Session 1 / Sesión 1: 8:30 - 9:30

Opening Prayer & Welcome  / Sesión de apertura y bienvenida

1-01 Abide in His Love, Hand it On! / Permanece en su Amor

  • (BC3, IAC, Catechist)
Session 2 / Sesión 2: 9:45 - 11:00

2-01 English Featured Speaker: Preparing Hearts and Minds to Abide in Christ: How to Cultivate a Living and Joyful Faith—Joe Paprocki

  • When soil gets compacted, seeds cannot take root. Unless the soil is loosened, air, water, and nutrients cannot penetrate and those seeds that do germinate cannot break through the surface. In a similar way, the seeds of God’s Word cannot take root in hearts that have been hardened. In today’s increasingly secular world, hearts and minds have grown “compacted” and much more difficult to penetrate. As a result, much of our work in faith formation is like the seed that was thrown on rocky ground: it is unable to take root (Matthew 13:5–6). If we want the seeds of God’s Word to take root so that those we teach might truly abide in God, we need to “prepare the soil” of people’s hearts and minds so that God’s Word may penetrate, obstacles that compete for nutrition may be removed, and a joyful faith may take root, break through the surface, and transform the world. (BC3, IAC, Catechist)

2-02 Fe en acción—Marcos Gonzalez Villalba  

  • Fe es un verbo, es vivir lo que creemos. ¿Cómo ayudamos a los discípulos a vivir como Jesús? Explore cómo los catequistas pueden fomentar oportunidades para servir a otros. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

2-03 Los sacramentos, fortalezas en para el camino—Ricardo Luzondo

  • El propósito del taller es demostrar la importancia de los sacramentos para el resto de la vida y cómo tener presente esta realidad en la vida diaria luego de la preparación para recibirlos por primera vez. (IAT5, Theology)

2-04 Las 20 mejores ideas que el Papa Francisco nos presenta en su Exhortación Apostólica la Alegría del Evangelio—Pia Septién 

  • La Exhortación Apostólica Evangelii Gaudium (La Alegría del Evangelio) del Papa Francisco trata sobre el anuncio del evangelio en el mundo actual. Inicia diciéndonos que esta alegría llena el corazón y la vida entera de los que se encuentran con Jesucristo. En esta plática hablaremos sobre las principales ideas que ofrece el Santo Padre en este documento donde hace una invitación a una nueva etapa evangelizadora, marcada por la alegría, e indica el camino por el cual debe marchar la Iglesia en los próximos años. (IAT3, Theology)

2-05 La catequesis y la ideología de género—Lucia Baez Luzondo    

  • Vivimos en una cultura cada día más secularizada donde se nos presentan ideologías, que bajo la apaciencia de la justicia, la igualdad y la inclusión, nos proponen conceptos de vida totalmente contrarios a la fe. La más abarcadora y engañosa de ellas es la ideología de género, que niega radicalmente la naturaleza del hombre y la mujer como Dios la creó. Este taller explica las propuestas erróneas de la ideología de género y como navegar estas realidades en la catequesis y la educación religiosa. (IAT2, Theology)

2-06 Actividades interactivas, fáciles y divertidas para reforzar la formación crsitiana—Alicia Guerrero 

  • Usted aprenderá actividades fáciles y divertidas que podrá realizar en sus sesiones de formación, con sus alumnos, con familias y grupos de formación de adultos. En esta sesión usted trabajará con otros catequistas y podrán compartir sus experiencias. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

2-07 Proclamación del Kerygma: elemento esencial en la misión evangelizadora De la Iglesia—Monica Opperman

  • Proclamar a Jesucristo es la misión de la Iglesia.  Aprende a conocer todos los elementos del Kerygma y a proclamarlo a viva voz.  “En la boca del catequista vuelve a resonar siempre el primer anuncio: «Jesucristo te ama, dio su vida para salvarte, y ahora está vivo a tu lado cada día, para iluminarte, para fortalecerte, para liberarte» (Papa Francisco, EG 164). Adquiere las herramientas esenciales de evangelización de niños, adolescentes y adultos. (AM4, IAT3, Theology)
Session 3 / Sesión 3: 12:00 - 1:15

3-01 Featured Speaker en Espanol: Catequesis Evangelizadora—Gerardo Salazar

  • La catequesis está intamente unida al quehacer evangelizador. No deben contraponerse la una a la otra por el contrario, son complementarias e inseparables. En este taller aprenderás algunas técnicas catequéticas que te permitirán siempre tener un enfoque evangelizador sin perder la pedagogía y la importancia de la enseñanza.  (BM2, IALM, Methods)

3-02 Reclaiming the Fire: 6 Keys to a More Evangelizing Catechesis—Joe Paprocki 

  • Today, more than ever, faith formation needs to be more evangelizing—not only informing, but also transforming hearts and minds. In her book, Start with Jesus, author, speaker, and evangelist Julianne Stanz states that “too often our approach to our faith lacks the fire or energy that it deserves,” and she issues a call for us to “reclaim the fire.” With that in mind, Joe Paprocki, DMin, has identified six keys to reclaiming this fire so that our faith formation will be more evangelizing. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

3-03 Vatican II & Other Faiths—Joe Von Kanel

  • Remember this old joke? A man (or woman), after touring heaven, asks about the big wall and is told, “We keep the Catholics behind there. They think they’re the only ones here.” Vatican II did a lot to change our perception of and relations with other Christians, world religions and even atheists. Come see how! (IAT3, Theology)

3-04 Spirituality of the Catechist—Patrice Spirou

  • As catechists, we need to focus on Jesus in our lives, so we can in turn help others to know that Jesus is accompanying them as well. We will reflect on our own personal call to discipleship and its relationship to the mission of being a catechist. (BC2, Catechist)

3-05 Technology Evangelizers of the Gospel—Paul Sanfrancesco

  • “The church and its members must continue to go out, continue asking what God is calling them to and continue finding new ways to respond” Pope Francis.  In a constantly changing world, catechists are challenged every day to find way to proclaim the joy using whatever resources they can find and one of those ways could be through social media. If we have no presence on social media, our parishioners, community members or others may be creating our message for us and without us. Let’s capture this opportunity to reach more. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

3-06 Prayer and Music with Children—Jenny Kiehl, Sheila Murray, Rosanne Bowen

  • Songs and prayers children learn in our ministries will stick with them for the rest of their lives. They are powerful because they touch the emotions of all people, especially children, involving the mind, heart, and soul in the process. The extensive anthology of actual songs found in the Old Testament indicates the importance and value God places on creative musical expression; walls fell down when instruments were played! Whether you are a musician or not, all catechists can use prayer and music with our students to help them grow in their relationship wit God and the Church. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

3-07 Get Your Hands on the Message—Anne Boshinski

  • Just as Jesus used parables to teach his followers, you too can use concrete, everyday objects to relate difficult concepts to your students. Object lessons offer a simple tool to help us relate God’s Word to our everyday surroundings. We can think of them as short, simple parables.  They can provide Bible truths for all ages – kids, teens, and even adults. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

3-08 Inspiration, Organization, and Renewal: How the New General Directory and Other Catechetical Documents Can Energize and Shape Your Ministry—Joseph White 

  • In the catechetical documents, we can find inspiration to renew our work in faith formation. We will briefly review some key insights and directives from recent catechetical documents, including the new general directory, and envision how to put the catechetical vision of the Church into practice in innovative ways that respond to our current challenges. (BM2, IALM, Methods, IAT3, Theology)

3-09 What the Church Believes—Deacon Tom Coffey (Basic Theology Extended Session—2 hours)

  • Explore the core beliefs of the Catholic Church based on scripture, the Creed, Vatican II documents, and The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Feel equipped to confidently share your beliefs and to spread and defend the Catholic faith. (BT4, Theology)

3-10 Living the Paschal Mystery—Carol Hamill

  • Based on our Theology of Real Presence what does it mean for us as we receive the Body of Christ?  How is Christ made real again as we live out our lives at home, on the job, in the community? (IAT4, Theology)

3-11 Adult Faith Formation: Best Practices, Facilitation Skills & Marketing—Bev Sauer

  • Life long learning is a valuable necessity in Faith Formation programs.  Let’s explore this ministry and how to succeed with effective marketing, relevant studies, a welcoming presence and facilitating open discussions. (AMI, Methods)
Session 4 / Sesión 4: 1:30 - 2:45

4-01 Featured Speaker: A Future Full of Hope: Helping Kids Stay Catholic—Joseph White

  • We have known for some time that young people are leaving the Church in alarming numbers. New research gives us insight into why they are leaving and how we can build a foundation of faith, beginning in early childhood and continuing through the teen years, and promote lifelong engagement and discipleship. (IALM, AM4, Methods)    

4-02 Church History—Joe Von Kanel (Basic Theology Extended Session—2 hours)

  • A look at what happened between the Acts of the Apostles and the papacy of Pope Francis. It turns out you can cover 2,000 years of Church History in 15 common words and phrases, most of which you’ve heard and some of which you say every week. (BT3, Theology)

4-03 Teaching Religious Ed. in a Way Every Student Can Enjoy—Jenny Kiehl 

  • Religious education teachers, staff, or coordinators can come learn easy and fun ways to make lessons  entertaining, that meet the learning styles and engagement of all your students through the use of centers. Learn tips to work “smarter, not harder” when creating your centers. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

4-04 Inclusion of Students in Faith Formation—Lorie Uhlmann

  • Share, enlighten and engage with practical ideas and strategies to offer inclusion of all who come for Faith Formation; including awareness,advocacy and acceptance. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

4-05 Scripture: In the Eyes of the Beholder—Kathy Hoffman (Basic Theology Extended Session—2 hours)

  • Each New Testament Gospel presents a unique picture of Jesus and his mission.  Understanding these differences equips the catechist to create clearly-focused lessons based on lectionary texts. (IAT1, Theology)

4-06 Adult Faith Formation: Our Hearts Were Burning—Carol Hamill

  • “OUR HEARTS WERE BURNING WITHIN US” is a pastoral plan created to help parish leaders establish programs for adults that will leave adults asking for more scripture, Church teachings regarding sacraments and morality, using various styles of adult formation. (AM2, Theology)

4-07 Personajes de la Biblia: historias del pasado, lecciones para el presente y esperanza para el future—Pia Septién        

  • La intención de esta conferencia es conocer un poco más a algunos personajes del Antiguo Testamento sobre las cuales nos habla la Sagrada Escritura. Para que ellos, con su historia particular, nos orienten y animen en nuestro camino de fe. Ellos, como nosotros, tuvieron problemas, pasaron por momentos difíciles, circunstancias especiales, quizás estaban lejos de su tierra, sus hijos fueron problemáticos, el medio ambiente no les ayudaba, etc. (IAT1, Theology)

4-08 Metodologia sobre las Inteligenoas Multiples y las etapas evolutivas—Maria Goretti Guzman 

  • Este taller ayudara a los catequistas a usar la metodología adecuada, según la edad de los niños o adolescentes. Cada etapa tiene su propia metodología. El catequista tendrá el conocimiento necesario para aplicar la metodología a cada nivel de formación en la fe, haciendo la sesión de catequesis mas divertida y efectiva (BM2, IALM, Methods)

4-09  Creencias de la Iglesia Catolica—Luis Guzman (Sesión extendida de teología básica—dos horas)

  • La fe es creer en Dios y creerle a El. Los fundamentos de nuestra fe están en la profesión de fe: El Credo. “¿De que sirve tener fe, si no tiene obras? (Sant 2, 14) (BT4, Theology)

4-10 Historia de la Iglesia—Linda Ebernez (Sesión extendida de teología básica—dos horas)

  • La Iglesia Católica es la institución más antigua en el mundo. Comenzando con los primeros cristianos hasta el presente, la Iglesia se ha establecido en cada nación de la Tierra. Jesucristo la fundó y ella es la fiel guardiana de la fe cristiana. A pesar de las herejías, ataques y hostilidades desde dentro y desde fuera, la barca de Pedro continúa navegando firme hacia su último destino, el encuentro con el Señor. (BT3, Theology)
Session 5 / Sesión 5: 3:00 - 4:15

5-01 Do The Right Thing: Forming Catholic Conscience in Children and Youth—Joseph White

  • In a world of relativism, hedonism, and minimalism, how do we help kids and teens learn to make good and loving choices? This talk, presented by a child psychologist and catechetical author, will discuss what we know from the field of psychology about children’s moral development and practical ways to help them make good decisions when faced with moral dilemmas. (IALM, Learner)                                                              

5-02 Creating Catholic Digital Citizens—Paul Sanfrancesco

  • Everyday an app, game or social media is downloaded on to a student’s personal device and somehow it always finds a way into our classroom and can have a positive or negative reaction that teachers /catechists have to handle. We will explore how we can transform our students, and classrooms, into becoming digital catholic leaders/citizens and model a positive social media culture. #creatingsaintsonline (BM2, IALM, Methods)

5-03 Jesus the Christ, Son of God, Son of Man—Deacon Tom Coffey 

  • Normatives of the Christian Faith: A brief overview of the dynamic presence and radical ministry of Jesus Christ; in history, and the present age; with emphasis on the invitation to join in the coming of the Reign of God. (IAT1, Theology)

5-04 Glory-Glory! Let’s Tell A Story – The Art of Storytelling—Kathy Bearden

  • Bring a little more glory to your story! In this light, fun and interactive workshop you’ll learn key story telling tips and techniques to engage your audience and practice storytelling. A good story never ends and has the power to connect and bring learning to life! Once upon a time there was an amazing storyteller-and that storyteller is you! (BM2, IALM, Methods)

5-05 Adult Faith Formation: The Autumn Years and Adult Faith Formation—Maureen Ingalls & Marjie Schutz 

  • An overview of Senior spirituality and some practical applications of how to include Seniors in Adult Faith Formation. (AM2, Learner)

5-06 Ministerio de Jóvenes y Adultos Jóvenes—Marcos Gonzalez Villalba 

  • Únase a la discusión para compartir estrategias para involucrar a la Iglesia joven en su parroquia. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

5-07 Espiritualidad el Catequista—Gerardo Salazar 

  • La espiritualidad del catequista es el alma que alimenta la razón del hacer catequesis. En este taller recibirás algunas prácticas concretas sobre como alimentar y nutrir siempre una espiritualidad católica transformadora tanto para el catequista como para el entorno en cual se trabaja. (BC2, IAC, Catechist)
Day Long Youth Ministry Tracks

The Youth Ministry track is focused on ministry and catechesis to teens. The workshops are designed for youth ministers, core members, and catechists who work with teens. The Youth Ministry track is hosted by LifeTeen, suitable for all who work in middle school and high school ministry. This is an inclusive track, beginning in Session 2 through 5.  You have the option to select between beginner and veteran workshops.

 Presenters: Mario Trujillo & Joel Stepanek

Session 1: 8:30-9:30

  • Opening Prayer & Welcome                                                     

Session 2: 9:45-11:00

  • YM Beginner—Keys to Core Member Success

    • Core member is a term that means youth ministry volunteer. Core members are an absolute necessity for successful ministry. A youth minister can’t reach nearly as many teens as an entire team of core members can. You’ve said YES to becoming a core member and being an essential part of youth ministry at your parish. What comes next? Let’s explore the five keys to becoming a successful core member. (BC3, IAC, IALM, Catechist, Methods)

  • YM Veteran—Mine for You: Taking Ownership of your Gifts & Talents

    • We’ve heard the phrase, “You have unique gifts and talents,” spoken countless times, but how do we really measure and assess what they are?  Sometimes, we offer all of that to the Church and find ourselves burned out. This practical and empowering breakout will help you discern where your time, talent, and energy is best spent not only for the ministry and teens you serve, but also for your own personal sanity. (BC3, IAC, Catechist)

Session 3: 12:00-1:15

  • YM Beginner—Discomfort Zone: Relational Ministry 

    • Whether they openly share about their lives or stick to the edge of the youth room hoping to remain unseen, each and every teen desires and benefits from positive relationships. Relational ministry is foundational to building community in youth ministry and accompanying teens as disciples. The essential practices for relational ministry and how to effectively engage in these discipleship forming relationships with teens will be discussed. (BM2, IALM, YM5, Learner)

  • YM Veteran—Attention Spans and the Gospel: Presenting to iGen

    • Attention spans can be difficult to measure until you are in front of a group of teenagers at which point the measurement is easy. As eyes glaze over or heads look down toward their phones, we realize that reaching teenagers in a talk or teaching is getting more difficult. Let’s focus on best practices for presenting to iGen in a way that doesn’t just hold attention, but engages the hearts and minds of these young people. (BM2, IALM, YM5, Learner, Methods)

Session 4: 1:30-2:45

  • YM Beginner—More Than Questions: Accompanying Teens Through Small Groups

    • Knowing when to speak and when to listen can make all the difference in any conversation. Small groups are a critical component of youth ministry; let’s talk. techniques for making small groups dynamic and engaging to effectively accompany the teens in your youth group. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

  • YM Veteran—Beyond the Smile: Helping Hurting Teens

    • The life of a modern teenager is a challenging place. While there is joy in their world, there are also moments of anxiety, sadness, and even despair. Being a teen is hard in any era, but in our current culture it is especially challenging. This pastorally focused breakout works through best practices for accompanying teenagers through challenging situations and how we can help hurting teenagers while continuing to lead them toward Jesus Christ. (BM2, IALM, YM5, Learner)

Session 5: 3:00-4:15   

  • YM Beginner/Veteran—Empowered for the Gospel: Being Spirit Led in Ministry

    • At the end of the day, our gifts and talents can only do so much. Working in ministry is about more than our natural gifts, but about the supernatural empowerment of the Holy Spirit. If we aren’t led by the Holy Spirit, we won’t travel far. This empowering talk focuses on how we serve as disciples and evangelists in a mission field that doesn’t just have immediate results, but bears fruit in eternal life. (BM2, IALM, Methods)
RCIA Day Long Tracks

Rite of Christian Initiation workshops are focused on the process of Christian Initiation. The workshops are designed for both RCIA leaders and team members. After the opening prayer, the RCIA/RICA tracks are self-contained, you will be directed to register for just those workshops.

 Presenter: Msgr. Michael Clay

Opening Prayer & Welcome: 8:30-9:30

RCIA 2: 9:45-11:00

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults 101:  What We’re Doing Rite and What We Could Be Doing Better Overview of RCIA

  • An overview of what the rite does and how it unfolds.  It will give beginners a foundational overview of what happens over the course of the entire formation process and will give more seasoned initiation ministers some insights about what they could be doing better.  Everyone will come away having learned important things and/or be confirmed in what they are doing right. (IAT6, Theology)

RCIA 3: 12:00-1:15

Getting Off to a Good Start: The Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate (Part I)

  • Nearly 50% of those initiated into the Catholic Church through the RCIA are no longer practicing Catholics after 5 years.  One of the significant reasons for this is because parish catechumenates sometimes build the catechumens’ and candidates’ spiritual houses on less than a firm foundation. This session will look at the absolutely essential components of the Christian faith that should be introduced to everyone as they begin the initiation journey. (IALM, Methods, IAT3, Theology)

RCIA 4: 1:30-2:45

Getting Off to a Good Start:  The Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate

  • We will continues to examine foundational issues that are critical to building inquirers’ faith on a solid foundation explored in Part 1.  It will also look at how the use of music, video, and images, increasingly important to younger people, help embed what is being taught. (IALM, Methods)

RCIA 5: 3:00-4:15   

Elements of an Inquiry Session during the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate

  • This final session in the series will help the participants design and lead an inquiry session that impacts inquirers, keeping them engaged and leaving them with a meaningful experience that they will want more. (IALM, Methods)
Sesiones de todo un día del RICA

Este taller consiste en cuatro sesiones en las cuales se presentarán puntos teológicos, litúrgicos y catequéticos del Rito de la Inciación Cristiana de Adultos. Cada sesión ofrece opor­tunidades de dinámicas dwe grupo y de conver­sación sobre los aspectos prácticos de vivir–no hacer–RICA en nuestras comunidades.

Presentadora: Ximena DeBroeck

Sesión de apertura y bienvenida: 8:30-9:30  

RICA 2: 9:45-11:00

Aspectos Esenciales del Proceso de RICA

  • En esta sesión, se ofrece una introducción al proceso del Rito de Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos.  Empezaremos con breves perspectivas históricas de RICA. Luego, discuteremos las carácterísticas del proceso; es decir, se aclarara lo que RICA es y lo que no es. Esta sesión terminará con un resumen de la estructura del proceso de RICA con un enfoque en la vida espiritual de la parroquia. (IAT3, Theology)

RICA 3: 12:00-1:15

Evangelización y Puntos Pastorales Durante cada Etapa de RICA

  • La segunda sesión presentará puntos clave de cada etapa de RICA. Los ritos litúrgicos serán presentados desde la perspectiva de evangelización tanto a los catecumenos y canditatos, como a la comunidad eclesial. Además, aspectos pastorales de cada etapa serán discutidos. (IAT6, Theology)

RICA 4: 1:30-2:45

El Equipo Pastoral de RICA

  • Durante esta sesión se discutirá el tema del ‘equipo’ de RICA. Se discutirá puntos esenciales y prácticos de la invitación a ser parte del equipo y de la formación de quienes sirven en varias capacidades en la pastoral de iniciación cristiana. (IALM, Methods)

RICA 5: 3:00-4:15   

Adaptaciones para Quienes ya son Bautizados

  • En la sesión final, se discutirán circunstancias especiales que son comunes dentro de las comunidades hispanas y dentro de este contexto se presentarán adaptaciones al proceso de RICA, necesarias para personas ya bautizadas y para niños mayores de 7 años. (IALM, Methods)