kindness, appreciation and attention? How do we become at home with our sexuality? How do we learn the truth that intimacy has little to do with the other person: Intimacy begins with me.

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 tenth book, "The Power of Pause: Becoming More by Doing Less." Hershey is a popular and inspirational speaker, and has presented seminars and retreats throughout the country on the topics of relationships, spirituality ... and gardening.

The task of passing on the faith to children belongs undeniably to their parents. In fact, no matter how hard we try at the parish to substitute ourselves for them, if the parents aren’t involved, the child’s faith will always be lukewarm. In this workshop, we’ll learn how to engage the parents by coaching them to form their own kids. Parents love being coached. They become re-engaged with parish faith and life. And their children receive formation that lasts a lifetime! You’ll add this method to your entire parish religious education or Catholic school program. Participants will receive excellent free links to online support and follow-up.

Bill Huebsch is Director of the online Pastoral Center at Twenty-third Publications. He worked as diocesan administrator for many years in Minnesota, principally in the Diocese of New Ulm, where he served with Bishop Ray Lucker. Huebsch, author of "Growing Up Catholic," has presented at diocesan and national events in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and around the world.

1-15 New Wineskins for New Wine: A New Vision for Parish Life that Integrates Social Mission

Most parishes struggle to live out and adequately embody the Church’s social mission, as it is outlined by Catholic social teaching and the Gospels. And there is a simple reason for that: It is not part of the presumed structure of parish life. Happily, there is a solution and a structure that is proven to work. Come learn what the wisdom of Francis, Benedict and Maryknoll might teach us about a solution for the crisis of mission-less parishes.

Jack Jezreel is founder and Executive Director of JustFaith Ministries, based in Kentucky. He is a national speaker, and has presented keynotes at the national gatherings of Pax Christi USA, the National Association of Diaconate Directors, the National Association of Lay Ministry, and for St. Vincent de Paul.

1-16 The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy: Still an Incredible Abundance 47 Years Later

Because the new translations of the Roman Missal will soon be upon us, we have an opportunity for further catechesis on what happens at Mass for us. There is no better place to start than with the "Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy." There, are laid out principles that we must remember with power and passion, especially now – from the meaning of the Paschal Mystery (a phrase still little understood), to "actuosa parnaoatio" (participation with energy and vibrancy), to inculturation (not rigid uniformity, but a liturgy for and by real people with cultures, hopes and joys, fear and anxiety). Here is an opportunity for an incredible abundance of wisdom and insight!

Fr. J-Glenn Murray is Parochial Vicar at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. He formerly worked for the Diocese of Cleveland in the Office of Pastoral Liturgy, serving as its Director, and was principal drafter of the U.S. Bishops’ document, "Plenty Good Room: The Spirit and Truth of African American Catholic Worship." Fr. Murray, a priest of the Maryland Province of Jesuits, lectures widely in the areas of liturgy and culture, as well as conducting parish missions and retreats.

The basic techniques involved in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and related forms of assisted reproductive technologies will be considered in this session. We will look at the various risks and side effects, including multiple conceptions, birth defects, super-ovulatory drug usage, and the production and freezing of extracorporeal human embryos. We will analyze the moral difficulties of IVF and its impact on human procreation through restructuring it as production, and the 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 has given presentations on contemporary bioethics throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Fr. Pacholczyk has numerous media appearances, including CNN, "ABC World News Tonight" and National Public Radio.

1-18 Sensing the Holy: Touching the Earth, Sounding the Word, Praying the Body

Explore with Philip Roderick the consciousness shift and the access to grace provided by three of his delights: the simple and sometimes silent "isness" of nature as a vehicle for spiritual alignment; the power of sound and sacred text, from lament to glory with percussive rhythm; the felt wisdom of early Christian and contemporary body prayer, gesture, posture and procession.

Philip Roderick is an Anglican priest, Celtic educator and percussionist, based in Aylesbury, Bucks, England. He has lectured and led workshops extensively in the United States and Europe over the past 15 years. Rev. Roderick is founder and Director of three interlinked projects: The Quiet Garden Movement; The Well Institute for Psychological and Spiritual Development; and Contemplative Fire: Journey in Presence. He has worked at the University of Wales, for the Oxford Diocese, and as a parish priest.

The God whom Jesus called "Father" is incredible, not just in terms of metaphysics but also in love, forgiveness, patience, generosity and indiscriminate embrace. But we tend to conceive of God in terms of scarcity and limit. The incredible abundance of God challenges us beyond a spirituality of scarcity to philanthropy of the heart.

Ronald Rolheiser, a Roman Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He is a community-builder, lecturer and writer. His books are popular throughout the English-speaking world and his weekly column is carried by more than 60 newspapers worldwide. For most of the 35 years of his priesthood, he taught theology and philosophy at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

1-20 Sustain Us, Lord: A Spirituality for Parents, Caregivers and Teachers with Special Needs Children

Through humor and anecdotes, this presentation explores the key elements for a sustaining spirituality. Attention is given to Church history, theology and sacramental life as a source for a spirituality that can be a well-spring of joy, and a deep sustaining well to prevent parent/caregiver/teacher burn-out.

Michael Way Skinner is a Consultant for Faith Leadership & Student Engagement with the York Catholic District School Board in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. He had previously served as a religion and English teacher, as dean of religion, and as a chaplaincy team leader. He and Christine reside in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, where she serves as a Catechist as St. John Chrysostom Parish.

While many periods of the Old Testament have been suggested as providing spiritual and moral "guidance" for the modern Church, Dr. Daniel Smith-Christopher has suggested that the most provocative and powerful biblical theme for contemporary Christian existence is the theme of "exile." In this session, Dr. Smith-Christopher will explain why "exile" is an essential biblical concept of Old and New Testaments, and in what ways this theme can begin to provide theological guidance to modern Christian life.

Dr. Daniel Smith-Christopher is Professor of Theological Studies (Old Testament) and Director of Peace Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he has taught for 20 years. Author of over two dozen scholarly articles and 12 books, Dr. Smith-Christopher is a speaker and teacher in both Catholic and Protestant churches, and has consulted on several television and film projects dealing with biblical themes. He has been a regular presenter at the L.A. Congress for the last 14 years.

This session will explore leadership for the two dimensions of parish – community and discipleship. We will address the primary elements of building strong, faith-filled communities. We will then look at methods for encouraging more parishioners to assume their role of disciples.

Bro. Loughlan Sofield, a member of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, is Senior Editor of Human Development magazine. He has taught and presented in over 200 dioceses on six continents. Bro. Sofield is co-author or author of a number of award-winning books on collaboration, community, forgiveness and other topics related to psychology and ministry; his most recent is "Facing Forgiveness."

While rewarding, care-giving requires tremendous emotional, physical and spiritual stamina, making burnout an everyday challenge. In "Chicken Soup for the Caregiver’s Soul," LeAnn Thieman offers remedies by encouraging caregivers to care for themselves as devotedly as they do for others. By sharing stories from her book and her own life experiences she fills caregivers with hope, courage and strength and honors them for the difference they make in the world.

LeAnn Thieman was "accidentally" caught up in the 1975 Vietnam orphan airlift, 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 Caregiver’s Soul" and nine other Chicken Soup titles, Thieman is a full-time professional speaker and member of the Speaker Hall of Fame.

The words we say at Mass will soon be changing. What will they become? Why are these changes being made? How can we prepare ourselves and our worshiping communities? This workshop will explore the changes to the Order of Mass – the words that are repeated at every Mass, every day.

Fr. Paul Turner, a priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo., is Pastor of St. Munchin Catholic Church and its mission, St. Aloysius, in Cameron, Mo. He serves as a facilitator for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. Fr. Turner writes Bulletin Inserts for Ministry and Liturgy magazine and is the author of numerous books and articles. He has presented at the North American Forum on the Catechumenate and at several L.A. Religious Education Congresses.

In this workshop, Dr. David Walsh explains exactly what happens to the brain on the path from childhood into adulthood. Revealing the latest scientific findings in easy-to-understand terms, Dr. Walsh explains why moodiness, quickness to anger, risk-taking, miscommunication and other familiar teenage behaviors are all linked to what is going on inside their brains. This workshop goes beyond hormones and peer pressure and shows everyone who works with pre-teens or teens how to use this information to understand, communicate, guide and stay connected to kids.

Dr. David Walsh is founder and President of the National Institute on Media and the Family, and author of 10 books, many of which have been translated into eight different languages. He taught 10 years at the high school level, and 25 years in university and seminary settings. Dr. Walsh has presented more than 1,000 speeches and workshops in Europe, Asia and across the United States on parenting and the impact of media on children and youth.

1-26 Living AND Working in a World Full of Alcoholics & Addicts: Learning How to Tend to Our Own Acre

None of us lives on an isolated island. We are influenced by the illnesses and craziness of others, and we find ourselves exhausted, angry, guilty and unable to live our lives with serenity and dignity and peace. In this presentation we will look at the tools of recovery as members of dysfunctional families and systems, how to care for ourselves, how to choose to care for others, and how to be useful members of our society, our Church and our country. We believe that it is not God’s will to have one more burned out, exhausted person on the face of this earth. We will look at the wisdom of Al-Anon Family Groups and the practicality of the 12-Step Programs.

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 over 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 Counsel on Alcoholism.

1-27 What to Remember When Waking: Disciplines of an Everyday Spiritual Life

Most of us have talents and qualities that never find a proper outlet. This can lead to a sense of aimless adaptation, rather than a growing feeling of belonging. There are ways and means to build this sense of belonging. What we must look for is not untrammeled happiness, but an enlarging conversation that can encompass even the most harrowing losses. Not a Pollyanna search for happiness, but a profound ability to make ourselves brave enough for the triumphs and difficulties needed to live ordinary life. David Whyte will explore the conversational nature of reality and the disciplines that can create an identity robust enough to meet gifts and demands.

David Whyte, a native of Yorkshire, England, is author of six volumes of poetry and three books of prose. He is one of the few poets to take his perspectives on creativity into the field of organizational development, where he works with American and international companies offering lectures and workshops. Whyte has traveled extensively, including working as a naturalist guide and leading anthropological expeditions. He now lives with his family in the Pacific Northwestern United States.

The Acts of the Apostles presents St. Paul as one of the most successful and ambitious evangelizers the Church has ever known. During the liturgical Year of Luke we will take a look at his special presentation of Paul in Acts, especially as it impacts the Easter season. What were the keys of his success? What were his challenges? How can he serve as a model for today’s Catholics called to preach, teach and catechize in a modern, secular world?

A priest of the Diocese of Erie, Penn., Sulpician Fr. Ronald Witherup is currently Superior General for the Society of St. Sulpice. For many years the Scripture scholar served as Dean and Professor of Sacred Scripture at St. Patrick Seminary in Menlo Park, Calif. Fr. Witherup is a frequent retreat master and lecturer on biblical and theological topics, and has written numerous articles, book reviews; among his many publications are "Scripture: Dei Verbum" and "St. Paul: Called to Conversion."

2010 RECongress Period 1

Religious Education Congress
Friday, March 19, 2010
10:00 - 11:30 pm

2010 RECongress Period 1

Religious Education Congress Friday, March 19, 2010 10:00 - 11:30 pm

Religious Education Congress
Friday, March 19, 2010
10:00 - 11:30 pm