February 2017
Office of Faith Formation
Workshop Preview
Diocesan Faith Formation Convocation
The Faith Prayed
Marian Jubilee: A Year with Mary Our Mother
OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION + DIOCESE OF PROVIDENCE
One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI 02903
www.discovercatholicfaith.org | phone (401) 278-4646 | fax (401) 278-4645
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Bryant University
1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI
General Sessions
Bringing Our Catholic Faith into
Everyday Life
Msgr. Stuart Swetland, S.T.D.
Session 1
President, Donnelly College
Host of Relevant Radio’s “Go Ask Your Father”
Our Relationship with the Blessed
Virgin Mary in This Marian Year
Our Lady of Providence, Pray for Us!
Rev. Michael Gaitley, M.I.C.
Session 2
Author, “33 Days to Morning Glory”;
Director of Evangelization and Development,
Marians of the Immaculate Conception,
Stockbridge, MA
Convocation Schedule
7:45 AM - 8:30 AM
Check-in:
Chace Wellness Center
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Holy Mass
Celebrant: The Most Rev. Robert C. Evans
Woe to Me If I Do Not Evangelize
Hector Molina
Session 3
International Catholic Evangelist and CEO of
Casting Nets Ministry; Hectormolina.com
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Workshop Session 1
11:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Lunch Available
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Workshop Session 2
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Exhibitors Showcase
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Workshop Session 3
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Workshop Session 4
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Eucharistic Adoration
“To evangelize is to give this testimony: I live the
way I do, because I believe in Jesus Christ.”
Pope Francis
Workshop Preview • 50th Annual Diocesan Faith Formation Convocation
Choose To Make This A Retreat Day
One possible schedule below, but you
choose the speakers:
Holy Mass at 8:30 AM
Session 1 - Msgr. Stuart Swetland
Session 2 - Fr. Michael Gaitley, M.I.C.
Lunch and Exhibits; Confessions
Session 3 - Hector Molina
Session 4 - Msgr. Stuart Swetland or
- Genevieve Kineke
Eucharistic Benediction
Personal Enrichment
Penetrating the Silence of Mary
Genevieve Kineke
Session 3 and 4
Author and Columnist
Our Lady says so little in Holy Scripture and yet she is
the paradigm for the entire Church! Silence is
powerful if understood the right way, and it is a source
of great strength for women.
Evangelization
Demystifying Evangelization: How to
Make It Easy and Effective
Michael Dopp
Session 2 and 4
President, Mission of the Redeemer Ministries, and
Founder of the New Evangelization Summit
So you want to equip others and yourself to
evangelize? Sounds simple but on the ground it often
proves to be tough. But there is good news. By getting
the fundamentals of witness and proclamation clear in
our mind, we are equipped with the essential keys to
help people evangelize.
Catholics: We Are Really Good at
Answering Questions No One Is Asking
Michael Lavigne
Session 1 and 4
Assistant Cabinet Secretary for Evangelization and
Discipleship, Archdiocese of Boston
Adults who approach the Church for the sacraments,
faith formation, and/or out of curiosity can be all over
the map on their journey of faith in Jesus Christ. So
why does much of our evangelization efforts assume
that they are already disciples? This leads to us giving
“answers to questions that no one is asking.” We will
explore this tendency and offer an opportunity to learn
about and discuss practical strategies to avoid it in our
evangelization and catechetical activities.
Choosing Godparents and Sponsors
Why Does Ecology Come Natural for
Catholics?
William Patenaude, K.H.S.
Session 3
Author, Catholic World Report Magazine
Come learn how faith, reason, and practicality come
together in the Catholic understanding of
environmental protection. This talk will look at how
scripture and Church teaching speak to modern
ecological crises and what you and I (and our
students!) can do to care for creation.
Living in Harmony with God, Others,
Creation and Ourselves
Msgr. Stuart Swetland, S.T.D.
Session 4
President, Donnelly College
We will discuss how our relationship with God must
be at the center of our daily lives. At the same time, by
growing in our relationships with other people,
with Creation, and with ourselves we will grow in our
love for God. Particular attention will be devoted to
the reality that we are drawn into unity in Christ.
Rev. Marcel L. Taillon, S.T.L.
Session 3
Pastor, St. Thomas More, Narragansett, RI
What are good criteria for choosing Catholics to fulfill
these important roles? Thistalkwillofferguidance
and suggestions. Parish staff sometimes experience
challenging and difficult situations where a proposed
Godparent or Sponsor does not meet the criteria.We
willdiscussresponse techniques and ideas.
“Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses
than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it
is because they are witnesses.”
Blessed Pope Paul VI — Evangelii Nuntiandi
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Workshop Preview • 50th Annual Diocesan Faith Formation Convocation
Elementary
The Liturgical Year: Everyday Reasons to
Celebrate the Seasons
Robin Carney
Session 1 and 3
Parent, Catechist, St. Anthony Church,
N. Providence, RI
Let's think outside the box. In this workshop we'll
discuss different ways to incorporate and teach the
everyday reasons for the seasons beyond the
"Christmas" and "Easter" lessons. Make the most of
your one hour lesson and your prayer space. Find a
few minutes in each lesson to discuss the importance
of the season, not only on those "special" days, but
everyday. Take away ideas for your own classrooms.
Catechist as Pray-er: Leading Children to
Pray
John Collins
Session 2 and 3
National Religion Consultant, W.H. Sadlier, Inc.
It’s easy to teach children prayers…the words and
phrases that we say. But how do we pray with
children? Is it routine? Is there a classroom
environment that sends a message that prayer is
important? Are prayer experiences prayer-ful?
Children don’t develop a prayer life from a book, but
from the example of those adults…parents and
catechists…who guide them in their faith journey.
This session will provide some nourishment for
catechists as was well as some ideas and suggestions
for developing and nourishing the prayer life of their
students.
Classroom Management: Tips and Tricks
for the Religious Education Teacher
Caitlin Ferraiolo-Brady
Session 2 and 4
Middle School Teacher, Glastonbury, CT
Make the most of your teaching and learning time
through classroom management. Learn tips and tricks
to reduce disruptions and problem behaviors to
enhance learning and have a successful year.
Effective Strategies for Evangelizing
Children in a Catechetical Setting
Anita Houghton
Session 3 and 4
Regional Coordinator of Catechetics,
Archdiocese of Detroit, Author of Kerygma 4 Kids
This workshop will provide tools for proclaiming the
kerygma to children in an age-appropriate way and
strategies for weaving evangelization into a
catechetical curriculum. Participants will explore the
difference between evangelization and catechesis and
discuss tools for helping children experience Christ
more fully through their catechetical formation.
Proclaiming God’s WORD in Your
Classroom and Beyond
John O’Connor
Session 1
Regional Catechetical Consultant, Our Sunday Visitor
Curriculum Division
If what happens in your classroom stays in your
classroom, you will not be successful in forming
disciples. We MUST teach our children to listen for
what God is saying to them and form their Catholic
Identity, so that they can live the life of a disciple.
Just as the word Mass means "to be sent on mission,"
as catechists we must inspire our students to take
what they have learned in class and make it part of
their everyday lives. Learn strategies for building
community, activities to engage children, and
encourage them to live a life of discipleship.
Teaching Reconciliation and Holy
Eucharist to Children
Sr. Maria Fidelis Gray, O.P.
Session 1 and 4
Second Grade Teacher, St. Pius V School,
Providence, RI
The sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist
nourish our faith and fortify us throughout our lives.
Foster a love for Jesus in these sacraments through
the use of parables and prayerful hands-on lessons.
This presentation is excellent for sacramental prep but
can also be useful to catechists hoping to renew
students' appreciation for the Mass and going to
Confession.
Beyond the Book
Sr. Anne Timmons, O.P.
Session 1 and 3
Fourth Grade Teacher, St. Pius V School,
Providence, RI
Learn a simple lesson format that will enable you to
bring any lesson alive. Discuss practical ideas for
extending lessons beyond the book, and some keys to
making these experiences both successful and
meaningful.
Youth
“Do Not Say You Are Too Young.” Youth
Opportunities for Service
Rev. Robert Perron
Session 1
Director, Society of the Propagation of the Faith
We will explore the vast number of opportunities that
youth, particularly confirmation students, might
engage in to make our world a better place. Take
away concrete ideas for service opportunities to be
used in your parish.
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Workshop Preview • 50th Annual Diocesan Faith Formation Convocation
Telling Your Story
Rev. Mark A. Sauriol
Session 1 and 2
Administrator, St. Mary and St. Edward Churches,
Pawtucket, RI
Whenever Jesus taught, he used stories to reshape the
way in which his audience understood God. As
teachers ourselves, we are called to do the same.
Sharing personal stories can have a positive impact on
how your students relate to you, but more than that,
learning to tell your story will help you guide young
people closer to God. This workshop explores the
challenging craft of personal storytelling so that we
may help young people come to know Christ through
our own personal experiences. What is your story?
Using Scripture in Religious Education
Kevin M. Dowd
Session 2 and 4
Ph.D. Candidate in Theology & Education,
Boston College
This workshop invites participants to pray and teach
with scripture with confidence. Attendees will gain
skills for addressing the difficult questions teens
sometimes ask about the Bible. A craft will be
suggested for those who teach younger students as
well.
#TheGOODNEWSchallenge
Liz Cotrupi
Session 4
Evangelization Consultant, Archdiocese of Boston &
former Director of Youth/Young Adult MinistryWorcester, MA
Blessed Pope Paul VI states in Evangelii Nuntiandi,
"There is no true evangelization if the name, the
teaching, the life, the promises, the Kingdom and the
mystery of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God are not
proclaimed." How does this translate to adolescents
who seem indifferent or even asleep?
The Good News Challenge will give you strategies for
sharing the kerygma (Good News) that will awaken
their faith.
Small Group Models of Youth Ministry in a
Digital Age
Annie Grandell
Session 1 and 4
Coordinator of YDisciple, Augustine Instute
Youth culture has changed dramatically in the last 30
years, yet the way we minister to youth has changed
very little. In this workshop we will discuss how to
leverage technology to more effectively meet the needs
of teenagers as well as teach the truths of the Catholic
Faith today.
SPRED
Praying Through Disabilities
Deacon Rick Lapierre
Session 1
Deacon Assistant, Our Lady of Good Help and St.
Theresa Parishes, Mapleville and Nasonville, RI
The interaction of living with disabilities, working
with the disabled and finding God through prayer.
All Catholic men and women are invited to
join us for this historic event in the Diocese
of Providence. Begin the day with Holy Mass
celebrated by His Excellency, The Most
Reverend Robert Evans. The Convocation
will also include informative and dynamic
Catholic speakers to help you grow in your
Catholic Faith and effectively hand on the
Faith to others.
You can choose to end your day with
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the
Interfaith Center, 4:30 to 5:00 PM.
Fostering Leadership in Youth
Amanda Tarantelli
Session 2 and 3
Director of Campus Ministry, Bishop Stang High School,
North Dartmouth, MA
This workshop will take a look at how we can
empower our young people to take on a greater role in
ministry.
Praying with Middle School Students
Please invite your friends and family
members to come to this day as an
opportunity to learn more about the
Catholic Faith and to grow in our love for
the Lord Jesus Christ and His Blessed
Mother.
Steve Van Orsouw
Session 2 and 3
Grade 7 and 8 Teacher, Good Shepherd Catholic School;
Youth Minister, Fr. Marot CYO Center, Woonsocket, RI
A middle school religion teacher shares some ideas
about praying with students in Junior High.
Participants are invited to bring ideas to share as well.
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