RECongress 2018 - Period 6: Saturday, March 17, 2018

CONGRESS 2018 WORKSHOPS & LINKS
THURSDAY	• Youth Day Info • Youth Day Schedule • Youth Day Workshops
WORKSHOPS FRIDAY: SATURDAY: SUNDAY:	Text Page Links • Period 1 • Period 2 • Period 3 • Period 4 • Period 5 • Period 6 • Period 7 • Period 8	PDF Downloads • Friday Workshops • Saturday Workshops • Sunday Workshops
EN ESPAÑOL VIERNES: SÁBADO: DOMINGO:	CONFERENCIAS • Sesión 1 • Sesión 2 • Sesión 3 • Sesión 4 • Sesión 5 • Sesión 6 • Sesión 7 • Sesión 8	• conferencias en español
	• Horario • Eventos • Información de Congreso
REGISTER	• Register • Order Registration Book • View the Registration Guidebook • View the Program Book
2018 FEATURES	• Livestream • Youth Day • Spotlight • Schedule • Speakers • Updates • Workshops • Entertainment • Hotels • Travel • Congress Chat • Topics • Handouts • Book Signings • Order Recordings • Exhibitors • Statistics • Exhibitor Categories • Tech Center • Theme Songs • Photos • Closed Workshops

The call of the New Evangelization is heard with particular attention in Asia. With poverty, conflicts, disasters and displacement of people reaching disturbing levels, come learn how the Church in Asia is exploring new expressions and methods of evangelization.

In 2012, Cardinal Luis Tagle was installed as the 32nd Archbishop of Manila, Philippines, by Pope Benedict XVI. He formerly served as Rector at Our Lady of the Pillar Seminary in Imus, Cavite, Philippines, and as an instructor of theology and a spiritual director. Cardinal Tagle has made numerous presentations at conferences worldwide. He has served as a member on several commissions, appointed by various Popes and recently was named as one of the Synod Fathers for the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization.

Our essential mission is evangelization. We are always invited to share the love and presence of Jesus. “The New Evangelization calls for personal involvement of each of the baptized. ... We are missionary disciples,” proclaims Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). This workshop introduces a renewed understanding of Catholic evangelization.

Andres Arango is the Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and Director of Evangelization for the Diocese of Camden, N.J. He also serves as Vice President of the Latin-American Catholic Charismatic Committee. Arango is a consultant to the Subcommittee on Hispanics Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Councilor Member of the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services, based in the Vatican.

More than 35 years after the first cases of AIDS, we continue to be called to “Rise Up!” and reach out to those infected with and affected by HIV. Join Dr. Elizabeth Crabb Breen and Fr. Chris Ponnet to explore the newly updated resource for education and pastoral care entitled “The People of God Living with HIV/AIDS,” from the Catholic HIV/AIDS Ministry of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Become acquainted with Church statements, guidelines for pastoral ministry, presentations, retreats and liturgies, and the latest general information about HIV/AIDS and how to access these resources.

Dr. Elizabeth Crabb Breen is an immunologist with more than 25 years’ experience in HIV/AIDS research at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she is Associate Professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Breen has also served the Los Angeles Archdiocese AIDS Education Task Force/Human Sexuality Committee since 1989. She continues to speak frequently about the immune system, HIV infection and AIDS.

Los Angeles-native Fr. Chris Ponnet was ordained for the Los Angeles Archdiocese in 1983, at the height of the AIDS pandemic. Since then, he has served as Director for the Office of Catholic HIV/AIDS Ministry and acts as Spiritual Director for the Catholic Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Persons. He is also Pastor and Chaplain at St. Camillus Center for Spiritual Care in Los Angeles. For years, Fr. Ponnet has been working with Pax Christi and in anti-death penalty work.

Evangelization and catechesis are two parts of a very important way of presenting the Christian faith. Our panel of presenters, led by Fr. Jim Clarke, will discuss practical ways and means of merging these two separate functions of evangelization and catechesis to assist parishes. Come and join the conversation!

Fr. Jim Clarke is Director of New Evangelization for the Los Angeles Archdiocese. He is also an Associate Spiritual Director at the Cardinal Manning House of Prayer for Priests in Los Angeles and a previous Director of Spiritual Formation at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, Calif. Fr. Clarke has over 30 years of facilitating retreats and parish missions and has presented at the SCRC Conference, the L.A. Congress and the Regional Congresses.

Jared Dees is creator of the website The Religion Teacher, which provides resources for religious educators. He is also author of “Praying the Angelus,” “31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator” and “To Heal, Proclaim, and Teach.” With a background of teaching in Catholic schools, Dees has been a catechist for the past eight years and has offered workshops and keynote addresses at dozens of dioceses and parishes across the country.

Based in Colorado, Sherry Weddell is co-founder and Executive Director of the Catherine of Siena Institute, which helps develop parish-centered evangelization. She and her team have worked directly with over 500 parishes and 175 dioceses presenting at diocesan, regional and national conferences across North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Weddell is also author of “Forming Intentional Disciples” and “Fruitful Discipleship.”

Fr. Michael White previously served as Priest-Secretary to Baltimore Cardinal William Keeler and as Vice-Chancellor for the Baltimore Archdiocese. He is presently Pastor at the Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Md., where during his tenure as pastor, weekend attendance tripled from 1,400 to over 4,000! Fr. White is co-author with Tom Corcoran of the recent publication, “Rebuilt,” along with a companion field guide, which narrates that parish story.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are so similar to each other and so unlike the Gospel of John that they are called “the synoptic Gospels.” How is it that this fourth Gospel is so unlike the other three? What happened to make John so different? In this session, we will look at the formation of this Gospel and particularly at the community from which it emerged. The great biblical scholar Fr. Raymond Brown and others have shown that understanding the unique nature of the community behind this Gospel helps us to see how it formed in such a unique way and how it became so different than the Synoptics.

Fr. Bill Burton, a Franciscan friar of the Sacred Heart Province, has taught for 20 years. He is currently Professor of Scripture and Spiritual Director at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla. Fr. Burton is also a Visiting Professor at DePaul University in Chicago. Outside the classroom, he has guided hundreds of students and pilgrims on study tours and pilgrimage travels throughout the Holy Land, Greece and Turkey. He has several published articles in The Bible Today as well as a DVD series.

6-06 Youth, Faith & Vocational Discernment: What We Should Think About for the Upcoming Vatican Synod

The upcoming October 2018 Synod of Bishops is dedicated to “young people, faith and vocational discernment.” In anticipation of the synod, we will assess the formative influences on young people today, the end to which the Church’s evangelization and formation efforts are ordered, and the possibilities for renewing the Church’s mission in forming young people for vocational discernment in the present age, with special attention given to family life. In the end, we will ask the question: “How do we create cultures in which it is easier for young people to be Catholic?”

Dr. Leonard DeLorenzo works in the McGrath Institute for Church Life in South Bend, Ind., and teaches theology at the University of Notre Dame. He has authored four books, the latest (due out in 2018) is entitled, “What Matters Most: Empowering Young Catholics for Life’s Big Decisions.” Dr. DeLorenzo has presented at regional and national conferences – including the Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference and the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry – with topics including the saints and the theological imagination.

Why does it seem that bullying is in and formation is out? Catholic formation seems impossible at times with the myriad of bullying behaviors, violence and negativity in our world. How do we effectively teach youth that bullying is unacceptable without shame or blame? How do we help youth make a deeper connection with the virtuous behaviors of Jesus we know from Scripture? This interactive session will demonstrate how to effectively make a connection with select Scriptures to reduce the harm of bullying behaviors.

Frank DiLallo serves 124 parishes and 75 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, as the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Office of Child and Youth Protection. With over 35 years of experience in education and counseling, he conducts numerous educator trainings and is a frequent local, state and national speaker on the topic of bullying prevention. DiLallo’s works include “Peace Be With You: Christ-Centered Bullying Solution,” and the forthcoming “Peace Be With You: Building Christ-Centered School Communities.”

“Know thyself” is a plea that has stirred human questing ever since, it is claimed, Socrates challenged his followers to do so thousands of years ago. But what is our “true self,” and how can we approach it and embrace it in our time – with the insights that have been given us, especially in the area of holistic spirituality? In this session, we will reflect on the depth dimension of our life that calls us to move beyond daily concerns that so often totally absorb us, both as a culture and as individuals. We want to reflect on what it is that challenges us as human beings truly to come home to who we are.

Sr. Barbara Fiand, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, is a consultant, lecturer and author who lives in Cincinnati. She formerly was on staff as Adjunct Professor of Spirituality at the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago, and as Professor of Spirituality at The Athenaeum of Ohio. Sr. Fiand gives retreats throughout the country and abroad, and has written 11 books. Her primary area of interest is the transformation of consciousness and the theological challenges that it invites us to embrace.

God knows what fulfills our hearts. He has a plan and a will for our lives. What if we could discover that plan and find the strength to fulfill it? Fr. Rob Galea will offer some practical tips and teachings on how to discover God’s will for your life and how to keep in step on that path. Fr. Rob will share a few songs and stories too.

International Catholic speaker Fr. Rob Galea serves in the Diocese of Sandhurst, Victoria, Australia. In addition to his series of recordings and CD releases, the singer/songwriter has also written a number of songs for various international conferences and sang on the English version of the 2016 World Youth Day song, “Blessed Are The Merciful.” Fr. Galea is co-founder and Director of “Stronger,” a youth program spreading to various dioceses that is fast-becoming one of Australia’s largest Catholic youth movements.

“I’ll be right back, honey, I just need to do one quick thing at church.” Does this sound familiar? Do you have a hard time finding the right balance between your vocation and your ministry? Then this workshop is for you! Noelle Garcia and David McHugh will share the hilarious, heartbreaking and ultimately faith-filled struggles of learning practical ways to balance ministry and family life: Leftover pizza is key.

Noelle Garcia is a national speaker, singer, performer and recording artist with World Library Publications. She travels around the country speaking at parishes and conferences, leading music ministry and sharing faith at events including World Youth Day 2008, the National Catholic Youth Conference, the L.A. Congress and has appeared on CNN’s “Latino in America” documentary and EWTN’s “Life on the Rock.” She is the wife of fellow musician and youth minister, David McHugh, and resides in Dodge City, Kan.

David McHugh is Coordinator of Youth Ministry at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City, Kan. He is an accomplished musician and inventor of “Percoustix,” a drum trigger for guitars that he uses in ministry to lead worship. McHugh has been leading youth and music ministry for 14 years. He is a presenter at youth events at his home parish and travels nationally presenting at conferences at parish and diocesan events as well as assisting his wife, Noelle. Together they have a music CD, “Wonderfully Made.”

We all have our favorite liturgical songs, which are truly song-prayers of faith that nurture not only our liturgical rituals, but our ongoing spiritual life as well. Behind the beauty and prayer of such songs of faith are the stories that have brought them to life and sustained their power in forming us in the midst of our spiritual walk. Come and sing, pray, hear and share in the stories that have brought many such song-prayers to life, and discover fresh ways to deepen the spiritual journey that accompanies them.

David Haas is an international conference speaker, workshop and retreat leader and concert performer. He serves as Director of The Emmaus Center for Music, Prayer and Ministry, as well as Animator for Cretin-Derham Hall Taizé Prayer Community in St. Paul, Minn. Haas is also founder and Executive Director of “Music and Ministry Alive!” – a formation program for high school and college-age youth. Haas has composed and produced over 50 collections of original liturgical music and authored more than 35 books.

In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis teaches us that “we are all missionary disciples” and that “each of us should find ways to communicate with Jesus wherever we are.” In this session, we’ll examine effective and emerging social media tools and techniques to joyfully communicate the Gospel. Additionally, we will examine the challenge of moving beyond mere “documentation” in our work as social media evangelists and examine Christ’s true Gospel commission in the context of our diverse and challenging mission territories.

Lisa Hendey is founder and Editor of CatholicMom.com, Editor at Large for Ave Maria Press, and best-selling author of “The Grace of Yes” and “Chime Travelers.” She is a frequent radio and television correspondent and speaks internationally. Hendey has traveled worldwide with Catholic Relief Services and Unbound, sharing the work of these non-profit agencies. Her most recent book is entitled, “The Grace of Yes: Eight Virtues for Generous Living.”

6-13 Relationships Ruptured & Restored: New Insights into the Sacrament of Reconciliation

The sacrament of reconciliation is often approached by penitents and confessors alike from the perspective of sinful acts – “breaking the commandments,” “doing what is wrong,” “missing the mark.” While these definitions are not inaccurate, the account of the first sin in Genesis defines sin more broadly. Using the story of the original sin, Fr. Satish Joseph reflects on sin and reconciliation from the perspective of relationships. Soon to be published in a book, this reflection is sure to help inject new meaning and will transform the way in which we approach this sacrament of mercy. The session is designed for catechists, educators, confessors and penitents alike.

Ordained in India, Fr. Satish Joseph has served the Cincinnati Archdiocese for over 16 years. He serves as Pastor at both Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and at St. Helen in Dayton, Ohio. In addition, Fr. Joseph organizes parish retreats and parish missions, facilitates retreats for archdiocesan staff, and leads professional development days for Catholic school staff. He is also founder of Ite Missa Est Ministries, which offers adult faith-formation programs.

How is God calling you to serve today? It’s when we listen to the call that we find clarity, joy and gratitude. Part of discerning God’s call is fully understanding how to work toward fostering missionary disciples, and that entails leaving ourselves behind to truly listen, grow in faithfulness and trust where God is calling us to be present, to serve and to witness. Let us walk away with the desire to begin each day by asking, “What am I being called to do today?” and invite young people to do the same.

Christina Lamas made her way into the field of youth ministry after 10 years of volunteering at her home parish. She held the positions as Associate Director and Division Coordinator of Youth Ministry within the Office of Religious Education for the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Lamas has presented to regional, national and international audiences. With over 20 years of experience in catechesis and youth ministry, she now serves as the Executive Director of the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry, based in Washington, D.C.

In October 2018, Pope Francis will lead us in reflecting on the faith and the future of young people in the Church. The preparatory document – “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment” – describes its purpose as an opportunity for the Church “to examine herself on how she can lead young people to recognize and accept the call to the fullness of life and love, and to ask young people to help her in identifying the most effective way to announce the Good News today.” In preparing for this upcoming synod, this session will probe whether our young people (ages 16-29) have the faith they need to discern God’s plan for their lives.

In our chaotic and challenging world, we are called more than ever to be a transforming presence – to live with an attitude of discovery and close the gap between what we are learning and how we live. As we move toward a self that is intimately intertwined with others and with all of creation, the discipline of contemplation is essential. Contemplation – walking with God as we take a long, loving look at our reality – supports a flexible shaping and integration of prayer, reflection and dialogue. Forging a contemplative heart will help us to attend to the challenges and opportunities of our time by discovering a new consciousness, a new way of being.

Dr. Lynn Levo, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a lecturer and licensed consulting psychologist, based in Albany, N.Y. She has presented nationally and internationally on fostering healthy integrated sexuality, celibacy, relationships, intimacy, mutuality in community, and emotional intelligence. Sr. Levo has presented at the L.A. Congress and annually to five Inter-Community Novitiate programs in the United States. She also works with women’s congregations in France, Ireland, India and Africa.

Catechists and Catholic schoolteachers: Embrace your mission! Be an intentional, invitational and inspirational agent of evangelization to your students. In this session, Sr. Patricia McCormack will unpack these terms and offer practical, easy-to-replicate ideas.

Dr. Patricia McCormack, a member of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, is an international formation-education consultant who serves as Program Director of the IHM Office of Formative Support for Parents and Teachers, located in Philadelphia. She has 30 years’ experience in both the classroom and administration and is author of several books, numerous articles and the “Parent Partnership Handbook” feature in Today’s Catholic Teacher magazine. Sr. McCormack’s ministry also includes workshops and retreats.

We have all been living through a rough and tragic and lamentable era with respect to Catholics and sexuality – what with scandals, cover-ups, lawsuits, shame, pain and victims. In the hope of redeeming our relationship with sexuality, both personally and corporately, perhaps we need to return to the basics: Sexuality is a mystery. It is a gift. When we participate in the mystery of sexuality, we become Makers of Life and Love! Appreciating, celebrating and participating in the mystery of sexuality is quintessentially Catholic – for everybody!

A self-described street theologian, Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson is Resident Theologian and Animator of Faith at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago and founder and Animating and Creative Partner of Soul Play, based in Evanston, Ill. Author and leader of the Beloved Retreat, Dr. Nelson-Johnson travels across the country and to Europe presenting at diocesan events and conferences, including Notre Dame University’s Vision program and the Chicago Archdiocese’s Festival of Faith and their Theology on Tap program.

This lively presentation will cover: 1) how to be a media mindful youth minister; and 2) copyright and fair use issues of media in youth ministry. Media literacy education specialist Sr. Rose Pacatte will share resources for you to engage in youth ministry using media while respecting legal use and copyright boundaries.

Sr. Rose Pacatte, a Daughter of St. Paul, is an author, a film and television critic, and an online facilitator for the University of Dayton’s catechetical Virtual Learning Community. She currently serves as Director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Culver City, Calif. Sr. Pacatte’s latest book is entitled “Corita Kent: Gentle Revolutionary of the Heart.” Recently, she traveled to the Vicariate of Southern Arabia as keynote speaker and seminar presenter at sessions in Muscat, Oman, and in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

6-20 Rise Up: From Living by Goodwill and Dogged Willpower to Drawing on the Resurrection and Grace

We naively think that we can raise ourselves and sustain ourselves through goodwill and willpower alone. But even Jesus didn’t raise himself from the dead; the Father had to raise him up. We cannot raise ourselves up all on our own, only God, grace and community can provide us with the sustenance and strength we need to live Christian lives with warmth, happiness, graciousness, nobility of soul and joy. How do we move from living by willpower to living by grace?

Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, a Roman Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, is President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. His books have been translated into many languages and his weekly column is carried by more than 80 publications worldwide. Previously, Fr. Rolheiser taught theology and philosophy at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and served as Provincial Superior of his Oblate Province and on the General Council for the Oblates in Rome.

In working with thriving parishes across the nation, Bill Simon and his team at Parish Catalyst believe that discipleship development of parishioners and outreach to the unchurched are critical markers for long-term parish vitality. In order for a parish community to develop a disciple-making mindset, a cultural shift must take place in the whole parish. That cultural shift begins with the pastor, the staff and key volunteers. In this workshop, Bill will offer ideas and practices developed and used by parishes that have participated in Parish Catalyst Learning Communities as well as ideas that emerged from research for his latest book, “Great Catholic Parishes.”

Catholic author, businessman, lawyer, gubernatorial candidate and philanthropist, Bill Simon has spearheaded a variety of faith-based initiatives. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles in the School of Law and Department of Economics and was a Senior Fellow in their School of Public Policy. In 2012, he founded the non-profit, Parish Catalyst. The results of their research is gathered in a new book, “Great Catholic Parishes: How Four Essential Practices Make Them Thrive.”

Louisiana is known for so many fascinating things: jazz, Native-American traditions, Cajuns, Creoles and … gumbo? Yes, gumbo – made from all kinds of ingredients from all kinds of places. Like zydeco music – a blend of traditions. So what would “zydeco biblical theology” look like? Did the ancient Israelites make “gumbo theology” by blending ideas from peoples around them? Spoiler alert: Yes, they did. What might that teach us? Come explore a “zydeco” reading of the Old Testament as we continue our journeys in music and the Bible!

Dr. Daniel Smith-Christopher has taught at Loyola Marymount University for 29 years and now serves as Associate Director for Graduate Studies in Theology. He has been honored with numerous awards for research, including a Fulbright, and teaching awards such as “Undergraduate Theology Teacher of the Year” by Augsburg/Fortress Press (2006) and “Professor of the Year” in 2007 by the Associated Students of Loyola Marymount University. Dr. Christopher has published over 40 scholarly articles and 14 books.

6-23 A Church Which “Goes Forth”: Finding the Resurrected Christ in our Midst

“Go forth and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19-20): The church which “goes forth” is a community of missionary disciples. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis writes that he dreams of a missionary option that is capable of transforming everything. When Mary Magdalene went to the tomb, she did not recognize Jesus. Was this because he did not fit into her expectations? Mary had to let go of knowing and loving Jesus in one way in order to know and love him in another. This enabled Mary to rise ... go forth ... and tell the other disciples about the Easter event. Like Mary, we too need to discover a new way of being missionary disciples.

Since 1989 Sr. Maureen Sullivan, a Dominican Sister of Hope from New York, has taught theology and now serves as Professor Emerita at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire. She is also a religion consultant for the William H. Sadlier Publishing Company. 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.” She remains a popular speaker at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress.

Do RCIA right! Create compelling catechesis in your Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Remove roadblocks. Build your confidence. Turn seekers into lifelong disciples. Crush the “50 percent don’t return” myth. Invoke the “missionary option” that transforms everything! And accomplish all this with the gifts and talents you already have.

Nick Wagner is Director and co-founder of the online resource TeamRCIA.com. He has more than 35 years’ experience as a leader and trainer in ministries, serving as a diocesan director of worship and a parish liturgist. He was 25 years of experience speaking at national, diocesan and parish training events and 20 years as an active team member with the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. Wagner is author of several publications, including “Seek the Living God: Five RCIA Inquiry Questions for Making Disciples.”

We pass our faith from one generation to another through stories and songs of joy and hope. Bring your inner child and share your joy as we explore songs and strategies that affirm young children in their baptismal call, forming practices that encourage full, conscious and active participation. This is a workshop designed for those who teach young children – and for the young at heart as well!

WLP composer James Wahl has been performing children’s music for nearly 20 years. The Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Raleigh, N.C., he previously ministered in California and was Director of Music at SS. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix. Wahl has served as musician/presenter for various diocesan youth events in Phoenix and Raleigh over the past 10 years. His latest songbook of liturgical music for young children is entitled “Sitting at the Kids’ Table.”

In this workshop, we will survey the landscape of youth and young adults today and help examine how they make decisions in their lives. We will explore practical methods for accompanying them in learning the spiritual practice of discernment – in everyday decisions as well as in figuring out God’s call for their lives. This will include tips for helping young people answer the question: “Why did God create me?”

Based in Omaha, Neb., Joan Weber is Project Coordinator for Youth and Family Ministry Services at the Center for Ministry Development (CMD). She is Coordinator for Young Neighbors in Action, editor of Fashioning Faith (CMD’s subscription website for lifelong faith formation), and teaches the Justice and Service Course in CMD’s Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies. She is a contributing author to several publications and trains parish leaders in lifelong faith formation and young adult ministry.

As ministers and people of faith, we are called to respond to our brothers and sisters and their families who today are incarcerated or detained (because of immigration policies). We cannot stand idly by while the children journey in despair because of the plight of their parents. Today, the Body of Christ is incarcerated, the Body of Christ is detained. As St. Paul states, “If one member suffers, all the members suffer.” This workshop will address how we, as ministers and disciples, are called to pastorally respond in our communities to those who are incarcerated and/or detained.

Dr. Vanessa White is Assistant Professor of Spirituality and Director of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and Master of Arts in Specialized Ministries degree programs at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She is a member of the faculty and Coordinator of the Elder’s Retreat at Xavier University of Louisiana’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies and the Adjunct Faculty at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Dr. White lectures nationally as a workshop presenter, retreat facilitator, spiritual director and teacher.

In 1978, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops published their statement calling for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in parish life. An area in which these individuals have been left out of parish life is catechesis and sacramental preparation. Dr. Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy will explain how catechists can adapt their curriculum activities to accommodate children with all kinds of special needs.

Dr. Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy is based in Joliet, Ill., where she is Consultant for Special Needs in Religious Education for the Diocese of Joliet and Vice-President of Rooted in Love, Inc. The former Catholic schoolteacher and Adjunct Professor for the University of St. Francis in Joliet is a seasoned catechist and a local and national speaker in many Catholic dioceses. Dr. Wojtaszek-Healy’s own children have ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome, which led her to write the book, “The ABCs of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) for Catechists.”

Kinh Lạy Cha đã đem đến sự biến cải kỳ diệu giữa các cộng đoàn kitô hữu tiên khởi lan rộng đến sự biến đổi xã hội trong thế giới La Hy thời cổ đại. Sự biến đổi ấy vẫn tiếp tục tuôn tràn đến mọi dân tộc qua mọi thời đại ảnh hưởng sâu đậm đến suy tư, nhận thức và lối sống của họ. Vấn đề là mỗi khi cầu nguyện với Kinh Lạy Cha, tôi có sẵn sàng mở lòng để Thần Khí Chúa kêu lên trong tôi, “Abba, Cha ơi!” (Roma 8:14); (Galat 4:6) và dắt dìu tôi chìm vào huyền nhiệm trong hồng ân cứu độ như Thánh Ý Chúa đã định cho tôi không?

The Lord’s Prayer led to miraculous conversions in the early Christian community, and then spread marvelous social change in the Greco-Roman world. Such conversions have spilled to all peoples of all time, and have had profound influences in their thought, perception and lifestyle. As a matter of fact, when I pray with the Lord’s Prayer, am I ready and willing for Holy Spirit to cry out in me, “Abba, Father!” (Rom 8:14), and to lead me into the mystery of salvation that God has willed for me?

Hiện đang là Chánh xứ giáo xứ Thánh Phanxicô Xaviê đồng thời cũng là Trung Tâm Công Giáo của người Nhật tại Los Angeles. Từ năm 2003 đến năm 2015 được bề trên chỉ định là Linh Hướng Hội Tông Đồ Cầu Nguyện của Tỉnh Dòng Tên California, và của Tổng Giáo Phận Los Angeles đặc trách hướng dẫn các Khóa Tĩnh Tâm và giảng huấn trong các buổi hội thảo và các khóa học hỏi để phổ biến lòng Tôn Sùng Thánh Tâm Chúa Giêsu, Thánh Thể và Thánh Lễ tại nhiều nơi trên Nước Mỹ, Canada, Âu Châu, Nhật Bản, Úc Châu và Việt Nam.

Fr. Doan Hoang is Pastor at St. Francis Xavier Church at the Japanese Catholic Center in Los Angeles. He also served the California Province of the Society of Jesus and as Director of the Apostleship of Prayer for the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Fr. Hoang has worked as a preacher, retreat master and instructor of parish missions, retreats, workshops and seminars in many parts of the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia and Vietnam.

2018 RECongress Period 6

Religious Education Congress
Saturday, March 17, 2018
3:00 - 4:30 pm

2018 RECongress Period 6

Religious Education Congress Saturday, March 17, 2018 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Religious Education Congress
Saturday, March 17, 2018
3:00 - 4:30 pm