November 20, 2009 |
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Faith Formation Day inspires catechistsPosted: 10.09.09 
Courtesy Photo NAVARRE | “Transcendent” and “transforming” were two of the words used to describe Father Pat Foley’s keynote address at the diocesan Faith Formation Day held Sept. 26 at St. Sylvester Parish. More than 120 religious educators from 27 parishes across the diocese participated. The daylong meeting helps parishes better equip those who teach the faith to others. Participants included those involved in the ministry of catechesis with children, youths, adults, those in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and sacramental preparation. In his keynote address, Father Foley, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Pensacola, expanded on the question, “How do we make the promises of Jesus Christ visible in the way we live our everyday, moment-to-moment lives?” “The way Father Foley explained how word and sacrament work together through Jesus’ redeeming sacrifice to help us live as we ought to live just Spirit-filled me up,” said Lyn Colello, director of religious education at St. Rita Parish in Santa Rosa Beach. “It was transcendent, transforming.” In addition to Father Foley’s keynote, Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, addressed the participants, thanking them for their dedication to their ministries and encouraging them to implement the day’s learnings in their parishes and programs. Thomas Ryan, who is the director of the Loyola University of New Orleans Institute for Ministry, spoke in two breakout sessions. The first session covered “Reading the Bible With the Saints” and the second was “The Spirituality of St. Thomas Aquinas for Today.” “It was amazing how perfectly Dr. Ryan’s talks fit with Father Foley’s keynote. He was so animated, so articulate,” Colello said. In encouraging participants to read the Bible, Ryan said, “Focus on the words that give life. … If you would love God, read the language of love that he has given us in the Bible. The Bible and the sacraments communicate God’s love to us. How can you love in return someone you don’t know?” “Dr. Ryan’s adult faith formation workshops energized me, but it was his use of music that gave me a great idea. As we entered the room, some sacred music was playing. It really set the mood. I’m going to try this musical mood-setter idea for Sunday morning Catholic coffee hour at my parish,” said Katinka Ritz, director of religious education at St. Mary Parish in Pensacola. Erin O’Leary, sponsored by Harcourt Publishers, spoke on “Navigating the Middle School Years: Putting Faith in Action.” In her presentation, she took a practical look at how to help adolescents see “our living tradition” as vibrant and engaging, including practical resources for Scripture, Catholic social teaching, prayer and service. Charleen Katra, who came from the Archdiocese of Houston-Galveston for the conference, conducted a workshop full of strategies and tips for teaching children with special needs, especially those with attention-deficit disorders. “This workshop was very helpful,” said Maureen Brown Muir, director of religious education at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Tallahassee. “Most catechists aren’t trained in the special methods to work effectively with these students, so the practical information from this workshop will really help my catechists ensure a successful learning experience for all their students.” Pensacola native Pamela Manz Elsey, sponsored by RCL/Benziger, spoke on the “Habits of Highly Effective Catechists.” Elsey serves as the southeast regional representative of the publishing firm and came to the conference from her home in Atlanta. Sue Marco, director of youth ministry at Christ Our Redeemer Parish in Niceville, presented “Youth + Scripture + Life = Retreats” for those who minister with high school youths, sharing how retreats can be a starting place for getting youths more involved in their communities, their parishes and their families. Renee McAlister and Julie Brunet, sponsored by Sadlier publishers, presented a workshop designed for teachers of children from age 3 through first grade. “Scripture Comes Alive” gave teachers hands-on materials to use storytelling, music, drama and other activities to better engage students while making Scripture meaningful and relevant for young children. “On the trip home, my pre-K and primary catechists were on fire to get back and put to use what they’d learned. They came out of this workshop with their arms full of materials, talking excitedly about what they’d learned. That’s a sure sign of a successful workshop,” Colello said. Overall, the success of the day might best be measured in the collegiality and faith-sharing that the day engenders among catechists, said Ritz. “Sharing ideas with other attendees was so helpful. I’d like to find a way to pray with my catechists on a regular basis. People from other parishes shared several different methods I can try at my own parish.” “Everybody is always so helpful,” said Muir. “There is always someone to lend a hand, to offer support. In a diocese as spread out as ours is, its great to have a chance to network, gather inspiration and get great tips from our counterparts in other parishes. That’s one of the best benefits each year of participating in this conference.”
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