Steubenville Conferences

1.   Fidelity to God and Humanity: How the Human Sciences Can Inform Religious Education  Dr. Joseph White (Cosmas and Damian, Pugliese Auditorium)

The new Directory for Catechesis calls us to be faithful both to God and to humanity as we form others in faith and points out how “faithfulness to humanity” means understanding what human sciences like education, human development, and psychology teach us about how people think, grow, and learn. In this session, we’ll talk about how to use what we know about the human person to make our catechesis more engaging and effective.

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2.    Catechesis in the Period of Purification and Enlightenment (RCIA2)  Lori Smith (St. Joseph Center, Classroom B)

Details to come

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3.   Following God’s Pedagogy: Principles for Children’s Catechesis  Sr. Mary Michael Fox, OP (JCWC, Gentile Gallery)

God has a unique way of speaking to children and revealing to them the mysteries of his kingdom. In this workshop, participants will discover the genius of the Hebraic/Montessori-based catechetical approach called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Many of the catechetical principles which animate the CGS pedagogy can be applied to any catechetical setting, thereby providing practical measures for authentic catechetical renewal.

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4.   Young Joyful Missionary Disciples: A New Framework for Youth and Young Adult Ministry  Dr. Bob Rice (FFH: Aerobics Room, 2nd Floor)

Details to come

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5.   Effective Ways to Grow Parish and School Leaders Toward the Church’s Discipleship Vision with the Catechetical Institute (DO)  Dr. Mark Ginter (FFH: Performance Room, 2nd Floor)

After working five years in the field with 115 partner dioceses from throughout the world and over 37,000 learners on FranciscanAtHome.com, the CI Partnership Team has identified best practices for effective ways to grow parish and school leaders. These best practices are not merely theoretical, but they are based on real data about the Church’s efforts at disciple-making through the CI Approach. We hope that some practitioners from partner dioceses will attend this workshop and share their experiences with all.

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6.    Our Life in Christ: The Basics of Catholic Morality (CT2 / YM2)  Dr. Eric Westby (Egan Hall, 113)

This workshop offers a summary outline of the basic principles of Catholic morality and how our moral life is rooted not merely in a code of ethics or a set of rules, but profoundly in the Person of Jesus. It discusses some of the major moral issues we face in our society today and equips all who teach the faith, whether youth ministers, catechists, Catholic school teachers, and so on, with the tools to establish a sure foundation for right moral thinking.

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7.   The Ancient School of Alexandria: What Can We Learn for Our Catechesis and Evangelization  Dr. Petroc Willey (Egan Hall, 213)

Ancient Alexandria, in Egypt, was the setting of the first significant catechetical institute in the Church’s history. It was a dynamic presence in the Church from the late second century until the early fifth century. It prepared catechumens for baptism and teachers of the faith for work in evangelization and building a Christian culture. This workshop examines what we can learn from it for our ministry today.

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8.  The Deposit of Faith: An Introduction to the Catechism (HLT)  Dr. Marlon de la Torre (Cosmas and Damian, 206)

The content of this presentation will explore the relationship between the kerygma and the Creed as revealed through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. There will be an emphasis on how the Word of God serves as the foundation for the Catechism and its application as a living and breathing instrument of the Catholic faith. Finally, we will investigate the identity and nature of the Deposit of Faith-Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

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9.   Discernment of Spirits (RT)  Sr. Mary Madeline Todd, OP (CTK)

How can we discover and follow the will of God for us? This session will explore how both Scripture and Tradition offer us guidance on discerning the work of the Spirit in our minds, hearts, and lives. From St. Paul to St. Ignatius to St. Catherine, we will learn from the wisdom of those whose lives were Spirit-led how to discern God’s will and embrace it joyfully.

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10.    Undivided Love; We are Worth the Fight: St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem  Gina Bauer (Cosmas and Damian, Room 300)

“The hour is coming, in fact has come.” St John Paul believed in women. In his Apostolic letter on the Dignity and Vocation of Women, he summons the women of the church to take the place that God has prepared for them, encouraging them to be more responsible for their high calling in God, lest humanity fall. Women are being called to inspire and influence human change, as the grace is given to them, through the power of God the Holy Spirit, who guides and directs humanity to its supreme calling!

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1.    Recruiting, Training, and Forming Volunteers II (PCL1) Dr. Martha Drennan (Cosmas and Damian, Pugliese Auditorium)

Details to come

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2.   Philosophical Foundations of Catechesis (PCL2 / CT1)  Dr. Ron Bolster (Cosmas and Damian, Room 300)

Details to come

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3.   Pastoral Components of the Christian Initiation Process: From Initial Motivation to Firm Conviction to a Catholic Worldview (RCIA1)  Patty Norris (St. Joseph Center, Classroom B)

Pastoring is a key component of the RCIA process. This workshop addresses this aspect which is both extremely personal and very practical. How do we address all the different needs and circumstances that are present in each new inquirer and how does the Church guide us in this respect? These areas and more will be addressed.

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4.   Discernment Process for Participant’s Readiness for the Rites (RCIA2)  Lori Smith (St. Joseph Center, Classroom A)

Please request talk description from Bill Keimig for the RCIA Track description of this workshop.

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5.   Holy Spirit, Converter of Hearts (CT2 / YM2)  Fr. Jay Mello (FFH: Aerobics Room, 2nd Floor)

Beginning with Pentecost, we will look at the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and in particular the role of the Holy Spirit in the new evangelization and the work of the Church today. The Holy Spirit empowers us as disciples to have the important and sometimes difficult conversations about the faith with the people in our lives. Jesus promised us that the Spirit would guide us and give us the words when in these situations.

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6.  The Evangelist’s Toolbelt: Practical Skills Needed to Evangelize (YA)  Marcel LeJeune (JCWC: Gentile Gallery)

How do we evangelize? What are the best tools that a Catholic evangelist should use? What are the strategies and tactics that work in helping transform modern people? What does conversion look like? How can we reach those far from God? Get practical, everyday tools and tips about what actually works outside of just running another video program at your parish for the same folks who always show up for everything. Find out how to reach the lost, help lead others to Jesus, and evangelize others.

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7.  Theology of the Body for Teens (YM1)  Gina Bauer (Egan Hall, 213))

Details to come

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8.  Virtuous Leadership – Patience, Perseverance, Graciousness, Humility (HLT)  Paco Gavrilides (Cosmas and Damian, 206)

Details to come

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9.    Planning and Execution in a Diocesan Setting (DO)  Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig (FFH: Performance Room, 2nd Floor)

Effective strategic planning is critical for achieving the results that we desire. But how do we create a realistic plan that can be executed with the resources that we are given? How do we prioritize our projects so that our best resources and time are going to the most important things? How can we be reasonably sure that our plan is God’s will? Join us for this workshop where we will tackle these questions and more as we engage in ministry in our time.

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10.    Integrated Family Catechesis: Multiple Models for Honoring the Role of Parents as First Witnesses of the Faith  Dr. Joseph White (Egan Hall, 113)

An ever-present question in parish and school religious education is how to move beyond a child-only focus to a model of formation that supports parents as the first and most important catechists. While no single approach is ideal for every parish or school, some best practices have arisen for forming families and equipping parents in this God-given vocation. In this session, we’ll discuss various models that integrate parents and family life in religious education in effective and meaningful ways.

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11.    Sexual Identity Disorders   Dr. Andrew Sodergren (FFH)

Details to come

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1.   The Ecclesial Method (CT1 / RCIA2)  Dr. James Pauley (St. Joseph Center, Classroom B)

Catechesis is not meant to be a merely conceptual presentation of the faith, but rather, the Church intends it to be carried out in an evangelizing way, in a way that invites people into intimate communion with Jesus and a response of faith. Join us as we explore a five-step method of lesson planning focused toward kerygmatic proclamation and disciple-making, an approach pioneered here at Franciscan University. This workshop engages teaching methods and shares lots of practical teaching ideas.

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2.   Praying with Scripture: Lectio Divina (CT2)  Teresa Hawes  (Egan Hall, Room 113)

Lectio Divina, “Divine Reading” is an ancient way of praying with Scripture. It is a slow, thoughtful encounter with the living Word of God. This workshop will explore aspects of this time-honored form of prayer, and attempt to put it into practice.

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3.   The Essential Link Between Liturgy and Catechesis (PCL1 / CS1 / RCIA1/ CT1)  William O’Leary  (St. Joseph Center, Classroom A)

Catechesis should point, direct, and link those being catechized to the liturgy, especially the Eucharist. This workshop will lay the foundation of catechesis and liturgy and provide examples of how to do liturgical catechesis.

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4.   Developing a Missionary Mindset (YA) Marcel LeJeune (JCWC, Gentile Gallery)

Every Catholic disciple is called to be on mission to the world. But how do we break out of a culture that keeps evangelization rooted in our parish programs, classes, and events? What does personal mission look like for a Catholic who wants to become a better evangelist? This session is for the Catholic evangelists who want to learn how to have the mindset of missionary discipleship, with practical tips on what actually helps us become more fruitful.

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5.  Kerygmatic Accompaniment with Teenagers  (YM1)  Dr. Bob Rice (FFH: Aerobics Room, 2nd Floor)

Details to come

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6.   How to Avoid Bad Meetings (DO)  Ken Ogorek (FFH: Performance Room, 2nd Floor)

As part of our ongoing series for leaders, this session reviews the principals of organizational health then presents a proven method of making meetings more productive and fulfilling rather than being the drudgery they call to mind in most staff members. If you are interested in helping leadership teams make steady progress on important goals while seeing to it that individuals are well informed and core values are reinforced, then you’ll love this session and use the resources it provides!  Join us and put your last worthless meeting behind you.

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7.   Introduction to Educating in Christ   Dr. Gerald O’Shea  (Cosmas and Damian, Pugliese Auditorium)

This talk describes an adaptation of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to the specific circumstances of Catholic school classrooms. It is based on the book Educating in Christ. The method has been implemented successfully in Australian schools, including a whole diocesan school system. The adaptation includes ways in which materials can be scaled down and stored, assessment, yearly overviews, instruction booklets for teachers, doctrinal overviews, and learning journals.

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8.   Developing a Vision for the Domestic Church  Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak  (Cosmas and Damian, Room 300)

Are Catholic families called to be different from other families? If so, how? So many parents experience family life as an obstacle to spiritual growth. What does a dynamic, family-based spirituality look like? How can parents confidently raise faithful Catholic kids? The Popcaks share insights from their opening keynote at the Vatican World Meeting of Families that respond to these questions and present a newly articulated, empirically-based model of family well-being and spirituality.

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9.   Attachment and Morality: A Catholic View of the Human Person
Dr. Andrew Sodergren   (Cosmas and Damian, Room 206)

This talk will integrate a Catholic vision of the human person and insights from modern psychology to explore how we learn how to love. We will delve into insights from attachment theory to uncover how experiences in our family of origin shape our capacity to love others, ourselves, and even God. This will lead to key insights into healing and growth as well.

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10.   Organizational Health and Building a Cohesive Leadership Team
Paco Gavrilides (JCWC. St. Leo Room)

The primary focus of this talk it is provide wisdom, insight, and practical understanding for building and maintaining a unified, contented, and effective leadership team for the purpose of maximum spiritual fruitfulness in service and ministry. This talk will also address some of the particular obstacles to the exercise of successful leadership.

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1.    Scripture: The Heart of Catechesis (CT1 / RCIA1)  Dr. Eric Westby (St. Joseph Center, Classroom B)

Details to come

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2.    Liturgy and Catechetical Methodology (CT2 / CS2)   Dr. Amy Roberts  (Egan Hall, Room 113)

The Directory for Catechesis states that the Church’s “sacramental mission cannot be separated from the process of evangelization” and that liturgy and catechesis should both be “oriented toward bringing to life the experience of God’s love.” This workshop will consider how to form students for receptive participation in the liturgy that allows them to experience his love.

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3.    Recruiting, Training, and Forming Volunteers I (PCL1)  Dr. Martha Drennan  (Cosmas and Damian, Pugliese Auditorium)

Details to come

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4.   The Catechumenate: Paradigm for All Catechesis (PCL2 / RCIA2) – Gigi Zapiain (Cosmas and Damian, Room 300)

The General Directory for Catechesis (1997) called the baptismal catechumenate, “the paradigm [model] for all catechesis.” How does this translate into the day-to-day instruction in and sharing of the faith with those already baptized? We will explore how this does not mean reproducing the OCIA in a programmatic fashion, but taking on its style and formative dynamism.

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5.  The Preventive System of St. John Bosco (CS1) – Fr. Lou Molinelli, SDB (Cosmas and Damian, Room 206)

This presentation will discuss the elements of the Preventive System of St. John Bosco and its application to the world of the young in the setting of catechesis. We will explore the basic spirituality that underlies the Preventive System and its application to our role as catechists and in the lives of the young.

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6.   Vocational Discernment with Teenagers (YM1)  Gina Bauer  (Egan Hall, Room 213)

This workshop will explore Pope Francis‘s Apostolic Exhortation CHRISTUS VIVIT, Christ is Alive, and what practices we can implement in our youth ministry programs to aid teenagers in the discernment of their vocations.

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7.  An Interconnected Net: Intra and Extra-Parish Ministries With Teens (YM2)  Dr. Bob Rice/Kris Frank (FFH: Aerobics Room, 2nd Floor

Is a youth group, alone, enough for our parishes to offer teens? As a Church, can we give young people more than a weekly program? This workshop will examine how to best serve teens by connecting them to the entire parish and further ministry opportunities outside the typical youth program.

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8.  Prayer: The Foundation of Mission (YA)  Marcel LeJeune (JCWC: Gentile Gallery)

Our personal mission is built on our personal prayer lives. If we want to be better at evangelizing others, we have to go deeper in prayer. Not just any kind of prayer, but prayer that is built on understanding God’s heart, which longs for the salvation of a world that is in desperate need. God wants to have us share this desire and depth of intimacy with his heart. This session will help us explore what a missionary prayer life looks like.

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9.  Working With Priests (DO) Ann Lankford (FFH: Performance Room, 2nd Floor)

A priest is consecrated in Christ’s name “to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.” But he is also a fellow human being with weaknesses who experiences conversion and routinely receives the Sacrament of Confession. This interactive session will discuss the proper attitude, relationship, and boundaries needed in working with priests in order to draw forth the greatest fruit for the Kingdom of God.

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10.   Teaching the Eucharist to Children   Dr. Gerard O’Shea (FFH)

The Eucharist is an unfolding mystery . Sofia Cavalletti noted that everything God has ever done, everything he is doing now, and everything he will ever do is in some way symbolized in the Eucharist. This talk will identify the ways in which different strategies and materials need to be employed to account for the typical developmental stages from children to adolescents. It will focus in particular on the “mystagogy” of the sacrament, making links between the liturgy and the Scriptures.

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