August 11, 2010

Catechetical Congress: Bringing the Catholic family together

Denver Catholic Register

Inspired by the archbishop’s initiative to bring the English- and Spanish-speaking communities of the Denver Archdiocese together as “One Family Under God,” the offices of Evangelization and Catechesis and Hispanic Ministry are teaming up to hold the first joint Catechetical Congress 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel DIA.

Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., will preach and celebrate the Mass. Theme for the congress is, “Matrimony: Sacrament of Enduring Love.”

 The daylong training event is primarily to help catechists prepare for a new school year, but it’s open to all.

“Anyone who wants to learn more about their faith and be inspired by some outstanding speakers is welcome to come,” said James Cavanagh, director of Evangelization and Catechesis for Metro-Area Parishes.

The congress will include two “tracks”—one in English and one in Spanish. The $20 attendance fee, which includes lunch, aims to make it affordable to everyone, Cavanagh said.

Keynote speaker for the English track will be professor-author Ted Sri of the Augustine Institute. Sri’s talk will be based on his book: “Men, Women and the Mystery of Love.” A popular speaker, Sri will explore Pope John Paul II’s practical wisdom on the real relationship issues men and women face everyday. From his own experience as a husband and father, Sri will explain how to build greater intimacy and trust with one’s spouse and to live with greater self-giving love. 

Other speakers for the English track include:

Author Joanne Horne of St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial will talk about RCIA adapted for children (RCIC), which she and others have developed and refined for more than a decade.

Singer-songwriter, dramatist and inspirational speaker Samantha “Sam” Kauffman will lecture on “Music, Movement, Prayer and Song.” Kauffman will address that  children love to move and sing, and that most catechists aren’t trained musicians or dancers. Through active participation catechists will learn how to use simple forms of music and movement to enhance their teaching.

Former Episcopal minister James Cavanagh will end the day with the talk, “Teach from the Heart of the Church.” He will show how the word of God, Jesus Christ, speaks to his bride, the Church, through the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” and sacred Scripture, which flow “from the same divine wellspring.”

Speakers for the Spanish track will be St. John Vianney Theological Seminary vice rector Father Jorge Rodriguez, consecrated laywoman Lara Montoya, lay couple Jorge and Viviana Paredes, and laymen Arturo Sabula and Abram Leon.

For more information or to register, call 303-715-3260. The hotel is located at Interstate 70 and Chambers Road in Denver.

CATECHETICAL CONGRESS

When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 21
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Interstate 70 and Chambers Road
Cost: $20, includes lunch
Register/Information: call 303-715-3260