The Diocese of Covington, in partnership with the Franciscan University’s Catechetical Institute, is offering FREE In-Person Adult Catholic Faith Formation Workshops at TMU’s new Academic Activity Center.
Most workshops are broken into two parts and scheduled for two consecutive days, 1.5 hours per day. Instructors will provide topical information, video content, and open discussion time.
The Vocation of the Catechist
The Vocation of the Catechist – This workshop explores the most critical element in the graced work of passing on the faith — you. Because the content of the faith is a Person — the Person of Christ — the person of the catechist is pivotal for success. The vocation of the catechist is to be a witness of Christ’s goodness, of His zeal, of His ways, of Him — to be like the Master. JUNE 9 & 10, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Jamie SchroederFamily Systems in a Catholic School
Family Systems in a Catholic School – As teachers, administrators, or pastoral staff in a Catholic school, we are in a unique position to assist parents in building up the domestic church of their family, in strengthening their role as primary educators of their children, and in helping them learn ways of integrating the faith into the daily routines of their family life. This workshop explores how a Catholic school can intentionally and creatively foster this vision, so as to authentically support family life. JUNE 9 & 10, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Anita DunnJesus: The Christo-centricity of Catechesis
Jesus: The Christo-centricity of Catechesis – Mother Church insists that catechesis that truly evangelizes hearts, and that meets souls in the place of greatest need, must be unshakably centered upon Him who is our beginning and our end —Jesus Christ. We teach Jesus, and everything we teach, we teach in reference to Him, thus teaching Christo-centrically. JUNE 9 & 10, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Rev. Michael BarthThe Deposit of Faith: An Intro to the Catechism
The Deposit of Faith: An Intro to the Catechism – Throughout the generations, the Word of God has been handed on as a precious jewel. The Church has guarded this Deposit of Faith so that the saving message of hope might shine out for all to see. Now it is up to us. It is our turn to hand on this jewel, unscathed. It is up to us to catechize, continuing the unbroken chain of passing on the faith throughout the ages. JUNE 9 & 10, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Rev. Ryan MaherEssential Link Between Liturgy & Catechesis
Essential Link Between Liturgy & Catechesis – This workshop will explore the necessary connection of catechesis to the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church in our work as catechists. The liturgy comes from the “living memory” of the Church, that is, the Holy Spirit (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC, 1099). Through the Holy Spirit working in the liturgy, the truths of the faith are passed on like a special family memory, from generation to generation, down to the present day. JUNE 9 & 10, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Rev. Raymond EnzweilerScripture: The Heart of Catechesis
Scripture: The Heart of Catechesis – Knowing and understanding Scripture is essential in the life of a catechist. This workshop will explore how God’s Word, transmitted in Sacred Scripture, grounds and deepens our relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. In Scripture, we see the sweeping Plan of God, the history of salvation unfolded. JUNE 9 & 10, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Claire HeyneSacred Scripture: The Big Picture
Sacred Scripture: The Big Picture – This workshop will introduce participants to biblical catechesis through an ancient catechetical technique: the use of the Story of the Bible. The most important historical events of the Bible can be briefly described in one Story, connected by one common theme: union with God. JUNE 9 & 10, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Jen LedonneA Vision for Effective Youth Ministry
A Vision for Effective Youth Ministry – What is good youth ministry in today’s Church? Every ministry to young people needs to have a clear mission and purpose, rooted in the larger mission of the Church, and needs to be able to identify clear values in the way that ministry is carried out. In this workshop, we look specifically at the essential components to a vibrant, effective approach to parish ministry for young people. June 9, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Taught by: Steve & Angie PoatThe Trinity
The Trinity – The Blessed Trinity is the greatest of all mysteries: the One and Only God is a unity of Three Persons. The Trinity is also our final home, the goal of our life. This mystery, revealed in Jesus, sheds light on all other Christian mysteries. And it is the revelation that sheds light on all other Christian mysteries. Knowing that God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, is a unity of loving Persons, changes our understanding of everything. June 9 & 10, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Taught by: Rev. Michael BarthChrist: His Person & Works
Christ: His Person & Works – He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is in all, before all, through all. The primary and essential object of catechesis is, to use an expression dear to St. Paul, “the mystery of Christ.” (CT 5) Therefore everyone who teaches the Catholic faith must be immersed in this mystery. June 9 & 10, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Taught by: Rev. Michael BarthThe Sacramental Economy
The Sacramental Economy – This workshop examines the place of the sacraments within God’s magnificent plan of love. More than simply Catholic rituals, the sacraments are God’s chosen channels of supernatural life, His plan for doing even more than saving us: “For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God.” June 9 & 10, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Taught by: Rev. Ryan MaherPraying Scripture: Lectio Divina
Praying Scripture: Lectio Divina – Pope Benedict XVI stated that, “the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina… will bring to the Church a new spiritual springtime.” Come and experience the prayerful pondering of sacred Scripture in the timeless Lectio Divina in which the Holy Spirit makes a connection between the passage and one’s own life. June 9 & 10, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Taught by: Deacon Brian CoxEvangelizacion en la Parroquia
Evangelizacion en la Parroquia – En este taller exploraremos los elementos esenciales sobre la misión más importante: la evangelización. La misión de evangelizar es la vocación propia de la Iglesia. Como miembros de la Iglesia cada uno de nosotros estamos llamados a participar en esa misión. “La Buena Nueva del Reino que llega y que ya ha comenzado, es para todos los hombres de todos los tiempos. June 9 & 10, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Taught by: Rev. Allan FrederickUnlocking the Rich Treasure of the Catechism
Unlocking the Rich Treasure of the Catechism – This workshop is the first installment of a four-part series on reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church, an amazing gift that the Church has given us. Within the Catechism, we find the Church’s teachings clearly laid out and supported by Sacred Scripture and Tradition. June 11 & 12, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Rev. Martin PitstickThe Catechumenal Process: A Modern Restoration
The Catechumenal Process: A Modern Restoration – What is our purpose and goal as ministers in the Church in an OCIA process? To make new Catholics? To spread the Gospel? To run a good process? Our purpose and goal must transcend the “how” of OCIA and begin with the “why.” The restoration of the catechumenal process is a reflection of the Church’s wisdom in going back to a tried and true practice in order to lovingly bring people into Her fold. June 11 & 12, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Sarah WellsEntrance into Christ & Participation in God’s Life
Entrance into Christ & Participation in God’s Life – From the ancient Nicene Creed we proclaim that “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.” The mystery of the Second Person of the Trinity is the God Who comes to us to save, redeem, instruct, give us hope and lead us to our promised glory. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We do not have a God Who is distant, but a God Who comes to us in the most intimate way. June 11 & 12, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Anita DunnThe Mission of the Catholic School & the Role of Teachers
The Mission of the Catholic School & the Role of Teachers – A Catholic school has the mission to be a communion of persons that seeks to give a sacred gift. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone summarized our Catholic vision in this way: “In Catholic schools we teach virtue and truth, and we hold out holiness as the Christian vocation of all students. The core mission of the Catholic Church is to provide an integrated education to young men and women, that is, knowledge and virtue combined. June 11 & 12, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Kendra McGuireThe Evangelizing Classroom
The Evangelizing Classroom – The work of evangelization, of sharing the Gospel message with others, is vitally important, because the love at the heart of the Gospel is intended for every one of us — educators and students alike. Creating an environment within the Catholic school or parish classroom in which students are evangelized, transformed by the love of the Gospel, and led into discipleship of Christ is made possible first and foremost by the faithful witness of the educator. June 11 & 12, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Carol LenseDilexit Nos: Formation of Heart as Link Between Evangelization & Catechesis
Dilexit Nos: Formation of Heart as Link Between Evangelization & Catechesis – Why do we often hear religion class is the hardest class to teach? Because the heart is the hardest to reach! Today in various fields of human formation, we find a great interest in the “heart” and its role. We relate out of the core of who we are and what we really desire. Pope Francis has written an encyclical letter “Dilexit Nos”(He loved us). We will look at his writing to help us find a way to reawaken our own desires and those of our students so His Word will land in the heart. June 11 & 12, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Rev. Jeff VonLehmenChild Catechetical Methodologies & Learning Styles
Child Catechetical Methodologies & Learning Styles – The goal of catechesis is participation in God’s life. It is critical that catechists learn how to effectively engage the young mind and heart of each child, encourage each child to respect and love the things of the faith, and help each child discover the wonderful love of a gentle Father. June 11 & 12, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Claire HeyneAdult Catechetical Methodologies & Learning Styles
Adult Catechetical Methodologies & Learning Styles – The General Directory of Catechesis says that, “Catechesis for adults, since it deals with persons who are capable of an adherence that is fully responsible, must be considered the chief form of catechesis” (GDC 59). Do most parishes orient sufficient resources to this endeavor? This workshop will explore techniques to evangelize, catechize, and form faith in adults most effectively, given that the principle places of adult formation are in the family and in the parish. June 11 & 12, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Jen LedonneHow to develop and Sustain Youth Ministry Teams
June 11, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Taught by: Steve & Angie PoatPedagogy of Revelation & the Response of Faith
Pedagogy of Revelation & the Response of Faith – “In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son” (Hebrews 1:1–2). Revelation means to pull back the veil. Because the work of catechesis is oriented towards conversion, the catechist needs to understand clearly how a person gets faith and grows in faith. This workshop delves in the sacred pattern of God’s methodology — how He reaches out to us, and how He calls us and enables us to freely respond. June 11 & 12, 12:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Taught by: Allison MillerPrayer: Introduction to the Spiritual Life of the Catechist
Prayer: Introduction to the Spiritual Life of the Catechist – In order to pass on the truths of Faith in season and out, the catechist must be securely grounded in Christ. This workshop will consider the richness of the Catholic spiritual life as it pertains specifically to the life of the catechist. Prayer is not the “last ditch effort” of defense for us as catechists, but our first line of defense – the wings on which every effort should soar. June 11 & 12, 12:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Taught by: Claire HeyneA Foundational Vision: Theology of the Body (JP II)
A Foundational Vision: Theology of the Body – God first loves us, and this love enables us to love God above all things and to love our neighbor as ourselves. St. John Paul II offers a reflection and teaching on human love in the Divine plan through his work called the Theology of the Body. This workshop explores that work, and offers insights on our vocation to perfect love and its relationship to the vocation of marriage and family life. June 11, 12:30 – 2 p.m. & June 12, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Taught by: Rev. Ray EnzweilerMethods & Practical Skills for Youth Ministry
Methods & Practical Skills for Youth Ministry – Understanding universal catechetical principles, such as the primacy of relational ministry, are important for every type of formation and outreach. Yet, these principles come to life in the context of each ministry’s unique demands. Though many elements of methodology are discussed in our other workshops, this workshop provides answers for specific questions concerning youth ministry, such as the Ecclesial Method applied to adolescents, retreat and semester planning, and effective ways to speak to teens. June 10, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Taught by: Steve & Angie PoatYouth Ministry Safe Environment Workshop
June 12, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Taught by: Julie FeinauerThe workshops are for anyone entrusted with the formation of others, whether professional or volunteer, from households to diocesan employees, parish and school leaders, catechists, teachers, DREs/CREs, youth and young adult ministers, family life ministers, homeschoolers, OCIA directors/coordinators, Bible study/rosary groups, retreat teams, coaches, individuals, parents and grandparents.
For questions, please contact Isaak Abraham Isaak at
(859) 392-1529 or iisaak@covdio.org.
Click HERE for Flyer!