Education

conferences

Office of Catechetics

 

The 2009 Diocesan Catechetical Conference will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Reston, Reston, Virginia. The theme for this year is "Heralds of Faith Fostering the Life of Faith". The keynote speaker for this year is Bishop Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington.

To read Father deLadurantaye's memo to DREs, please click here

To view a list of the workshops being offered, please click here

Points to Remember about the Catechetical Conference

To download a registration form, please click here

For a layout map of the Sheraton Reston hotel, please click here

For general directions to the Sheraton Reston, please click here

Schedule for the Day-PDF

All registration forms should be mailed to the Office of Catechetics, 200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 503, Arlington, VA 22203; or fax the forms to Karen Buentello at 703-524-8670 or email them to k.buentello@arlingtondiocese.org.

 

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE WORKSHOPS FOR THIS YEAR'S CATECHETICAL CONFERENCE

Heralds of Faith Fostering the Life of Faith- 2009 Diocesan Catechetical Conference

Saturday, November 14, 2009 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Sheraton Reston, Reston, Virginia

REV. PAUL DELADURANTAYE, S.T.D.

Fr. deLadurantaye is Diocesan Secretary for Religious Education and the Sacred Liturgy for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. He holds a doctorate in sacred theology from the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies. Fr. deLadurantaye is an assistant professor of theology at the Notre Dame Graduate School and for the Master Catechist Training Program. He also serves as a Judge for the Arlington Diocesan Tribunal.

Signs and Symbols of Our Faith

Sessions 1 & 2

Saint Paul tells us that faith comes through hearing (Rom. 10:17).  But the Church has also used many different signs and symbols to teach about our faith.  In this workshop, we will look at some of these signs and symbols in order to show how Christian art, architecture and iconography can enliven your classrooms and present certain truths of faith to your students.

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REV. ALEX DIAZ AMAYO

Rev. Mauricio Alexander Díaz - Nació en Cabañas, El Salvador, un 18 de Octubre, Ingreso al Seminario Menor Pio XII de San Vicente el 31 de Enero de 1992. Estudió Filosofía en el Seminario Nuestra Señora del Camino en Guatemala y teología en el Seminario San José de la Montaña en San Salvador. Licenciado en Pedagogía y Psicología Infantil por la Universidad Don Bosco, El Salvador. Diplomado en Doctrina Social de la Iglesia por la Universidad Landivar de Guatemala, Fué Ordenado Sacerdote el 25 de Marzo de 2006, por manos de Monseñor Elías Samuel Bolaños, Obispo de Zacatecoluca. Tres meses después de ser ordenado fui enviado a trabajar a los Estados Unidos, para la Diócesis de Arlington. Los cargos que desempeño son: Atención Pastoral a la comunidad hispana de la Parroquia San Felipe, en Falls Church, Profesor del Instituto de Formación Pastoral del Apostolado Hispano de la Diócesis. Director Espiritual de la Legion de Maria (Curia de Fairfax) entre otros.

Rev Mauricio Alexander Diaz – Is a native of Cabañas, El Salvador and received a Bachelor Degree in Education and Child Psychology from Don Bosco University (El Salvador) and a diploma in Social Doctrine of the Church from Landivar University (Guatemala). He has studied Philosophy at Our Lady of Camino Seminary (Guatemala) and Theology at St. Joseph of the Mountain Seminary (El Salvador). He was ordained a priest on March 25, 2006, by Bishop Elías Samuel Bolaños, Bishop of Zacatecoluca. Three months after his ordination he was sent to the United States, and the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Father Díaz is in charge of the St. Philip’s Hispanic community Pastoral Care in Falls Church, Virginia. He current teaches at the Institute of Pastoral Formation for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington’s Spanish Apostolate. In addition, he is Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary (Fairfax Curia.)

The Catechesis, Essentials Moments of Evangelization Process in the Future of Humanity. (La Catequesis, Momento Esencial del Proceso de la Evangelización en el Futuro de la Humanidad.)

Session 1 only

En este taller se muestra la relación de la catequesis con los otros elementos de la evangelización, de la que es parte integrante. En este sentido se describe, en primer lugar, la relación de la catequesis con el primer anuncio, que se realiza en la misión. Se muestra, después, la íntima conexión entre la catequesis y los sacramentos de la iniciación cristiana. A continuación se hace ver el papel fundamental de la catequesis en la vida ordinaria de la Iglesia en su tarea de educar permanentemente en la fe. Hay que dar una consideración especial a la relación de la catequesis con la enseñanza religiosa escolar, ya que ambas acciones están profundamente relacionadas y, junto a la educación cristiana familiar, son fundamentales para la formación de la infancia y de la juventud.

This workshop will study the relationship of catechesis with the other elements of evangelization, of which it is an integral part. First, the relationship of catechesis with missionary proclamation is described. There follows an examination of the connection between catechesis and the sacraments of Christian initiation. Then is perceived the fundamental role of catechesis in the ordinary life of the Church and its role as continuing teacher in the faith. Special consideration is given to the relationship between catechesis and the teaching of religion in schools, since both activities are inter-connected, and, together with education in the home, are basic to the formation of children and young people.

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DELORES NELSON

Delores Nelson is a native Washingtonian. She has been married for 42 years and is the mother of 4 adult children and 12 grandchildren. She earned an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from National University in San Diego, California in 1984 and a Masters in Computer Information Systems in 1990 from Strayer University. In recent years she earned a Master of Science degree in Theology from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College in 2003. Over the years, she has served in the catechetical ministry in various capacities as a Youth Minister, Catechist, and since 1994, as the Director of Religious Education for St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Clifton. Delores is currently the president of the Catechetical Leaders of the Diocese of Arlington (CLDA) and is a facilitator for the Protecting God’s Children Program for the Diocese of Arlington.

Taking Control of Your Class on Day One

Sessions 1 & 2

In this workshop, we will explore tips and suggestions for taking and keeping control of your classroom. We will look at some of the real challenges for Religious Education classroom environments, disciplinary problems, preparing effective lesson plans (samples provided), ways to keep your students motivated, and your spiritual responsibilities for effective teaching.

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JAMES PAULEY
Professor James Pauley, S.T.L., is an Assistant Professor of Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University, recently completing his seventh year on faculty and his twentieth year in the field of Catechetics. James began working as a parish youth minister in 1989 and since then has worked in young adult ministry, adult faith formation and in two different agencies of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. As the Coordinator of Catechist Formation in Washington, James contributed to the development and initial implementation of the archdiocesan lay ministries training program which was based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the vision of the General Directory for Catechesis. In his time at Franciscan University, James has specialized in teaching courses focused on catechetical teaching methodology, parish evangelization and the mission and vocation of the lay faithful. He has written numerous catechetical articles and is a frequent presenter in dioceses and parishes around the country. In May of 2009, James received his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) summa cum laude from the Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. In the fall of 2009, he will begin work on his doctoral dissertation through the Liturgical Institute. James is married to Katrina and they have been amazingly blessed with three beautiful daughters, two of whom were born just minutes apart on the same happy day.

The Liturgical Mission of the Church

Session 1 only

This session will outline the Church's purpose and understanding of Liturgy in light of God's plan of salvation.  It will help catechists develop a Catholic identity with their teens through the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confession, offering strategies for helping teens see the Eucharist as the 'source and summit' of their lives.

Moving from Evangelization to Catechesis

Session 2 only

This session will look at the different stages of conversion as given to us in the RCIA process, and apply them to youth ministry. We will examine how to present doctrine to teens no matter where they are at in their faith, and explore the major themes of adolescent catechesis found in John Paul II's "On Catechesis in our Time" and the General Directory for Catechesis.

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REV. BRIAN BASHISTA
Reverend Brian G. Bashista was born and raised in Northern Virginia and attended Lake Braddock High School. He received a BA in Architecture from Virginia Tech in 1987 and worked as an architect in Charlotte, North Carolina until 1994 when he entered seminary formation for the Diocese of Arlington, VA. After receiving his M. Div. & M.A. in theology from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, Father Bashista was ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1999. His first assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax, VA. In the summer of 2002, Bishop Paul S. Loverde assigned Father Bashista as the Diocesan Promoter of Vocations. He was also assigned as Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith from 2002-2003. As of 2003, Father Bashista is currently serving the diocese as both Promoter of Vocations and as Director of the Office of Vocations.

Pursuing God’s Purpose: Assisting Youth to Better Recognize & Respond to Vocation Promptings, Whatever They May Be

Sessions 1& 2

Father Brian Bashista, Director of the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Arlington, highlights the important role that Catholic educators have in fostering an atmosphere where youth are open to discern accurately and embrace freely the life commitment or vocation to which they are being called, and to which they will eventually respond. For most, that commitment will involve the wonderful vocation of marriage. While called to marriage, some will also be called to the permanent diaconate. For others, this commitment will be to the priesthood, the consecrated religious life as a sister, nun or brother or even to the single life lived in generous service for others. Father will review vocation related terminology like apostolate, charism, vows, postulant and novice. He will also address some commonly held misunderstandings regarding vocation discernment. He will share some tried and true steps that will bring clarity to what Pope John Paul II called “a great gift and mystery”. Teachers will find encouragement to follow their own intuition as well as the promptings of the Holy Spirit in assisting their students to recognize the blessedness of their unique vocation in Christ.

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REV. JOHN RILEY

Fr. Riley is a parish priest assigned as Pastor to St. Matthew Catholic Church in Spotsylvania. His previous assignments include St. Louis, Alexandria, St. Luke's, McLean and All Saints, Manassas. He also has taught Sacred Scripture at Christendom College in Front Royal from 1995 to 2000. Fr. Riley holds a B.A. in Communication Arts from Notre Dame University and Master's degrees in Religious Studies, Divinity and Theology.


Comprehensive Catechesis: Back to the Basics

Sessions 1 & 2

All too familiar in our “sophisticated age” is the qualification, “I’m a Catholic…but…” What follows the “but” is usually a disavowal of an important element of our Faith (the sacredness of all human life…the teaching authority of the Church…the beauty and sanctity of human love and the family, etc.) Ironically, these “But-Catholics” are often successful and highly intelligent products of Catholic schools and universities. They consider themselves Catholic-but have no problem with living immoral lifestyles, rejecting the guidance of their bishops, or even supporting and sponsoring legislation which is a contradiction of what is True, Good and Holy. In this Year of the Priest, we’d do well to consider how vital is the collaboration between Catechists, Priests, and Bishops who seek to set young minds and hearts on fire with a love for Jesus Christ- and perhaps to “reclaim” the fidelity of many adults who have lost sight of “the Splendor of Truth.” Recalling the catechetical initiatives of St. John Vianney, we will outline an ambitious three-year cycle of instruction and formation which engages not merely our religious education students, but the entire parish family with the best elements of the “old and the new” (MT 13:52).

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CAROL MOURNIGHAN

Carol L Mournighan is a graduate of Georgetown University with a Masters degree from George Mason University. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Program at the Washington Theological Union. While she has been active in Catechetics for years, she served a Minister of Faith Formation in Saint Luke Parish for the last ten years, eight of them as the director of the program, before retiring in May of 2007. Since retirement, she has been active in several volunteer organizations that assist the underserved in the Washington community.
She is currently chair of her parish Outreach Program and has been appointed by Bishop Loverde to serve on the Arlington Diocese Peace and Justice Commission where she has recently been appointed vice-chair.

Living Your Faith in Light of Our Catholic Social Teaching

Sessions 1 & 2
A central question for catechesis is this: What does it mean to educate and instruct others so that they might have life in Christ’s name? Many times children become students of their faith without becoming disciples of Jesus. And too often the forgotten topic in today’s religious education classes is the rich social teachings of our Catholic faith which should permeate every aspect of our lives. We will look at the Themes of Catholic Social Teachings through the lens of the Beatitudes and show how easily they can put Jesus' teaching into practice.

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SANDY BERTINI

Sandy Bertini is the Pontifical Mission Societies Coordinator for the Diocese of Arlington. In that capacity, Sandy coordinates the work of the Holy Childhood Association, speaking in diocesan schools and promoting the use of classroom materials to create mission awareness in the classroom. She has visited missions in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Brazil, and has created a lesson packet on mission awareness which was used in dioceses across the country during Catholic Schools Week.  Sandy is a former high school teacher of English, Public Speaking and Photojournalism, and a former teacher of Adult ESOL for Fairfax County.

TERRI ANGELOTTI

Terry Angelotti is the Diocese of Arlington Program Coordinator for Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. She previously worked for the social justice offices of the Diocese of Cleveland and Archdiocese of Chicago.  With three school-aged children of her own, she has taught religious education classes for kindergarten through confirmation prep and has led a prayer/discussion group for teenage girls (Catholic Life Community.)

Teaching Solidarity: How & Why to Connect Your Students to the Poor Around the World–

Sessions 1 & 2- This workshop will be presented jointly by Sandy Bertini & Terri Angelotti

During this workshop, you will learn about Catholic Social Teaching and the Gospel call to care for the poor. Through presentation, discussion, and hand-on activities, become familiar with resources available from the Holy Childhood Association and Catholic Relief Services to make global issues come alive in your Religious Education class.

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REV. JUAN PUIGBO

Fr. Juan A. Puigbó, originally from Venezuela, is a member of the priestly association of the Diocesan Laborer Priests. Fr. Puigbó was ordained priest in 2001.  He holds a Sacred Theology Licentiate in Systematic Theology from The Catholic University of America (2004) and a master in Marriage and Family at the Universidad de Navarra, Spain (2006). In 2004, Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick named Fr. Puigbó as the Director of Hispanic Pastoral Affairs for the Archdiocese of Washington where he served until 2007. He is the current Director of Sol Vocational Institute, a ministry of the Diocesan Laborers Priests, which seeks to help teens, young adults, pastoral leaders, marriages and priests in their own vocation journey. As Director of the Institute, Fr. Puigbó has created, taught, and promoted workshops, talks, seminars, camps, retreats, and other services at international, national, regional and diocesan Levels. He also serves as the Major Superior for the Diocesan Laborer Priests in the United States and has a background in youth and young adult ministry and vocations. Fr. Puigbó is the author of Lectio Divina: Herramientas para la oración, and Dos almas, un cuerpo: Aspectos claves sobre la vocación al matrimonio.

El Padre Juan Puigbó, nació en Venezuela y es miembro de la Hermandad de Sacerdotes Operarios Diocesanos. El P. Puigbó fue ordenado sacerdote en el 2001. Estudió la Licencia en Teología Sistemática en The Catholic University of America (2004) y el Master en Matrimonio y Familia en la Universidad de Navarra, España (2006). En el 2004 el Cardenal Theodore E. McCarrick nombró al P. Puigbó Director de la Oficina de Asuntos Hispanos de la Arquidiócesis de Washington cargo que desempeñó hasta el 2007. Actualmente es el Director del Sol Vocational Institute, un ministerio de los Sacerdotes Operarios Diocesanos, que provee servicios para el acompañamiento y discernimiento de las vocaciones y la formación de agentes en la pastoral vocacional. Como Director del Instituto el P. Puigbó ha creado, enseñado y promovido talleres, charlas, seminarios, campamentos, retiros y otros servicios a nivel internacional, nacional, regional y diocesano. El P. Puigbó también es el Superior Mayor de los Sacerdotes Operarios Diocesanos en los Estados Unidos y tiene experiencia en la pastoral con adolescentes, jóvenes adultos y vocaciones. El P. Puigbó es el autor de Lectio Divina: Herramientas para la oración y Dos almas, un cuerpo: Aspectos claves sobre la vocación al matrimonio.

Lectio Divina: Herramientas Para la Oración
(Lectio Divina: Tools for Prayer) -

Session 2 only

Una forma práctica y fascinante de orar con las Escrituras como lo hacían los monjes de la antigüedad.
Recomendada por el Papa Benedicto XVI, la Lectio Divina te ayudará en tu relación con Dios y en tus propósitos
para alcanzar las promesas del Cielo.

A practical and fascinating form of praying with the Scriptures as did the monks of old.  Recommended by Pope Benedict XVI, Lectio Divina will help you in your relationship with God and in your intention to receive the promises of Heaven.

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