'Faith, Joy, Family'

USCCB director of evangelization to lead Diocesan Catechetical Conference April 11

CLIFTON  Faith formation starts with building relationships with families. That’s the important message that will be delivered when the Diocese of Paterson hosts a daylong Catechetical Conference on Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. John Paul II Center here.

Themed “Faith, Joy, Family,” Peter J. Murphy, executive director of the Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), will explore the theme and examine the question, “How can we (parishes) can use our catechetical programs to build relationships with families and create opportunities for faith?”

Catechists, priests, religious education teachers, youth ministers, RCIA coordinators and Catholics in evangelization ministry are invited to the conference to learn about building relationships and igniting the faith among the followers of Jesus Christ. Spanish-speaking catechists are also invited as there will be a simultaneous translation of Murphy’s talks from English into Spanish.

In a letter to catechists inviting them to the conference, Bishop Serratelli wrote: “As you know well, catechesis involves much more than a simple passing on of facts about God and His laws. Effective catechesis must lead people in all stages of faith formation to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church so they can discover his personal love for them, learn to live according to his will within the Church, and invite others to join in this journey.”

The bishop will celebrate a 4 p.m. vigil Mass marking Divine Mercy Sunday to end the conference.

During the conference, Murphy will lead two sessions. The morning session will focus on the vital role of relationships as the first step of the evangelization process and how to accompany students and their parents on this faith journey. In the afternoon session, he will discuss new and practical ideas to spark a genuine faith and commitment to Jesus’ teachings.

According to SOLT Father Derek Anderson, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Dover and director of the diocesan Office of Catechesis, which is organizing and sponsoring the conference, the theme surrounding family was inspired by Acts of the Apostles 16:34, “And with his household they rejoiced at having come to faith in God.”

“We came up with the theme a year ago realizing we wanted to focus on these three aspects of faith, joy and family,” Father Anderson said. “Many times we think CCD programs are just meant for children. We discussed how we can use our parish CCD programs and reach out to families. This whole conference will discuss the first two steps and phases of evangelization.”

Father Anderson said the first step for evangelization isn’t about teaching but about encountering the person, building relationships, listening and understanding them and learning about their lives. From there, “It’s the second phase where we begin to communicate the very simple and basic terms of the heart of the Gospel message,” he said.

The third step is the actual catechesis followed by ongoing formation. The final phase is leading those who went through the process to be evangelizers themselves.

“We can no longer presume the first two phases have taken place before people come to religious education classes,” said Father Anderson. “Whether they are a child or an adult, it is a process every baptized Catholic should pass through.”

Following each session by Murphy, breakout sessions will take place facilitated by catechists in the diocese and beyond in the pastoral center’s classrooms. Catechists will be grouped according to those they serve: elementary-aged students, high school Confirmation candidates and youth ministry, adult faith formation and RCIA. There will also be breakout sessions for clergy and parish staff. The breakout sessions will also offer separate English and Spanish tracks for all participants. The first session will focus on Murphy’s talk while the second session will give catechists the opportunity to brainstorm, share ideas and gain practical information to use for their parish’s religious education programs.

For those in Basic Catechist Certification/Validation programs, the conference counts for six credit hours in “Scripture and Theology” or “Catechetics and Methodology.”

Shannon Civetta, one of the break-out session leaders, is a catechist and volunteer of the children’s ministry at Resurrection Parish in Randolph. “As catechists, we are always looking for new ways to share our faith to others,” she said. “It’s great when we are able to talk to other catechists and learn practical things to bring back to our parishes. I remember learning a new way to teach about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and it really connected with the children. The conference will allow us to come together and learn new, fresh ideas.”

During the event, publishers will set up booths to display their catechetical books and materials. Many of the materials will focus specifically on the beginning phases of evangelization.

Because of today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society, Father Anderson said, “The conference will bring attendees back to the basics when Jesus personally invited people to the faith. Personal relationships have a greater meaning than the digital connections many young people are familiar with. We are looking for a conversion and transformation that does bring joy and a greater communion in the family.”

The $50 cost per person includes lunch.

Register at www.insidethewalls.org or call the
Diocesan Office of Catechesis (973) 437-2129. Registration closes March 27.