2014 RECongress Period 2 Religious Education Congress Friday, March 14, 2014 1:00 - 2:30 pm

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CONGRESS 2014 WORKSHOPS & LINKS
THURSDAY	• Youth Day Info •  Youth Day Schedule • Youth Day Workshops
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2014 FEATURES	• Youth Day • Theme • Congress Chat • Updates  • Schedule • Speakers • Topics • Book Signings • Order Recordings  • Exhibitors • Exhibitor Categories • Statistics • Theme Songs  • Closed Workshops • Photos

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= Recorded session

2-01  Messengers of Hope: Expanding the Vision of Ministry for the 21st Century     (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

Throughout the history of Christianity, faithful ministry has always existed in a deep and authentic relationship with the world. Through song and pastoral reflection, this session will explore the challenges and opportunities contemporary culture offers us to expand our vision of ministry within and beyond worship in a way that faithfully responds to the Gospel.

Tony Alonso

Tony Alonso‘s contemporary liturgical music appears in compilations and hymnals throughout the world. An emerging theologian, he is currently a doctoral candidate in the Graduate Division of Religion at Emory University in Atlanta, where he is focusing on liturgical and ritual studies. Formerly, Alonso served as Director of Music for Campus Ministry at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He has presented at liturgy, music and theology conferences across the world. His latest work, “Pilgrim” with Liam Lawton and Chris de Silva, is due in 2014.

Marty Haugen

For over 30 years, composer Marty Haugen has presented workshops, concerts and presentations across North and Central America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific Rim. With over 35 recordings and 400 published editions, his range of musical compositions continues to appear in hymnals for United States, Canadian and Australian Catholics, Evangelical Lutherans and other Protestant denominations. His latest work, “Lyric Psalter” (with Tony Alonso), is a resource of a three-year cycle of Psalms from the Lectionary for Mass.

2-02  Developing a Children’s Liturgical Dance Ministry      (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

There is more than one model to organize a successful and meaningful Liturgical Dance Ministry in your school or church. A ministry can be either inclusive (involving all of the children throughout the school year) or exclusive (selecting a small group who are responsible for rehearsing and performing). There is also the option of forming a ministry that goes out into your community to serve in this very special way! Learn how to work as a team with your priest, music director and all those involved in your celebrations. Participants should come ready to put down their notes and learn some simple dances and movement pieces appropriate for children’s liturgy!

Donna Anderle

An accomplished dancer, teacher and choreographer, Donna Anderle is on the teaching faculty of the Cincinnati Ballet and Midwest Theatre Ballet, and is involved in CincyDance!, an outreach program for Cincinnati inner-city schools. Anderle has choreo­graphed for major conferences, including the National Catholic Youth Conferences and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Her work is compiled in four choreography books and a video with Oregon Catholic Press. She continues to give workshops, keynote presentations and dance in concert.

2-03  Walking Together as One Human Family of Hope       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

Hope can truly set the world on fire with God’s love! Come meet and listen to Thomas Awiapo, as he is joined by the dynamic presenter and singer ValLimar Jansen. Together, these two powerful speakers share their stories of survival and success – Thomas in Ghana, West Africa, and ValLimar in the United States. Using reflection, prayer and music, along with their personal stories of hunger and hope, Thomas and ValLimar bring to life God’s invitation to live as one human family. They will inspire all of us to embrace hope in a world afire!

Thomas Awiapo

Orphaned before the age of 10, Thomas Awiapo survived bleak poverty and hunger in his small village in Ghana. The loss of two younger siblings to malnutrition and his search for food at age 12 led him to school, where he eventually won scholarships to attend college. Today, he works for Catholic Relief Services as an international speaker and trainer for community leaders throughout Ghana, where he lives with his wife and four children.

ValLimar Jansen

ValLimar Jansen serves the Church as a composer, singer, storyteller, inspirational speaker and evangelizer. She received critical acclaim for her solo albums “You Gotta Move” and “Anointing,” winning UNITY Awards recognition in 2008 and 2010. She was Emcee for the 2011 National Catholic Youth Conference held in Indianapolis, and she performed with her husband, Frank, at the Loreto/Angora International Papal Event in Italy, which was broadcast on EWTN and across the world.

2-04  Songs of Hope and Celebration for Children       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

Have you been searching for vibrant, engaging and prayerful music for children? In this workshop, Australian educator/composer John Burland will use the gifts of song, movement and story to share original music for children at the elementary level. These songs have been created to help children deepen their understanding of Scripture and provide age-appropriate songs for Mass and celebration. Join Burland and students from Catholic schools in Sydney, Australia, as we gather with joy and hope to celebrate Word and Sacrament.

John Burland

John Burland is an educator and composer of religious music for children and adults. He is Project Officer-Liturgy/Music for the Catholic Education Office in Sydney, Australia, and a workshop presenter, composer and touring musician for Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division. Burland has worked as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and religious education coordinator for over 20 years in school and parish communities. He is a regular speaker at conventions and gatherings across Australia, New Zealand and North America.

2-05  Making the Connection with Parents while Preparing Youth for Confirmation       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

How can we support and involve parents as their adolescent child is preparing for confirmation? It’s all about strengthening the Church of the home! Research and personal experience demonstrate that parents make a huge difference in the faith life of youth, and that preparing youth for confirmation can be an opportunity to renew the faith life and active participation of the whole family. This workshop will explore resources and strategies to help make the connection to parents and the families of young people as they prepare for confirmation.

Tom East

Tom East is Director of the Center for Ministry Development, based in Washington state. Previously, he served as Director of Youth Ministry and as Associate Director of Religious Education for the Los Angeles Archdiocese. East is a popular speaker at youth and religious education conferences across the country. He is author of numerous books, including “Leadership for Catholic Youth Ministry.”

2-06  Who’s Sorry Now? The Challenge of Forgiveness       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

The themes of forgiveness, guilt and human sorrow are everywhere. Each of us carries wounds from past hurts, and each of us knows that we have hurt others. What does the Gospel say about relational brokenness and the healing power of forgiveness? Is forgiveness the same as reconciliation? Is it possible – or even healthy – to “forgive and forget”? This presentation explores these deeply human questions in the light of Jesus’ vision and practice: forgiveness is an intentional attitude of the heart, a journey rather than an event. And, in the end, it is a doorway to true freedom.

Fran Ferder, FSPA, PhD

Sr. Fran Ferder, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, is a clinical psychologist, university teacher, author and international speaker. Since 1985, she has been the Co-Director of Therapy and Renewal Associates (TARA) in the Pacific Northwest. She is also an adjunct instructor in the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University. Sr. Ferder has authored several books, including “Words Made Flesh” and, with John Heagle, “Tender Fires: The Spiritual Promise of Sexuality.” She lives on the Oregon coast.

Rev. John Heagle, MA, JCL

Fr. John Heagle is a priest, counselor and author with more than 48 years of pastoral experience as campus minister, college professor, pastor and retreat director. Since 1985, he has served as a licensed psychotherapist and Co-Director of Therapy and Renewal Associates (TARA). He is also an adjunct instructor in the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University in Washington. Fr. Heagle is the author of eight books and lives near Lincoln City, Ore.

2-07 Where is God in All This?      (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

If God is so good, why do bad things happen? Why doesn’t God prevent disasters and tragedy? Why are some people spared while others die? Is God punishing me or teaching me a lesson? If you are willing to challenge your own beliefs and re-examine some things you’ve always been taught, then come explore the tough questions that inevitably arise when we suffer. It will change the way you pray and the way you minister with and comfort others.

Amy Florian

Amy Florian is a liturgy and bereavement consultant, an instructor in a graduate ministry program at Loyola University of Chicago, and CEO of Corgenius, a company that teaches professionals how to support grieving clients. Florian has 30 years of parish and conference experience, and has authored over 90 articles and three books. She has presented keynote talks and workshops at over 20 diocesan conferences.

2-08  Divinization: The invitation of the Eucharist to Communion of Life and Love with God       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

Early Church writers spoke of the mystical communion with God as the central gift of the Eucharist. Participants will be given a glimpse into this mystery and the wonder of the transformation of all of creation into Christ.

Paul F. Ford, PhD (originally with Rev. Richard N. Fragomeni)

Dr. Paul Ford is Professor of Systematic Theology and Liturgy at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, Calif., where he has taught since 1988. He has presented workshops on the new Roman Missal across the country. Dr. Ford was the first Roman Catholic in the doctoral program at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. In 1995 Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony honored him with the Laudatus Award “for excellence in the promotion of the liturgical life of the parishes and the people of the Archdiocese.”

2-09  Getting Teens to “LOL” – Love Our Liturgy       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

Let’s face it, Generation Y (the Millennial Generation) and Generation Z can find liturgy boring and disengaging; yet it is one of the most powerful ways we can have to connect with our awesome God. Fr. Rob Galea will share stories and give practical tips on how to engage (and possibly draw) young people as well as share about his coming-to-appreciation and love for the liturgy and how it played a vital role in his freedom from addiction and anger.

Fr. Rob Galea

Fr. Rob Galea is currently serving as an assistant parish priest and also as a Chaplain at Notre Dame College, both in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. He is a singer and songwriter with an international fan base. Apart from his series of recordings and CD releases, Fr. Galea has also written a number of songs for various campaigns and international conferences. He is the co-founder of Stronger, a youth program that is quickly becoming one of Victoria state’s largest Catholic youth movements.

2-10  RCIA: Discerning Conversion  

This workshop will focus on ways to discern the level of Christian formation for those who come to us seeking the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. We will also examine the types of conversion we can help facilitate for catechumens and candidates in the RCIA process.

Dr. Jerry Galipeau

Dr. Jerry Galipeau is Vice President and Chief Publishing Officer at World Library Publications in Franklin Park, Ill. He is a former parish director of liturgy and music, and is past Chair of the Board of Directors for the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. Dr. Galipeau has presented keynotes and workshops throughout the United States and Canada, and has authored numerous publications and keeps a blog for those interested in liturgy, music and initiation.

2-11  Catholic Spiritual Practices: A Treasury Old and New       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

No faith tradition has a richer treasury of spiritual practices than Catholicism. This legacy from our foremothers and forefathers in faith can truly be a treasury for our time as we reclaim and refurbish their rich array of practices. This workshop will highlight some of the most promising for our own time.

Dr. Thomas Groome

Dr. Tom Groome is Professor of Theology and Religious Education and Chair of the Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. The award-winning author has written or edited 10 books and numerous articles and essays. Dr. Groome has made over 500 public presentations over the last 30 years, including all the major North American conferences of religious educators.

Colleen Griffith

Dr. Colleen Griffith has taught for nearly 20 years at Boston College, where she is currently Associate Professor in the Practice of Theology at the School of Theology and Ministry, and has lectured widely with special focus on the theology and spirituality of the body. Dr. Griffith has published numerous articles in her fields of specialization, and is co-editor with her spouse, Dr. Thomas Groome, of “Catholic Spiritual Practices: A Treasury Old and New.”

 2-12 Today’s Domestic Church: Driving the New Evangelization       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

With minivan travels from Scouting meetings to soccer games and all the points in between, today’s families are busier and yet more in need of the graces of the Church and the promise of the Gospel than ever before. Learn what Catholic families want from their parishes and schools and hear success stories and concrete examples of faith in action in homes and dioceses around the country. We will offer innovative ways to nurture and invigorate the domestic church as the heart and soul of the New Evangelization.

Lisa M. Hendey

Lisa Hendey is founder and editor of CatholicMom.com and bestselling author of “The Handbook for Catholic Moms.” She is a technology contributor for EWTN’s “Son Rise Morning Show” and a regular guest on Relevant Radio’s “On Call” afternoon show. Hendey is a columnist for Faith & Family, Catholic News Agency, and Catholic Exchange, and her articles have appeared in the National Catholic Register and Our Sunday Visitor. She gives workshops on faith, family and Catholic new media topics, and was selected to participate in the Vatican Bloggers Meeting.

Sarah Reinhard

Based in Ohio, Sarah Reinhard is a Catholic wife, mom, writer, parish employee and catechist. She has spoken at numerous conferences throughout the United States. In addition to being author of several books, Reinhard is a daily blogger for SnoringScholar.com; a columnist for CatholicMom.com, NewEvangelizers.com, and for Integrated Catholic Life e-zine; and a contributor for AmazingCatechists.com and CatholicExchange.com. She writes and produces segments for popular podcasts and is a frequent guest on other podcasts.

2-13  Immigration: A Moral, Ethical Issue      (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas, DD (bio 1-12)

For many years, the United States has been struggling to fix a broken system by passing comprehensive immigration policy reform. This workshop will explore why this is a moral, ethical issue and how we can move forward in securing our border as well as providing migrants economic opportunities for a decent way of life.

2-14  Living with the Lord’s Prayer       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

Dr. Josephine Lombardi will lead us through each petition of the Lord’s Prayer (The Our Father) and show how our salvation is connected to the fulfillment of the Lord’s Prayer. A brief introduction to the prayer will be followed by a presentation on how the Lord’s Prayer can be a powerful guide for daily living. This is an ideal workshop for those seeking the deeper meaning of our church’s spiritual treasures. This presentation is based on Dr. Lombardi’s book, “On Earth as it is in Heaven.” Handouts will be given with activities, resources and suggestions on how to start a study group on the Lord’s Prayer in your school or parish.

Josephine Lombardi, PhD

Dr. Josephine Lombardi has worked in a variety of ministries. Currently, she is Assistant Professor of Pastoral and Systematic Theology, Professor of Field Education, and Director of Lay Formation at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. She is an author, retreat leader and has presented at numerous conferences. Dr. Lombardi is host of a weekly radio show on Radio Teopoli (AM 530) on the New Evangelization. She has made numerous guest radio appearances and television interviews.

2-15  Teaching Kids to Pray – Praying in Color        (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

Prayer is about being wide-eyed, openhearted, spontaneous and receptive. Kids are all of these things. But sometimes, like adults, they cannot find the words to say in their prayers. They feel shy with God. Their bodies wiggle, their minds daydream, and their eyes wander. Praying in Color invites wiggly bodies, dreamy minds and wandering eyes into prayer. With paper, colored pencils, markers, pens and doodles, children can pray for others, express their gratitude, or learn to listen for the “still small voice of God.” Bring a pen, colored pencils or markers, paper and a hard surface to draw on.

Sybil MacBeth

Sybil MacBeth is an author, a workshop and retreat leader, and a former community college mathematics professor. She has been a ballet and pre-ballet teacher and liturgical dance workshop leader. MacBeth combines her experience in the classroom with her lifelong love of prayer, and has lead over 150 workshops and retreats on Praying in Color. Her 2007 book, “Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God,” has now been translated into Korean, Spanish and Italian.

2-16  Why Catholics Shouldn’t Be Fundamentalists       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

Many Catholics and others receive their understanding of the Bible from the loudest voices on the radio, who often take positions that leave their listeners confused. This session will provide strategies for helping RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) instructors and parish Bible study leaders move adults from fundamentalist approaches to more satisfying, authentically Catholic interpretations of the Bible. The starting point will be both faith-filled and rational, combining an ongoing trust of the Holy Spirit’s inspiration with genuinely intelligent investigation. Bring your Bible.

Rev. J. Patrick Mullen, PhD

Fr. Pat Mullen, a priest of Los Angeles, is Professor of Biblical Studies at St. John’s Seminary and Pastor of Blessed Junipero Serra (Padre Serra) Parish, both in Camarillo, Calif. He is author of “Dining with Pharisees” and “Sacred Scripture,” a high school introduction to the Scriptures. Fr. Mullen speaks annually at the Los Angeles Congress and to diocesan priests in Phoenix, Utah, and seven of the 12 California dioceses, as well at diocesan conferences throughout the Southwest, Texas and Australia.

2-17  Hope and Fire: Catechetical Insights on the Holy Spirit       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

As Catholics throughout the world embark on the journey of a New Evangelization, it is imperative that we ponder how the Spirit that guides the Church on this important journey works in the lives of believers. In this session, we explore key theological and spiritual insights from various Christian thinkers and consider how these may help us to develop a catechesis on the Holy Spirit that speaks to today’s Christians in our faith communities.

Hosffman Ospino, PhD

Dr. Hosffman Ospino teaches pastoral theology and religious education at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry, where he is also Director of Graduate Programs in Hispanic Ministry. His research and writings focus on the conversation between faith and culture. Dr. Ospino is currently working on a book on multicultural congregations as well as one on parishes with Hispanic ministries. His most recent book is entitled “Evangelización y Catequesis en el Ministerio Hispano,” published by Liguouri.

2-18  Rekindling the Flame       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

The Celtic Christian propensity to find the Divine in nature speaks to many of the concerns of our present era. The ancient wisdom, visual images, poetry, prayers and blessings of Celtic Christian spirituality take us beyond words to re-ignite our imagination. Seeing through the sentimentality of the stories and legends surrounding saints Patrick and Brigid of Kildare, we re-discover the transformative power of becoming an Anam Cara (soul-friend) to ourselves and to those we meet on the road of life. They both epitomize the beauty of hospitality and companionship. Exploring their witness of tireless evangelization can re-ignite our own imaginations and creativity.

Sr. Carol Quinlivan, CSJ

Sr. Carol Quinlivan, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a spiritual director and also a retreat director, with extensive experience in spiritual formation at both the archdiocesan and parish levels. Over the last 20 years Sr. Quinlivan has created Sophia Circles, intergenerational gatherings of women for group spiritual direction. Presently, she is a doctoral candidate at the Jungian Institute in Carpinteria, Calif., while ministering at the Serra Retreat Center in Malibu, Calif.

2-19  That’s a Good Story! Using Narrative to Teach About Morality       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

In teaching about morality from a Catholic perspective, especially in senior high school, a challenge the teacher faces is presenting complex and often countercultural ideas in ways that interest students and can facilitate future learning. One very valuable pedagogical technique is the use of narratives or stories. This is often a powerful way of introducing complex issues in a succinct but engaging manner. This workshop will examine the use of narratives as a means of presenting abstract notions, such as what conscience is and how it is formed.

Richard M. Rymarz

Richard Rymarz is the Peter and Doris Kule Chair in the Catholic Religious Education Department at St. Joseph’s College at the University of Alberta, Canada. He worked as a high school religious education teacher for 12 years before entering academic life. For the past 15 years, his primary teaching has been in programs that prepare teachers to teach religious education Catholic schools. His latest book is entitled “Taking the Next Step: Teaching Religious Education in Catholic Schools.”

2-20  Bringing the Death Penalty Up Close  

Dale Recinella, a Catholic Correctional Chaplain for Florida’s death row, and Dr. Susan Recinella, volunteer lay minister for families of the condemned during executions, take the audience by the hand and lead them into the halls of death row, the death house, the death watch visits and final good-byes, the execution chamber and official witness room, and the church where the condemned person’s family waits to hear if their loved one has been killed. They will share the rarely discussed truths about how the death penalty affects flesh and blood human beings, including the staff, witnesses and family of the condemned.

Dale S. Recinella, JD, MTS

Dale Recinella has served for 20 years as a spiritual counselor and as a Catholic Correctional Chaplain in Florida’s prisons; since 1998, serving 400-plus men on death row and 2,000 men in long-term solitary confinement. Dale is an international speaker on the death penalty, prison conditions and faith perspectives on crime and punishment. He has appeared frequently on Vatican Radio and on European and domestic radio. His latest work, “When We Visit Jesus in Prison,” is a resource for Catholic prison ministry.

Dr. Susan M. Recinella

Dr. Susan Recinella has served in volunteer ministry to families of the executed for 14 years. She has worked as a licensed clinical psychologist since 1991 in outpatient and inpatient settings. She is presently Clinical Psychologist and Director of Intern Training at the Florida State University Counseling Center in Tallahassee. Dr. Recinella, an international speaker, has worked as a Director of Training for the last 10 years in American Psychological Association-accredited pre-doctoral internship programs.

2-21  Fuel for the Fire: How to Keep from Burning Out, Burning Over or Being Burned       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

The road toward justice and inclusion of the marginalized in the church and in society can be fraught with roadblocks, hills and even danger. As parents (and teachers) of children with a variety of special needs, we need a body of wisdom to help us feed the fire of passion for inclusion in a way that it can be sustained over the course of a lifetime.

Christine & Michael Way Skinner

Christine Way Skinner is a full-time catechist at St. John Chry­sos­tom Parish in Ontario, Canada. Michael is Coordinator of Religion, Family Life and Equity for Canada’s York Catholic District School Board, where he has also worked as an English religion teacher. Together, they are monthly columnists for The Messenger of St. Anthony Magazine. They are parents to six children with varying special needs and are committed to finding creative and inclusive ways to pass on the church’s tradition to the next generation.

2-22  Developing the Parish as a Community of Service: A Parish Filled with Life and Hope       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has declared that the purpose of a parish is “to feed and nurture people to be a leaven in society.” This workshop will focus on practical, concrete ways to achieve that. It will explore both the nurturing and the calling forth of all to assume their God-given call to ministry and service.

Bro. Loughlan Sofield, ST

Based in Maryland, Bro. Loughlan Sofield, a member of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, is currently Director of their Senior Ministry II Cenacle. He previously served as Director of their Center for Collaborative Ministry in New Jersey; as Director of the Washington Archdiocesan Consultation and Counseling Center; and as Assistant Director of the Center for Religion and Psychiatry in Washington, D.C. Bro. Sofield has taught and spoken in almost 300 dioceses on six different continents. He is the recipient of numerous awards and co-author of several books.

2-23  Announcers of a New Pentecost       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

Pope John XXIII believed Vatican II could be a “new Pentecost.” That dream is still in progress, since we are the bearers of that message. It is time for us to re-discover the Holy Spirit in our midst and to realize what is made possible by this Spirit. We know that our time offers us numerous challenges. This session will examine these challenges and offer ways to “find” the Holy Spirit in our midst and spark the fire of renewal in ourselves and in those to whom we minister. We are guided by the belief that in the end we can discover some meaning to human existence, a meaning that is not imposed ... rather, a meaning that is already there, waiting to be discovered.

Sr. Maureen Sullivan, OP

For the past 23 years Sr. Maureen Sullivan, a Dominican Sister of Hope from New York, has been a Professor of Theology at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire. In addition to her teaching, she also serves as a Religion Consultant for the RCL Benziger Publishing Co. and has been a popular speaker at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. Sr. Sullivan has written two books on Vatican II: “101 Questions and Answers on Vatican II” and “The Road to Vatican II: Key Changes in Theology.”

2-24  Revolutionary Hope  

Jesus was not a zealot, but his movement was revolutionary in that it exposed the misplaced priorities of the world’s systems. Jesus puts the last at the front of the line, blesses the poor, promising them his Kingdom, and offers hope to the hopeless. So what does Jesus’ Kingdom look like, and how is his Kingdom different from any other kingdom? What are the ways in which we’re called to share this hope with a hopeless world?

Jim Wallis

Jim Wallis is a best-selling author, public theologian and frequent national and international speaker. Author of 10 books, he is founder and President of Sojourners and Editor-in-Chief of Sojourners maga­zine. Wallis’ columns run in major newspapers and blogs, and he appears on radio and television as a commentator. He has taught at Harvard University and currently teaches a course on “Faith, Social Justice, and Public Life” at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

2-25  Islam and the Arab Spring: Democracy and Revolution and War       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

This workshop will give both a historical and religious context to the political upheavals in the Muslim world, with a focus on the role of the youth and social media. It is hoped that our discussion will lead to greater insight into understanding some of the ongoing regional conflicts.

Jihad Mohammed Turk

Jihad Turk, a Palestinian-American Muslim, studied Arabic at the Islamic University in Saudi Arabia and Farsi at Qom College at the University of Tehran in Iran. Turk is currently President of Bayan Claremont, an Islamic graduate school at Claremont Lincoln University in Claremont, Calif. Formerly, he served as Imam/Religious Director of the Islamic Center of Southern California in Los Angeles. He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times as well as on the History Channel and CNN.

2-26  The Brain and God: Are We “Wired” for Spirituality?       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

How is our brain “wired” for God? St. Augustine, who lived long before scientists knew that there were brain waves, observed that God has made us, and our hearts and minds are restless until they rest in God! What is some of the recent research by neuroscientists that enlightens our understanding of the brain and God? We will look at how these findings influence our spirituality particularly within the Catholic tradition. We will also explore how this information enhances an understanding of our own uniqueness and connectedness with others. Jesus was an outstanding brain-friendly teacher! Let’s aim at imitating the Master himself who invited us to do so!

Jean Marie Weber

Jean Marie Weber serves as Director of Educational Programs at the Saint Clare Center for Catholic Life at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. She is the former Director of Certification for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Commission on Certification/Accreditation, and former Associate Director of the Office for Schools and Child/Youth Ministries at the Milwaukee Archdiocese, where she currently chairs the Commission on Continuing Formation for Clergy and Lay Ecclesial Ministers.

2-27  The Pilgrim Way: Setting Direction for a Future Life)

David Whyte (bio 1-27)

Join David Whyte for an exploration of the great questions of human life through the eyes of the pilgrim: someone for whom the nature of the destination changes step by step as the end of the path approaches. One of the central themes will be internal resilience, the necessity for following a certain star not seen or perceived by anyone else, on a path keeping the journey in the world relevant and true. We will look at the necessity for hardiness, for shelter, for risk, for companionship, for vulnerability, for creating a more beautiful mind and the absolute need to ask for help at transition points combined with an ability to recognize when it is being offered and the humor, humility and open hands necessary to receive it.

2-28  Reinvigorating Catholic Identity in a Digital Civilization       (WORKSHOP CLOSED)

Pope Francis is calling all Catholic educators and cate­chists to study and implement new methodologies for faith formation in a digital civilization. New digital learning environments, brain research, collaborative learning and stimulating learning experiences demand we re-imagine how we communicate faith in the 21st century. How can we apply these new developments and insights for reinvigorating the Catholic identity of our Catholic schools and parish catechetical communities, as well as adult faith formation?

Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski, MHSH, DMin

Sr. Angela Zukowski is Director of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives and the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation at the University of Dayton in Ohio. There, she also serves as a professor in the Department of Religious Studies and teaches online for the School of Education. Sr. Zukowski, a member of the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart, serves as an international consultant for incorporating digital resources for faith formation in diocesan, parish and school pastoral communication plans.

2-70  Tân Truyền Giáo: Căn Tính và Sứ Mạng của Chúng Ta  

Ngày 21 tháng 9 năm 2010, Đức Giáo Hoàng Bênêđictô XVI qua tự sắc Ubicumque et semper (Mọi Nơi và Mọi Lúc) công bố thiết lập một bộ ngành mới trong Giáo Triều Roma mang tên: Hội Đồng Giáo Hoàng Cỗ Võ Tân Truyền Giáo. Từ ngày 7 đến 28 tháng 10 năm 2012, Đức Thánh Cha triệu tập một Thượng Hội Đồng Giám Mục Thế Giới tụ về Tòa Thánh nghiên cứu đề tài: Tân Truyền Giáo Để Thông Truyền Đức Tin Kitô. Và Năm Đức Tin hoàn vũ được đề xướng kể từ ngày 11 tháng 10 năm 2012 đến ngày 24 tháng 11 năm 2013 cũng không ngoài mục đích đẩy mạnh về Tân Truyền Giáo. Buổi hội thảo này trình bày một vài khía cạnh cốt yếu về Tân Truyền Giáo và tại sao đáp lại lời mời gọi này là căn tính và sứ mạng của mỗi người Công Giáo.

         The New Evangelization: Our Identity, Our Mission  

On September 21, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI, through a motu proprio entitled “Ubicumque et semper,” established a new commission in the Roman Curia named the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization. From October 7-28, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI also convened a World Synod of Bishops to Rome to discuss New Evangelization for the transmission of the Christian faith. It was for the same purpose – pushing for the New Evangelization in the world – that the Year of Faith, October 11, 2012 to November 24, 2013, was proclaimed. This workshop discusses some principal dimensions of the New Evangelization and how it is every Catholic’s identity and mission. (Session presented in Vietnamese.)

Cha Nguyễn Huy Bảo

Cha Nguyễn Huy Bảo là linh mục triều thuộc Tổng Giáo Phận Los Angeles. Cha tốt nghiệp bằng Cao Học và thành công đệ trình luận án về linh đạo của Đức Hồng Y Nguyễn Văn Thuận. Năm 2011, cha được mời bởi Bộ Tuyên Án Phong Thánh cho Đức Hồng Y Thuận làm chứng về vị Tôi Tớ Chúa. Cha Bảo từng là giảng viên tại Religious Education Congress và Đại Hội Giáo Lý Việt Nam Toàn Quốc. Cha hiện phục vụ tại Giáo Xứ Thánh Gregory the Great, Whittier, California.

Rev. Bao Huy Nguyen

A priest of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, Fr. Bao Nguyen completed a Master of Arts and successfully defended his thesis on the spirituality of Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan. He was invited by the Postulation for the Cause of Cardinal Thuan’s Canonization to give formal testimony regarding this Servant of God for sainthood. He has been a presenter at the Religious Education Congress and the Vietnamese-American National Catechetical Conference. He currently serves as Administrator Pro Tempore at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Whittier, California.