March 3, 2010

Conference invigorates Catholic Faithful

By John Gleason

More than 2,700 people came together Feb. 26-27 for the Denver Archdiocese’s 2010 Living the Catholic Faith conference in Denver. 

The theme of the two-day conference, held at the Colorado Convention Center, was taken from the Gospel of John, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you” (15:16).  Attendees heard lectures, participated in question and answer sessions and browsed more than 60 exhibitor’s booths.  Eucharistic adoration and reconciliation was also offered.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput,O.F.M. Cap., celebrated the opening Mass Friday during which he gave special welcome to the many Catholic school teachers who were in attendance.

“We want to acknowledge you and the wonderful work you do,” he said.  “We want to thank you for your commitment not only to the Church but to the people of God.”

At the conclusion of Mass, the crowd filed out into the lobby area to check out the exhibitor’s area and the many items on display.

Teachers Erin Thornton of Bishop Machebeuf High School and Sarah Grey of Annunciation School, have been attending the conference for several years.

“No doubt this is a wonderful chance to explore more about our faith,” Thornton said.  “And it comes at an opportune time on the calendar.  Lent is the perfect time to reflect on our own life during the past year and on our faith in general. I’ve been attending the conference for three years now and always look forward to the presentations.”

Grey, who was attending her fifth conference, said that in addition to being able to celebrate Mass with so many other educators, exploring the numerous workshops was what she looked forward to the most in an effort to grow her faith.
“I believe that’s vital to a Catholic school teacher,” she said. 

The first keynote address was presented by Tim Gray, president of the Augustine Institute in Denver, who spoke on the vocation of a teacher and the re-enrichment of education.

Gray received enthusiastic applause when he told the educators that both his parents were teachers.

“I was raised believing that education was the greatest profession a human being could be part of,” he said.  “My parents worked hard, just as you do, and I know the sacrifices you have to make.”

Describing the choice of a career in education as an awesome vocation, Gray reminded the audience that it’s what Jesus came to embody and live, noting that the most popular title for Christ in the Gospels is rabbi—teacher.

“Jesus gave the commission to his disciples to go forth and teach,” he said.  “All teachers are called to be an icon of the divine teacher, Jesus Christ.”

Following the keynote, Mary Ulner, director of religious education at Our Lady of the Plains Parish in Byers, agreed with Gray’s assertion that teaching is a noble profession. 

“I thought he articulated the idea wonderfully,” she said.  “Most of the teachers in my ministries don’t get paid, they’re volunteers.  For them, their pay is seeing what their vocation accomplishes—the end result.”

On a broader note Ulner, who by her own admission has been attending these conferences for years, said the annual event is akin to being a kid in a candy store.

“Oh, so much to pick from,” she said. “You attend the workshops then go home and digest what you’ve learned—it’s a spiritual shot in the arm that sustains you for the rest of the year.”

Catholic evangelist Aimee Cooper of the archdiocese’s Catechetical School, conducted a workshop on the topic, “Sharing the Gospel message in the fullness of Catholic tradition,” which is the subject of a series of classes she holds throughout the archdiocese.  Divided into seven parts, Cooper’s presentation covered God, creation, man, the fall (from grace), Jesus Christ, Church and the new creation.  A 2008 graduate of the Augustine Institute in Denver, Cooper emphasized that the Gospel is good news and that Catholic good news explains life.

“It explains who God is, that he is love and that everything happens because of that love,” she said.  “We believe that we’re made by God, meant to live in relationship with him and receive him in the most direct way possible, the Eucharist.  It’s the core—the most important thing about our faith.”

Day two of the conference saw many of the same speakers return for a second engagement with some additions. A highlight of the day was a special private screening of the film, “The Human Experience” followed by a question and answer period with producer Joe Campo. 

Following the opening Mass on Saturday, celebrated by Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley, a morning keynote and many of the workshops were held in Spanish, including a presentation by Bishop Oscar Cantú of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, who spoke on the Church as the bride of Christ.

Luis Soto, director for Hispanic Ministries and executive director of Centro San Juan Diego, said he was extremely pleased with the turnout.

“One thing we noticed this year is that a great many of the registrations are coming through the main conference office, and not just through the Office of Hispanic Ministry,” he said. “People know about this event and they enjoy coming to it.  As long as we have quality speakers such as Bishop Cantú, we know people will continue to attend.”