Room 307

In this session we will seek a definition of catechesis; the meaning of faith and the six tasks of catechesis using the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC) as our source. All participants will receive a copy of the Summary of the NDC for their personal use.

Clem Schwartz: Director of Family Faith Formation at St. Jude Parish, Grand Rapids for more than 10 years. Former DRE at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Wyoming for 16 years. My hope is to share with new catechists the many years of experience I have had in the field of catechesis. 

Dimension: Evangelization

Room 313

The goal of the RCIA is to make lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. The RCIA Team (and the entire parish) accompany these adults on their journey of knowledge and experience which must lead to conversion. We will consider the process and flow of the program at St. Patrick-St. Anthony parish of awakening the catechumens and candidates in their heart to a living relationship with the Lord and highlight the prophetic structure of the RCIA. Participants will be enriched in their own hearts and encouraged to share their parish experiences as well.

Donna Szczepanski has been coordinating parish RCIA teams and serving on staff at four parishes in our diocese for over 30 years. Her love for Jesus and her desire to share this love and connect others to Christ is evident and contagious. 

Dimension: Evangelization

Room 110

The Church will begin reading the Gospel of St. Mark in December. Each New Testament Gospel emphasizes the Jesus-story uniquely. This session will present what makes Mark’s version special in order to get the most out of the Gospel readings at Mass.

Dr. Stephen Davis, PhD is Associate Professor of Theology at Aquinas College since 2004, specializing in biblical theology.

Dimension: Professional Theology

Also offered as B-29

Session CANCELLED

This session will examine Western and the Byzantine models of the relationship of Church and State. After laying out how various ways that religion interacts with the state in symphonia in the Byzantine world and the development of separation of church and state and increasingly a silencing of Christian faith in the West, the presenter will suggest that the rich tradition of Catholic social doctrine can contribute to the fostering of civil society as witnessed by the believers in Ukraine.

Dr. Robert Marko is professor and chair of theology at Aquinas College and twice Fulbright Scholar on social ethics at the Ukrainian Catholic University, L’viv, Ukraine.

Dimension: Evangelization

Room 107

Modeling our prayer life for children and young adults allows youth to build on their friendships with Jesus Christ. Encouraging young adults to write prayer and allowing them opportunities to share their personal prayers has added reverence and growth in our classrooms. In this session participants will have opportunity to write a prayer, hear prayers of student and teachers read aloud, and reflect on how this practice can grow a faith community.

Jennifer Krygier teaches English and Spanish at West Catholic High School. Jill Annable is the Assistant Superintendent in the Office of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.

Dimension: Evangelization

Also offered as B-8

Room 213

Take a look at the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in a new way. Some ways are obvious but what about the non-obvious things you can do? We will also take a look at the two Gospels of Two Debtors. How are they related? How do they differ? And most importantly, how do they relate to your life today? This interactive session will set the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy on fire in your life.

Nickie Wentworth-Holton is the High School Youth Minister and Media Coordinator at Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Rockford.

Dimension: Spirituality

Also offered as B-26

Room 132

“How we read and interpret the Bible with children can make a difference in whether or not scripture continues to be an important source of their faith.” This quote, from Elizabeth Caldwell will form the basis of this workshop. Using her book, “I Wonder: Engaging a Child’s Curiosity about the Bible,” we will explore her ‘wondering’ approach to sharing the Bible with children, and discover how this approach can enhance our teaching.

Glenys Nellist is a native of England and serves as Coordinator of Children’s Ministry for the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. She lives in Grand Rapids and is a wife, mother, grandma, Sunday school teacher and author of two popular children’s book series: Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time.

Dimension: Evangelization/Methodology

Also offered as B-22

Room 207

There is so much more to Adult Faith Formation than a presentation or a bible study. We will explore the various avenues for delivering faith formation to adults of all ages, those in specific age, or life stages using the traditional approaches, technology and networking.

Marinell High is a wife to Thomas and a mother to three children, grandma to ten and great grandma to one. She serves as Director of Adult Faith Formation and RCIA at St. Joseph Parish in Dexter, MI.

Dimension: Evangelization

Room 116

The parish catechetical leader is first and foremost an administrator, a leader who calls others to serve as catechists in a variety of parish programs. Participants will identify and explore those competencies, skills and responsibilities needed to become a more effective administrator. These include nurturing commitment, fostering collaboration, and the recruitment, formation and supervision of catechists. We will also consider the principles of program planning and professional development.

Dan Pierson has served as catechist, Catholic school teacher, parish director of religious education and diocesan director of religious education. Currently, he is the founder of eCatechist.com and Faith Alive Books Publishing (www.faithAlivebooks.com). 

Dimension: Evangelization

Room 233

All parents seek hope and encouragement as they encounter the many challenges of raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disabilities and related disorders. This presentation provides an overview and need for parents, families, caregivers, educators, support partners, and clinicians to build a team, set goals and create action plans. In addition, Kimberly, a mother and her family blazed the trails of ASD long before others. She explains the importance of home reinforcement and advocating for one’s child. Her child, JD was able to beat the odds and is totally independent. All who attend this session will walk away with hope, encouragement and a never give up attitude”. Begin today and make a difference for that special child in your life.

Kimberly Bell Mocini is an accomplished speaker, author, trainer and consultant who has designed, developed and provided training for the past 25 years. Kimberly’s background began in business administration and interior design. Her focus changed and she specializes in training parents and others who work with children on the Autism Spectrum, Asperger’s syndrome and those with other learning challenges.

Dimension: Evangelization

Also offered as B-14