RECongress 2019 - Period 7: Sunday, March 24, 2019

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Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate (“Rejoice and Be Glad”), presents a “spiritual curriculum” for the people of God. We are being invited to sing, rejoice and be glad in becoming a “Sermon on the Mount” people! Through song, reflection, storytelling and prayer – we are all invited to sign up for and celebrate the “master class” of authentic discipleship – all pointing toward a lifelong journey and practice of asking ourselves: What does this life “in Christ” really look like? Come and join David Haas, along with friends Lori True, Zack Stachowski and other artists, to examine, reflect, sing and celebrate the adventure and the challenge.

David Haas is 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. He has composed and produced over 50 collections of liturgical music and authored more than 35 books. Haas was founder and Executive Director for 19 years of “Music and Ministry Alive!” Together with Michael Joncas and Marty Haugen, the three were recipients of the 2017 Pax Christi Award from St. John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minn.

John Allen, veteran observer of the Vatican and the global Catholic scene, takes a 360-degree look at the highlights and lowlights of Catholic news in the past 12 months, tracing the major news headlines of the last year and teasing out what they mean in terms of big-picture conclusions, movements and ideas in Catholicism that seem to be gaining traction as he outlines important stories to watch in the coming year. This session is for Catholics who want a keen sense of what’s happening in their Church, not just in the United States, but in Rome and around the world.

John Allen Jr. is President and Editor of Crux, an independent Catholic news site in partnership with the Knights of Columbus, De Sales Media and the Los Angeles Archdiocese. He is Senior Vatican Analyst for CNN and a popular speaker both in the United States and abroad. Allen previously served as both Associate Editor for the Boston Globe and Senior Correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter. He is author of 12 best-selling books on Vatican and Catholic affairs and numerous articles. He divides his time between Rome and his home in Denver, Colo.

Step away from your busy schedule to indulge in a mini retreat to feed your soul and quench your thirst! Breathe, stretch, create and interact. Kick off your shoes and experience prayer in motion, joyful movement and gestural pieces, including The Woman at the Well, The Beatitudes and Ecclesiastes. Let the Spirit awaken you to a creative and inspiring experience – sparking ideas you might weave into your own retreats.

Monica Luther is a skilled educator who uses her gift of dance movement and knowledge of liturgy to enhance prayer services, concerts, liturgies and conferences across the country. She has shared the ministry of liturgical movement with assemblies at Los Angeles Religious Education Congress for over 22 years and currently serves on their Liturgy Committee. Luther works as an instructional specialist and national staff developer for public schools. She is currently a doctoral candidate at California State University, Fullerton.

Nicole Masero has over 20 years of experience teaching liturgical movement as prayer and how to incorporate the ministry into liturgies and prayer experiences. For over 15 years she has taught young adults and adults liturgical movement at various parishes in the Los Angeles Archdiocese, and for the last six years she has taught at the Los Angeles Regional Congresses. Based in Long Beach, Calif., Masero also serves as Event Coordinator for the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ministry is as effective as our willingness to share our own stories of faith, the stories of the saints, stories from our church, stories from literature, stories from Scripture. We all need to be better, more effective storytellers. Jesus was the best storyteller who ever lived. His stories and delivery caught the attention of his listeners. This session will explore what skills are needed to be an effective storyteller and the dynamics of what constitutes a good story. All ministries could benefit from this session.

Mary Birmingham is the former Director of Liturgy, Music and Christian Initiation at Ascension Parish in Melbourne, Fla. She has been involved in RCIA ministry on a national level since 1992 and travels extensively throughout the United States and Canada providing diocesan workshops. Birmingham is a former team member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. She is author of several works, including “Confirming Adult Catholics” and her most recent, “Purified and Enlightened: RCIA Sessions for Lent.”

Despite what you hear from the 24-hour news cycle, the state of our world is not as dire as it sometimes seems. In the last 25 years, we have seen the peoples of the developing world rise up like never before in our human history. At this moment in time, humanity is experiencing signs of an emerging culture of encounter marked by increasing global solidarity. Come and hear the untold story of the global poor, the power of possibility and how the Catholic Church is part of world history in the making.

Sean Callahan is President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community. As a 28-year veteran of CRS, he has held a wide variety of leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations, and Regional Director for South Asia. Callahan is also President of Caritas North America and Vice President of Caritas Internationalis, where he serves on the Executive Board and Representative Council.

We experience certain and unmistakable grace within our sacramental and liturgical celebrations. However, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton urged us to “be prepared to meet your grace in the daily circumstances of life.” This retreat-like session will describe four or five personal encounters of unexpected grace and allow you time to privately recall your own so you can recognize what you have found to be true about the nature and experience of unexpected grace.

Dr. Mike Carotta is a nationally recognized religious educator and consultant who recently directed a national confirmation preparation project. He has taught catechetics in six Catholic universities and has spoken at diocesan, national and international events. His recent books include “Teaching for Discipleship” and “Unexpected Occasions of Grace.” Dr. Carotta lives in Omaha and currently serves as the Consultant for Catholic Initiatives at the American Bible Society.

If spirituality is to be truly evangelical (Gospel life), it needs to be a just and liberating spirituality, which is why Christian spirituality needs to be liberated from misconceptions that would relegate it to pious devotion, private practice and the so-called “inner world.” This session will present an understanding of Christianity that takes seriously the Reign of God in “reality,” and conversion as the response to God’s reign in daily life. Such a spirituality balances contemplation, the option for the poor, universal fellowship, eucharistic mission and the cross for the works of mercy and justice.

Formerly a parish priest and youth evangelizer, Prof. Gilberto Cavazos-Gonzalez is Professor of Spirituality working in Educational Technology at the Pontifical International Marian Academy at the Antonianum in Rome. He has given retreats, parish missions and academic conferences in the United States, Mexico, Europe and South America. Fr. Cavazos-Gonzalez has authored various articles and several books. Presently, he is writing a book on the Spanish Franciscan mystic and pastor, Juana de la Cruz Vasquez Gutierrez.

How do we offer those we encounter in our ministries a drink of the Living Water that quenches their thirst and soothes the growing sense of hopelessness that many people are experiencing today? There is an urgent need to share the Good News with those who are hurting, lost and in need of comfort. We are called to be God’s vessels of Living Water, boldly pouring out the Good News that we are unconditionally loved and that we are not alone. Becky Eldredge will offer concrete ways to walk with those we encounter, to invite them to the deep well of hope, and to teach them to continue to drink deeply of the Living Water long beyond our encounter with them.

Becky Eldredge is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator and author of the book “Busy Lives & Restless Souls.” With two decades of ministry experience, she has led youth and young adult retreats, parish missions, Ignatian retreats and days of reflection. Eldredge has presented at the Spiritual Director’s International Conference, the Ignatian Spirituality Conference, and has appeared as a panelist at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Convocation of Catholic Leaders.

Our voice is a key instrument in evangelizing and educating. Whether you are a lector, catechist or prayer leader (anyone who reads Scripture aloud), come learn how to engage your church, classroom or ministry in faith and Scripture through vibrant proclamation. No more heads buried in books (or phones), as you get people to turn and be captivated by the Word. With lots of practical advice from our two experienced coaches, everyone will learn the skills to bring Scripture to life.

Based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Anne Frawley-Mangan teaches at Holy Spirit Seminary and at Australian Catholic University and is Sacramental and Pastoral Coordinator at All Saints Parish in Albany Creek. She is an experienced educator, writer and artist who specializes in using the arts to enhance religious education and liturgy. Frawley-Mangan is also Creative Director of Litmus Productions, which produced “Good News: Dramas from Luke’s Gospel.”

Douglas Leal is Vice President of Mission Integration with Providence St. Joseph Health, based in Irvine, Calif. He previously led the Division of Adult Faith Formation for the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Leal has worked as a management consultant and a professional actor and director. He is author of the book for lectors, “Stop Reading and Start Proclaiming!” and co-author of 2017 and 2019 editions of Liturgy Training Publications’ “Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Proclaimers.”

Scripture teaches that all are created in the “image and likeness of God.” However, the experience of most people in America whose skin color or ethnic features bear no sign of European ancestry is that not all people are treated equally, even in the Church. America’s “original sin” of racism, born-out in the enslavement of African peoples, has boiled over into the mistreatment of indigenous people from around the globe. This session will offer an analysis of the sin of racism and xenophobia (hatred of the stranger), as exemplified in American politics and Church inaction, and ways to reduce prejudice and discrimination in the Church and society.

Dr. Greer Gordon is a theologian, whose work has included the faculty positions at Regis College and at the University of Massachusetts; and as Diocesan Director in Washington, D.C., Oakland, Boston and Baton Rouge. Her publications include books, a video program and numerous articles. Dr. Gordon was the first woman to deliver the Baccalaureate Address for Boston University and is a frequent speaker at RECongress, having delivered the keynote and Sunday morning addresses. She is currently a theological consultant for a social service collective in South Louisiana.

Ancient wisdom traditions had names and rites of passage for the four distinct stages of adult spiritual development: student, householder, forest dweller and sage. These stages offer a profound map for the spiritual seeker and invite different sets of questions and life tasks. This same wisdom is reflected in both biblical and Judeo-Christian mystical traditions but has been largely ignored by modern culture. This workshop will engage every adult with practical spiritual tools. You will leave with excitement for soulful renewal and the sacred journey of living.

Richard Groves is Executive Director of the Sacred Art of Living Institute in Bend, Ore., which he founded with his late wife Mary in 1997. He has spent more than 30 years as a health-care educator and hospice chaplain. Groves is an internationally popular teacher, author and retreat director. His work has appeared in numerous national and international journals. He is co-author of “The American Book of Living and Dying,” which has been translated into many languages, and author of “The Soul and Science for Caregivers.”

“Here’s to another day of outward smiles and inward screams.” If this is your daily mantra, then this workshop is for you! In our working situations, it doesn’t take long to go from that initial excitement and joy to the feeling of just going through the motions. In our various jobs, we are thrust into a family-like atmosphere. Sometimes we feel overworked and underappreciated. So how are we to be as Christ in this environment, and how do we keep our hearts renewed and our wits about us? Come sing, pray, laugh and be prepared to share as we work on how we can be a people of renewal in the workplace. This workshop is especially geared for parish workers.

Based in Nashville, Tenn., Sarah Hart is a singer, songwriter, retreat author and keynote speaker. The “itinerant minister” has authored four retreats for parish missions, women’s retreats and adult catechesis, which she presents nationally. Hart has performed for countless conventions and events, and for Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square. The Grammy-nominated songwriter has songs in TV, film and commercials. Her works are visible in hymnals across the globe.

Why did God become human? The typical answer: “Because of human sin,” suggesting the Word would not have become flesh if humanity had not sinned. However, a closer look at Scripture, the theological tradition and the insights of key Christian thinkers such as St. Paul, Irenaeus of Lyons, John Duns Scotus, Julian of Norwich, and Francis of Assisi, among others, offer an alternative yet entirely orthodox answer to this question: It was God’s plan from all eternity to become human regardless of human sin. This workshop explores the spirituality and theology of the Incarnation to renew our personal and pastoral understanding of Christology.

Franciscan friar and theologian Fr. Dan Horan is Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology and Spirituality at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He previously taught at Boston College, at Siena College and St. Bonaventure University in New York, and has lectured across North America, Europe and New Zealand. Fr. Horan is author of numerous academic and popular articles; his latest book is titled “All God’s Creatures: A Theology of Creation.”

Have you ever wondered how to read the Bible? Do you start at the beginning and just read through to Revelations? As women, when reading and studying God’s Word, how can we find ourselves reflected in the Word of God? ValLimar Jansen was raised with Sacred Scripture ever before her. She has put together this walk through the life and mission of Jesus, who came to establish his Kingdom of Justice on Earth. In her usual powerful storytelling style, ValLimar has developed some new stories of divine encounters of Jesus with women.

ValLimar Jansen serves the Church as a composer, singer, storyteller, speaker and evangelizer. She received critical acclaim for her solo albums “You Gotta Move” and “Anointing,” winning UNITY Awards recognition in 2008 and 2010. Jansen was MC for the National Catholic Youth Conference in 2011 held in Indianapolis and co-MC for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ gatherings at the 2016 World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland and in 2017, she was an invited panelist for the USCCB’s Convocation on Evangelization.

7-15 Upgrading Your Ministry Tool Box: A Community Organizer’s Approach to Youth Ministry

We as lay ecclesial ministers come from all walks of life. The lens, knowledge and skills we bring from our professional lives can provide us with fresh ways of approaching the task of evangelization. Join Sergio Lopez, a community organizer and former youth minister, as he shares the most effective tools that community organizing has to offer parish youth ministry. This workshop is for anyone who feels it’s time to upgrade their youth ministry tool box.

Sergio Lopez is a faith-based activist, trainer and former youth minister from the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Since 2014, he has worked for Catholic Relief Services as a Relationship Manager and is based in Simi Valley, Calif. Lopez has presented at the Los Angeles Youth Day, the Religious Education Congress and the Archdiocesan Regional Congresses and has been a keynote at the Fresno Diocesan Encuentro and speaker at the Fresno Diocesan Youth Day and Congress.

7-16 I’ve Got A Song About That! Integrating Music into a “Friendly Format”

There’s nothing like an appropriate song to help a student remember, understand and internalize key faith concepts and Scripture messages. Australian teacher and composer Michael Mangan will share a range of his vibrant, child-friendly songs that will help to actively engage students in religious education classes and liturgical celebrations in schools and parishes. Come, sing, move ... and have lots of fun!

Michael Mangan is a composer, teacher and music liturgist from Brisbane, Australia. The former Elementary School Specialist Music Teacher has over 250 compositions that are used in schools and parishes throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Mangan is President of the Australian Pastoral Musicians Network, a member of the Australian Academy of Liturgy, and Music Director at All Saints Catholic Parish in Brisbane.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is mostly known by her image, which can be found on home altars, clothing, tattoos, murals, medals, wall hangings, blankets, candles, magnets, books, prayer cards, garden decorations and church buildings. However, it is the less known narrative of the Guadalupan event, originally told in the 16th-century document, the Nican Mopohua, that offers both a theology and pedagogy for justice-oriented, liberating praxis. This session will offer concrete theological insights that Our Lady of Guadalupe establishes with St. Juan Diego that serve us as a model for a three-step pedagogy that seeks transformative and just actions.

Born of Cuban parents in Miami, Fla., the bilingual, bicultural Sr. Hilda Mateo is Director of Research and Studies of the Priestly-Guadalupan Charism for the U.S. Province of her religious community, the Missionary Guadalupanas of the Holy Spirit. Sr. Mateo worked for nine years in the Diocese of Pueblo, Colo., addressing culture, faith and immigration in the development of an adult faith formation program in Spanish for Hispanic ministers in Southern Colorado. She is a workshop facilitator who currently resides in Los Angeles.

Pope Francis says we only get better with age, like fine wine. Join a 62-years-young Bro. Mickey McGrath as he shares his paintings and stories in celebration of the second half of life, when we evolve into our truer, wiser selves. From Gospel wisdom figures like Anna and Simeon, through saints and artists in modern times – and many others in between – we will look at the more matured saints and heroes who can help us develop a mature relationship with God and simply be ourselves, perfectly well.

Bro. Mickey McGrath is an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales currently living and working in Camden, N.J. The artist is an illustrator and author of 18 award-winning books; his latest is entitled “Our Common Home: Art Reflections on Laudato Si.” Bro. McGrath also paints commissions for churches and schools throughout the United States. He is a popular retreat leader and presenter in a variety of venues on the national Catholic circuit.

Sr. Norma Pimentel will reflect on the Gospel passage where Jesus encounters the Samaritan Woman at the Well and how both the woman and Jesus were “changed” through this experience. Through her work as Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, Sr. Pimentel will share how the local community in Texas is quenching this thirst by welcoming immigrant families and inviting others to do the same.

Sr. Norma Pimentel, a licensed professional counselor and member of the Missionaries of Jesus, has served the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas for 20 years. As Executive Director for Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley for the past 14 years, she was instrumental in responding to the surge of Central Americans seeking asylum in the United States and setting up the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas. Sr. Pimentel has spoken at many conferences about her work along the Rio Grande border and was keynote at the National Conference of the Catholic Volunteer Network.

7-20 What’s Your Story? A Personal Engagement Process for Parish Leadership

Everyone tells stories. Jesus certainly did! His stories (parables) connected the content of his message to the lived experience of his disciples in a very personal way. Discover how storytelling can be used as an effective leadership tool to inspire, motivate, reinforce cultural values and strengthen relationships within a team of volunteers.

Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy is Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Honolulu, Hawaii. She serves as Vice-President of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership and is an advisory committee member to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs. Ragasa-Mondoy is co-producer of the award-winning “One ‘Ohana” video series, has published numerous diocesan catechetical resources and articles, and is author of “Cultivating Your Catechists.”

In this Scripture workshop, we begin by struggling with the difficult question: What exactly is a prophet? The biblical witness is wonderfully complex! But we will also consider a fascinating question: Can more recent “prophets” help us to understand something of the biblical prophets? Now there is a question!

Dr. Daniel Smith-Christopher has taught for 29 years at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he is Professor of Theological Studies and Director of Peace Studies, as well as Director of the New Zealand Study Abroad Programs. Dr. Christopher formerly served the university as Associate Director for Graduate Studies in Theology. He has published over 40 scholarly articles and 14 books, and has been honored with numerous awards for research, including a Fulbright and teacher of the year awards.

The last 25 years of scientific research on the Shroud of Turin has revealed that the 1998 carbon dating of the Shroud was very probably incorrect, and six new dating tests accurately place the Shroud in first-century Jerusalem. In addition to new confirmatory evidence from blood stains, several recent scientific replications of the Shroud’s unique image show the likelihood that it was created by a burst of light energy of several billion watts. Fr. Robert Spitzer will explain this evidence and show its credible apologetical value.

Jesuit priest Fr. Robert Spitzer is currently President of the Magis Center at Christ Cathedral in Orange County, Calif., and President of the Spitzer Center for Ethical Leadership, based in Michigan. He formerly served as President of Gonzaga University and has published 11 books and many scholarly articles. Fr. Spitzer gives over 90 public presentations per year and appears on radio and television, including “Larry King Live” (debating Stephen Hawking), the “Today Show,” the History Channel, PBS and EWTN.

This workshop is for anyone who wants to know Mary better – the real, human Mary of the Bible and the profound interior journey of faith she made throughout her life. We will walk with Mary step-by-step from Nazareth to the cross and consider how she faced moments of joy and thanksgiving, moments of uncertainty and discernment, moments of trial and darkness. And yet at every critical point, she responded with greater trust and surrender in ways that offer many practical insights for our own paths of Christian discipleship today.

Theologian and author Dr. Edward Sri is an internationally known Catholic speaker. He is a founding leader of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) and serves as Vice President of Formation. He is also Professor at the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colo.. and former Vice President of Mission. Dr. Sri has spoken to audiences of laity, catechists, clergy and religious. He is host of the video series, “Symbolon,” and author of the recently released “Rethinking Mary in the New Testaments” and “Into His Likeness.”

Parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith, but it’s often a challenge to get parents and families involved in parish and school faith formation. In this session presented by a child and family psychologist and former diocesan family life director, we will discuss tested and effective ways to partner with parents and families and evangelize the domestic church.

Child psychologist Dr. Joseph White is National Catechetical Consultant for Our Sunday Visitor Publishing and Curriculum. He has worked as a parish catechetical leader and spent seven years as Director of Family Counseling and Family Life in the Diocese of Austin, Texas. A frequent guest on Catholic radio and television, Dr. White is author of numerous articles and 10 books on catechesis and ministry and co-author of the “Allelu!” and “Alive in Christ” catechetical series.

7-25 The 12 Steps and the Sacraments: A Catholic Approach to Addiction Recovery

We are experiencing an addiction crisis in our country that has torn apart the lives of individuals, families and communities. Alcoholism, drug addiction, compulsive overeating, pornography and sex addiction, gambling, codependency and other unhealthy attachments are real issues that affect the Church and nearly every one of us. Scott Weeman offers his own experience with recovery from alcoholism and other addictions while outlining how the Catholic Church can be a vital source of addiction healing through the sacraments and communal recovery that involves prayer, Scripture and honest reflection.

Scott Weeman is founder and Executive Director of Catholic in Recovery and is in formation to be a marriage and family therapist. He is also author of “The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments: A Catholic Journey Through Recovery.” Weeman has presented at the Dallas Ministry Conference, the Diocese of Fresno Congress, the University Catholic Conference of California as well as dozens of parish and diocesan events across the country. He coordinates young adult ministry at Saint Brigid Parish in San Diego with his wife, Jacqueline.

Chủ nghĩa tương đối ném chúng ta trở lại theo chủ thể riêng của mình, một sự tự huyễn: Bạn có chân lý của bạn, tôi có chân lý của tôi. Trong buổi thuyết trình này, chúng ta cùng nhìn vào Giáo lý Giáo hội Công giáo để tìm kiếm sự tự do đích thực và khám phá ý định của Thiên Chúa cho cuộc sống của chúng ta, qua đó mời gọi chúng ta hãy đem nền văn hóa của mình trở lại với chân lý vĩnh cửu, Đức Giêsu là con Đường, sự Thật và sự Sống” (Ga 14:6).

Relativism throws us back upon our own subjectivity, a self-fantasy: You have your truth, I have mine. In this session, we look at Catholic teachings to seek true freedom to discover God’s purpose for our lives, inviting us to bring our culture back to the eternal truth – Jesus, “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

2019 RECongress Period 7

Religious Education Congress
Sunday, March 24, 2019
10:00 - 11:30 am

2019 RECongress Period 7

Religious Education Congress Sunday, March 24, 2019 10:00 - 11:30 am

Religious Education Congress
Sunday, March 24, 2019
10:00 - 11:30 am