The Twenty-Eighth Annual Catechist Convocation
Prayer: The Faith Prayed
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Archbishop Carroll High School
211 Matson Ford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Co-sponsored by the Office for Catechetical Formation
&
Archdiocesan Association of Parish Directors, Coordinators and
Administrators of Religious Education
Schedule
8:15AM
9:15AM
REGISTRATION, REFRESHMENTS AND EXHIBITS
AUDITORIUM : WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
9:35AM
CELEBRATION OF
11:00-11:50AM
12:05-12:55PM
1:10-2PM
2:10-3:10PM
Session 1/lunch
Session 2/lunch
Session 3/lunch
Session 4
MASS
Reverend Stephen P. DeLacy, Celebrant and Homilist
THE CATECHIST CONVOCATION CELEBRATES
TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS!
The Catechist Convocation is an annual faith formation event
cosponsored by the Office for Catechetical Formation and the Archdiocesan
Association of Parish Directors, Coordinators, and Administrators of Religious
Education (PD/C/ARE). What is the Catechist Convocation? In the early 1980’s, a
group of Parish Directors of Religious Education created a grass roots venue known
as the “Catechist Showcase.” Using a parish site, this event provided an annual
opportunity for the most experienced and gifted volunteer catechists to share their
practical insights and best practices in teaching the faith to children. In 1989, the
“Catechist Showcase” was retitled the “Catechetical Forum” as professional
presenters and broader topics were added. The Catechetical Forum was later named
the Catechist Convocation as participants included both parish catechists and Catholic
school teachers. Though the name has changed over the years, the PD/C/ARE
Association keeps true to the original mission of its Catechist Convocation:
The professional and spiritual growth of the parish catechist through a sharing of
theological insights, teaching methodologies, and practical applications.
REVEREND STEPHEN P. DELACY,
PRINCIPAL CELEBRANT AND HOMILIST
Ordained in 2004, Fr. DeLacy served as parochial vicar of
Saints Peter & Paul Parish and as school minister for
Archbishop Carroll and Pope John Paul II High Schools
before being named to his position as Director of the Philadelphia Archdiocesan
Vocation Office in July, 2013. He conducts discernment groups, retreats and
outreach for men who are discerning God’s call to the priesthood. In addition to
his duties in the Vocation Office, Fr. DeLacy is the host of the Vocation Hour
Radio Show which airs in Philadelphia on Holy Spirit Radio. Fr. Steve is the
Executive Producer for Catholic Videos in association with Joyful Films. He is
also a presenter at a number of retreats at the Malvern Retreat House, Forty
Hours, Theology on Tap and Young Adult ministry gatherings. Fr. DeLacy was
raised in St. George Parish in Glenolden and graduated from Monsignor Bonner
High School. He received a BS in Accounting from West Chester University
before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. We are pleased to welcome Fr.
DeLacy to the Catechist Convocation!
Talleres en español
A. Dejen que los niños vengan a mi (Sesión 1) Hermana Claire Sullivan, IHM, Pastoral Assistant, Parroquia
Catedral de Camden Siendo catequista tienes una relación intima con Jesús? Como podrías enriquecerla? Como despertar en los
corazones de tus alumnos un deseo para orar? Compartiendo experiencias practicas que ayuden a los niños a descubrir a Jesús.
B. La Oración: Una Fuente de catequesis (Sesión 2) Hermana Annette M. Pelletier, IHM, Ph.D, Profesora
de Teología, Universidad de Imaculata La oración cristiana es una fuente rica de inspiración para proclamar la Buen Nueva.
El Catecismo Católico ofrece una visión de una “iglesia orante” que comienza su misión de rodillas.
D.
La Oración: escuchar, engendrar, proclamar! (Sesión 4) Hermana Sonia Ave, IHM– Directora de
Education Religiosa, San Carlos Borromeo/Nuestra Señora de Fátima, Bensalem La oración es un llamado a
una vida de comunicación profunda con Dios. Maria modela para nosotros tres pasos simples para lograrlo: primero escuchando la Palabra,
Segundo engendrando la Palabra para luego proclamar la Palabra con nuestras vidas.
Workshops in English
1. Even Prayer has Best Practices (Sessions 1 & 2) Sister Margaret Rose Adams, IHM, Principal, Queen of
Angels Regional School Whether you are a novice or professional in prayer, come and learn some proven techniques to improve your
prayer relationship that may also be shared with children. Special prayer cards will be given to participants.
2. Psalms: A School of Prayer (Sessions 1 & 2) Reverend John J. Ames, STD, Dean, Graduate School of
Theology, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary The Book of Psalms is a treasury of prayer. The 150 psalms offer a variety of types
of prayer, offered in diverse situations. The beautiful poetry and vivid imagery manifest a deep faith and a rich theology.
3.
Inviting Children into Prayerful Preparation for Receiving Jesus in First Holy Communion (Sessions 2
& 3) Barbara Bonella, Catechist, St. Andrew School This workshop focuses on the prayerful preparation for children
preparing to receive Jesus in First Holy Communion.
4.
Praying with “Laudato Si, On Care for Our Common Home” (Sessions 1 & 3) Sister Mary Elizabeth
Clark, SSJ, Director, Sisters of St. Joseph Earth Center Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment calls us to contemplation.
Participants of all ages can learn to experience God through this contemplative prayer. Teachers and catechists will take home practical ideas f
or their ministry.
5. The Power of Prayer: What does the research tell us? (Sessions 2 & 3) Mariette Danilo, Ph.D., Director of
Education, St. John Vianney Center Does prayer lead to a more healthy and balanced life? Even memorized and rote prayer?
What does the research tell us about the role of prayer in the lives of children and why we need to pay attention.
6.
Praying with Eyes Wide Open (Sessions 1 & 3) Louis P. DeAngelo Ed.D., Superintendent, Diocese of
Wilmington Classical art invites us to pray with our eyes wide open! Consider the place of art in your catechetical program or classroom
as we lead students to an understanding and appreciation of art through prayer.
7.
Prayer: An Encounter with the Word of God (Sessions 1 & 2) Sister Charlene Diorka, SSJ, Director of
Basilian Spirituality Center Deepening your prayer life as catechists/teachers allows you to encounter God and share what you have
discovered with the students. This workshop will consider different ways of praying, how to incorporate prayer practices into daily life and
ideas for exposing students to prayer.
8.
Remembering to Remember: Praying and Teaching the Daily Examen (Sessions 2 & 3) Reverend John
Donia, School Minister, Bishop Shanahan H.S. St. Ignatius taught that the key to a healthy spirituality was twofold: find God
in all things and constantly work to gain freedom to cooperate with God’s will. This presentation is designed to give you a practical tool to
help you remember to find God in daily life and to help those you serve do the same.
9.
Open the Door: an Invitation to Spiritual Growth (Sessions 1 & 3) Sister J. Sheila Galligan, IHM,
Professor, Immaculata University The Biblical tradition provides us with the potent symbol of the ‘door” as an invitation to
spiritual growth. This presentation will explore the insights that the image of the door can yield as we respond to God who daily “knocks at
the door” (cf Rev. 3:20) of our hearts.
10.
Prayer- Where Time Meets Eternity (Session 4) Father Matthew Guckin, Director of Catholic Identity and
Mission, Office for Catechetical Formation In this Keynote Address, Father Guckin will help us to examine how prayer is
the most human act we can engage in.- being in communion with our God. Father will give us a fresh way of looking at our relationship
with the Lord through the lens of the daily examen.
11.
Creative Movement, Music and Technology in Religion Class (Sessions 1 & 3) Bernadette Langdon,
Faculty SS. Simon & Jude, Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Committee Creative and practical methods for teaching
Religion in the middle grades will be shared. Although the methods are applicable to teaching in general, the specific content will focus on
the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Old Testament.
12.
The Eucharistic Prayer: Gateway to Missionary Discipleship (Sessions 1 & 2) Father Daniel Mackle,
Pastor, St. Patrick Church, Philadelphia The Eucharistic Prayer is not just the prayer of the priest celebrant of Mass, but a school
of formation for all disciples of Christ, in which the Father transforms us through the Spirit, into the image of His Son.
13.
We are the Anawim: The Prayer of Waiting (Sessions 2 & 3) Sister Suzanne Mayer, IHM, PhD., Director
of Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Neumann University Throughout the Old Testament and into the
New, we find the patient waiters, the Anawim. Using the paradigm of French mystic, Simone Weil, we shall look at the prayer of waiting, its
challenges and gifts.
14. Prayer Alive (Sessions 1 & 3) Kellianne Miley, Faculty, St. Eugene School, Archdiocesan Religion
Curriculum Committee How do we bring our Catholic prayers to life for our children? In this workshop we will discover the power, joy
and life of prayer for ourselves and our children. The word “pray” is a verb!
15.
Let Us Go Rejoicing! (Sessions 2 & 3) Bill Monaghan, Music Minister, Holy Family University & St. J o s e p h
Parish, Warrington This workshop focuses on seasonal prayer services for the Liturgical Year with student friendly music.
16.
Memorized Prayer: Grade 1 (Sessions 1 & 3) Sister Ann Mark Morris, IHM, Learning Support Teacher, St.
Katherine of Siena School This workshop will focus on the importance of memorizing prayers as well as the meaning of them.
Hands on activities will be included.
17. Start a Fire: Make a Difference (Sessions 2 & 3) Sister Lynn Marie Ralph, SBS, Director of Religious
Education, St. Martin de Porres Church Starting a fire is an opportunity for you to bring the light of Christ to those in need. Be
about change. It takes the spark from your fire to evangelize others on their own faith journey.
18. So You Can’t Teach Your Prayers!! (Sessions 1 & 3) Sister Kathleen Schipani, Director, Office for Persons
with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate Teaching prayers and praying with children with learning disabilities and other
intellectual disabilities will be explored. Using research based practices as well as adapting materials and strategies to enhance teaching formal
and informal prayer will be demonstrated.
19.
Praying Thoughtfully in the Early Childhood Classroom…and beyond (Sessions 1 & 3) Mary Ellen
Schuler Catechist, Our Lady of Grace, Penndel This workshop will focus on the ‘’prayer conversation” that we hold daily with
our young students, proclaiming our faith through prayer, both memorized and original.
20. Plugging Young People into the Power of Prayer (Sessions 1 & 3) Sister Danielle Therese Teti, IHM,
Faculty, Bishop Shanahan HS. This workshop will allow young people to enter into the power of prayer and the many forms, while
building a deeper relationship with God.
21. Somebody Prayed for Me (Sessions 1 & 2) Reverend Stephen Thorne, Pastor, St. Martin de Porres Catholic
Church, Chaplain Neumann University This presentation is meant to inform and inspire participants about the power of prayer.
22. Prayer and Technology (Sessions 2 & 3) Reverend Christopher Walsh, Pastor St. Raymond Church Does
technology of today help or hinder our life of prayer as Disciples of Jesus? Join Fr. Chris in exploring the challenges and blessings of apps,
gadgets and the web in developing our interior life. He will draw on his own experiences and invite participants to do the same in this session.
CATECHIST CONVOCATION REGISTRATION FORM
Complete one form for each participant. NO WALK-INS.
Please print clearly.
Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Place of Service/location______________________________________________________________
___School
___PREP
Address ___________________________________________________________________________
Street
City/Town
State
Zip
Telephone ____________________ Email _______________________________________________
Do you have a special need? ___yes (Please describe.) ______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
SESSIONS: Indicate the Session # as listed in registration booklet or “L” for lunch on space next to the session.
Note: Session 4: in the Auditorium (English) with Reverend Matthew W. Guckin
First Choice:
Session 1 ______
Session 2 ______
Session 3 ______ .
______(Sesión 4) en espanol
Second Choice:
Session 1 ______
Session 2 ______
Session 3 ______
LUNCH
Select one: ___Turkey
___Chicken Breast
___Salad
___Tuna
___No Lunch
_________________________________________________________________________________________
POLICY FOR CATECHETICAL CERTIFICATION CREDIT
One elective or annual update credit for Archdiocesan Catechetical Certification is granted for the entire day.
Course cards are distributed only during the Registration Period. Course cards are collected after Session 4.
I have read and understand this policy.
Signature______________________________________
Registrations fee:
$30 per person
Space is limited to first 800 participants.
FIRST CHOICE FOR WORKSHOP IS ON A FIRST COME BASIS.
Please make checks payable to:
“PD/CARE Association”
Parishes/Schools may send one check with multiple registrations.
Mail form and *check to:
Sally Grande/St. Eugene Parish
200 South Oak Avenue
Primos, PA 19018
NO FAXES or WALK-INS WILL BE ACCEPTED.