Diocese of Metuchen 2018 Catechetical Catechist as runner Come and See Remain in Me: That the word of the Lord may run on! Saturday, October 27, 2018 8:30 am - 4:30 pm St. John Neumann Pastoral Center 146 METLARS LANE. PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY 08854 Preview of the Day 8:30 a.m. Mass and Welcome Bishop James F. Checchio Keynote Address presented by Msgr. Eugene Sylva, S.T.D. Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, Do you understand what you are reading? He replied, How can I, unless someone instructs me? So he invited Philip to get in and sit with him (Acts 8:30-31). In this dramatic exchange between St. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (see Acts 8:26-35), Luke gives us an image of the catechist as the evangelizer: one who, clutching the Word of God, eagerly runs to others with it, and invites them to share in the great joy of the Lord. As catechists, we are inspired and instructed on how to run with the word: in hope, trust, humility, and joy. In this keynote, Msgr. Sylva, STD, will dive into the essential relationship between catechesis and the new evangelization. This day will include a panel discussion and workshops on deepening your relationship with Christ and practical ideas for catechists, parish catechetical leaders, Catholic school teachers, and principals. Sponsored by Diocese of Metuchen Office of Discipleship Formation Online Registration and Event Details: https://diometuchen.org/catechetical-conference Questions? email catechesis@diometuchen.org or call (732) 529-7930 Keynote Speaker Msgr. Eugene (Geno) Sylva, S.T.D. Rev. Msgr. Eugene (Geno) Sylva, S.T.D., is the Episcopal Vicar for Diocesan Initiatives in the Diocese of Paterson. He most recently served for five years as the English Language Official of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization in Rome. A native of Livingston, Msgr. Sylva graduated from Delbarton School, Morristown, and Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA. He holds a bachelor s degree of Sacred Theology and a master s degree in Religious Studies from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. He earned a Licentiate of Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) and a Doctorate of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) from Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome. Msgr. Sylva was ordained to the priesthood in 1993. His appointments include: parochial vicar, St. Anthony Parish, Hawthorne; president, DePaul Catholic High School, Wayne; director, St. Paul Inside the Walls: Catholic Center for Evangelization, Madison; and Episcopal Vicar for Evangelization, Diocese of Paterson.
THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN S Catechetical 2018 Workshop #1 Our Lady of Guadalupe 101: For Catechists Facilitator: Jodie D Angiolillo Bishop Checchio will be consecrating the Diocese of Metuchen to Our Lady of Guadalupe in December 2019 for the purpose of a new evangelization. This consecration will touch all the catechetical programs in our diocese as the Bishop calls all the faithful to engage in the consecration. This workshop will explain what a consecration is, what evangelization is, who Our Lady of Guadalupe is, and why she was chosen for this particular need at this time in our local church. This workshop will give you curriculum resources for your catechetical programs to help all engage in this consecration. Jodie D Angiolillo serves in the Diocese of Metuchen as Director of Evangelization. Workshop #2 Creating Your Lesson Plans through the Heart of Christ Facilitator: Darrin Nelson We have been entrusted in our roles as PCLs, principals, school teachers, and catechists to carry the Word of God and the tradition of the Catholic Faith to form children and adults alike. Saint John Paul II said catechesis should, seek to understand the meaning of Christ s actions and words and of the signs worked by Him. Pope Francis says people prefer to listen to witnesses: they thirst for authenticity and call for evangelizers to speak of a God whom they themselves know. In this workshop, we will discuss and discover the significant relationship between catechesis and evangelization. You will walk away with key disciplines that will help you grow as a catechist and a personal witness to our faith. Darrin Nelson has a Masters in Systematic Theology and is a consultant for Vibrant Parish Life. Darrin has worked in many parishes and has served on many diocesan commissions for the past 18 years. His ministry serves many areas of parish life through training, implementing, and fostering ministry leaders in discipleship and evangelization. He recently established Discipleship before Leadership, a ministry focused on gathering leaders to grow as disciples. He currently works at St. Mary- Stony Hill Parish in Watchung, NJ, and as a Vibrant Parish Life Consultant. Workshop #3 Jesus on the Road to Emmaus: A Model for Accompanying Youth on their Faith Journey Facilitator: Thomas Vresics How do we get youth engaged with Jesus and join Him in the Paschal journey of faith that leads to New Life? The last thing youth want is another thing to worry over especially when many youth often feel so much anxiety and stress. Sponsored by PFLAUM Publishing Group, Tom will explore how we can authentically show youth that Jesus journeys with them by modeling accompanying techniques. These techniques will Catechetical 2018 1 demonstrate how Jesus breaks into our human experience to invite us to new life, as He did for the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. Thomas Vresics grew up in Bethlehem, PA, received a BA in Theology from De Sales University and an MA in Religious Education from Villanova. Tom has served as a teacher, department chair, and wrestling coach for over 25 years at Salesianum in Wilmington, DE. He has published 6 books in Biblical and Salesian Spirituality, most notably Step In! Salesian Bible Meditations: Vol. 1 OT and Step In! Salesian Bible Meditations: Vol. 2 NT. In addition, Tom established S.A.C.R.E.D., a day of adult faith formation for parents and catechists, which has run for the past 18 years with over 150 attendees each year. Along with his awesome wife of 30 years, Jan, he has raised two daughters with whom they enjoy traveling, hiking, and golfing. Workshop #4 Reconciliation: A Pathway to Discipleship Facilitator: Fr. Thomas Dente Sponsored by RCL Benziger (a Kendall Hunt Company), Fr. Tom will explore the origins of the sacrament of Reconciliation and its importance in the faith development of a Christian. Catechists will deepen their understanding of ways they can foster within children and young people an encounter with the reconciling Christ. Participants will leave this presentation with practical ideas and strategies for use in their catechetical settings. Fr. Thomas Dente, pastor and Director of the Office of Divine Worship in the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ, was ordained a priest in 1993. He received a BA from Seton Hall University, a Masters of Divinity from Immaculate Conception Seminary, and holds a Masters degree in Liturgical Studies from the University of Notre Dame. Fr. Tom served as a parish priest in several parishes in the Archdiocese of Newark and is currently the pastor of Notre Dame Church, North Caldwell, NJ. Fr. Tom has taught graduate level courses in liturgy at Felician College, Caldwell College, and Seton Hall University. He has given presentations and workshops on liturgical topics throughout the Archdiocese of Newark and in other NJ dioceses. He has published articles in the Archdiocesan liturgical newsletter Word on Worship, serves on the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, and is an active member of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. Workshop #5 Opening the Door of Faith in Your Classroom and Catechetical Program Facilitator: John Collins Parish religious education programs are each unique. But the bottom line is: Do students and parents feel welcome? How do we open the door of faith for our students and parents? This session will look at our mission, forming disciples, and HOW we do WHAT we do. Sponsored by William H. Sadlier, Inc., John will share some ideas, activities, and suggestions for forming disciples, nurturing students faith in the classroom, and sharing how students can help open the doors of faith to their parents.
John Collins worked with Sadlier Publishing in the northeast for many years before joining Sadlier as a full-time National Religion Consultant in 2015, following his retirement as an elementary school principal five years prior. Involved in religious education since 1972, John has been a keynote speaker and presenter at national and regional catechetical congresses, and provides practical and realistic training in parishes. He also has provided presentations for catechetical leaders and Catholic school teachers, as well as days for reflection and retreats for various audiences. Workshop #6 Our Lady of Guadalupe 101: For Catholic School Teachers Facilitator: Jodie D Angiolillo Bishop Checchio will be consecrating the Diocese of Metuchen to Our Lady of Guadalupe in December 2019 for the purpose of a new evangelization. This consecration will touch all of the Catholic schools in our diocese as the Bishop calls all the faithful to engage in the consecration. This workshop will explain what a consecration is, what evangelization is, who Our Lady of Guadalupe is and why she was chosen for this particular need at this time in our local church. The workshop will also share the curriculum that is being prepared to aid Catholic school teachers in communicating the message of this consecration in all classroom settings and will explore use in subjects other than religion. Jodie D Angiolillo serves in the Diocese of Metuchen as Director of Evangelization. Workshop #7 Youth Ministering to Youth Facilitator: Msgr. Joseph Kerrigan & Theophany Center Retreat Team This workshop will be led by the Theophany Center Retreat Team, teen leaders from Holy Family Parish who serve the parish as catechists and liturgical leaders. They have led a variety of retreat experiences in the Diocese of Metuchen. The retreats are offered for middle school and high school age parishioners and are about a variety of themes. This workshop will allow the group to share what they do and the many ways in which they minister to other young people. Led by Msgr. Joseph Kerrigan, pastor of Holy Family, the group is supported by parish clergy who avail themselves to lead Mass, prayer services, or presentations for them. Come listen and see this amazing group of young people! The Theophany Center is a teen-led retreat ministry of Holy Family Parish, New Brunswick, NJ. Founded in 2015, parish youth leaders have been offering a variety of retreat experiences to parishes in the diocese, either in New Brunswick or at a requesting parish. Workshop #8 Cultural Diversity and Faith Formation Facilitator: Sr. Ruth Bolarte, IHM This workshop and panel discussion will offer an opportunity for catechists and faith formation leaders to share and address best practices as we promote and appreciate our cultural diversity and religious traditions in the parish/diocese. Sr. Ruth Bolarte, IHM is the director of the Office of Cultural Diversity Ministries in the Diocese of Metuchen. Workshop #9 Proclaiming God s Word in Your Classroom and Beyond Facilitator: John O Connor If what happens in your classroom stays in your classroom, you will not be successful in forming disciples. We MUST teach our children how to listen to what God is saying to them and form them in their Catholic Identity so that they can live the life of a disciple. Just as the word Mass means to be sent on mission, catechists must inspire their students to take what they have learned in class and make it a part of their everyday lives. Sponsored by Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division, John will provide participants with strategies for building community and creating activities to engage children while encouraging them to live a life of discipleship. John O Connor is the Regional Catechetical Consultant (NJ, CT, and RI) for Our Sunday Visitor. He has served in this position for 12 years. He has worked and volunteered in the catechetical field for 28 years. As a parishioner in the Archdiocese of Boston for 16 years, John served as catechist, grade level coordinator, and Coordinator for Religious Education at St. John the Evangelist, Hopkinton, MA. Currently John volunteers as a catechist for grades 1 and 2 at his home parish, St. Anselm, Tinton Falls, NJ (Diocese of Trenton). He has presented workshops at Diocesan Convocations in the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Providence. He has also presented at family gathered catechetical sessions for parishes throughout his territory. John holds a Masters of Religious Education degree from Boston College. Workshop #10 See You in the Eucharist! Facilitator: Colleen Kelly-Rayner We have been formed to practice the sacraments rather than being transformed to yearn for them. The Eucharist is the true presence of Jesus. We know it in our heads but, do we live it in our everyday lives? Can we see beyond what s right in front of us? If your prayer life seems dull and Mass is just an obligation instead of a desire, then come! Let s shake it up a bit! You ll see the Eucharist differently! Colleen Kelly-Rayner is a Jersey girl and a convert. Colleen s conversion began in 1991 when God came into her life in a powerful way and it has never been the same. Colleen has served as a youth minister and evolved into a full-time retreat facilitator and National Catholic speaker. She travels and speaks at various conferences, retreats, schools, parishes, diocesan events, and other venues throughout North America. Through humor and faith-filled witness, Colleen touches the lives of young people and adults by bringing them closer to encountering Christ. ONLINE REGISTRATION is available and preferred https://diometuchen.org/catechetical-conference Catechetical 2018 2
THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN S Catechetical 2018 OCTOBER 27, 2018 Schedule FOR THE DAY Choose one workshop from each time period. 8:30 9:30-10:15 10:15-11:30 11:30-12:30 12:45-2:00 2:15-3:30 Mass Chapel Hospitality Dining Room Keynote Bakhita Hall Lunch & Exhibits For more information, or to download copies of this brochure, please go to https://diometuchen.org/catechetical-conference or contact 732-529-7930 or catechesis@diometuchen.org. D Angiolillo Workshop #1 Room AB Nelson Workshop #2 Room C Vresics Workshop #3 Room D Dente Workshop #4 Room E Collins Workshop #5 Room F D Angiolillo Workshop #6 Room AB Kerrigan Workshop #7 Room F Bolarte Workshop #8 Room D O Connor Workshop #9 Room E Kelly-Rayner Workshop #10 Room C 3:45-4:30 Panel Discussion in Bakhita Hall, Come and join in the conversation. The panel will be steered by Rev. Guy Selvester. This panel discussion, cultivated from the discussions of the day, will focus on evangelization and catechesis in our schools and parishes. Participants will be asked to pose written questions in each workshop of the day. These questions will be brought to the panel who will select ones that will stimulate an interesting conversation with the group. Catechetical 2018 Schedule
Catechist as runner THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN S Catechetical 2018 Saturday, October 27, 2018 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. St. John Neumann Pastoral Center REGISTRATION FORM Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone (home): (cell): Email: Parish / School: First Workshop: Second Workshop: Registration Notes: Please choose one workshop from each time period. See conference schedule. Please note: A hot lunch will be served from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. in the Dining Room. Our facility is handicapped accessible. Morning hospitality and lunch are included. We are happy to provide refrigeration for those who bring personalized, well-marked food. All participants will receive confirmation/schedule by mail or email (time permitting) prior to the. For group registrations, please include a separate registration form for each person (completed as indicated). The registration check may be combined. Sorry, no refunds. Any questions? Any way we can help? Special requests? Please call 732-529-7930 Registration Deadline October 20, 2018 Cost is $35/person; $30/groups of 5-9; $25/groups of 10 or more Please make all checks payable to: Diocese of Metuchen Mail to: Diocese of Metuchen Attn: Carol Mascola 146 Metlars Lane Piscataway, New Jersey 08854 EMAIL: Catechesis@diometuchen.org FAX: 732-562-1018 ONLINE REGISTRATION: https://diometuchen.org/catechetical-conference Catechetical 2018 Registration Form