RECongress 2010 - Period 5: Saturday, March 20, 2010

CONGRESS 2010 WORKSHOPS & LINKS
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Based on trends presently shaping the Catholic future, this workshop will explore some provocative questions: Will the Church of the future be more interested in witchcraft than women priests? If science identifies a "God gene," will the Church support genetic engineering to make people more religious? What are the odds of an American pope in a multipolar world? Offering some feet-on-the-ground reporting to support answers, this session will provide glimpses of a future that in many ways is already here!

John Allen is the prize-winning Senior Correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter and Senior Vatican Analyst for CNN. He is the author of five best-selling books and writes frequently on the Church for major national and international publications. His weekly Internet column, "All Things Catholic," is widely read as a source of insight on the global Catholic Church.

Peer pressure and the fear of not fitting in make the right choices difficult to make. This workshop offers helpful ways to overcome the fears of the deep waters of life. Through Scripture and a deeper understanding of God present to us through sacrament and sign, we can come to know to be not afraid. With audiovisuals, music and true testimony, we may find that fear is present but not the option for the Christ follower. Come and be renewed with courage and strengthen your true self.

John Angotti is an experienced and renowned musical artist and speaker. The recording artist and "music missionary" is currently the vocal music teacher at Christian Brothers High School and teaches junior high music at St. Ann’s, both in Memphis, Tenn. Angotti travels the country and abroad giving concerts, workshops and retreats. He has performed and spoken at various parish, diocesan and national events, including many appearances at the L.A. Congress.

This workshop will explore a variety of music and associated activities for supporting children’s catechesis at the elementary level. Through the use of song, movement and story, John Burland will share a range of engaging and creative strategies for teaching doctrine, Scripture, sacraments and church seasons. Come ready to participate in activities that will enrich knowledge, understanding and spiritual development.

5-04 Parenting through Crisis: Helping Kids in Times of Loss, Grief and Change

As a parent, Barbara Coloroso has suffered in ways that she never imagined. Others who have suffered inconsolable losses have shared their stories with her. In living through our losses and in sharing our stories, we discover that we are not alone in our suffering. We all knew this to be true in our minds before we went through the chaos. Living through it, we now know it to be true in our hearts and our souls. It is our wit and our wisdom that help our children, and us, through the passages of grief. It is in our grieving that we learn a new wholeness, where we are able to embrace our sadness, knowing that it shares space with a quiet joy and a gentle peace.

Ignatius believed that every grace that he received is available to anyone who follows his pathway. This workshop will lay out the significant graces that St. Ignatius received and the methods that he gave us to make these graces our very own. We grow in personal and spiritual freedom and are transformed into mystics who live the fullness of life in our everyday life.

Fr. Paul Coutinho is an internationally recognized Ignatian scholar, author and speaker. A native of India and a Jesuit priest from the Bombay Province, he divides his time between the United States and India leading retreats, giving spiritual direction and training spiritual directors. Fr. Coutinho currently creates and directs programs at the Mission and Ministry Office at Saint Louis University, where he is also Professor of Theology. He also serves as Editor of "Ignis," the South Asian Ignatian Spirituality Journal.

At various times Pope Benedict XVI has highlighted the notion of the "Primacy of Christ." This "doctrine," as taught by Blessed John Duns Scotus, has radical implications for our understanding of atonement and salvation, the Church, the papacy, and how "anyone in Christ" is called to help bring about the new cosmic order of justice, reconciliation and peace.

Using themes from the film "The Big Question," Fr. Frank Desiderio will walk people through the five steps of L-E-T G-O, a process that shows how to let go of hurt and resentment and discover ways to become a more forgiving person. This workshop will provide participants with skills to teach forgiveness as a spiritual practice.

As President of Paulist Productions, Fr. Frank Desiderio has produced more than 25 hours of television movies and documentaries, some of which have aired on A&E Investigative and The History Channel. His credits include the ABC/Paramount movie, "Judas," and he was Executive Producer on "The Big Question: A Film About Forgiveness." Besides being a priest and producer, he is also a poet. His poetry has appeared in The National Catholic Reporter, Prairie Messenger, and other publications.

Learning about HIV and listening to the infected and affected persons experiencing this virus sounds a call for a response from every person – not only locally but global ly. We will explore the needs and learn the stories so that we may make efforts to challenge one another to make a difference one person/one country at a time.

This workshop will review current research and Church documents that reiterate the importance of involving parents in the faith formation of teens. In addition, some strategies and techniques for this involvement will be explored and participants will have opportunities to share their own ideas and experiences. This is an active workshop, so come ready to share your insights and thoughts on this critical component for effective youth ministry!

5-10 Sharing Ministry for a Change: Priests and Lay Leaders Tell Their Story

Shared ministry isn’t the wave of the future – it’s the reality of the present. Hear priests and lay leaders share their stories of the best practices, hopes, fears and fascinations that bring new life to their ministry, and new ministries to parish life. This workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Michael Horan.

Dr. Michael Horan is Professor of Religious Education and Pastoral Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He has ministered to youth and young adults on high school and college campuses in New York and Washington, D.C., and is a well-known presenter. Dr. Horan is author of two works and a contributing author of the school series "Blest Are We." He has written on lay ministry and has worked with the Los Angeles Archdiocese’s Office of Parish Life for the past several years.

5-11 Church Language, College Life and Morals: Is There Any Common Ground? (workshop closed)

By the time a young person stops spinning in the process of entering the experience of higher education, the old answers to still-present questions seem to be no answers at all. We will address this "growing up" process and see if morality and the church are able to talk on the collegiate level.

After 13 years as Director of the Catholic Chaplaincy at Stanford University, Fr. Patrick LaBelle now directs the nearby Vallombrosa Retreat and Conference Center and is responsible for the Ongoing Formation of the Clergy for the San Francisco Archdiocese. A priest of the Western Dominican Province, Fr. LaBelle has been a religious superior for many years, has held several local, national and international church positions, and has taught at a number of West Coast universities.

In a time of great upheaval and world recession, many people search for hope and healing. This workshop looks at the abundance of God’s healing presence especially through the gift of music, which brings consolation, hope and healing. Such healing comes in many forms if we take the time to listen and see.

Fr. Liam Lawton is Director of Music for the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin in Ireland. His latest collection of music, released in the United States and Europe, is titled "Healing Song." His music has achieved platinum status in Ireland and has been translated into a number of European languages. Fr. Lawton has appeared on many TV and radio programs in Ireland and has recorded two PBS specials. He has presented concerts and workshops throughout the world.

5-13 "Like Us In All Things But Sin": A Biblical Look at the Divinity & Humanity of Jesus

True Christianity requires us to know Jesus Christ so that we can enter a deep, personal and communal relationship with him. The New Testament helps us see both the divinity and humanity of Jesus. This workshop will look at both sides of Jesus to help modern believers draw ever closer to both "God with us" and our human Lord and friend (Jn 13:13; 15:15). Bring your Bibles!

5-14 The Genius of African-American Liturgical Experiences Revisited: An Incredible Abundance Waiting to Be Realized

There are many proposals for evaluating whether or not a particular liturgy is effective. The "Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy" sets forth a conscious participation full of vibrancy as the goal. Perhaps no worshiping community has accomplished this better than the African-American community – across denominational lines. Its attention to music, preaching, prayer and leadership has made it so. Is there anything that we can still learn from our sisters and brothers in the faith as we continue in the church’s reform and renewal of the liturgy? Yes! Come and garner what an incredible abundance awaits us as we revisit the worship experiences of "black folk."

Multiple intelligence (MI) theory has been enriching and enlivening educational practices for decades. This session provides an overview of the theory with a view to helping those new to catechesis develop dynamic and engaging lessons, based on sound educational practice and current psychology. Brain-based learning styles will be discussed. This is a practical, hands-on session for youth ministers, teachers, Directors of Religious Education and pastoral ministers.

Being a spiritual guide in the lives of our young teens can be ministry at its best. Walk away from this workshop with new confidence and effective ways to minister to young people. Making the Gospel relevant to teens is our obligation, not an option. Discover how their music can help you connect with teens and their parents on a whole new level. Watch the lights go on in their eyes when they say, "Now I get it!"

Anna Scally, President of Cornerstone Media, just received the National Youth Ministry Performer/Artist/Author of the Year Award from the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry. Voted the American Business Women’s Association Woman of the Year for 2005, Scally is a columnist for Cornerstone Media’s Top Music Countdown online resource and also host of their audio show, "Burning Issues." Scally has made over 2,100 public presentations at major conferences.

In this session, we will explore together the Church’s vision for catechesis in the catechumenate, ways to develop this catechesis, and great resources to use. The format will include presentation and facilitated discussion.

James Schellman is Executive Director of The North American Forum on the Catechumenate, an international network of pastoral ministers and theologians involved in the renewal of the catechumenate, based in Washington, D.C. He has worked for over 20 years in liturgical and ministerial formation as a writer, editor and presenter at the local, regional, national and international levels. Schellman formerly served as Associate Director for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL).

St. Augustine wrote, "My soul is restless until it rests in you." As a society, it seems that our souls are restless and anxious. We are daily inundated with materialistic values that distract us from God and lead us into further restlessness. How then, do we learn to "be still and know God"? This session will focus on breathing techniques and meditation practices to help one experience "resting" in God. Discern for yourself how a regular meditation practice can cultivate inner stillness and move you into true peace and the experience of being with God. Discover the importance of mindful breathing, physical stillness, and silence needed for a holistic spirituality.

This session will focus on practical strategies for teaching the faith to students with special needs and learning considerations. Strategies include differentiated instruction techniques and the role of assistive technologies.

Every member of the parish has been gifted and called by God to ministry and service. This session will provide very practical ways for assisting each member of the parish to discern their gifts and their call.

5-21 Being an "Incredible" and "Abundant" Catholic in the 21st Century: Three Virtues that are Really Needed!

The 1960s through the ’70s was the era of Vatican II. The ’80s through 2000s was the era of Pope John Paul II. But now we are in a new millennium, a new century, even a new decade. So, what really matters? How do we evangelize today? This session will focus on three shifts in "attitude" – three better ways of looking at Christian life – that can make a difference: 1) communal civility; 2) altruism; and 3) what are you for – positively speaking. Let’s turn a corner, being more "upbeat" together!

Fr. Dick Sparks, a Paulist priest, is on staff at Old St. Mary’s in Chicago. He has served as Pastor of the Newman Center at the University of California, Berkeley and as Associate Editor at Paulist Press. He is a popular speaker and preacher on the morality workshop and retreat circuits around the U.S. and Canada. His best known book, "Contemporary Christian Morality: Real Questions, Candid Responses," continues to be a mainstay resource in seminary, diaconal, pastoral ministry, RCIA and college courses.

In a culture that throws its hands up, tells parents they can’t make a difference, and belittles parents’ influence with "patsy" commercials … we want you to know that you matter! You are your kid’s parent not their friend. The values you pass on and the faith you live make a difference in the lives of your children, not just here, but for eternity. Together we can encourage parents to take a role in teaching values and faith to the next generation.

For years, Pam Stenzel was on the "front lines" as Director of Alpha Women’s Center, until her appearance requests were so numerous that she became a full-time speaker. Since then, as founder of Enlighten Communications, she has presented abstinence assemblies to private, parochial and public schools around the world. Stenzel, with five videos in 11 languages, now travels both domestically and internationally. She has also made guest appearances on numerous national TV and radio programs.

Fr. Robert Spitzer will explain the philosophical underpinnings of pro-life philosophy stemming from 10 universal principles – principles of reason, ethics, justice and rights. He will show that if one embraces what most Americans hold to be "truths," one will inevitably arrive at the conclusion that preborn life and the lives of the elderly must be protected. Anything less will conflict with these fundamental principles.

How do we awaken a passion for studying Scripture, and what difference will it make in our parishes? Come and be reminded of the treasures God has in store for us and brush up on the principles and skills that every adult Catholic can use and appreciate.

Based in Arkansas, Cackie Upchurch is Director of the Little Rock Scripture Study and contributor and co-editor of their "The Four Gospels: Catholic Personal Study Edition." She has been an instructor at the Diocese of Little Rock in the Theology Institute since 1998 and in the Diaconate Formation Program since 1994. Her work involves writing, editing, lecturing, leading retreats and days of reflection. Upchurch has been keynote speaker or presenter at parishes in dioceses around the United States and Canada.

When all three elements meet – children, the Word and music – what incredible abundance! Come and experience music that fixes the Word in the hearts of the children growing in faith.

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’s music is sung in churches worldwide, and he travels frequently, giving workshops and lectures on liturgy, music and children’s worship in countries around the globe. He frequently speaks around the country. His latest music offerings include a rich variety of songs and Psalms.

Sr. Paule Freeburg, a Daughter of Charity, has been an elementary and high school teacher, a parish Director of Religious Education, and a diocesan Religion Consultant. She has directed RCIA and sacramental programs for children and adults, and has directed a parish Liturgy of the Word for children. Sr. Freeburg is the primary author of "Sunday," an adaptation of the lectionary for children. She and Christopher Walker have collaborated on several video and music recordings for use in parishes.

Currently there are four generations represented among catechetical leaders. Each generation brings its own agenda based on its corporate experience of growing up Catholic. It is these agendas that shape and always have shaped the catechetical landscape. This presentation will identify and highlight some generational differences that exist among today’s catechetical leaders and reflect on how they are impacting catechetical visioning and the mapping of the catechetical terrain.

Dr. Tom Walters is Academic Dean and Professor of Religious Education at Saint Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana, where he has taught since 1983. His area of expertise is religious education and catechetics, and his research has centered on profiling diocesan and parish directors of religious education in the United States: who they are, what they do and their effectiveness. He has presented at schools of theology and at dioceses and parishes throughout the country.

Many Christians, especially those who were baptized as infants, fail to enjoy the deeper significance of the first sacrament. Without a deeper appreciation of our conversion celebrated through baptism, it is harder for us to mature fully as disciples. In this workshop we will explore how to revisit this sacrament and how to bring to life the church’s teaching about this remarkable moment. This is an ideal opportunity to bring fresh vitality and creativity to this theme when working with children or adults, and especially parent groups. David Wells will blend theological insight, stories and images to inspire you to look again at the one baptism we profess.

David Wells is currently Director of the Department of Formation for the Diocese of Plymouth, England. His experience has ranged from Catholic high school teacher to work for the national church in England and Wales as a member of the Catholic Education Service, and in two dioceses as an advisor. Wells has been a member of several national and regional committees in the United Kingdom. He has also been a speaker for national conferences in Canada, Ireland and Great Britain.

How do African-Americans experience this "Sweet Holy Spirit" of God? What are the characteristics of black spirituality? Through song, movement, art, storytelling and sharing of oral histories, this workshop will engage participants in gaining a deeper appreciation of the spiritual gifts that African-Americans bring to the Church.

Dr. Vanessa White is Assistant Professor of Spirituality/Director of the Augustus Tolton Ministry Program at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She also is a member of the summer faculty at Xavier University’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies. Dr. White is an author and an experienced workshop presenter, retreat facilitator, spiritual director and teacher who lectures nationally on Christian spirituality, intercultural dialogue and issues pertinent to the spiritual life of African-Americans.

2010 RECongress Period 5

Religious Education Congress
Saturday, March 20, 2010
1:00 - 2:30 pm

2010 RECongress Period 5

Religious Education Congress Saturday, March 20, 2010 1:00 - 2:30 pm

Religious Education Congress
Saturday, March 20, 2010
1:00 - 2:30 pm