Workshops

Welcome—Andy Lichtenwalner, Ph.D. 

Opening Prayer—Archbishop Gregory John Hartmayer O.F.M. Conv.

Opening Music—Ricky Vasquez, LifeTeen

Featured Speaker (English): 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)

Orador Principales (Español): 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)

(Alphabetical by workshop title) / (Los talleres están listados en orden alfabético por nombre)

Español

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)

Actividades interactivas, fáciles y divertidas para reforzar la formación cristina—Ileana Astorga

• 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)

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)

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)

English

Choosing and Using Good Catholic Books in the Classroom—Katie Bogner

• Books can be one of the most powerful resources in Catholic classrooms. How do teachers and parents go about choosing quality books, and how can we use them to their greatest potential? In this workshop, come and discover a wealth of good Catholic books as well as practical strategies for putting them to use with your students. Learn how to stretch books across age levels, discover how to connect the Saints, Sacraments, and virtues to themes within books, and apply resources to help you get those books off the shelves and into the hands and hearts of your students. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

Catholic Meditation and Contemplative Prayer as the Foundation of all Catechesis—Alessandro DiSanto

• In today’s secular world, when we hear “mediation” we often immediately think of Indian or Buddhist practices, but did you know that the Catechism recommends that all “Christians owe it to themselves to develop the desire to meditate regularly, lest they come to resemble the three first kinds of soil in the parable of the sower.” In this talk, Alessandro will share statistics on the rising levels of both mental health issues and religious disaffiliation, as well as how evangelization that focuses on building a contemplative prayer habit is the key to effective catechesis. (IAT4, Theology, IALM, Methods)

Families Forming Disciples—Patrice Spirou

• For all catechists and parish leaders who are looking for ways to help families to grow in their faith, and/or for those whose parishes are utilizing Families Forming Disciples this year. During this year of Covid 19 challenges, the Office of Formation and Discipleship has developed a model to support families in their faith journey. By creating opportunities for parents and children to speak to one another about their experiences of God, they can become empowered to truly evangelize, form missionary hearts, and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ through their everyday living as the Domestic Church. (BM1, IALM, Methods)

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)

Mary Is The New Eve—Dr. John Bergsma

• Why is history’s most notorious female sinner the main prototype of history’s greatest female saint? We associate Eve with sin and Mary with holiness, but there is much more to the story. The biblical account of Eve is fascinating, and holds many subtle clues about her roles and importance. Though Eve failed, Mary takes up her roles and fulfills them for all humanity. (IAT1, Theology)

Prayer and Music with Children—Jenny Kiehl, Sheila Murray

• 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)

The Problem with Racism—Kat Doyle

• Before we can have a productive, and most likely uncomfortable, conversation about racism, we have to understand how it is seen and understood from different perspectives.  My beliefs, understanding and experience of racism might be very different than yours.  Does that matter? You bet it does!  Whether you have never or have always experienced racism, the goal of this session is to help broaden the lens through which we see and understand racism so that we might be more prepared to engage in fruitful dialogue. (IAT2, Theology)

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)

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)

Tips and Tricks to Making Digital Learning Work—Kelly Powers

• After years of teaching in a brick and mortar classroom, Kelly Powers found herself helping to start an online school seven years ago. Through these years, she has learned many things that do and do not work in online education. Come hear her tips and tricks to taking your in-person learning into the digital world. (BM1, IALM, Methods)

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)

RCIA

Recapturing the Richness of the RCIA—Rita Thiron

• Let’s delve into the Theology of Initiation, the Vision of the Council, the steps and periods, respecting the sacramental status of the already baptized and summarize RCIA: What it is and what it is not. (IAT6, Theology)

RICA

El Proceso de RICA y la vida pastoral de la parroquia—Dra. Ximena DeBroeck 

• En esta sesión, se ofrece una breve introducción al proceso del Rito de Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos. Se discutirán las características del proceso, aclarando 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 y evangelizadora de la parroquia. (IAT3, Theology)

Youth Ministry

To Build and To Plant: Youth Ministry in a Time of Upheaval—Joel Stepanek

• Youth ministry is a challenging mission field and in this season of history there are new challenges, obstacles, and opportunities that we face. This session offers an overview of iGen, the teenagers we serve today, and how to serve them well in this moment in history. In a time of a global pandemic, social upheaval, social distance and an election year, the Gospel remains as critical as ever as a beacon of hope, encouragement, and ultimately salvation for teenagers. (IALM, Methods, BM1)

(Alphabetical by workshop title) / (Los talleres están listados en orden alfabético por nombre)

Español

Creencias de la Iglesia Catolica, Pt. 1—Luis Guzman 

• 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? (BT4, Theology)

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)

Familias Formando Discípulos—Monica Oppermann    

• Taller abierto a todos los catequistas y líderes parroquiales que están buscando ayudar a las familias a crecer en su fe, y/o para aquéllos cuyas parroquias están utilizando el modelo desarrollado por la Oficina de Formación y Discipulado para este año: Familias Formando Discípulos. Este modelo ha sido diseñado para apoyar a los fieles a seguir caminando en su fe en el seno de la familia, debido a los retos presentados por el distanciamiento social de Covid-19 durante este año. El objetivo es crear oportunidades para que los padres y sus hijos compartan sus experiencias de Dios, formen corazones misioneros y desarrollen habilidades para evangelizar y compartir la Buena Nueva de Jesucristo a través de su vivencia diaria como Iglesia Doméstica. (BM1, IALM, Methods)

Historia de la Iglesia, Pt. 1—Andres Garcia 

• 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)

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)

Racismo: El silencioso pecado de omisión (parte No. 1)—Lucia Luzondo

• Los actos racistas son pecaminosos porque violan la justicia. Revelan que no se reconoce la dignidad humana de las personas ofendidas, que no se las reconoce como el prójimo al que Cristo nos llama a amar (Mt 22:39).  A través de este taller profundizaremos las preguntas: ¿Qué es el racismo?, ¿Por qué ocurre? y ¿Cómo se presenta? desde la carta pastoral: Abramos nuestros corazones, al incesante llamado al amor, que la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos, publicó en el 2018; a la vez, se formularán ideas pastorales para eliminar este pecado desde nuestra labor pastoral. (IAT2, Theology)
• (Después de este taller no habrá sesión de preguntas y respuestas “Live Booth”. Vea la segunda parte, y luego únase al “Live Booth” en la Sesión 3.)

English

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)

Church History, Pt. 1—Joe Von Kanel

• 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)

 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) 

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)

Get Your Hands on the Message: Object Lesson Planning—Katie Bogner

• 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)

Sharing the Gospel While Sharing Your Screen: Tips for Online Faith Formation—Amy McEntee

• Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but the spaces in which we share that Good News look quite different! This workshop will provide best practices and creative suggestions for engaging children and families in online faith formation. We will explore how to get organized, set expectations, and create a welcoming online environment where the love of Jesus is proclaimed. (Sponsored by RCL Benziger.) (BM1, IALM, Methods)

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)

What the Church Believes, Pt. 1—Dr. Petroc Willey

• 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)

What the Church Says on Racism: Audit of Self & Ministry—Ashley Morris, Th.M.

• Mr. Ashley Morris, Th.M. will accompany participants on a journey of reflecting on the Catholic Church’s teachings on the sin of racism and its deleterious effects on the Body of Christ and the world. This journey also includes an intentional examination of conscious (an “audit”) regarding our personal and ministerial efforts that either help or hinder the spread of this insidious sin. Participants will reflect, in part, on the following documents: (IAT2, Morality)
  • The Church and Racism by the Pontifical Commission Iustitia et Pax (Justice and Peace), Vatican City, 1988
  • Brothers and Sisters to Us: U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Racism in Our Day (Revised to include “For the Love of One Another) by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C., 1979
  • Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter Against Racism by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C., 2018
  • “The Racial Divide in the United States: A Reflection for the World Day of Peace 2015.” By Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton, Ph.D., S.T.D., Bishop of Belleville, IL, 2015.

RCIA

RCIA: The Initiating Community—Rita Thiron

• What the RCIA says about the role of the parish assembly, examining is your “RCIA Team” is too small, what a year-round catechumenate may look like, practical implementation of the year round catechumenate takes catechists, sponsors, clergy, and the varied gifts of everyone in the parish and how paragraph 75 is the essence of this approach. (IAT6, Theology)

RICA

RICA: Evangelización y Puntos Pastorales Durante cada Etapa de RICA—Dra. Ximena DeBroeck

• La segunda sesión presentará puntos claves 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, se discutirá la importancia de la formación de ‘equipo central’ de RICA. (IAT6, Theology)

Youth Ministry

Video Calls and Parking Lots: Relational Ministry in a Season of Social Distancing—Kelly Simpson

• Whether they openly share about their lives or appear to be aloof and disinterested, each and every teen desires and benefits from authentic relationship. Relational ministry is foundational to youth ministry and accompanying teens. That looks radically different now than it did just six months ago. This session will cover essential practices for relational ministry and offer practical tips on how to continue effectively engaging in these discipleship-forming relationships with teens even in the current circumstances. (IALM, Methodology)

(Alphabetical by workshop title) / (Los talleres están listados en orden alfabético por nombre)

Español

Creencias de la Iglesia Catolica, Pt. 2—Luis Guzman 

• 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? (BT4, Theology)

Historia de la Iglesia, Pt. 2—Andres Garcia 

• 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)

English

Church History, Pt. 2—Joe Von Kanel

• 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)

What the Church Believes, Pt. 2—Dr. Petroc Willey

• 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)

(Alphabetical by workshop title) (Los talleres están listados en orden alfabético por nombre)

Español

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)

Involucrando a los Padres en un Mundo Virtual—Darleine Arce

• El mundo virtual plantea muchos obstáculos para que las familias hispanas participen en programas virtuales de formación de fe. Venga a explorar algunas formas en que, como catequista, puede construir puentes para apoyar y formar mejor a los padres en la nueva realidad de la formación virtual. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

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)

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)

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)

Pasos para la conversión personal y continua del racismo en nuestra vida (parte No. 2)—William Cardona

• Practicar la justicia requiere un reconocimiento honesto de nuestras fallas y el restablecimiento de relaciones correctas entre nosotros. “Si confesamos nuestros pecados, Dios, que es fiel y justo, nos los perdonará y nos purificará de toda maldad” (1 Jn 1:9). A través de este taller reflexionaremos y compartiremos opciones pastorales en la implementación de las recomendaciones que la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos presentaron en la carta pastoral contra el racismo: ¨Abramos nuestros corazones, al incesante llamado al amor¨, bajo los siguientes tópicos: practicar la justicia, la experiencia de los hispanos, amar la bondad y caminar humildemente con Dios.  (IAT2, Theology)

English

Addressing the Elephant in the Room: What Catechists/Teachers Should Know About Pornography Use—Ryan Foley

• One of the most significant attacks on the life and dignity of the human person is also one of the hardest to talk about: Internet pornography. In this informative presentation, I will present the effects and impact of pornography, including its spiritual and physical harms, as well as what tools and techniques can be implemented to help families. (IALM, Methods)

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)

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)

Flipping on the Faith: Resources for Virtual Religious Formation—Brian Christopherson & Ginny Henry

• Stressed out about how to get people excited about participating in virtual faith formation? Discover the online resources that you can use to make the most of distance learning. Participants will receive tips and tricks on how to improve engagement while still connecting the families, students, and individuals to their faith.  Prepare for the future of distance learning with sample lessons and ideas for using technology to form disciples.  A question and answer session will follow the presentation. (BM2, IALM, Methods)   

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)

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)

How to Nurture the Spiritual Life of the Family—Patrice Spirou

• This workshop explores the Church’s teaching on the Spirituality of the Family. A view into the amazing impact that parents have on their own children’s faith formation, as well as practical help for catechists seeking to nurture faith within the homes of our parish families is shared. (IAT4, Learner)

Where Do We Go From Here? “Open Wide our Hearts” and Next Steps—Bishop Fabre

• In their pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love (2018), the bishops of the United States note the following: “To press forward without fear means ‘to walk humbly with God’ in rebuilding our relationships, healing our communities, and working to shape our policies and institutions toward the good of all, as missionary disciples.” Insights from Open Wide Our Hearts and resources such as Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers can inform our personal and institutional next steps. Let us look together, with humility and courage, at a horizon that can be filled with hope and healing. (IAT2, Theology)
• (Note: Live Booth hosted by DeKarlos Blackmon, moderated by Ashley Morris)

You’ve Been Targeted!! Protecting our Kids from Sex Trafficking—Kat Doyle

• Sugaring, gaming, TikTok, Pinterest, Calculator…do you know what they all have in common?  Sex Trafficking!!  It’s is a form of modern day slavery that hides in plain sight.  If you have a cell phone or an internet account, especially if you are a kid or teen, you have most likely already been targeted by sex predators.  Learn about the current terms, trends, methods and means these predators use so that you can be more aware of the reality of sex trafficking, help keep our children safe and know what to do if you see something. (IALM, Methodology)

RCIA

The Rites of Initiation and Reception—Rita Thiron

• Let’s address details of the Rites of Initiation at Easter Vigil, initiation outside Easter Vigil, preserving the order of the sacraments, what the National Statutes and Canon Law say about celebrating all three sacraments together, the Rite of Reception and the Combined Rite. (IAT6, Theology)

RICA

El Proceso de RICA a lo largo de todo el año—Dra. Ximena DeBroeck

• En la sesión final, se discutirán los retos y oportunidades de implementación del proceso de RICA a lo largo de todo el año, es decir con varios puntos de entrada y varios puntos de iniciación.  Este tema será presentado dentro de las circunstancias particulares que son comunes dentro de nuestras comunidades hispanas. (IALM, Methodology)

Youth Ministry 

Attention Spans and the Gospel: Presenting to iGen—Mark Hart

• 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. This breakout focuses 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. (IALM, Methodology)

Rite of Christian Initiation workshops are focused on the process of Christian Initiation. The workshops are designed for both RCIA leaders and team members. A

 Presenter: Rita Thiron

Session 1: 11:00-11:30

Recapturing the Richness of the RCIA

• Let’s delve into the Theology of Initiation, the Vision of the Council, the steps and periods, respecting the sacramental status of the already baptized and summarize RCIA: What it is and what it is not. (IAT6, Theology)

Session 2: 1:10-1:40

RCIA: The Initiating Community

• What the RCIA says about the role of the parish assembly, examining is your “RCIA Team” is too small, what a year-round catechumenate may look like, practical implementation of the year round catechumenate takes catechists, sponsors, clergy, and the varied gifts of everyone in the parish and how paragraph 75 is the essence of this approach. (IALM, Methods, IAT6, Theology)

Session 3: 2:30-3:00

The Rites of Initiation and Reception

• Let’s address details of the Rites of Initiation at Easter Vigil, initiation outside Easter Vigil, preserving the order of the sacraments, what the National Statutes and Canon Law say about celebrating all three sacraments together, the Rite of Reception and the Combined Rite. (IALM, Methods, IAT6, Theology)

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: Dra. Ximena DeBroeck

Sesión 1: 11:00-11:30

El Proceso de RICA y la vida pastoral de la parroquia

• En esta sesión, se ofrece una breve introducción al proceso del Rito de Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos. Se discutirán las características del proceso, aclarando 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 y evangelizadora de la parroquia. (IAT3, Theology)

Sesión 2: 1:10-1:40

RICA: Evangelización y Puntos Pastorales Durante cada Etapa de RICA

• La segunda sesión presentará puntos claves 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, se discutirá la importancia de la formación de ‘equipo central’ de RICA. (IAT6, Theology)

Sesión 3: 2:30-3:00

El Proceso de RICA a lo largo de todo el año

• En la sesión final, se discutirán los retos y oportunidades de implementación del proceso de RICA a lo largo de todo el año, es decir con varios puntos de entrada y varios puntos de iniciación.  Este tema será presentado dentro de las circunstancias particulares que son comunes dentro de nuestras comunidades hispanas. (IALM, Methodology)

Session 1

Problem with Racism—Kat Doyle

• Before we can have a productive, and most likely uncomfortable, conversation about racism, we have to understand how it is seen and understood from different perspectives.  My beliefs, understanding and experience of racism might be very different than yours.  Does that matter? You bet it does!  Whether you have never or have always experienced racism, the goal of this session is to help broaden the lens through which we see and understand racism so that we might be more prepared to engage in fruitful dialogue. (IAT2, Theology)

Session 2/Sesión 2

Racismo: El silencioso pecado de omisión (parte No. 1)—Lucia Luzondo

• Los actos racistas son pecaminosos porque violan la justicia. Revelan que no se reconoce la dignidad humana de las personas ofendidas, que no se las reconoce como el prójimo al que Cristo nos llama a amar (Mt 22:39).  A través de este taller profundizaremos las preguntas: ¿Qué es el racismo?, ¿Por qué ocurre? y ¿Cómo se presenta? desde la carta pastoral: Abramos nuestros corazones, al incesante llamado al amor, que la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos, publicó en el 2018; a la vez, se formularán ideas pastorales para eliminar este pecado desde nuestra labor pastoral. (IAT2, Theology)
• (Después de este taller no habrá sesión de preguntas y respuestas “Live Booth”. Vea la segunda parte, y luego únase al “Live Booth” en la Sesión 3.)

What the Church Says on Racism: Audit of Self & Ministry—Ashley Morris, Th.M.

• Mr. Ashley Morris, Th.M. will accompany participants on a journey of reflecting on the Catholic Church’s teachings on the sin of racism and its deleterious effects on the Body of Christ and the world. This journey also includes an intentional examination of conscious (an “audit”) regarding our personal and ministerial efforts that either help or hinder the spread of this insidious sin. Participants will reflect, in part, on the following documents: (IAT2, Morality)
  • The Church and Racism by the Pontifical Commission Iustitia et Pax (Justice and Peace), Vatican City, 1988
  • Brothers and Sisters to Us: U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Racism in Our Day (Revised to include “For the Love of One Another) by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C., 1979
  • Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter Against Racism by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C., 2018
  • “The Racial Divide in the United States: A Reflection for the World Day of Peace 2015.” By Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton, Ph.D., S.T.D., Bishop of Belleville, IL, 2015.

Session 3/Sesión 3

Pasos para la conversión personal y continua del racismo en nuestra vida (parte No. 2)—William Cardona

• Practicar la justicia requiere un reconocimiento honesto de nuestras fallas y el restablecimiento de relaciones correctas entre nosotros. “Si confesamos nuestros pecados, Dios, que es fiel y justo, nos los perdonará y nos purificará de toda maldad” (1 Jn 1:9). A través de este taller reflexionaremos y compartiremos opciones pastorales en la implementación de las recomendaciones que la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos presentaron en la carta pastoral contra el racismo: ¨Abramos nuestros corazones, al incesante llamado al amor¨, bajo los siguientes tópicos: practicar la justicia, la experiencia de los hispanos, amar la bondad y caminar humildemente con Dios.  (IAT2, Theology)

Where Do We Go From Here? “Open Wide our Hearts” and Next Steps—Bishop Fabre

• In their pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love (2018), the bishops of the United States note the following: “To press forward without fear means ‘to walk humbly with God’ in rebuilding our relationships, healing our communities, and working to shape our policies and institutions toward the good of all, as missionary disciples.” Insights from Open Wide Our Hearts and resources such as Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers can inform our personal and institutional next steps. Let us look together, with humility and courage, at a horizon that can be filled with hope and healing. (IAT2, Theology) 
• (Note: Live Booth hosted by DeKarlos Blackmon, moderated by Ashley Morris)

Session 1/Sesión 1

Tips and Tricks to Making Digital Learning Work—Kelly Powers

• After years of teaching in a brick and mortar classroom, Kelly Powers found herself helping to start an online school seven years ago. Through these years, she has learned many things that do and do not work in online education. Come hear her tips and tricks to taking your in-person learning into the digital world. (BM1, IALM, Methods)

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)

Session 2/Sesión 3

Sharing the Gospel While Sharing Your Screen: Tips for Online Faith Formation—Amy McEntee

• Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but the spaces in which we share that Good News look quite different! This workshop will provide best practices and creative suggestions for engaging children and families in online faith formation. We will explore how to get organized, set expectations, and create a welcoming online environment where the love of Jesus is proclaimed. (Sponsored by RCL Benziger.) (BM1, IALM, Methods)

Session 3/Sesión 3

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)

Flipping on the Faith: Resources for Virtual Religious Formation—Brian Christopherson & Ginny Henry

• Stressed out about how to get people excited about participating in virtual faith formation? Discover the online resources that you can use to make the most of distance learning. Participants will receive tips and tricks on how to improve engagement while still connecting the families, students, and individuals to their faith.  Prepare for the future of distance learning with sample lessons and ideas for using technology to form disciples.  A question and answer session will follow the presentation. (BM2, IALM, Methods)  

Involucrando a los Padres en un Mundo Virtual—Darleine Arce

• El mundo virtual plantea muchos obstáculos para que las familias hispanas participen en programas virtuales de formación de fe. Venga a explorar algunas formas en que, como catequista, puede construir puentes para apoyar y formar mejor a los padres en la nueva realidad de la formación virtual. (BM2, IALM, Methods)

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. 

Session 1: 11:00-11:30

To Build and To Plant: Youth Ministry in a Time of Upheaval—Joel Stepanek

• Youth ministry is a challenging mission field and in this season of history there are new challenges, obstacles, and opportunities that we face. This session offers an overview of iGen, the teenagers we serve today, and how to serve them well in this moment in history. In a time of a global pandemic, social upheaval, social distance and an election year, the Gospel remains as critical as ever as a beacon of hope, encouragement, and ultimately salvation for teenagers. (IALM, Methods, BM1)

Session 2: 1:10-1:40

Video Calls and Parking Lots: Relational Ministry in a Season of Social Distancing—Kelly Simpson

• Whether they openly share about their lives or appear to be aloof and disinterested, each and every teen desires and benefits from authentic relationship. Relational ministry is foundational to youth ministry and accompanying teens. That looks radically different now than it did just six months ago. This session will cover essential practices for relational ministry and offer practical tips on how to continue effectively engaging in these discipleship-forming relationships with teens even in the current circumstances. (IALM, Methodology)

Session 3: 2:30-3:00

Attention Spans and the Gospel: Presenting to iGen—Mark Hart

• 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. This breakout focuses 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. (IALM, Methodology)