All posts by Susie Boone

C-12 | 101 | Completing the Circle: What is Your Role in Restorative Justice?

GR PMCC Session C

Room 101
Speaker: Tricia Worrell & Team

Restorative Justice continues to be discussed in our parishes, in the media and within our criminal justice system. Do you know the teaching behind these words and why they are important to civil and Christian living? This workshop will discuss our Catholic Social Teaching behind this catch phrase and provide practical ways to implement Restorative Justice Circles within your home, classroom, parish and community. During this workshop, you will hear stories of restoration from a Grand Rapids Police Officer, a Michigan Department of Corrections Offenders Success Coordinator and a returned citizen. Come learn with us why it is essential to open our hearts to all, especially to those who have greatly offended us.

Dimension: Spirituality

A-9 | 125 | The Power of Quiet

GR PMCC Session A

Room 125
Speaker: Katie Kimball

“He’s so quiet. Is he learning anything?” It’s easy to dismiss the kids who don’t speak up as not being involved, but there’s often more going on than meets the eye. Discover how to reach both introverts and extroverts in class or youth ministry, the superpowers buried in the “quiet” kids, and how to leverage quiet moments in class. PLUS you’ll learn how to prepare with quiet moments to become a more effective conduit for the Holy Spirit to reach your students.

Dimension: Spirituality

C-13 | 235 | Drawn by the Light

GR PMCC Session C

Room 235
Speaker: Sr. Diane Zerfas

In our painful stressful times we are all looking for peace, for faith, for God’s goodness. Together we will open our eyes to the presence of God using Visio Divina, a simple ancient prayer technique for “praying with the eyes of the heart.” We will use the art work suggested by Henri Nouwen in his book Behold the Beauty of the Lord.

Dimension: Spirituality

Also offered as B-13

C-15 | 103 | “Powers that go forth” – Placing the Sacraments in context

GR PMCC Session C

Room 103
Speaker: D.J. Florian

The image used to introduce Part Two of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is taken from Mark chapter 5. The sacraments are as it were “powers that go forth” from the Body of Christ to heal the wounds of sin and to give us the new life of Christ (cf. #1116). We will reflect on this Gospel passage, explore the meaning of sacred time and space and reflect on why sacraments don’t always have a profound effect on those who perceive them.

Dimension:Theology

A-8 | 133 | For Nuns, Monks AND YOU: Praying the Psalms

GR PMCC Session A

Room 133
Speaker: Fr. Chris Rouech

Every Mass has at least one. Jesus probably knew them by heart. The Book of Psalms is a collection of poems and hymns that are integral to Christian worship and personal prayer. In this session, participants will get a brief introduction to the psalms and their use in the Liturgy of the Hours and Mass. Together we will pray some of the psalms and discuss how to incorporate them into your life. Whatever you are feeling, there is a psalm that expresses that emotion and offers it back to God.

Dimension: Spirituality

C-16 | MAK Board Room | St. Vincent de Paul Society: Spirituality, Service and Friendship

GR PMCC Session C

MAK Board Room
Speaker: James White

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul holds a valued place in the Church and community, being recognized as Catholic response to the needs of those living in poverty. In order to make the mission of St. Vincent de Paul known, we will share what it means to be a Vincentian. In the spirit of growing in love for God and in service to our neighbors, this workshop will focus on three essential elements: Spirituality, Service, and Friendship within the Vincentian family.
Please join us to see how your parish can benefit from partnering with St. Vincent de Paul Society through its national resources and efficiencies in serving those in need.

Dimension: Evangelization

C-17 | 233 | Catechist as Spiritual Companion

GR PMCC Session C

Room 233
Speaker: Cami Mann

The National Directory of Catechesis says, “The communication of faith in catechesis is first of all, an event of grace” under the action of the Holy Spirit, “realized in the encounter of the word of God with the experience of the person.” (96)

Catechists as spiritual companions flip the script. Spiritual companionship is grounded in the understanding that all people, young and old, have a sense of a sacred encounter with Christ and therefore textbook material is not the goal but the means to assist people in naming their sacred experiences. This workshop will explore the ways in which a catechist moves beyond imparting information to becoming a spiritual companion to those they serve.

Dimension: Spirituality

Also offered as B-6

C-19 | 133 | Creating an Inclusive & Equitable Environment in Catholic Schools – Challenges and Successes

GR PMCC Session C

Room 133
Speakers: Luzia Tartari & De’Ondre Hogan

A discussion on the importance of creating welcoming environments as a tool for evangelization.

We will discuss the first steps we are taking to intentionally address the issues of inclusion and equity in our schools, and the concerns of students and parents. We will talk about the Inclusion Group created this past year, to support the schools in their efforts and some successful initiatives to better serve students of color and their families.

Dimension: Evangelization

C-20 | 313 | “The Toolshed”

GR PMCC Session C

Room 313
Speaker: Michael Hurst

An introduction to resources, practices and attitudes for catechists to help build on authentic and knowledgeable ministry. Meant particularly for middle school and high school catechists in light of the Synod, Christus Vivit, and other studies on youth and religion.

Dimension: Evangelization

Also offered as A-15