RECongress 2012 - Period 7: Friday, March 25, 2012

CONGRESS 2012 WORKSHOPS & LINKS
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2012 FEATURES	• Youth Day • Theme • Archbishop Chat • Updates • Schedule • Speakers • Topics • Order Recordings • Photos • Exhibitors • Exhibitor Categories • Statistics • Theme Songs • Comments

What is human trafficking and what does it mean for you? Are you at risk? Are your children? Join international human rights leader Patrick Atkinson, drawing from his 30 years fighting war, poverty and prostitution around the world, as he explores the historical and contemporary dynamics of human trafficking. Learn what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones, as well as to help bring an end to modern-day slavery.

Educator, human rights defender and missioner, Patrick Atkinson is best known as founder and international Executive Director of The God’s Child Project, a non-profit charity he began in 1991 that cares for and educates nearly 14,000 children and women on three continents. Along with several schools and clinics, Atkinson founded the Institute for Trafficked, Exploited and Missing Persons in 2001. He has given presentations to hundreds of universities, churches, schools from Nairobi, Kenya, to Okinawa, Japan, and from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.

In the story of Exodus, God’s voice rises out of the burning bush, infusing Moses with a new mission in life. Later, his sister Miriam takes up the tambourine and brings the song of freedom to life through the dance. Explore the story of Exodus as an embodied journey of faith. Begin with the chains of slavery, encounter the fire of justice, journey through the waters of the Red Sea and celebrate God’s liberating miracle in our midst. As you prepare for the celebration of Easter Vigil – let Miriam lead you in the dance!

In this workshop, Fr. Greg Boyle will explore the roots of gang violence, offer an appropriate diagnosis, and help us consider what our parish communities can do.

7-04 Songs & Blessings for the Parent, Catechist, Teacher & the “Child Within” (Workshop closed)

Andrew Chinn shares songs – some new, some old – stories and strategies for use throughout the year gathered from his experience as a teacher for 20 years, 10 years in his current music ministry, and 20 years as a parent. The purpose of this workshop is to provide a range of musical ideas to assist in the passing on of our faith from one generation to the next: songs for the Sacraments, for Scripture, for beginnings and endings, for Holy Week and Christmas, for throughout the year.

It is in the darkness of our lives that we experience God, and our true selves, in the most authentic way. This session will explore the gift of darkness encountered at times in the spiritual life. Implications for our journey of faith will be addressed.

The Gospel stories are experiences of the presence of Christ. They are not journalistic reports or merely historical data. They are, in fact, stories of “Good News.” They are loaded with meaning, symbolic language and moments when ordinary people encountered what Jesus was all about: “I have come that you may have life and life in abundance.” If you are a preacher, a teacher, a small group leader or participant, a lover of Scripture and/or spiritually hungry to learn more, this workshop will lay out a step-by-step strategy and plan to “break open” those time-honored Gospel texts in order to encounter Christ in your very midst.

7-07 In Good Conscience: A Theological Reflection on Conscience Formation (Workshop closed)

This workshop addresses the question of moral conscience and conscience formation. In a world that is becoming increasingly complex, it becomes ever more important to find a ground for our moral decision-making. To be a moral agent is to act responsibly and “in good conscience.” Yet, how do we define the conditions for such acting? We will analyze the sources of conscience formation in the Christian tradition and look at some applications in areas like sexuality, bioethics and social ethics.

Dr. Roberto Dell’Oro is Professor of Theological Ethics and Bioethics in the Department of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He teaches in the areas of bioethics, fundamental moral theology and ethical theories. Dr. Dell’Oro has been published in national and international journals. He has translated two books from German, has authored three books and is currently working on a fourth book tentatively titled, “Method and Meaning: Hermeneutical Reflections in Bioethics.”

7-08 Living the Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry – Celebrating 15 Years of Renewing the Vision (Workshop closed)

“Renewing the Vision – A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry” was published 15 years ago by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. How are communities living this vision? What is the response? What have we learned? Where are we growing? This workshop will explore the research and practice of ministry with adolescents in this important vision document. This will include stories from parishes and challenges for leaders in planning for the continued growth of youth ministry.

Face it: We live in a death-denying society, and few are taught how to companion friends, family or parishioners in grief. For instance, what six things should you not say at a wake, and what do you say instead? What do you say and do a week later, or a month? Is it a good idea to bring up the name or does that open old wounds? What do grieving people see as effective means of support? Come learn the words and actions that make a difference.

This question was put to me by a Muslim woman and scholar, and the answer is perhaps not as obvious as it should be. We will look at how disciples are formed, and whose initiative is involved. Called to be sent, all baptized are potential disciples, wherever and whoever they may be. What does this mean for us in today’s world?

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.

While many Christians are busy assassinating one another’s character and faith, other people are busy assassinating God. As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to be Christ’s presence in a godless world. We are called to make the God of Jesus – the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel) – known to the people of our time. This session will present a primary catechesis on how to develop a faith-filled but reasoned defense of God, and a secondary catechesis on how to present a faith-filled but reasoned defense of Catholic Christianity, in relation to Independent/Reformed Christianity.

7-12 Pray at All Times: Celebrating the Power of Sung Prayer (Workshop closed)

Come ready to sing and celebrate in song and explore the movements of our faith through “hymns, psalms and inspired songs.” Music has the power to help us find the language to accompany our lifelong journey with Christ, in a way that words by themselves are powerfully inadequate. In this session we will explore sung prayers that help us to rejoice, lament, celebrate hope and challenge us in our universal call to holiness – and together we will discover practical resources for both our liturgical prayer and our own personal spiritual journey. Come ready to sing, cry out, rejoice and commit ourselves in becoming more deeply a “singing” Church!

When we affirm our baptism, is it with a sense of awe and wonder at what the Spirit infuses in our lives or simply something we routinely, and perhaps halfheartedly, mention? Using the three symbols of baptism, we will reflect on how we are immersed in the sacred of everyday life (water); enkindled with the fire of love (candle); and anointed for service to the world (chrism). Encouraged by real-life human interest stories of people from Africa to Appalachia to our own backyard, we will claim and proclaim the Spirit’s power, presence and providence in our own lives. And then meet the challenge to pass it on!

7-14 “I Call You Friends”: Adult Formation for Authentic Discipleship (Workshop closed)

Disciples are not servants. They are not passive followers either. What attitudes and practices encourage authentic discipleship in the adults who animate faith communities? In this workshop we consider the call to mature discipleship as real friendship with God in Christ, probing that meaning of discipleship itself. Then we examine the ways that a spirituality of discipleship transforms and moves us forward toward more authentic living, more meaningful ministry, more vibrant communities.

Dr. Michael Horan is Chair of the Department of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he teaches Pastoral Theology and Ministry and is Director of the Graduate Program. Dr. Horan has taught across the country, including Iona College in New York, Boston College, the School of Theology at St. John’s University in Minnesota, the School of Theology at the University of St. Thomas in Texas, and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Dr. Horan is author of many essays on religious education and pastoral ministry. His most recent publication is “Catechesis as an Evangelizing Moment.”

The Lenten season is a period of time marked by intense preparations for the full initiation of the Elect into the Roman Catholic Church. Parish communities offer up special prayers for the Elect, and the Church waits in joyful anticipation for the moment the Elect will experience full initiation, at the Easter Vigil, through baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. This workshop will serve as an excellent opportunity to continue the process of purification, enlightenment and conversion for the Elect and for all who stand with them. Those seeking to have a deeper understanding of our faith and God’s plan for salvation are also encouraged to attend.

ValLimar Jansen is a composer, singer, storyteller and evangelizer, who travels to over 80 events annually. She has served as a college/university professor, a leader of worship and prayer and a workshop presenter at conferences across the United States and abroad. Jansen received UNITY Awards in 2008 and 2010 for her solo albums “You Gotta Move” and “Anointing.” She was MC for the National Catholic Youth Conference in 2011 held in Indianapolis, with over 24,000 Catholic youth in attendance.

Mary Janus is currently Director of Liturgy at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Northridge, Calif. Twenty-one years ago she formed “Harmonia,” a contemporary group of numerous vocalists and instrumentalists that has performed at local and regional events. Janus also serves as the musician contractor for the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress and is blessed with the opportunity to work with many dedicated and talented musicians.

7-16 Engaged Spirituality: Prayer & Action in Conversation (Workshop closed)

It is all too common for the vocabulary and exercise of spiritual practice to be divorced from the vocabulary and exercise of mission. People who pray don’t act, and people who act don’t pray! Contemplatives and activists so often seem to have so little in common, and at great cost to both. But the great saints of the Church call us to integration – to interpret prayer through love-in-action, and to inform their action through love-in-prayer. The connections between prayer and action are so potent that it is just about impossible to do either one well without the other. The implications for personal integrity, liturgy, social action and spiritual direction are enormous!

War, poverty, racism, and the environment are important, yet complicated issues of our faith. But, are they too complicated for young adolescents? In this workshop we will explore concrete methods for engaging our young disciples in important issues of social justice without forgetting about their unique developmental needs.

“Praying in Color” is an active and meditative prayer practice for adults and children. The process uses pen, paper and markers to create a time of stillness and listening. The product is a prayer drawing – a visual reminder to continue to pray throughout the day. If you have a short attention span and a restless body or would like to talk to God without words or are just looking for a new way to pray, come learn about “Praying in Color.” Absolutely no artistic ability is necessary! The workshop is based on Sybil MacBeth’s book of the same title. (This workshop is limited in size and will be repeated as Session 8-17.)

Sybil MacBeth is a dancer, doodler and a community college mathematics professor in Virginia and Memphis, Tenn. She has been a ballet and pre-ballet teacher and liturgical dance workshop leader. As the author of “Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God,” MacBeth combines her experience in the classroom with her lifelong love of prayer and has lead over 100-plus workshops and retreats that engage differing learning styles.

7-19 What Got Us Here Won’t Get Us There! The New Skills Needed for the New Evangelization

For decades Christians were able to be effective by “being right. “Father said,” “Sister said,” “Mom and Dad said” or “The Pope said” were enough to motivate others to change. Not so in today’s world. As Christians, we no longer inherit the right “to be heard” by others – we must earn that right. In this humorous, practical workshop you will learn real-world strategies and tools needed to reach the increasing number of marginal, uninvolved and un-churched in your parish.

Before she raised her voice in the public square, Sr. Helen Prejean first heard the voice of the Spirit of Jesus calling her to minister to the condemned and to the families of their victims. She is presently writing “River of Fire,” a book about the unfurling of her faith, from childhood to the present – how she came to ministry and how contemplation and prayer continually open her to Christ’s call to service. It is grace – all of it God’s grace – that impassions.

The hotly debated role of religion in politics will be examined in this workshop.

7-22 Feeling God’s Voice through Physical and Mystical Touch: Some Sacramental and Mystical Images

As human beings we need to be touched. Without touch, God becomes a monologue. Sometimes the voice that infuses life must be felt in our bodies, through physical touch, in sacrament, and in mystical touch. How does the greatest life-giving voice of all infuse life in ways deeper than words? This session will provide some sacramental and mystical images to help us become less sacramentally and mystically tone-deaf.

7-23 Integration vs. Separation: Connecting Young Adults with the Faith Community (Workshop closed)

This workshop will engage participants in developing strategies to make their parishes more young adult responsive. We will explore ways of inviting young adults into leadership in parish life, liturgy, justice and service, and youth ministry. We will also examine methods of reaching out to young adults, learning what the parish can do to meet their needs, and making adult faith formation more relevant to their everyday lives.

This session will present the world of Joachim of Flore, one of the most singular and fascinating figures of the medieval Church. We will look at some of the chaos, strife and struggles of the Latin Church in the 12th and 13th centuries. We will look into this distant mirror to get some perspective and insight in the struggles and strains of our own day – popes, Franciscans, monks, crusades, prophecies, the Trinity, and the Apocalypse.

How couples deal with their differences can often make or break a marriage. Gender differences are at the root of many marital conflicts and make intimate communication a challenging process. In this session, Dr. John Yzaguirre will examine the most common differences between men and women as they pertain to marriage life. The couples who understand, honor and integrate their differences are the ones who know how to build a fulfilling marriage that celebrates unity in diversity.

Dr. John Yzaguirre is a psychologist and author specializing in family life and Catholic spirituality. He co-directs the California Prosocial Institute with his wife, Claire Frazier-Yzaguirre, with whom he has co-authored “Thriving Marriages.” Dr. Yzaguirre has been a keynote speaker at conventions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. Besides his active private practice in Irvine, Calif., he offers his family life formation programs at many dioceses throughout the United States.

The Symbolic Way is an approach for communicating faith in an audio-visual culture. Originally imagined by Fr. Pierre Babin, OMI, an internationally renowned catechetical leader of the media age, Babin believed that only a faith built up from an awakened interiority could survive the expanding media culture. This session explores Babin’s insights adapting them for the digital age. This session explores how elements of The Symbolic Way strengthen the challenges we face in 21st-century catechesis.

The challenges of faith in modern society. A pastoral plan for youth, with great concerns from the pastors.

2012 RECongress Period 7

Religious Education Congress
Sunday, March 25, 2012
10:00 - 11:30 am

2012 RECongress Period 7

Religious Education Congress Sunday, March 25, 2012 10:00 - 11:30 am

Religious Education Congress
Sunday, March 25, 2012
10:00 - 11:30 am