Overview
The Department of Family Catechesis would like to invite all Parish Catechetical and Youth Evangelization Leaders to our Leadership Conference this January 5-9, 2009 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.
The conference will feature tracks in:
- Children’s Catechesis
- Youth Evangelization
- RCIA/Adult formation
- Hispanic outreach
- Ongoing Formation Week for January 2009: The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.
Following the lead of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, the January Leadership Conference is designed to equip Parish Catechetical and Youth Leaders to meet the demands of fostering the New Evangelization in our Diocese.
This conference will help new and experienced leaders focus on developing the right vision, the relationships, and principles for evangelization and catechesis. Designed by veteran catechetical leaders from the Diocese of Phoenix and throughout the country, this conference will help you focus on the essential areas that lead to fruitful, disciple-making outreach.
Goals
The goals of the January Leadership Conference are:
1. Methodology: To expose the participant to the key methodological principles of evangelization and catechesis;
2. Formation: To help the participant understand the catechetical and academic principles behind the basic methods of evangelization and catechesis;
3. Reflection: To provide opportunities for the participants to reflect upon goals #1 and #2 and apply them to their current parish setting.
4. Ongoing Education: To allow parish leaders the opportunity for continuing education and growth in professionalism.
Our desire for each participant is that they:
- Have the understanding and ability to articulate and advocate for the Church’s vision of evangelization and catechesis to pastors, staff, and all those served by the parish;
- Have the skills to translate the principles of evangelization and catechesis to their parish setting;
- Be able to deepen the quality of evangelization and catechesis offered to their parishes, beginning with the liturgy.
For Pastors
Research in the field of lay ecclesial ministry confirms that leaders develop longevity in parish positions when they receive training that prepares them directly for their ministry. Professional training supports both the catechetical program and the person leading the program. Parishes benefit from this training through sustained vision and long-term commitment from their leaders.
Consistency in parish leadership creates an environment for conversion in the life of the parish. The January Leadership Conference is designed to equip and prepare leaders for the challenges that lie ahead and to help others know the saving message of Jesus Christ.
Certification
Participants have the option of taking the courses and completing assignments to receive a certificate in the areas of either Children’s Catechesis, Youth Evangelization or RCIA/Adult Faith formation.
The curriculum for certification is divided over two years.
Year One – Foundational Training in Methodology and Administration
a. The Church’s Mission/Ecclesia in America
b. Breakout sessions covering Methodology, Session Planning, Liturgy and Resources in the areas of: Children’s Catechesis, Youth and Young Adult Evangelization and RCIA/Adult Faith Formation
c. Cultural Influences
d. An introduction to Scripture and the Catechism
e. Ministry to Families
f. Leading Group Prayer
g. Maintaining Your Prayer Life
h. Recruiting, Training and Developing Teams
Year Two - Advanced Training in Catechetical Principles
a. Pastoral Care
b. Evangelization
c. Liturgy
d. Spirituality
e. Catechesis
f. Leadership and Management
g. Family
h. Morality/Theology of the Body
i. Scripture
j. Doctrine
The training can be taken for either personal enrichment (auditing) or for a certificate.
There is no academic credit offered for the program.
Credentialing and Re-Credentialing
The session hours January Leadership Conference can be applied towards credentialing and recredentialing as a coordinator or director.
Benefits
• Learn the foundations of the Church’s evangelistic and catechetical mission.
• Gain valuable skills in evangelization and catechesis.
• Learn how to build a vision that inspires and encourages long-term conversion.
• Take time to pray and be refreshed.
• Understand how to best focus your ministry.
• Grow in your ability to manage essential relationships.
• Develop supportive networking relationships.
• Be encouraged by veteran catechetical and youth evangelization leaders as they share from their experience.
Speaker Biographies Coming Soon
Conference Details
Conference brochure (English) (Spanish)
Schedule (Times and Subjects shown are tentative)
Register online
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help by calling us at 602-354-2323 or by emailing us at familycatechesis@diocesephoenix.org.
