F1-A 40th Anniversary Reflections on Vatican II:
The Greatest Story NEVER Told
—Timothy Mullner

Pope John Paul II has called the Second Vatican Council the greatest religious event of the 20th Century. Yet few Catholics are familiar with the teachings and outcomes of this important Council. This session will highlight Blessed Pope John XXIII’s hopes for the Council, how it operated, and principles for continuing the aggiornamento (bringing up to date) of Vatican II.

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F1-B Sacraments of Initiation: Transforming Gifts
—Rev. Richard Fragomeni

The Sacraments of Initiation make real the transforming presence of Christ for the people of God in a way like none other. Learn how our experience of Christ and of Church is utterly transformed when we celebrate these Sacraments well.

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F1-C Popular Devotions
— Rev. John T. Lane, SSS

This workshop will examine devotions (rosary, Stations of the Cross, novenas, and especially eucharistic devotions,) and re-flect on their purpose in helping all to develop faith and lead all to expressions of worship.

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F1-D Taking a Two-Handed Approach to Adolescent
Catechesis
— Dr. Mike Carotta

This session will review some key points from the General Directory for Catechesis and explore some of the “necessary adaptations” we may need to make in adolescent catechesis.

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F1-E Forming Faith in a Formless World:
Catechesis in Postmodern Times
—Mr. Nick Wagner

Do you need new energy for your catechetical effort? Do you need effective ways to reach out to the folks on the fringes? Are you having trouble getting the attention of your busy and distracted parishioners? Catechesis in postmodern times requires new strategies for breaking through the media noise that deadens hearts and blocks ears. This interactive workshop will help you learn the four key components of a baptismal catechumenate model; acquire an understanding of how to catechize the postmodern generations; and discover the three questions you need to catechize anyone, any time about the action of God in their lives.

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F1-F Liturgy & Spirituality: The Intimate Connection
—Mrs. Pat Kerwin

The search for spirituality in life flows from our yearning to connect the human spirit with the Holy Spirit. The liturgy unites us most perfectly with the Father through Christ in the power of the Spirit. Together we will explore the central role of the liturgy in nurturing our spiritual life.

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F1-G Taizé Prayer in the Parish
— Mr. David Anderson

Have you ever experienced the beauty and simplicity of the music of Taizé? Explore ways to incorporate this ecumenical prayer into your community. Discover why people are drawn to this contemplative prayer experience and discuss the ecumenical implications for unity and reconciliation. Those who play guitar, flute, or other instruments are encouraged to bring them to this session.

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F1-H Offering the Gospels to Young People
—Dr. Eleanor Ann Brownell

The GOSPELS are stories that have a profound message. The message is usually one idea worth remembering. This workshop will explore the varied Gospel stories, practicing ways to master the art of storytelling.

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F1-I Mustard Seed Catechesis: Religious Education in
Small Parishes
 — Ms. Kate Ristow

This session will explore creative strategies for religious education in small or rural parish settings. Practical ideas will be offered for combining grade levels and working with multi-age groups.

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F1-J Assembly in Action—New Mindsets in Weddings
—Janice Cox, Cynthia Goerig & Rev. Eddie Winkler

Explorations into liturgical practices which enable the assembly to be true witnesses in prayer and more than spectators. Specific ways the Marriage Preparation Team can challenge the couple to prepare their wedding as a parish liturgy utilizing the Sunday Eucharist as the norm.

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F1-K Liturgical Singing and the Paschal Mystery
—Sr. Kathleen Harmon

One of the major recoveries of Vatican II has been our understanding of liturgy as ritual enactment of the Paschal Mystery. This presentation takes a theological look at the role of music in the liturgy using the Paschal Mystery as prism. The session will explore the Paschal Mystery and how it shapes our lives, then suggest in concrete and challenging ways how liturgical music—and particularly communal liturgical singing—engages us in this Mystery and enables us to surrender more fully to it.

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F1-L The “Cloud of Witnesses”
— Ken Griesemer

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden of sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.” (HEB 12:1) The images of Christ, the Blessed Mother and the Communion of Saints that adorn our places of worship play an important role in expressing and celebrating our Catholic identity, and in inspiring us for the journey of faith. This session will begin with a brief examination of the history of sacred art in the place of worship. Then, recognizing the essential nature of private devotional prayer, a vision will be offered for the reintegration of quality and appropriate liturgical and devotional art in the church building. Practical questions such as dealing with existing art and finding artists will be addressed.

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F1-M Mystagogia: Beyond the Journey of Christian
Initiation
—Dr. Kathy Carey

What next? How do we support and engage the neophytes in the life of the Church after the rituals are complete, the catechumenal community has dispersed and the catechetical structure is finished? In this workshop we will begin to address the practical situations that the entire church faces with the mystagogical part of the process. This workshop is directed toward those who have several years of experience in the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults).

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