Doors swing wide for 'Encountering the Living Christ'

Intermountain Catholic

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Susan Northway, director of the Diocesan Office of Religious Education, prepares for the 45th Annual Pastoral Congress Sept. 29, at the Skaggs Catholic Center. With a theme of ?Encountering the Living Christ,? the pastoral council brings together speakers and workshop presenters in English and Spanish who will present on spirituality, social justice, liturgy, and the sacraments. The keynote address will be delivered by Father Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D. IC photo by Barbara S. Lee

SALT LAKE CITY — If you’re looking for spiritual renewal, to learn something new, or to delve deeper into the teachings of the Catholic Church, look no further than the 45th Annual Pastoral Congress. Once reserved mainly for teachers of religious education, this year the congress will swing its doors open wide to welcome everyone who wishes to participate, said Diocesan Director of Religious Education Susan Northway.

"The theme this year is ‘Encountering the Living Christ,’ said Northway. "It will center on the sacraments, but our workshops and speakers will go beyond the seven ritual sacraments of the church to include an active life in Christ."

Northway said all the seven sacraments prompt all Catholics to reach out to the poor, share God’s message with others through evangelization, and welcome the stranger and the marginalized, "but the Congress will encourage all of us to stretch ourselves a little more; to give more and to be more aware of the world around us.

"As Catholics, all of us are in the business of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ," Northway said. "The American Catholic bishops have encouraged us to place a primary focus on adult education. We hope to offer adults a good opportunity to find out what the Catholic Church teaches and how it relates to life today."

The key to enjoying the Congress at a lower cost is to register early. Registering before Sept 16 will get you in for $30. Later registration costs $40. Registration forms are available through your parishes.

Calling on "the wisdom of the church," Northway said the Congress will present many different voices speaking on issues from Catholic ethics and morality to encountering Christ in the sacraments. The 50-55-minute workshops will offer concise, down-to-earth education and elicit participation, said Northway, who has been planning the Congress for more than six months.

"We are offering a complete track in Spanish so our Spanish-speaking participants will be busy all day."

The annual congress has grown and expanded every year, she said. "The biggest problem people will have is making up their minds which workshop to attend next."

Keynote Speaker Father Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D., will speak on "Covenental Ethics for Catechists," then will present two workshops, "Making Tough Moral Decisions," and "Reconciling Differences with the Church (With Help From the Scriptures."

Guest presenter Jo Rotunno will address "Handing On Your Faith To Others," according to the National Directory for Catechesis.

If your interests lie in Scripture, you will have your choice of "A Catholic Understanding of Scripture," by Deacon Michael Bulson; "Encountering God’s Word: The Wisdom Books," by Daniel John; "Exegesis: A Path to Deeper Understanding of Holy Scripture by Deacon Forrest Gray; and "Meeting God in the Hebrew Scriptures," by Father Sam Dinsdale.

The "Life in Christ: Workshops on Catholic Ethics and Morality" track includes Notre Dame Law Professor Barbara Szweda speaking on "Encountering Jesus in the Lives of the Poor;" Dr. Kandie Brinkman’s "Enriched by Many Voices in God’s House;" Rich Barra’s "A Personal Search for Truth – Science and Religion," and a presentation by the Diocesan Office of Disabilities, "Sharing Stories: People of Disabilities Encounter Christ."

Workshops on sacraments and liturgy will be offered by Jessica Maher, "Reflections on Extraordinary Ministry of Communion;" Pamela Avery, "Catechesis for Confirmation;" Theresa Rodrígues, "RCIA: Welcoming Faith Seekers in Your Parish;" Veronica Brand, "Preparing Children and their Families for First Penance and First Communion;" Father John Norman, "Encountering Christ in the Sacrament of Matrimony;" Father Erik Richtsteig, "The Sacrament of Penance – Encountering Christ in the Healer;" and Diocesan Liturgy Director Maxine Kaiser, "Encountering the Mystery of Christ’s Presence Throughout the Year."

As series of youth ministry workshops will be offered by Guest Presenter Chris Culver, whose workshops will include: "The Vision of Youth Ministry;" "The Spirituality of Adolescents;" Organization for Youth Leadership – Part I;" and "Leadership for Youth Ministry – Part II."

The Spanish track includes presentations by Maria-Cruz Gray, who will speak on spirituality, Holy Trinity Missionary Father Domingo Rodríguez Zambrana, who will offer an extended presentation, and Trinitarian Father Juan Molina, advocacy program coordinator for Catholic Relief Services.

For further information about the Congress call 328-8641, ext 326.