RECongress 2011 - Period 3: Friday, March 18, 2011

CONGRESS 2011 WORKSHOPS & LINKS
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“Come, follow me” are Jesus’ words of invitation that extend to all people, including teens of high school age who are not in Catholic high schools! The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Curriculum Framework has given shape to the catechetical content to lead teens to both a knowledge of and heartfelt relationship with Jesus. This session explores a creative trimester model for parish youth ministry and religious education programs that allows for flexibility and a variety of methods in sharing essential catechesis with teens.

Michael Amodei is Executive Editor of Adolescent Catechesis at Ave Maria Press, based in Notre Dame, Ind., and author of two new books of catechesis for high school teens based on the new USCCB Curriculum Framework. A former Director of Religious Education and Youth Minister at St. Monica’s Church in Santa Monica, Calif., Amodei is currently confirmation catechist at Sacred Heart Parish at Notre Dame, Ind.

3-02 Why Do You Do What You Do? Integrated Liturgy: It’s More Than Just the Music (Workshop closed)

It is necessary to understand the ritual you are celebrating. This workshop will teach you how to make appropriate music selections for the rites, which engage the assembly and bring the ritual to life.

John Angotti is a full-time music missionary who travels throughout the world providing concerts, workshops, retreats, missions, conferences and worship. His contemporary music and lyrics have earned him awards including Male Vocalist of the Year. Angotti was a featured performer in Sydney, Australia, for World Youth Day 2008. He has nine CDs including a Christmas album titled “Welcome Home for Christmas.”

How does our understanding of God relate to how we work and the Church? How do theologians currently envision the identity and mission of the minister and the church? In this session, we will explore some recent theologies of ministry and ask how they contribute to the ways that pastoral workers develop their own theologies of ministry.

Dr. Tom Beaudoin is Associate Professor of Practical Theology in the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University in New York. He also currently coordinates the Rock and Theology Project, which explores “secular” rock and “sacred” theology. Dr. Beaudoin is author of many published articles and essays on faith and culture; his most recent book is “Witness to Dispossession: The Vocation of a Postmodern Theologian.” He lectures nationally and internationally.

The story of the Woman at the Well is one of the most stirring Gospels of our Lenten season. Through the arts of storytelling, drama and dance, step inside this beloved Scripture passage. Explore the deserts of thirst and the tentative reach toward trust. Lean into the support of Christ’s firm embrace – and drink from the fountain of living water he offers. Come ready to learn tools, listen, embody, hold firm, let go, proclaim and dance!

Betsey Beckman is a liturgical movement artist, storyteller, spiritual director and retreat leader based in Seattle. With her extensive background in performance, movement therapy ministry and InterPlay, she regularly appears as artist/presenter at national conventions and is also Director of Dance Ministry at her home parish, St. Patrick. Beckman’s recent releases include the book, “Awakening the Creative Spirit: Bringing the Arts to Spiritual Direction,” and the DVD, “The Dancing Word: Mary Magdalene.”

Laura Ash is Music Director at St. Patrick Parish in Seattle, where, with Betsey Beckman, she has supported the ministry of movement for nearly 20 years. Laura and her husband, David, have composed and published three albums of liturgical music and have created music for numerous liturgical dance offerings, including “The Dancing Word” DVD series.

3-05 RCIA with Children and the Role of Liturgical Catechesis (Workshop closed)

This workshop will explore the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as it is adapted for children of catechetical age. After providing an overview of the RCIA with children, the session will focus on the place of liturgical catechesis in the formation of children seeking initiation. Attention will be given to the role of catechumenate catechists and why they must be steeped and trained in liturgical catechesis.

Rita Burns Senseman is a freelance writer and parish catechist for the Christian Initiation of Children at St. Joseph University Parish in Terre Haute, Ind. The former parish DRE also served as Associate Director at the Office of Catechetics/Religious Education for the Detroit Archdiocese and as a Team Member for the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. Senseman has written numerous books and articles including the confirmation preparation program, “Anointed in the Spirit.”

3-06 Singing the Year Round! Songs & Strategies for Elementary Catechists and Teachers

From Easter to Easter songs, Andrew Chinn will present strategies and stories to assist the catechist and teacher in developing children’s knowledge of faith, Scripture and sacraments. Drawing on his 25 years as an elementary teacher and musician, Andrew will take you on a musical journey through the Church year with children. From songs to help you “survive” your first day to ideas for Holy Week, this workshop will help you in preparing children for first holy communion, confirmation, learning about the saints and key Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

Andrew Chinn worked as a classroom teacher in Catholic elementary schools in Sydney, Australia, for nearly 20 years before turning to full-time music ministry as Director of Butterfly Music. Chinn has visited more than 750 Catholic elementary schools across Australia, New Zealand and the United States. He has released six CDs, two DVDs and five picture books, which are used widely by teachers and catechists in faith development.

3-07 Hope in God Alone! The Ignatian Way of Living a Free and Fulfilled Life

St. Ignatius of Loyola was a Basque who took charge of his life, and nothing would stop him from doing what he thought was the right and best thing to do. This was true even in his relationship with God. It was only when he let go and put his hope and trust fully in God that everything changed. He experienced both spiritual and psychological freedom. He was now disposed to receive the best gifts God and all of life had to offer him.

Paul Coutinho, a native of India and a Jesuit of the Bombay province, is an internationally recognized Ignatian scholar, author and speaker. Fr. Coutinho formerly served as Editor of Ignis: South Asian Journal of Ignatian Spirituality, and taught Pastoral Theology at the Pontifical Atheneum Jnana Deepa Vidyapeetha in Pune, India. He received his doctorate from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Mo., where he is now on the faculty for the School for Professional Studies.

What are the rituals, symbols and actions that can take place inside a Catholic home? Much of the celebrations of Catholicism take place outside the home. Baptism, Mass, marriage, reconciliation, confirmation and a number of other rituals are celebrated inside our church buildings. How can “reconciliation” work at home? What can be done with those baptism and wedding candles? Can a confirmation service project become a family service project after confirmation? This workshop will offer practical ways to enhance all these rituals at home and will explore a variety of religious images and symbols that can be a daily “home” reminder of our faith.

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 as Director of Young Adult Ministry for the 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.

This workshop will examine the changes expected in the new Roman Missal, and chart the sometimes contentious process of translation and retranslation that has brought us to this moment. A follow up workshop will consider pastoral responses to the changes. (Continued in Session 4-07.)

Capuchin Edward Foley is the Duns Scotus Professor of Spirituality, and the Professor of Liturgy and Music at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. With 25 years of teaching and 18 books and over 300 pastoral and scholarly articles to his credit, Fr. Foley is a widely sought-after lecturer on liturgy. The award-winning author is currently serving as General Editor for a new commentary on the Ordo Missae.

3-10 Eckhart Tolle, John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila: Living in the Presence of God

Eckhart Tolle, one of the finest contemporary writers, reawakens our interest in Christian mysticism and the great gift of God’s presence among us now. Drawing inspiration from the writings of great mystics such as John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, Tolle invites us to savor the wisdom of the tradition as well as contemporary insights. The session is sure to enrich the spiritual journey.

You can never have too much drama in your life! Anne Frawley-Mangan invites you to join her in discovering ways of using drama to enhance religious education and liturgy, with a particular focus on Scripture. In this fun and interactive workshop, you will learn skills and techniques that will confirm that drama and religious education are indeed a match made in heaven!

For over 20 years, Anne Frawley-Mangan has been Creative Director of Litmus Productions in Brisbane, Australia, where she writes and publishes drama and music resources for use in liturgy and education. Together with Michael Mangan, she has developed musical plays for Christmas and Easter. Frawley-Mangan, who also teaches Speech and Proclamation at Holy Spirit Seminary in Brisbane, presents workshops and keynote addresses in Australia, New Zealand and North America.

Would Jesus recognize our church of today? Of course, everything depends on our understanding of “our Church” and “recognize”! Jesus did not set up a new ecclesial institution, and after 2000 years of development, many things have been done “in his name.” So, what might Jesus recognize, approve of and challenge? We can at least suggest some answers.

Fr. Anthony Gittins, a member of the Spiritan community, is a native of England. He worked in Sierra Leone, West Africa through the 1970s, was Faith Formation Director in London in the early ’80s and has taught theology since 1984 in Chicago, where he is currently Professor of Theology and Culture at the Catholic Theological Union. He spends half the year giving workshops and retreats nationally and internationally.

The U.S. Catholic school system was founded, understandably, for defensive reasons. It was needed to “preserve the faith” of Catholic children from the overt Protestantism of the “public” schools (Third Plenary Council of Baltimore, 1884). Now such schools are needed more than ever for the common good of society, and especially in contexts where public education is failing. Drawing from the deep waters of Catholic tradition and almost 2,000 years of Catholic education, this workshop will propose a renewed vision to inspire such schools.

Dr. Tom Groome is Professor of Theology and Religious Education, and Chair of the Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry Department at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. The award-winning author has written more than half a dozen books and numerous articles and essays. Dr. Groome has made over 500 public presentations throughout 25 years, including all the major North American conferences of religious educators, both Catholic and Protestant.

The Scriptures that Jesus draws from include a remarkable claim about God and make a challenging claim on those who would dare worship this God. The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) paint a remarkable possibility about how God’s people can know an intimate relationship with God and holy, life-giving relationships with each other. This vision informs the ministry of Jesus and is critical for a full appreciation of Christian spirituality and the path of discipleship.

Jack Jezreel spent six years in a Catholic Worker community before turning his attention to transformative education. For the last dozen years he has given 40-50 presentations annually, including continuing education opportunities for priests, deacons, religious communities as well as keynote addresses for Pax Christi, St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities USA, and the National Association of Diaconate Directors. Jezreel is the original author of “JustFaith” and serves as founder and Executive Director of JustFaith Ministries, based in Kentucky.

In this session, punitive justice gives way to “restorative justice” – a pathway that converts criminals into productive citizens and allows for the restoration of the individual rather than his or her continued punishment.

Having lost his 20-year-old son, Tariq, in a gang-related shooting in January 1995, Azim Khamisa now speaks of powerful and life-changing concepts. He is founder and President of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, which is dedicated to breaking the cycle of youth violence by empowering children, saving lives and teaching peace. Khamisa is also author of three best-selling books: “Azim’s Bardo – From Murder to Forgiveness,” “A Father’s Journey, From Forgiveness to Fulfillment,” and “The Secrets of the Bulletproof Spirit.”

Technology may make it easier to communicate, but people are still searching for good friends and meaningful relationships. Whether you email, text, Twitter, Facebook or blog, come explore the dynamics of friendship in today’s high-tech, fast-paced world and consider how social networking has changed the way we think about our relationships with one another and with God.

Beth Knobbe serves as a Campus Minister at the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University in Evanston. Ill., where she coordinates spirituality programs for undergraduate students and leads an annual mission trip to Nicaragua. Knobbe has spoken extensively on topics related to spirituality and young adult ministry. She is the author of “Finding My Voice: A Young Woman’s Perspective” and a forthcoming book on the single life.

Catholic schools are facing difficult financial times. In this talk, Fr. Daniel Mahan will discuss four models of operational funding of Catholic parochial schools and how the spirituality of stewardship can help a parish discern which model will best ensure the ongoing financial viability of the school.

Fr. Daniel Mahan, a priest of the Indianapolis Archdiocese, is Executive Director of the Marian University Center for Catholic Stewardship in Indianapolis. He formerly served as Director of Formation for the International Catholic Stewardship Council. Fr. Mahan serves in full-time stewardship ministry, making presentations and preaching extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and recently in the Philippines and Australia. He is author of “More Than Silver or Gold.”

The workshop gives functional definitions to black Catholic spirituality, examines the theological underpinnings, and places its participants in a learning experience of black Catholic spirituality. Come and be blessed in this all-inclusive session!

Sr./Dr. Oralisa Martin is a workshop presenter, revivalist and charismatic healer, who has taught youth for over 20 years. She is founder and CEO of ORACLE Religious Association based in Washington, D.C., and founder of their National Summer Institute for Youth. Sr. Martin previously served as a consultant for the Los Angeles Archdiocese, where she founded the African American Catholic Catechetical Conference. She travels extensively giving revivals, retreats and keynote addresses.

This session examines the way in which the Catholic Church understands dialogue with people of other religions and faiths. It expounds the various theories that underlie inter-religious dialogue, and shows how the Catholic Church is committed to this dialogue as a result of Vatican II’s declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions. These issues are particularly pertinent in this age of conflict. This session will also suggest ways in which dialogue can progress.

Rev. Malcolm McMahon has served as Bishop for the Diocese of Nottingham, England, since 2000. The London-born former provincial for the English Dominican Province has served in a variety of pastoral and academic posts. Bishop McMahon is Chair of the Department for Catholic Education and Formation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. He is also a member of Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission and contributed to its recent Agreed Statement.

The loss of family and friends in death leaves us bewildered, aching and bereft. This workshop will closely examine the teachings of Jesus and his own human confrontation with the heartrending loss of a friend. In this study we will find how God views death, which is both comforting and challenging, with a particular focus on Jesus’ close embrace of human grief. We shall see he is our Lord, but he is also a companion with us in our anguish. Bring your Bibles!

Fr. Pat Mullen, a priest of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, is Professor of Biblical Studies at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, Calif. He is the author of “Dining with Pharisees,” and is currently completing a high school introduction to the New Testament. His current focus is the continuing education of priests in the Sacred Scriptures. He has been a presenter at diocesan conferences throughout the Southwest and has presented at the Texas Catholic Conference and the Little Rock Bible Institute.

The mission of the Church is to evangelize. Among the various approaches to evangelization are: proclamation, dialogue, human promotion and witness. Pope John Paul II in Ecclesia in Asia (1999) applies a certain hermeneutics. He acknowledges that dialogue is the characteristic mode of life of the Church in Asia. The Bishops of Asia contend that evangelization is by way of dialogue with the poor, dialogue with cultures, and dialogue with peoples of other religions. It is by way of dialogue that the mystery of Jesus is to be proclaimed, best done in the progressive style of Jesus himself. In many places in Asia, the only proclamation possible is by the silent witness of one’s Christian life.

Archbishop Orlando Quevedo was ordained a priest for the Missionary Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Washington, D.C., in 1964. Since 1998 he has served as Archbishop of Cotabato, southern Mindanao, the Philippines. In his various posts, Archbishop Quevedo has served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Secretary General of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, and a member of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace for 10 years.

3-22 Forgiving the Unforgettable: Reconciliation and Restoration (Workshop closed)

My heart is heavy. My body is tired. My mind can’t rest. Yet, somehow, I am called to “just let it go.” But how can I let it go when it hurt me so deeply? How can I forgive when I really can’t forget? Jesus calls us to love one another as He has loved us. But sometimes loving one another is not easy to do. So how can we learn to love when we really don’t want to? The answer is found in learning to forgive. This faith-filled workshop will address the restoration of our souls as we address personal, parental, societal, communal and hierarchical reconciliation. Come and find the answers to the question: How can I forgive when I really can’t forget?

Fr. Tony Ricard, a priest of the New Orleans Archdiocese, currently serves as Pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in New Orleans, as Director of KnightTime Ministries, and Chief Editor for Two Knights Publishing Co. Fr. Ricard is also author of “I Still Believe: A Testimony of Faith After The Storm,” “Don’t Be Stupid!: Lessons You Should Already Know” and “I Don’t Make Them Up! Reflections Stories and Jokes from a Faithful Fool.”

Teens today seem to be more mouthy and disrespectful than in past generations. More often than not when parents confront the disrespect, things seem to get worse, leaving you feeling hopeless and frustrated. In this session parents will learn the reasons teens are disrespectful, the common mistakes parents make in curbing disrespect, and the steps you can take to teach respect.

Steve and Patt Saso are parents and nationally known speakers on parenting issues. Patt, a psychotherapist, is a family therapist and Co-Owner of Saso Seminars, based in Milpitas, Calif. Steve is a high school teacher at Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, Calif. Together, they are authors of the best-seller, “10 Best Gifts for Your Teen,” and their most recent book, “Parenting Your Teens with TLC,” as well as educational CDs and an online newsletter.

3-24 Catholic Morality and Healthy Conscience Formation: “How To” in 2011?

Somewhere between the extremes of “obey the law” on the right and “do your own thing” on the left is the trusted and traditional Catholic norm – “follow your conscience.” What is conscience? How do I know if I’m right? What if I’m fooling myself? This promises to be a sound and solid introduction to the Catholic moral tradition on conscience and moral decision-making. Pastoral ministers, teachers, catechists, RCIA folks and Catholic-Christians in general are welcome.

Paulist priest Fr. Dick Sparks serves on the parish staff of Old St. Mary’s Church in the “South Loop” of Chicago. He has served as Pastor of the Newman Center at University of California, Berkeley and as Director of the Paulist Center in Boston. Fr. Sparks is a popular speaker and teacher. In addition to local parish work, the author spends a portion of his ministry each year on the ethics/morality workshop and retreat circuit around the United States and Canada. He is frequently sought to consult with health-care systems and ethics committees because of his biomedical ethics expertise.

Visio divina (Latin for “divine seeing”) is grounded in the sixth-century Benedictine practice of Bible reading called lectio divina. This workshop will provide participants with an understanding of the practice of visio divina utilizing the illuminated word of The Saint John’s Bible – the first illuminated Scripture in more than 500 years. Participants will also learn the methodology of moving from a literal interpretation to an illuminated understanding situated in the context of the learner/prayer. Participants will also gain the skills to create a sacred space and guide small groups in the practice of visio divina.

Barbara Sutton has served in church ministry for the past 24 years in parish, diocesan, hospital and academic settings. Currently, she is the Associate Dean of Formation and Outreach at St. John’s School of Theology-Seminary in Collegeville, Minn., and is involved in the development of pastoral resource for The Saint John’s Bible. Sutton, Editor of the “Seeing the Word: Program Manual,” is also a presenter on catechesis and Church-related issues, including supervision, leadership and parish councils.

What people experience as a successful parish and what it takes to get there are two different realities. Despite being pulled in many directions, pastors are discovering a new way of operating to lighten the burden: partnership. Most parishioners have no clue what it takes to keep a parish not only afloat, but thriving. Beginning with the pastor and moving through the staff and lay leadership, this presentation will provide concrete and realizable ways for coping with the stress and strains of directing and growing a parish faith community. This is not wishful thinking, but is based on years of direct involvement with Catholic parishes from across the country.

Thomas Sweetser, a Jesuit priest of the Wisconsin province, is founder and Director of the Parish Evaluation Project, based in Milwaukee. He has taught at a number of schools, including Fordham University in New York and Loyola University New Orleans. Fr. Sweetser is author of several books; his most recent, “Keeping the Covenant: Taking Parish to the Next Level,” was a Catholic Press Association award winner. His articles have appeared in numerous Catholic publications.

Wendy Rappé is Associate Director of the Parish Evaluation Project (PEP). She has taught at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee and the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies in Jerusalem, Israel. Prior to PEP, she worked for 20 years in a variety of parish ministry positions, most recently as Director of Adult and Family Ministry for a large faith community within the Milwaukee Archdiocese.

When we gather young people together, are we just “playing games,” “hoping to survive,” or are we intentionally “forming disciples”? How can we be faithful to our catechetical calling to echo the faith and lead teens down the road of discipleship while making sure we actively engage their head, hearts and hands in the process? Let’s have some fun as we creatively answer these questions together. Warning: This workshop is very hands on – you will not leave empty handed or empty headed!

Michael Theisen has been involved in youth ministry and adolescent catechesis for over 25 years, authoring more than 15 books and numerous articles. His experience extends from parish to diocesan and national levels, and he is a frequent speaker and trainer throughout the United States. Theisen is currently Director of Membership Services for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry in Washington, D.C., and Convener of the Partnership for Adolescent Catechesis.

In this workshop Tom Zanzig introduces a fresh and compelling approach to adult faith formation (AFF), describes its core principles, and briefly identifies numerous practical strategies for implementing it. He will explain how this innovative approach to AFF could help revitalize and transform all of parish life.

After 25 years developing youth ministry and adolescent religious education materials, Tom Zanzig is now President of the publishing and consulting company Zanzig & Associates. Also a freelance writer, retreat director and consultant, Zanzig travels worldwide speaking in the areas of adult faith formation and spirituality.

2011 RECongress Period 3

Religious Education Congress
March 18, 2011
3:00 - 4:30 pm

2011 RECongress Period 3

Religious Education Congress March 18, 2011 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Religious Education Congress
March 18, 2011
3:00 - 4:30 pm