2018 Pastoral Congress has new format

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SALT LAKE CITY — The 2108 Diocese of Salt Lake City’s Pastoral Congress will focus on the new Pastoral Plan, with two keynote speakers whose topics will address the plan’s priorities. This schedule differs from the Congress’ format for the last 13 years, which offered an array of speakers on numerous topics.

Bishop Oscar A. Solis “really wants to focus this year on having everybody hear the same message,” said Susan Northway, the diocese’s director of religious education, who organizes the Congress. “That’s very important because it all links to the Pastoral Plan. … The bishop himself will promulgate the Pastoral Plan. That’s a very important thing for everybody to attend because hearing his enthusiasm and the way he has embraced these initiatives and his vision for the future – it’s really very energizing.”

The day will begin with morning prayer, then Bishop Solis will present the Pastoral Plan, which outlines the mission and vision for the diocese for the next five years. (See story, left.) The plan has five key priorities: faith formation, vocations, stewardship, the Eucharistic and Catholic identity with unity in diversity, and dignity of human life.

“Of special interest to us is faith formation for all ages, with a special emphasis on faith formation for young people, meaning teens and young adults, but adult faith formation offered in every mission and parish. That’s our goal,” Northway said.

Because the Pastoral Plan will affect all Catholics in Utah, Northway encourages everyone to attend the Congress to learn about the plan.

Another format change will be that a panel with questions and answers will follow each of the keynote speakers, who will focus on the Congress theme of “Enkindle the Fire of God’s Love.”

All of the keynote speakers are from the Congar Institute for Ministry Development, an initiative of the Southern Dominican Province that has provided resources for the diocese’s Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation programs in both English and Spanish. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Congar Institute’s collaboration with the diocese.

The morning keynote speaker in English will be Dominican Father Jude Siciliano, who will speak on the gifts of the laity. Fr. Jude “is very inspiring in his preaching,” Northway said. “He’s known as an itinerant preacher. What he has done all through his ministry is be available to people, to conduct retreats in times of discernment, special educational components.”

The topic of the gifts of the laity will be duplicated in Spanish by Dominican Fr. Cristóbal Torres Iglesias, an illustrator and painter who “views sacred art as a visual theological narrative that reflects the artist’s critical engagement of his subject matter and more importantly, bears to others the fruits of contemplation,” according to the website dominicanartsandartists.com.

Giving keynote addresses in both English and Spanish will be Patricia Jiménez, Ph.D., who has worked for more than 20 years in youth ministry, catechesis and lay formation programs.

“She will be telling her story as a lay woman; her journey of faith and her coming to embrace the gifts that she’s been given,” Northway said. “She has particular expertise in technology and using technology platforms to share the Gospel message.”

The last hour of the Pastoral Congress will be a workshop presentation on the five initiatives of the Pastoral Plan.

Throughout the day, those attending the event may visit exhibitors from major publishers and local Catholic religious goods vendors.

WHAT: Diocese of Salt Lake City Pastoral Congress

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Skaggs Catholic Center, 300 East 11800 South, Draper

COST: $45; includes continental breakfast, lunch, and workshops

Late registration opens at 7:30 a.m. Register online at www.dioslc.org. For information, contact the Office of Religious Education, 801-328-8641 ext. 357 or della.gardner@dioslc.org.