201.  “The Care and Feeding of Catechists: Seven Simple Strategies to Honor, Inspire and Motivate Your Catechists!

The General Directory states that nothing is as important as the person of the catechist and Pope Francis supports the vocation of catechists when he says: “More than ever we need you and your catechetical ministry, so that with your creative gestures, you may as David did, bring music and joy on your journey with God’s tired people.” Join us as we share strategies to affirm the courageous call to this vocation and inspire catechists on their formative journey.”

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

301.   A Toolkit for Teachers
You don’t need to create or invent a strategy from scratch!  Learn about existing resources, curriculums and media that will help youth to be aware of trafficking and ways to be helpful to their peers.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

401.   When Money Trumps Innocence  
Child and teen slavery exists hidden in our neighborhoods in this “land of the free” as well as in the rest of the world.  Your voice can give visibility and life to those children, women and men who are suffering.  Your voice could release someone from being enslaved through human trafficking.  Learn how to recognize the signs through listening and paying attention and respond as an advocate through action.  How can this assault on humanity find a place in our catechesis and parish ministry so that more voices are heard?  Special attention will be given to teens, recruiting techniques used to engage them in human trafficking including social media.
Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Sr. Kathleen Bryant is a Religious Sister of Charity  presently  engaged in raising awareness about the new slavery in our midst, especially among our young people and often hidden from our eyes. Among her passions are being contemplative in a digital world, teaching discernment and prayer, and working for the abolition of human trafficking.  For 21 years, Sr. Kathleen served as a Talent Scout for God as a Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Sr. Kathleen grew up as a California beach girl who entered the convent in 1967, served as a missionary in Zambia for 5 years, authored books and has presented in Africa, Ireland, Australia and US.

Twitter:  @Namoonga

101.   Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist Preparation: Your Biggest Opportunities to Engage Parents!    
If you want your parents to pass on faith to their children, start with sacramental preparation. Parents expect to be involved in these sacraments, and you have some extra leverage to require their formation. It’s your biggest chance to engage these parents in their own faith, evangelize them, and coach them on how to be Catholic parents.

Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

Paul Canavese is the director of the online pastoral centers found at PastoralCenter.com and GrowingUpCatholic.com. In this ministry he works with his wife, Ann, and they live with their two daughters and five chickens in Alameda, CA. Their family operates a mini backyard farm, loves to bike around town, and looks for creative ways to build community in their neighborhood. Paul has his MTS from the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley and a diverse background in parish ministries. He directs the Growing Up Catholic sacramental preparation family of products, Creation Care Kids curriculum, and other formation resources for both children and adults. Paul also started GospelLiving.org and Gospel.link to provide practical tools for topics about which he is passionate: stewardship, daily life discipleship, and evangelization. Paul is a frequent speaker on the topic of coaching and evangelizing parents and is often humbled by his own children.

www.growingupcatholic.com/speaker.html

102.  Leadership and Mercy: Synonyms or Antonyms?    
Pope Francis is showing the Church and the world a new kind of leadership. It is one that embodies in word and deed what it means to lead from the core of who you are. He is calling us as Church leaders to go to the outskirts, to move beyond our comfort zones and offer mercy and welcome to those who feel outside the walls of our Church. He is calling us to lead by listening to and following the example of Jesus.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Steve Connor has over 30 years of pastoral ministry experience working as a  pastoral associate, campus minister, and editor and Director of Adult Spirituality Resources in Catholic publishing. During this time, he has presented workshops, retreats, and parish missions on Evangelization, centering prayer, imaginative prayer, and finding the divine in everyday life. He has a Masters of Divinity from Catholic University. Steve has done post-graduate studies at Loyola University Chicago in Spiritual Direction concentrating on the Spiritual Exercises. Steve has worked at Loyola Press in Chicago for over 9 years. Currently, he is the Educational Consultant for the Dioceses in New Jersey.

Twitter: @sjconnor55

202.   Individual Spiritual Growth Plans: What They Are and Why You Need Them!
If your children are to be viewed as apprentices and not depositories of facts as our documents suggest, they we must first stop the practice of simply pushing children who come from multiple spiritual development backgrounds through the “system” as if they were in a factory. To be engaged in their faith requires all children AND families be received as individuals and in partnership with the parish they have a specific spiritual growth plan that outlines what is to be learned, how it will be practiced and what needs to happen at home.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Rich Curran is the founder and executive director of Parish Success Group, a Catholic non-profit organization that provides professional skill and organizational development training and coaching to ministry leaders. He is a regular presenter at national, regional and diocesan Catholic conferences, school assemblies, parish missions and staff leadership days speaking to over 50,000 each year.

203.   Sharing Our Stories: Sharing Our Faith
Sharing Our Stories : Sharing Our Faith is a workshop that explores the role of Seniors/ Grandparents in passing on of the faith to their Grandchildren.  More and more we see active involvement of seniors in the on-going spiritual lives of their grandchildren. Both as Memory Keepers or Memory Makers, grand parents have a significant role to play in handing on the faith. This session will look at the importance of acknowledging and encouraging grandparents in this role. Together we will look at current trends, and resources for how we might use the great gift of seniors in our catechetical work.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

David Dayler is the Director of the Office for Discipleship and Parish Life for the Diocese of Hamilton.  Educator, writer, workshop facilitator David has his Masters of Theological Studies from St. Michael’s University and the Toronto School of Theology.  David taught in the Secondary School system for over 30 years and has been an adjunct member of the faculty of St. Michael’s College in Theological Reflection.  His first book, Being a Man After God’s Own Heart, was published by Novalis in 2013. Psalms of Mercy, ( 2015) was recently published by Novalis as a book of reflections for the Year of Mercy.  David is also the co-author of Gifted by God… a Confirmationretreat kit with Anne Jamieson, also recently released and currently he is prepping Sharing Our Stories: Sharing Our Faith, a book for Grandparents on handing on the faith to their grand-children to be published in 2017.  Married for 45 years to his wife Linda they have three grown sons and three beautiful grandchildren.

Jared Dees is the creator of the popular website The Religion Teacher, which provides practical resources and effective teaching strategies to religious educators. He is the author of 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator and To Heal, Proclaim, and Teach. Dees lives in South Bend, Indiana, with his wife and three children. 

www.youtube.com/thereligionteacher

@jareddees

402.   Evangelization and Social Teaching

Father DeSiano will present this theme in the form of a service, with scripture, preaching and ritual, as a way to help participants understand the linkage between the Good News and the kind of social action which should follow our proclamation.  Participants will also receive material documenting Church teaching on the Social commits of the Church as part of their involvement in the session.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

214   Español    Hechos a Imagen de Dios: Catequesis para Niños con Necesidades Especiales
Las Sagradas Escrituras y los documentos de la iglesia, nos llaman a que formemos en la fe a todo bautizado, especialmente a los que tienen una discapacidad. Y aunque hacemos eco a esta visión, nos preguntamos, cómo los invitamos? Cómo damos la bienvenida o los incluimos? Dónde iniciamos? Cuáles son las estrategias más efectivas? Cómo saber si estamos preparados para trabajar con niños con discapacidad? En esta sesión hablaremos sobre la visión de la Iglesia en los Estados Unidos para la catequesis con las personas con necesidades especiales y la aplicación efectiva de esa visión. En esta sesión compartiremos recursos valiosos que ayudaran a iniciar y fortalecer una catequesis más inclusiva.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Made in God’s Image: Catechesis for Children with Special Needs
Sacred Scripture and church documents call us to form the faith of all the baptized, especially those with special needs. And although we echo this view, we wonder how do we invite? How do we welcome or we include them? Where do we start? What are the most effective strategies out there? How do we know if we are ready to work with children with disabilities? On this session, we will discuss the vision of the Church in the United States for catechesis with people with special needs and the effective implementation of that vision. We will share valuable resources to help start and build a more inclusive catechesis.

Peter J. Ductram es el Director Arquidiocesano para la Catequesis en la Arquidiócesis de Miami. Nacido en Lima, Perú; sirvió en Perú, Chile, Brasil y los Estados Unidos. Es casado y tiene tres hermosos niños. El más pequeño de sus hijos fue diagnosticado con autismo, la cual solidificó su pasión para la Catequesis para niños con necesidades especiales. El obtuvo una Maestría en Artes de la Teología (2005) y una Maestría en Divinidad, con especialización en Biblia (2015) en la Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. El Señor Ductram está finalizando un Doctorado en la Universidad de Barry. El sirvió en la Arquidiócesis de Chicago por aproximadamente 12 años como Coordinador del Ministerio Hispano, Director de Educación Religiosa y Coordinador de Evangelización. En este momento sirve como miembro de la mesa directiva de la Federación para la Catequesis con Hispanos en NCCL; co-chair del comité nacional ENAHVE de la Conferencia de los Obispos de Estados Unidos; y miembro del equipo de redacción de la Iniciativa Nacional para la Catequesis para Adolescentes.

Peter J. Ductram is the Archdiocesan Director for Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Miami. Born in Lima, Peru; he served in Peru, Chile, Brazil and the United States. He is married and has three beautiful children. The smallest of his children was diagnosed with Autism, which solidified his passion for Catechesis for children with special needs. He earned a Master of Arts in Theology (2005) and a Master of Divinity degree, majoring in Bible (2015) at the Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. Mr. Ductram is completing a PhD at Barry University. He served in the Archdiocese of Chicago for 12 years as the coordinator of Hispanic Ministry, Director of Religious Education and Coordinator of Evangelization. Currently serving on the board of the Federation for Catechesis with Hispanics in NCCL; co-chair of the national committee ENAHVE of the Conference of Bishops of the United States; and member of the editorial team of the National Initiative for Adolescent Catechesis.

310.  What’s Up? Using Current Events to Emphasize Catholic Social Teaching
When making a list of catechetical resources at our disposal, we often forget some of the most important—the Newspaper, CNN, the evening news, twitter feeds and the like. It is naïve to think that the young people we teach are deaf to the drumbeat of wars, violence, terrorism, fraud, poverty, immigration, and the like. It is important—even essential—that we demonstrate that Catholic social teaching addresses the troubles of our times. This session gives practical suggestions for using what is happening now to highlight the seven principles of Catholic social teaching as articulated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

David Dziena is the Editorial Director for Pflaum Publishing Group, a division of Bayard, Inc. He has also served as Executive Editor and Parish Projects Manager with Our Sunday Visitor. Prior to OSV, he was Editorial Manager for nine years at Silver Burdett Ginn Religion, followed by RCL Benziger. He also worked for St. Joseph’s Parish in Croton Falls, NY for a total of ten years-first as Director of Religious Education and then Coordinator of Youth Ministries. Since 1993, he has led Confirmation workshops and retreats, and catechist formation classes. David is the co-author of the Catholic Prayer Book for the Separated and Divorced (OSV); Our Catholic Family: Activities, Conversations, and Prayer for Sharing Faith at Home (Pflaum); and the general editor for Singing Our Faith, Second Edition: Leader’s and Catechist’s Manual (GIA).

David graduated from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY with a Bachelor or Arts degree in Philosophy with a minor in Fine Arts and Religious Studies. He also received a Masters in Pastoral Theology from St. Joseph’s College in Standish, ME. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Gloria.

205      Catechizing Youth for Missionary Discipleship 
We are being called to form youth as missionary disciples. Parishes throughout the country have found key practices and are providing youth ministry in new ways that help young people live their faith actively as young adults and adults. These communities built a strong foundation for effective youth ministry through vision, collaboration, faith witness, connections with families and active involvement of youth. This workshop will explore the essential strategies and practices of parishes that are developing young disciples who thrive and building youth ministry that grows.
Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Tom East is the Director of the Center for Ministry Development and author of numerous books including, Leadership for Catholic Youth Ministry. Tom holds a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles.  Previously, Tom was the Director of Youth Ministry and the Associate Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  Tom is a popular speaker at youth and religious education conferences nationwide.

102.  Leadership and Mercy: Synonyms or Antonyms?    
Pope Francis is showing the Church and the world a new kind of leadership. It is one that embodies in word and deed what it means to lead from the core of who you are. He is calling us as Church leaders to go to the outskirts, to move beyond our comfort zones and offer mercy and welcome to those who feel outside the walls of our Church. He is calling us to lead by listening to and following the example of Jesus.

Becky Eldredge is a spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. With over fifteen years experience in ministry, she helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats, days of reflection, writing, and spiritual direction.

Becky’s focus is to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of life.

Becky currently lives in Baton Rouge, LA, where she meets with men and women of all ages for spiritual direction and leads people through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. She leads days of reflections and retreats for parishes and other ministry organizations.

www.beckyeldredge.com

Twitter: @beldredge98

408.   Embracing All God’s Children: Faith Formation of Youth with Autism and Other Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Pope Francis calls us to be a Church which is a “mother to all, spreading throughout the world a culture of acceptance and solidarity in which no one is seen as useless, out of place, or disposable.” This learning session will provide a theological, pastoral and social justice perspective to welcoming, including and catechizing youth with disabilities. Learning styles and characteristics of youth with Autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities will be presented as well as positive approaches of engaging youth and their families in faith formation.  A variety of models of inclusion, effective teaching methods and resources to assist Catechetical leaders, catechists and parents will be shared. Creative ways of using Loyola’s Press’ Adaptive Finding God, a groundbreaking new program designed to help children with autism and other disabilities experience their Catholic faith, will be explored. Participants will be encouraged to view planning for the inclusion of all in parish faith formation not as a problem to be solved but an opportunity that brings countless blessings.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Carrie Freyer is the Faith Formation Product Manager, for Loyola Press. She has worked at Loyola for nine years. Prior to joining Loyola, Carrie worked in ministry as a Catholic school teacher and catechist for over ten years and served on the Sacramental Preparation team in Chicago, Illinois.

412:  Español     Promoviendo un encuentro con Cristo para personas con discapacidades en la Comunidad Hispana.    
Estrategias para servir las necesidades catequéticas de niños, jóvenes y adultos hispanos con discapacidades y sus familias. Enfocado en la preparación sacramental, asistencia a Misa e ideas que involucren la participación continúa de la comunidad hispana en la Iglesia.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Promoting an encounter with Christ for persons with disabilities in the Hispanic Community.
Strategies for serving the catechetical needs of Hispanic children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families.  Will focus on sacramental preparation, Mass attendance, and ideas for ongoing engagement of the Hispanic community.

Esther Garcia a le apasiona la inclusión de las personas con discapacidades hacia una completa participación en la vida de la Iglesia. Tiene una Licenciatura en Comunicaciones y más de 27 años de experiencia como catequista, voluntaria en proyectos comunitarios y eclesiales. Asimismo, ha trabajado como maestra en el Autism Treatment Center en Dallas. Se especializa en dirigir programas catequéticos para niños, jóvenes, adultos y familias. Asimismo, dirige programas de educación especial, como autismo y otras discapacidades, y educación de la primera infancia en comunidades multiculturales. Esther pertenece al Council on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, a la National Conference for Catechetical Leadership y a la Federación para la Catequesis con Hispanos (FCH). Ha sido conferencista en la Autism Society. En la actualidad, es directora de Formación de Fe de la Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón en la Diócesis de Dallas. Esther vive en Texas con su esposo y sus dos hijos. Su amor por las personas con discapacidades y su deseo de servirlas se originó por su hijo menor, Eric, quien tiene autismo. 

Esther Garcia is passionate with the inclusion of persons with disabilities to a full participation in the life of the Church. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, and has over 27 years of experience as a catechist, community and ecclesial volunteer. Also, she has worked as a teacher at the Autism Treatment Center of Dallas. She is specialized in leading catechetical programs for children, youth, adults, and families. In addition, she leads programs in special education – autism and others disabilities – and early childhood in multicultural communities. Esther is a member of the Council on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, and the Federación para la Catequesis con Hispanos (FCH). She has been a speaker at the Autism Society. At the present time, she is the Director of Faith Formation at Sacred Heart Parish in the Diocese of Dallas. Esther lives in Texas with her husband and their two children. Her love for the persons with disabilities and her desire to serve them arose from having her own child, Eric, with autism.

114.   Español    Metodología – Estrategias eficaces de enseñanza
Metodología para la preparación de los niños y sus familias a participar consciente y activamente en Liturgia y en los sacramentos.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Metodología -Effective Teaching Strategies  
Methodology for preparing children and their families to participate consciously and actively in Liturgy and in the Sacraments.

Sori Govin es una represéntate de ventas y asesora bilingüe para la editorial RCL Benziger.  Ella trabajo en la arquidiócesis de Atlanta como subdirectora para la catequesis y ha sido directora de educación religiosa al nivel parroquial.  Sori ha trabajado por más de 20 años en la catequesis y comunidades multiculturales.  Ella es nacida en Cuba, vivió en Atlanta, Georgia por 30 años y actualmente vive en Miami, Florida.

Sori Govin is a Bilingual Sales Specialists for RCL Benziger Publishing.  She worked at the Archdiocese of Atlanta as Associate Director for Catechetical Ministry in the Religious Education Office and has been a Director of Religious Education at a parish level. Sori is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and has served for over 20 years in catechetical ministries in a multi-cultural community.  She was born in Cuba, lived and studied in Miami, Florida, lived in Atlanta, Georgia for over 30 years and now lives with in Miami, Florida.

403.   Building a Church of Mercy    
Using the means of story-telling, theological interpretation and small group interaction, Building a Church of Mercy introduces Pope Francis’ developing vision of a more merciful church–the field hospital and open door for people on the margins of faith and society.  This presentation will develop a working definition of mercy, informed by Scripture, Tradition and Francis’ own words. It will also propose attitudes and actions for building a more merciful church as a way of spiritual accompaniment–a term and reality whose understanding and implementation Francis views as vital to the New Evangelization.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Dr. Matthew W. Halbach earned his Ph.D. in Catechetics from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He is the Director of the St Joseph Educational Center in the Diocese of Des Moines, IA. The Center supports parish adult faith formation programming and minister formation. Dr. Halbach regularly contributes to NCCL’s magazine, Catechetical Leader, and serves as a reviewer for the USCCB’s Subcommittee on the Catechism. His forthcoming book (Summer 2016), to be published by Twenty-Third Publications, will help parishes understand Pope Francis’ developing vision of a merciful church and apply this vision in concrete, effective ways.

@HalbachMatthew

103.   Keeping Kerygma in the Curriculum
When we start to quantify and qualify what is to be taught in our parishes and schools, how can we keep the basic Gospel proclamation at the forefront of the minds of our catechists?  This session explores the creating of curriculum guides that will not only teach the what of our faith, but the who, leading students into discipleship and personal relationship with God and His church.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Jamin Herold is the Associate Director for the Secretariat of Catholic Education and New Evangelization with the key area of responsibility of New Evangelization for the Diocese of Kalamazoo in Michigan.   He is husband to Nicki for over fourteen years, father of six children, and has worked in a multitude of fields within the Catholic Church.  These have ranged from Parish Religious Education Director to Steward of Liturgy to Campus Ministry to Pastoral Associate. 

413.  Español    Una Conversión Ecológica: Implementando Laudato Si en el Hogar y en la Parroquia
El Papa Francisco ha escrito una encíclica sobre el medio ambiente que ha sacudido al mundo y la Iglesia de muchas maneras. El Santo Padre toca temas controversiales como el cambio climático, el consumismo, la codicia y la inmensa destrucción del planeta. La encíclica pide un cambio. Pero cambio nunca es fácil, especialmente cuando se requiere cambiar nosotros mismos. En este taller vamos a explorar la encíclica y hablar acerca de las diferentes maneras en que nosotros, como católicos, podemos llegar a comprender profundamente nuestro papel en el cuidado del ambiente y de qué manera podemos realmente hacer un impacto—en nuestro hogar y en la parroquia. Ven, sólo si estás preparado para ser desafiado durante este taller revelador.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation
An Ecological Conversion: Implementing Laudato Si at Home & in the Parish
Pope Francis has written a powerful encyclical about the environment that has rocked the world and the Church in many ways. The Holy Father touches upon controversial issues such as climate change, consumerism, greed, and the vast destruction of the planet. The encyclical calls for change. But change is never easy, especially when it requires changing ourselves. In this workshop we will explore the encyclical and talk about the different ways in which we as Catholics can come to fully understand our role in the care of the environment and how we can really make an impact—at home and in the parish. Come only if you are prepared to be challenged during this eye-opening workshop.

Miriam G. Hidalgo M.Ed. es la Coordinadora de la Catequesis Hispana de la Arquidiócesis de Hartford. Nació en Providence, R.I. de padres Guatemaltecos. Tiene un Bachillerato en Ministerio Juvenil de Providence College y una Maestría en Educación Religiosa de Boston College. Tiene más de quince años de experiencia en la catequesis y en la pastoral juvenil a nivel diocesano y parroquial. Ella es miembro del equipo de liderazgo de FCH y la secretaria de la Conferencia de Directores Diocesanos de Nueva Inglaterra.

Miriam G. Hidalgo, M.Ed. is the Coordinator of Catechesis for Hispanics in the Archdiocese of Hartford. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island; her family is from Guatemala. Miriam has a BA in Youth Ministry from Providence College and an MEd in Religious Education from Boston College. She has over fifteen years of experience in catechesis and youth ministry at the parish and diocesan level. Currently she is a board member of FCH and secretary of the New England Conference of Diocesan Directors of Religious Education.

302.  Restoring Justice
What is the Catholic response to crime and violence? At this session, the Catholic Mobilizing Network will provide an overview of restorative justice philosophy and explore this issue through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. We will discuss how restorative justice models can be practiced in schools and youth groups to combat bullying.

Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

Wayne Hipley is Director of Youth Ministry at the Catholic Mobilizing Network and has been the Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at St. William of York Church since July 2002. His ministry focuses on areas of spirituality, conflict resolution, ecumenism, social justice, and crisis intervention. He serves on the Archdiocesan Response Team, acts as the youth ministry liaison on the Beyond the Boundaries Steering Committee, and directs the Archdiocese of Baltimore Justice Action Week program. Wayne has also worked closely with pastoral leaders of many faith traditions individually and through an ecumenical clergy collegium. In May 2007, he received the diocesan Medal of Honor for Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

Twitter: @CMNEndtheDP

404.   Telling the Gospel story as “Dynamic Disciples”
The ageless catechetical methodology of storytelling was essential in Jesus’ ministry and is very vital to our ministry today. Participants in this presentation will practice a methodology to analyze Jesus’ stories by entering the scripture imaginatively and conversing with Biblical characters by infusing St. Ignatius’ spiritual practice of the five senses. Attendees will discover how to use this practice for personal discipleship formation and in forming disciples among those they catechize. 

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Michael. Howard has a MA in Church Ministry with concentration in Spirituality. He is the Founder of Eat the Scroll Ministry and is presently a facilitator for University of Dayton Virtual Learning Community Faith Formation and instructor for in parish My Catholic Faith Deliver for the Archdiocese of Washington. 

Charlene Howard has a MA Catechesis/ Religious Education. She  is a counselor/teacher for Archbishop Carrol High School and has been a Master Catechist over 15 years. The Howards have done numerous workshops together and were recently featured in a video titled “Love is our Mission” for Pope Francis visit to the United States. 

Anne Kertz Kernion (BS, Environmental Engineering, Penn State; MA, Theology, Duquesne University) is the owner/artist of Cards by Anne, which are sold online (cardsbyanne.com) and in stores across the US and abroad.  For fourteen years, Anne was an adjunct professor of Theology at Carlow University, and for seven years taught at a local community college (CCAC). Her courses ranged from Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Nutrition, to Theology, World Religions and Ethics. Her new book, “A Year of Spiritual Companionship,” is published by SkyLight Paths. Anne continues to speak and lead retreats, and enjoys teaching a weekly yoga class at a local retreat center.  

206      Forming Missionary Disciples through Parish Small-Faith Sharing Groups
This workshop will explore how the core purpose of parish small faith-sharing groups is to make missionary disciples who gather, pray, listen to, and act on God’s Word in light of our current human situation. Supporting Pope Francis’ vision in The Joy of the Gospel, practical insights will be offered on how to launch and grow parish small communities as vehicles of discipleship.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Gregory Kremer  has been working for RENEW International since 1998, currently as the Director of Diocesan Sales and Services. In this role, he speaks frequently with diocesan and parish clergy and staff on topics related to evangelization and faith formation.

Before coming to RENEW International, he received an MDiv from Seattle University, WA. Mr. Kremer has worked full-time for the Catholic Church for almost three decades in a variety of ministries including ministry formation, parish renewal, small Christian communities, social outreach, juvenile detention, youth/young adults. Greg and his wife, Kate are the parents of three children.

Diane Lampitt, Vice President, Product Management, Religion at Wm. H. Sadlier, Inc.. is a catechetical leader with over 35 years experience in the areas of parish and school faith formation, diocesan leadership, and Catholic publishing. She began her professional ministerial career as a parish catechetical leader in the Diocese of Venice, FL. Diane then served as Diocesan Director of Evangelization, Initiation, and Catechesis for the Diocese of Charleston, SC. She entered Catholic publishing as the Director of Catechetical Resources with RCL Publishers, and later as president of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Religion Publishers. Diane holds a BA in Education from the University of South Florida, and M.Ed. in Religious Education from Boston College, Postgraduate studies at the Minnesota Consortium of Theological Schools, and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. 

105.  The Home: First Aid Station for Mercy, Forgiveness and Healing
This workshop will explore how mercy, forgiveness and healing takes place within the family. A look at Pope Francis recent, The Face of Mercy (Misericordiae Vultus), will be the tool used to discuss ideas, ways and suggestions of what can be done within the family during this Jubilee Year of Mercy. Some examples will come from the everyday life within the Holy Family and what Jesus, Mary, and Joseph teach us about the home.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Beth Mahoney is the Director of Mission for Holy Cross Family Ministries.   Beth has an extensive background in retreat work and public speaking on topics relating to family prayer, family life and pastoral care concerns. Beth has been a speaker numerous times at the National Catholic Educational Conference, national organizations/diocesan conventions throughout the country and internationally. Beth is an author with Ave Maria Press. In 2015 to commemorate the Year of Consecrated Life Beth published an article in Vision Magazine focusing on religious vocations within the family. Beth is a professional member of the MSA (Mariological Society of America).

111.  Turn Sex Ed into LoveEd: Parishes Empower Families with New Video Program   
Sr. Kieran Sawyer and Coleen Kelly Mast introduce LoveEd, an authentically Catholic, five-level approach to teaching kids about life, love, sexuality, and purity.  In other words–the meaning of life, not just the facts of life. The LoveEd approach can be parish-based or home-based, and presents its information in an engaging video-discussion framework which combines videography and animation to capture the truths about human sexuality and chastity in the context of faith and moral development. LoveEd equips parents to have a new kind of talk with their kids—awakening their imaginations to the amazing adventure of growing up while celebrating God’s plan for the beauty of family life.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Coleen Kelly Mast, author, lecturer and radio host, and pioneer in chastity education.  Mast holds a Master’s Degree in Health Education, and Secondary teaching certificates in Theology, Health, Physical Education and Science.  Mast was one of four U.S. family-life experts invited to the Vatican to present at an in-depth study of “Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality” document.  In 2011 she was appointed to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Review Board.  

107.  Better Homes and Pardons – The Raw Power of Forgiveness  to Transform Family
Priests and counselors alike tell us that having an unforgiving heart is paramount to spiritual and emotional cancer on a person and family, whereas the disposition of forgiveness frees the heart to love again.  Tom McCabe shares the five blessings that befall the forgiving family, and identifies, through interesting studies, the debilitating effects if they fail.   In the Year of Mercy, Tom explores how mercy and compassion renew the family.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Tom McCabe is an educator, writer, consultant and national speaker with 20 years experience serving diocesan and parish structures in the areas of evangelization, catechesis, marriage and family, and parish strategic planning.  Since earning his master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1994, Tom has worked extensively within the Catholic Church at many levels: (parish,  Catholic schools, campus ministry, Diocesan staff, and consultant)

He has worked extensively in marriage and family work, catechetics, and youth ministry, and has prepared over 2000 engaged couples for marriage across the country.

Tom has been a Theology of the Body Instructor for many years and is currently a Diocesan Representative with Ascension Press.  He is co-author of Living a Joy-filled Marriage, an insightful virtue-based life skills program for engaged couples, and designer of a revolutionary resource called the M.A.P. (Marriage Action Plan) designed to help couples create a concrete plan for growing in love. Tom lives in Cumming, Georgia with his wife, Rosemary, and their six children.

108.  BACK DOOR” EVANGELIZING for “PARKING LOT PARENTS”  
Who are “Parking-Lot Parents?’’  Why do some parents rely on religious education programs to be the primary providers of faith formation for their children? What characterizes effective catechists?  How can catechists engage and catechize parents?  This presentation will provide practical, applicable, inspirational and compassionate insights for evangelizing through the “backdoor.’’

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

304.  E-Z PARENT SUPPORT   
Mercy and Justice are core Gospel values first taught in the family.  Experience a strategy that prepares parents to be the “Primary Teachers” of the social teachings of the Catholic Church.  This strategy will prove to be easy-on-the-nerves for parents; easy on the catechetical leader/staff; and easy on the budget. If E-Z appeals to you, come to this session.

Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

Monday, May 23 @ 7:30 – 9:00 PM    –  PCL Forum

Prime the Pump for Parent Evangelization

If you are a PCL who desires to move parents from the parking lot to the pew or from inactivity to participation in the religious formation of their children, plan to participate in this Monday evening session.  Sr. Pat McCormack, IHM, Ed. D will present “25 Prime-Pumpers for Evangelizing Parents.”  She will also facilitate Q&A and welcome contributions from the assembly.

In advance of arriving at NCCL 2016 prepare by identifying one strategy/event/approach that you have used or that you have heard about that contributes to parent formation, parent support, or parent evangelization.  Write it up. Include your name and contact information.  Make 8 copies that you will distribute to those in your dinner hour discussion group.

PCLs are encouraged to meet with other PCLs at the conclusion of CAPSTONE (6:30 PM) to either eat together or to visit together prior to the presentation-session (7:30 PM).  During that small group time share the idea that you prepared. Give the group members a “take home” copy. Give one copy to Sr. Pat.  It may be used in future publication.

Sr. Patricia M. McCormack, IHM, EdD, Director of the IHM Office of Formative Support for Parents and Teachers, Philadelphia, PA, speaks internationally to parents and educators on adult practices that foster the formation-education of children. Most recently she presented at the 2015 World Meeting of Families (“The Sacred Balancing Act: Busy Lives and Family Spirituality”).

 www.ParentTeacherSupport.org.

Twitter:  @PatMcCormack5

207   Alpha and the Year of Mercy
We believe that the Lord has blessed Alpha to be an instrument of His mercy this year. What a great act of mercy to run Alpha, invite someone to Alpha, or serve on Alpha. Through Alpha and the work of the Holy Spirit we can feed our brothers and sisters both physically and spiritually, attending to their wounds and binding them up with the tender mercy of our God. Join us to learn how you can bring Alpha to your parish or diocese.  Catholics stand for a culture of life even in the face of what Pope Francis calls a ‘throw-way culture’. Yet, many Catholics struggle to understand the consistent ethic of life as it relates to capital punishment. Catholic Mobilizing Network will explore how to educate and evangelize around respect for life, social justice, and the year of mercy in the context of the death penalty. We will provide you with practical engagement tools to be used in your diocese, parish, or school for a variety of age groups and audiences.
Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

305.  Alpha as a Tool for the New Evangelization    
Alpha is foundational and focuses on the kerygma.  I like what Fr. Cantalamessa, preacher to the papal household had to say; “It is Alpha, not Alpha and Omega as it focuses on the first element of faith, a personal encounter with Christ.” Its audience is the nonbeliever and skeptic but we find that everyone, even faithful Catholics experience deeper conversion to Jesus when participating.  Over a meal, guests encounter Christ in a loving community, they listen to compelling talks that appeal to the head, and the heart and the will, then in small group discussion have the opportunity to examine the claims of Christ against the backdrop of their lives and our culture.  A moment of conversion is a most beautiful moment to witness, that moment when faith meets grace changes everything.
Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

Deacon Steve Mitchell, National Director for Alpha in a Catholic Context  Steve was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Detroit, (AOD) in October 2002 after receiving his Masters Degree from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Pastoral Studies.  Deacon Steve leads the team to support parishes to utilize Alpha to respond to the call of the new evangelization.  He supports parishes across the country with Alpha and is available to help answer questions, concerns or challenges.  

http://us.alphausa.org/Group/Group.aspx?ID=1000042056

Twitter: @deaconstevem

306.  A Pastoral Approach to Culture  
The cacophony of voices and opinions that exploded about Syrian refugees shows a lack of understanding about religion and culture. This session will look at what catechists can do to help establish cultural awareness and understanding within the Catholic community.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Daniel S. Mulhall currently serves as the Director for Strategic Markets for RCL Benziger. He is a lifelong catechist, and has served at the parish, diocesan, and national level. He speaks across the country at parish, diocesan, and national events, and writes regularly for the Catholic News Service’s Faith Alive series. He holds an MA in Theology from The Catholic University of America and an MA in Adult Christian Community Development from Regis University. Dan and Kathleen have three adult children and 2 grandchildren

212.  Why Do They Do It That Way?  Mentoring Millennials in an Intergenerational Church
In 2015, Millennials surpassed Gen Xers as the largest generation in the U.S. labor force. According to a 2011 study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), 68% of ministry staff members in parishes are over the age of 50, and 40% are over the age of 60. In this interactive workshop we hope to address the challenges and fruits of intergenerational professional relationships and share our experience of welcoming millennials into the ministerial workforce. Participants will engage in and learn how to mentor and retain millennials with the hope that together we can better catechize as a Church. All generations are encouraged to participate in this session!

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Katie Muller has served the Church in parish ministry, high school campus ministry, and as a middle school religion teacher. Studying theology and secondary education at Marquette University helped her to deepen her love of teaching the faith, and her experience as an apprentice catechetical leader through the Echo program led her to fall in love with the beautiful mess that is parish ministry. In late 2013, Katie moved to South Bend to focus on forming the next generation of catechetical leaders as an assistant director of Echo.

@EchoNotreDame

215     El Quinto Encuentro como modelo de catequesis evangelizadora
En el año 2017 la Iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos entrará en un proceso de evangelización de cuatro años, llamado el Quinto Encuentro Nacional de Pastoral Hispana/Latina. Este proceso tiene como meta involucrar a miles de parroquias, casi todas las diócesis y todas las organizaciones e instituciones ministeriales en el país. Uno de los objetivos del proceso es identificar al menos 20,000 líderes hispanos nuevos y muchos más de otras etnicidades. Ésta es una oportunidad para que los católicos en los Estados Unidos renovemos nuestra identidad como “Discípulos misioneros: testigos del amor de Dios”. Este taller explora la visión y el contenido de las cinco catequesis que guiarán el proceso del Quinto Encuentro.
          Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

405.  The Fifth National Encuentro as a Model of Evangelizing Catechesis
In 2017 the Catholic Church in the United States will enter a four-year process of evangelization called the Fifth National Encuentro for Hispanic Ministry that aims at engaging more than seven thousand Catholic parishes, nearly every diocese, and all major ministerial organizations and institutions in the country. One of the goals of the process is to identify at least 20,000 new Hispanic pastoral leaders and many more from other ethnicities. It is an opportunity for U.S. Catholics to renew our identity as dynamic “Missionary Disciples: Witnesses of God’s Love.” This workshop explores the vision and content of the five catechesis that will guide the Fifth Encuentro Process.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

307.  A Church on the Move: Putting Mission and Mercy in Motion
The vision for how to achieve a church on the move has been laid out by Pope Francis through his actions and words, most notably, his Apostolic Letter Evangelii Gaudium—“The Joy of the Gospel.” In his new book, A Church on the Move: 52 Ways to Get Mission and Mercy in Motion (Loyola Press), Joe Paprocki, DMin, offers a number of exciting, practical, realistic, and doable strategies for transforming the way the average parish thinks, functions, worships, forms people in faith, and engages the world so that we can truly become a church on the move where people encounter the transforming grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this presentation, Joe will specifically focus on how a church on the move forms people in faith.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Joe Paprocki has over 35 years of experience in pastoral ministry and is presently National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press in Chicago. He has presented in over 100 dioceses in North America, including Alaska, Hawaii and Canada. An author of numerous books on pastoral ministry and catechesis, Paprocki serves as a catechist at Evergreen Park, just outside of Chicago, and blogs about the experience.

208     Do You Dare?
Do you dare give yourself permission to honestly reflect on what might be necessary to meet the needs of the families in your parish? How do you invite them to move deeper into relationship with Christ? Maybe what they need is a “faith coach.” What is a faith coach? How do you find coaches and train them? Explore this innovative concept and imagine the difference it might make for your parish.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

308.  Changing Paradigms
How hard is it to let go of what we know in order to creatively imagine a more effective solution?  Discover the paradigm shift in Alive in Christ and Encounter With Christ that is facilitating the conversion process is parishes across the country.
Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

109.   “How does my parish catechetical program get better from one year to the next?”
Busy parish catechetical leaders sometimes struggle with annual improvement (aka strategic planning) amidst their many ministerial duties. The Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ education office has produced a resource called Choosing Paths on the Journey; this planning process is specifically designed for parish catechetical programs and incorporates successful private-sector strategic planning practices with theological reflection as well as additional faith-related steps. Choose this session to learn more about how to help enhance parish catechetical ministry by God’s grace.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Pam Perrino is an early childhood educator and advocate.  Pam has worked as a preschool teacher, infant/toddler teacher, and administrator of a N.A.E.Y.C. corporate based childcare. She has her undergraduate degree from Thiel College and her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy from the University of Dayton and presently is an adjunct professor.   She currently serves as a member of the Ohio Child Care Advisory Council and Ohio Professional Development Network.  She has spent the last ten years as an early childhood advocate and educational consultant with her own company and has worked with the Youngstown Diocesan schools in supporting a Pre-K focus. 

Matthew Pinto is the founder and president of Ascension Press and the author or co-author of a variety of best-selling works, including the teen question-and-answer books Did Adam and Eve Have Belly Buttons?, Did Jesus Have a Last Name?, and Do I Have to Go: 101 Questions about the Mass, the Eucharist, and Your Spiritual Life. He is also the co-creator of the Friendly Defenders Catholic Flash Cards and the Amazing Grace Series. Matt also co-authored A Guide to the Passion: 100 Questions About the Passion of the Christ, which went on to sell more than a million copies and hit #6 on the New York Times Religion Best-Seller List.  Matt has appeared on numerous television and radio programs explaining and defending the Catholic Faith, and he has conducted seminars on a variety of Catholic issues throughout the country. He was also a recipient of the Catholic Leadership Institute’s 2004 Award for Outstanding Catholic Leadership. Matt serves on advisory boards for a number of institutions and apostolates including Theology of the Body Institute, Association of Catholic Publishers and John Paul the Great University. Matt and his wife, Maryanne, live in Pennsylvania, and are the parents of six children. 

110.  Connecting Parishes to the Universal Church:  Website/App
God created us “wired” for relationship.  Being able to join our personal story to a bigger picture is critical to our human psyche.  Explore how Our Sunday Visitor has developed an integrated approach to connect the Universal Church to your parish through the tools of technology.

Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

Terry Poplava is the Executive Director of Marketing and Sales for Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum, Publishing and Offertory Solutions. Terry joined Our Sunday Visitor in 2007 after 25 years of business experience including, consulting, marketing, sales and product management.  Terry has worked with dioceses and parishes across the United States to devise plans for parishioner engagement, evangelization and catechesis. The experience has been an inspiration and has fueled his passion for serving the Catholic church.  His work includes presentations and workshops on best practices to build an engaged parish community, Celebrating Your Parish, and Engagement as a foundation for a journey to Discipleship.  Terry is music minister, part time organist, member of the finance committee and lector at St. Mary’s Church in Hartsville, SC where he lives with his wife Sharman. 

406.  “Mission Matters: The Social Dimension of the New Evangelization”
In today’s secular and isolated society, Pope Francis’ call to transform the parish as “a center of constant missionary outreach” is more important than ever before. Now is the time to proclaim the healing message of Christ’s mercy—as Pope Francis says, to go “out from the sacristy and into the street’’ to care for those on the margins and God’s creation. This workshop presents pastoral approaches based on insights drawn from The Joy of the Gospel, Laudato Si’, and the social doctrine of the Church. Participants will leave with practical ideas for how to perform all of their parish ministry activities in a ‘missionary key.”
Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Sr. Theresa Rickard, OP, President and Executive Director of RENEW International, is a Dominican Sister of Blauvelt, NY. She holds a DMin in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology and Masters degrees from Union Theological Seminary and Fordham University. 
Before joining RENEW, she ministered in two parishes in the South Bronx, was Director of Vocation and Formation for her congregation, and served on the Archdiocese of New York Parish Mission Team.

Sr. Terry is a sought-after preacher, speaker, and retreat leader. She writes and blogs on preaching and spirituality. Sr. Terry currently serves on the Boards of Holy Cross Family Ministries, St. Dominic’s Home, and Dominican Academy.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu878hEu_4MYGXW-HD9eA2Bdk7jlt3FLG

Twitter: @SrTerryRickard

www.lifelongfaith.com

210.   From Mass to Mission: The Connection between Liturgical Catechesis and Dynamic Discipleship
In Catechesi Tradendate, St. John Paul II states that “catechesis is intrinsically linked with the whole of liturgical and sacramental activity” of the parish. Participants in this session will specifically explore how catechists can/must echo their faith as liturgical disciples who gather weekly at Eucharist and are then sent forth in mission. Special attention will be given to the role of ongoing mystatogy (post-baptismal catechesis) in the life of the parish.
Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Michael Ruzicki serves as Editor and Liturgical Training Consultant for Liturgy Training Publications and the Director of Music for Notre Dame de Chicago Parish. In addition to having served as a team member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, Michael has experience as a parish pastoral associate and archdiocesan coordinator of adult faith formation and RCIA and director of archdiocesan music ministry. He is a graduate of The Catholic University of America and the Washington Theological Union in Washington, DC.  

115.  Español   Marketing y publicidad en la catequesis: ¡Que atractiva Evangelización!
La catequesis ofrece recursos y formación que no dejan de ser un producto vendible a las personas. ¿Vendible? Nuestra publicidad es de alguna manera el reflejo del contenido de nuestros programas. ¿Es que acaso damos por sentado que la mercadotecnia no tiene nada que ofrecer a la catequesis? Recordemos que nuestros programas y recursos deben ser atractivos para los padres de familia y los hijos, por tal razón, el mercadeo y la publicidad nos ofrecen ciertas pautas que nos permiten ofrecer nuestro ministerio de una manera gráfica, explícita y muy atractiva para la audiencia. Aquí recibirás los métodos de análisis y estrategias de la publicidad que son aplicables y de beneficio para nuestra catequesis y evangelización parroquial.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation 

Marketing and publicity in catechesis
Catechesis and evangelization provides resources and training that are marketable elements. Our advertising is somehow a reflection of the content of our programs. Could it be that we assume that marketing has nothing to offer catechesis? Our programs and resources must be attractive to families, parents and children. For that reason, several documents of our Catholic Church with the support of guidelines of marketing/publicity will help us to offer our ministry with new expressions, graphical, explicit and very attractive manner to people. You will receive in this workshop the necessary tools, methods and advertising strategies that are applicable and to the benefit of our parish catechesis and evangelization programs.                        

Gerardo Salazar, México-americano, originario de Los Ángeles California y San Luis Potosí México. Casado por 12años con Nancy y padre de 5 hijos (Camille de 4 años, Paola de 3 años, Chiara de 2 años, Matías tendría 1 y Gianna viene en camino). Hijo de padres campesinos migrantes y de familia muy numerosa con 13hermanos. Su madre lo consagró desde muy temprana edad a San Gerardo cuyo nombre significa “Espada de Dios” y a la Virgen del Carmen. Tiene una Licenciatura en Periodismo y Comunicaciones, una Maestría en Teología y Ministerio y actualmente está cursando su Doctorado en Ministerio Hispano. Es catequista y músico. Su pasión es la evangelización y formación en los medios de comunicación. Es el Director Asociado para la formación de catequistas y líderes catequéticos hispanos en la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston en Texas. Su proceso de conversión comenzó en mayo del 2007 a los pies del Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves en Belleville Illinois.      

Gerardo Salazar, Mexican-American from Los Angeles California and San Luis Potosí. Married for 12 years with Nancy Vasquez and father of 5 children (Camille 3 years, Paola 2 years, Chiara 1 year, Matias would be one year and Gianna is coming soon). Proudly son of migrant parents with a large family with 13 brothers and sisters. His mother consecrated him to Saint Gerardo whose name means “Sword of God” and the Virgen del Carmen. He has a Bachelor in Journalism and Communications, a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry and currently candidate for a Doctorate in Hispanic Ministry. He is a catechist and musician. His passion is the evangelization and formation in the media. Currently he is the Associate Director Hispanic catechists and catechetical leaders in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in Texas. His conversion process began in May 2007 at the foot of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville Illinois.

309.   Connecting People to Change the World
Pope Francis reminds us that we are called to reach out as missionary disciples to all and in a special manner to the most vulnerable. In a world were we long to make personal connections come discuss how we can facilitate these relationships for our students, families and communities.

Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

407.   Engaging Families in Missionary Work: How to Contribute to a Missionary Church
Living the New Evangelization with youth and young adults challenges us to look at ourselves from the “outside in” and respond to the needs, concerns and questions that arise from their daily lives.  At the same time, we must invite them to share their gifts and faith with our communities so that they can partner with us to evangelize others “from the inside out.” Come to explore strategies that will help all of us to see, hear, connect and involve youth and young adults in our communities.

Marilyn Santos is the Director of Mission Education in the National Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the U.S. She served as a VIDES-Salesian Sisters Missionary in Ecuador. She has spoken and presented workshops at national and diocesan conferences and gatherings including those sponsored by NCEA, NCCL, NFCYM, LA Rel Ed Congress & the Mid-Atlantic Congress. 

Twitter: @24graces

111.  Turn Sex Ed into LoveEd: Parishes Empower Families with New Video Program   
Coleen Kelly Mast and Sr. Kieran Sawyer introduce LoveEd, an authentically Catholic, five-level approach to teaching kids about life, love, sexuality, and purity.  In other words–the meaning of life, not just the facts of life. The LoveEd approach can be parish-based or home-based, and presents its information in an engaging video-discussion framework which combines videography and animation to capture the truths about human sexuality and chastity in the context of faith and moral development. LoveEd equips parents to have a new kind of talk with their kids—awakening their imaginations to the amazing adventure of growing up while celebrating God’s plan for the beauty of family life.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Sister Kieran Sawyer is nationally known for her creative work in youth ministry and catechesis.  She is the Director Emeritus of TYME OUT (now Inspirio), a youth center in Wisconsin which provides retreats and other programs for teens and pre-teens.  She presents workshops and training events for the family-based chastity program, Learning about L.I.F.E., which she co-authored with Kathie Amidei, and the new LoveEd program which she created with Coleen Kelly Mast.

www.sisterkieransawyer.org

408.   Embracing All God’s Children: Faith Formation of Youth with Autism and Other Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Pope Francis calls us to be a Church which is a “mother to all, spreading throughout the world a culture of acceptance and solidarity in which no one is seen as useless, out of place, or disposable.” This learning session will provide a theological, pastoral and social justice perspective to welcoming, including and catechizing youth with disabilities. Learning styles and characteristics of youth with Autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities will be presented as well as positive approaches of engaging youth and their families in faith formation.  A variety of models of inclusion, effective teaching methods and resources to assist Catechetical leaders, catechists and parents will be shared. Creative ways of using Loyola’s Press’ Adaptive Finding God, a groundbreaking new program designed to help children with autism and other disabilities experience their Catholic faith, will be explored. Participants will be encouraged to view planning for the inclusion of all in parish faith formation not as a problem to be solved but an opportunity that brings countless blessings.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Sister Kathleen Schipani, who is a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters, has an M. ED. in Special Education from the College of New Jersey, a certificate in American Sign Language Studies from Gallaudet University and a B.A. in both Theology and English from Immaculata University.   She has 38 years of teaching experience with children and adults of all abilities.  For the past 28 years she has been a catechist for children and adults who are Deaf.   Presently, Sister Kathleen is the Director of the Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Sister Kathleen is the chair of the board of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability.  She has recently co-authored a DVD Curriculum and Teacher Guide entitled Confirmation: Strengthened in Faith, a curriculum for individuals who are deaf.

310.  What’s Up? Using Current Events to Emphasize Catholic Social Teaching
When making a list of catechetical resources at our disposal, we often forget some of the most important—the Newspaper, CNN, the evening news, twitter feeds and the like. It is naïve to think that the young people we teach are deaf to the drumbeat of wars, violence, terrorism, fraud, poverty, immigration, and the like. It is important—even essential—that we demonstrate that Catholic social teaching addresses the troubles of our times. This session gives practical suggestions for using what is happening now to highlight the seven principles of Catholic social teaching as articulated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

Cullen Schippe has spent his entire career in religious publishing—primarily in the development of catechetical materials. He currently serves as Publisher for the Pflaum Publishing Group and has a column, “Bits O’ Wisdom,” in CATECHIST Magazine. He has created, edited and published resources for families and catechists. He is the author of three-volume Kitchen Table Gospel, Planting, Watering, and Growing: The Volunteer Catechist Handbook, and Called to Be A Catechist. He is the co-author and general editor of The Bible and Its Influence. He lives in New Jersey with his wife Carol.  

Weekly blog—http://gospelweeklies.com/blog/ 

112.  Partnering with Parents in Faith Formation: The Essential Shift That Can Make All the Biblical Faith Formation, the Heart of the Matter
Let’s ponder together how our experience and our learning can help us reach people of faith who may not even be able to identify their hunger.  Come find out about a new generation of biblical resources from Little Rock Scripture Study. We’ll give you a taste of a fresh and digestible approach to meeting the needs of your diverse faith community.   Cackie Upchurch taps into years of experience in Bible study and adult faith formation to share the life-giving message of Scripture.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Cackie Upchurch serves as director of Little Rock Scripture Study, an international ministry based in the Diocese of Little Rock. She is the general editor of the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible, an associate editor of The Bible Today (a periodical of contemporary biblical scholarship), and contributor to Give Us This Day (a resource for personal daily prayer).

www.littlerockscripture.org/LectureSamples/Index

213    Connectiong with Generation “C”
Generation “C” is being defined as people who are under 25 years of age.  The reason for the “C” label is that they are connected, creative, looking for community, curious and they seek good content. One of the things that may be missing from the “C” generation is Christ. In the spirit of the New Evangelization we need to develop new and engaging ways to connect with this generation and not just evangelize but catechize them as well. In this workshop we will explore who is Generation “C” and possible strategies to reach out to this group. Online and social media activities will be shared during this session.

             Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

314      Español   Creemos-Identidad Católica-el instrumento ideal para presentar la dignidad humana en la formación de discípulos.
Esta sesión demostrara como la nueva edición de Creemos-Identidad Católica, se une a la doctrina social de la iglesia para presentar la fe en maneras innovadoras y creativas.  La meta de Creemos-Identidad Católica, es ayudar a los catequistas y los padres de familia y a la comunidad en formar discípulos. Esta nueva edición contiene un enfoque innovador titulado “catequesis en el hogar,” donde la familia y el hogar se convierten en el lugar principal de la catequesis para los niños. Ven a escuchar como esta nueva herramienta encomienda a las familias trasferir el tesoro de la fe, la doctrina social de la iglesia en el hogar.
Creemos-Identidad Católica, as an instrument in forming disciples that strive for human dignity for all.
This session will demonstrate how Creemos-Identidad Católica, (New Edition) integrates Catholic Social Teaching in creative and innovative ways. The goal of Creemos-Identidad Católica, is helping catechists and parents and the community in the formation of young disciples. This new edition with its’ innovative approach of ‘catechesis in the home’ really focuses that formation in family and provides the necessary tools for family members to participate in the faith formation of their children. Come hear how we can empower families to pass on our most valuable treasure of Catholic Social Teaching in the home.

Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

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Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

Victor Valenzuela,  is a National Religion Consultant for Bilingual Resources for William H. Sadlier, Inc. He has presented workshops to numerous groups both regionally and nationally. Victor has been in ministry for 25 years including classroom teaching, youth ministry, teacher training, and writing and development of new materials. He has a Bachelor of Arts from St. Joseph Seminary in Menlo Park, CA and a Masters of Arts from the University of San Francisco. Curently, enrolled in a doctor of ministry degree at Barry University in Miami. Born in Arizona to parents of Mexican descent, he is fully bilingual and bicultural. He currently lives in Alameda, CA.

Víctor Valenzuela es consultor bilingüe a nivel nacional de William H. Sadlier Inc. Por más de 20 años ha estado trabajando en el ministerio hispano. Ha sido maestro de secundaria y ha colaborado en diversos ministerios parroquiales incluyendo pastoral juvenil y educación religiosa, donde tiene una gran experiencia preparando materiales. Terminó sus estudios superiores en el seminario St. Joseph en Mountain View, California y tiene dos años de teología cursados en el seminario St. Patricks. También tiene su maestría en educación religiosa de la Universidad de San Francisco. Nació en Arizona de padres mexicanos, ha vivido la mayor parte de su vida en el área de la bahía. Actualmente vive en Alameda, CA

Megan Ward is the Catholic Mobilizing Network’s Director of Engagement.  Megan works to promote Catholics in the movement to end the death penalty with a special focus on imminent legislation. Megan collaborates with state Catholic conferences, diocesan offices, parishes, ecumenical groups, and secular organizations – such as the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Equal Justice USA and others – to advance the vision of repeal together.

Twitter: CMNEndtheDP

113.  Finding Jesus in the Eucharist   
This session will discuss the manner we help parishioners look beyond the appearance of the Communion host in order to refocus on the fruits and attributes of Christ found in the Eucharist. By journeying through a combination of Saint quotes, Scriptural encounters and Catechism references, we will bring to light once again why this Sacrament is the source and summit of our faith. Using practical language and down-to-Earth examinations, along with personal reflections, Greg Wasinski will offer an inspiring illustration of the ways we are accepted, connected, forgiven, led, loved and redeemed through the Eucharist. These insights will invigorate you to lead your parish community into an encounter with our Lord each time they approach the Table of the Lord. With this foundation, we will help build a church on the shoulders of lifelong Catholics rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ, crucified and resurrected, through the gift of Holy Communion. Regardless of where your people are on their faith journey, this topic will help you generate ideas on how to once again remind them of how they are loved unconditionally and need to return to offer themselves to the Father in the same manner. Other related resources will be available.

Unpacking Session: a 20 minute presentation given twice within the hour

Greg Wasinski is a full time Catholic Inspirational Speaker, Author and Radio Contributor from Cleveland, OH. He offers a sincere and practical message that provides “real life” examples making faith attainable for all. He is the author of “Where Faith & Real Life Come Together…”(2012) and “Unconditionally: Finding Jesus in the Eucharist” (2015). Greg’s ministry is identified throughout the country by its signature “bee” logo as a reminder to be nothing more than God created you to be. 

www.faithandreallife.com

Twitter: @GregWasinski

311.  Making Catholic Social Teaching Come Alive for Young People
This session offers creative ways to engage young adults and/or adolescents in exploring the seven basic principles of Catholic Social Teaching. In addition to input on major themes, participants will get the opportunity to brainstorm how to make Catholic social teaching more than just a list or a bunch of words. We will look at ways of weaving CST into faith formation, family, mission trips, etc.

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

Joan Weber is Project Coordinator for Lifelong Faith Formation and Young Neighbors in Action at the Center for Ministry Development. Previous to that, she was the Young Adult Ministry Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Omaha, worked in parish faith formation, and taught theology in a Catholic high school. She has a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Creighton University in Omaha.

410.   Helping Kids and Teens Embrace the Fullness of Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching transcends the boundaries of politics and secular ideologies. In a society that is highly polarized, how can we form children and teens to proclaim and live the beauty of Catholic teaching, from caring for all creation to defending the life and dignity of the human person? Dr. Joseph White, catechist and child psychologist, will offer 5 practical ways to form learners who live the faith.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Dr. Joseph White is a clinical child psychologist and National Catechetical Consultant for Our Sunday Visitor. He has taught courses in Catechetics and Pastoral Guidance at the University of Dallas and the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Dr. White has worked as a parish catechetical leader and spent seven years as Director of Family Counseling and Family life in the Diocese of Austin. He is the author of ten books and numerous articles on catechesis and ministry, and co-authored the Allelu and Alive in Christ catechetical series.

312.     Tools to Help Form Disciples who have a Global View and a Merciful Heart     
Dynamically highlight the catechetical resources, videos and tools that Catholic Relief Services has created to serve those who seek to bring about global solidarity through preservation and upholding the sacredness and dignity of all human life, fostering charity and justice, and embodying Catholic social and moral teaching we assist the poor and vulnerable overseas

Unpacking Session: a 60 minute presentation

411.     Laudato Si: Engaging Pope Francis’ Encyclical and Protecting Our Common Home
In his encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis invites “every person living on this planet” to an inclusive dialogue about our responsibility to care for all God’s creation. This presentation and community forum will focus on the theology of the encyclical, highlighting some of the core themes including the global impact of climate change on the world’s most vulnerable people. Explore the collection of resources offered by Catholic Relief Services and others that aid in fostering dialogue and faith-filled engagement with young people on this seminal issue of our time.  evangelization and unique invitation to koinonia.

Imagination Session: a 90 minute presentation

Dr. Kristin Witte has a love of Christ and passion for serving the poor and vulnerable. She has taught in a Catholic elementary school, worked as a college campus minister, parish youth minister, and for the Archdiocese of Baltimore as the coordinator of pastoral care and social justice. Having earned three master’s degrees, Kristin completed her Doctorate in Ministry with an emphasis in Pastoral Counseling from the Catholic University of America in 2012. Kristin currently serves as the coordinator of Catholic Educational Engagement at Catholic Relief Services. Kristin and her husband Andy have been married for 15 years and have a one year old daughter, Kyra Grace.