Session Descriptions:

Session 101 “Jesus Is Always the Answer” and Other Stories from the Classroom (Teachers) Amy McEntee

Teaching is a calling, but some days, it’s tempting to let that call go to voicemail! During this session, we’ll remember our call and share some of our stories. We’ll also look at the ways sharing our stories can help us connect more closely with God and those he has invited us to serve. (Focus: vocation, storytelling as trust building)

Session  102  Finding your Lenten Oasis in the midst of the Desert (Diocesan & Parish Staff & Those who are attending both days) Fr. Steven Bell, CSP

The symbolism of the desert for many is a barren place where one must toil (and oftentimes, trudge) in order to not only get by, but to survive.  This symbolism becomes especially poignant when such a ‘desert’ describes periods of our lives that are difficult, uninspiring, or seemingly fruitless.  Interestingly, as Catholics During Lent, the desert becomes the place where we are invited to travel through taking on the sacrificial toils of fasting, praying, and giving in order to deepen our relationship with Christ and our community.  How can we hold these two understandings of ‘desert’ together when they can sometimes seem so far apart?  Where can we go for insight and encouragement when we might be struggling in the very place where we are called to meet and commune with Christ?  The Good News is that during this season, we have such a focus on our Sacramental treasures, our Spiritual heritage, our Communal strength, and our companionship with Christ that we do have to our avail an Oasis in the midst of our desert that flows with motivational joy and energetic hopefulness. If we engage it authentically, it is a place where we can refresh, replenish and recharge.

In this session, we will discover practical, prophetic, and meaningful ways to engage this Oasis regularly and bask in it deeply so that the challenges, hardships, and frights of our deserts do not overpower the strength that Christ provides in the Oasis and beyond.

Session  201 Architects of Catholic culture – a practical crash-course for parishes and schools (Teachers) Matt Reichert

Whoever said, “the more things change, the more they stay the same” must not have been talking about education or parish ministry. This certainly have changed. While some of the realities we face are similar to what we’ve experienced before, in many ways, we’ve entered a new era. Needs have shifted, new skills are required, and the things we used to do just don’t work in the same way. So how do we as Catholic institutions navigate changes in our families, our communities, and our culture? Join Matt Reichert, director of the Center for Learning at OCP, as he offers a practical review of the essential elements of Catholic culture. He will address questions such as: What makes a Catholic school “Catholic?” How can we change/grow/strengthen the culture of our school or parish? How can we bring Catholic culture into all programs and curricula? And more. This practical session is meant for pastors, deacons, teachers, volunteers, staff, and anyone else who serves in a parish or Catholic school.

Session 202 Standing in the Intersection of Hope and Lament  (Diocesan & Parish Staff & Those who are attending both days) Amy McEntee

How can we proclaim the Good News during those times when life feels so . . . bad? Together we will explore lament, hope, and how to authentically share faith when you or someone you know is overwhelmed with the condition of the world.
(Focus: Lament, hope, and keeping it real with God—and how authenticity is attractive and allows others to come to faith/Church with their whole, messy selves.) 

Session  301  Finding your Lenten Oasis in the midst of the Desert (Teachers) Fr. Steven Bell, CSP

The symbolism of the desert for many is a barren place where one must toil (and oftentimes, trudge) in order to not only get by, but to survive.  This symbolism becomes especially poignant when such a ‘desert’ describes periods of our lives that are difficult, uninspiring, or seemingly fruitless.  Interestingly, as Catholics During Lent, the desert becomes the place where we are invited to travel through taking on the sacrificial toils of fasting, praying, and giving in order to deepen our relationship with Christ and our community.  How can we hold these two understandings of ‘desert’ together when they can sometimes seem so far apart?  Where can we go for insight and encouragement when we might be struggling in the very place where we are called to meet and commune with Christ?  The Good News is that during this season, we have such a focus on our Sacramental treasures, our Spiritual heritage, our Communal strength, and our companionship with Christ that we do have to our avail an Oasis in the midst of our desert that flows with motivational joy and energetic hopefulness. If we engage it authentically, it is a place where we can refresh, replenish and recharge.

In this session, we will discover practical, prophetic, and meaningful ways to engage this Oasis regularly and bask in it deeply so that the challenges, hardships, and frights of our deserts do not overpower the strength that Christ provides in the Oasis and beyond.

Session 302 Called to love: Finding my God-given mission in my parish.  (Diocesan & Parish Staff & Those who are attending both days) Erika De Urquidi

We are called to love, that is, to imitate and live the same love that Jesus Christ shows to all humanity. In this session, Erika De Urquidi will help us explore the powerful mission we have received as members of the Church: to be witnesses of love, in the context of the ultimate sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Erika will also help us to uncover the joy of being part of our parish and the greater Catholic Church. 

Session 401 Called to love: Finding my God-given mission in the classroom. (Teachers) Erika De Urquidi
We are called to love and serve one another, particularly the children and families under our care. That is, to imitate and live the same love that Jesus Christ shows to all humanity. In this session, Erika De Urquidi will help us explore the powerful mission we have received as members of the Church: to be witnesses of, in the context of the ultimate sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Erika will also help us to uncover the joy of being part of our parish and the greater Catholic Church.     

Session  402  Architects of Catholic culture – a practical crash-course for parishes and schools (Diocesan & Parish Staff & Those who are attending both days) Matt Reichert
Whoever said, “the more things change, the more they stay the same” must not have been talking about education or parish ministry. This certainly have changed. While some of the realities we face are similar to what we’ve experienced before, in many ways, we’ve entered a new era. Needs have shifted, new skills are required, and the things we used to do just don’t work in the same way. So how do we as Catholic institutions navigate changes in our families, our communities, and our culture? Join Matt Reichert, director of the Center for Learning at OCP, as he offers a practical review of the essential elements of Catholic culture. He will address questions such as: What makes a Catholic school “Catholic?” How can we change/grow/strengthen the culture of our school or parish? How can we bring Catholic culture into all programs and curricula? And more. This practical session is meant for pastors, deacons, teachers, volunteers, staff, and anyone else who serves in a parish or Catholic school.

Session  501  Incorporating the power of Eucharistic Peace (General all areas of ministry) Fr. Steven Bell, CSP

When we hear the liturgical rite of peace prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you…,” do we know what that peace that Christ gives us is about?  Do we know what it empowers us to do?  Are we clear about how it is differentiated from the other definitions or understandings of peace?  Better still, do we know how to use it, even live within it, regularly in our lives?

In this session will garner a greater understanding of the peace of Christ that flows from our Eucharistic celebration and becomes the strength by which we glorify God with our lives.  We will workshop some practical ways of incorporating Christ’s Peace more deeply in our lives.  And, we will learn of some ways to employ it, particularly in challenging or contentious circumstances.

Session 502 "¿No ardían nuestros corazones?" De la Escritura al Sacramento: La Eucaristía en clave bíblica. Rev. John Edison Marquez

Este tema se basa en la experiencia de los discípulos de Emaús de Lucas 24, 13-35. Desde el cual se realiza una recapitulacion de la conexion entre la Escritura y la Eucaristía, destacando la importancia de la formación bíblica para los catequistas.

Session  503 Oxygen for the Soul  (Liturgical Formation) Fr. Chris Bennett

Liturgical seasons mark the passage of time and place us within the context of an unfolding salvation history. Effective, meaningful church environments respect the mystery of this story of salvation.

Session  601 Generational diversity – a source of strength and opportunity  (General all areas of ministry) Matt Reichert

We are living in a time with incredible generational diversity. There are members of six distinct generations active in our parishes and communities. Each of these generations has unique experiences, influences, and perspectives. In turn, each generation communicates differently and seeks different sources of connection and belonging. Yet, despite these diverse needs, our parishes tend to communicate with all members in the same way, or assume a singular experience. Join Matt Reichert, director of the Center for Learning at OCP, as he explores the research on generational diversity and suggests strategies parishes can use to more effectively engage all members, regardless of their generation.

Session 602 Llamados a amar: Encontrar la misión que Dios me ha dado en mi parroquia.  (Session in Spanish - General all areas of ministry) Erika De Urquidi
Estamos llamados a amarnos y servirnos los unos a los otros, en particular a los niños y las familias a nuestro cargo. Esto significa imitar y vivir el mismo amor que Jesucristo muestra a toda la humanidad. En esta sesión, Erika De Urquidi nos ayudará a explorar la poderosa misión que hemos recibido como miembros de la Iglesia: ser testigos del amor, en el contexto del sacrificio supremo de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo en la Eucaristía. Erika también nos ayudará a descubrir la alegría de formar parte de nuestra parroquia y de la Iglesia católica en general. 

Session 603 El Musico Lírico en la Liturgia (Nivel Básico) Koren Ruiz

Un taller de introducción a la música pautada diseñado para músicos pastorales Hispanos con el fin de introducir la terminología musical básica y los símbolos comúnmente utilizados en partituras de cantos litúrgicos; como se presentan en el himnario de Flor y Canto.

Session 701 Empowering Ourselves with the Sacrament of Love (General all areas of ministry) Fr. Steven Bell, CSP

It is almost certain that we all know the Greatest Commandment of loving the Lord with all of who we are and loving our neighbor as ourselves.  But, do we truly know how to love in this way?  Are we aware of its benefits, not just for our salvation, but for our well-being and source of strength here and now?

In this session, we will talk about how the Eucharist can help us love the Lord, our God, with all our  heart, mind, soul, and strength.  We will then be better able to discern what that sacrifice can garner for us, whether consolation, courage, or capability.  We will then look at the intentions and acts of loving our neighbor as ourselves in light of our sense of wholeness and our responsibility to foster our sacred relationship with one another.

Session 702  Formación de familias sacramentales – Cómo ayudar a las familias a vivir los sacramentos (A Second Session in Spanish - General all areas of ministry) Erika De Urquidi
El periodo de preparación a los sacramentos es una ocasión especial en la que las familias poco vinculadas a la parroquia están dispuestas a dedicar más tiempo a la formación en la fe de sus hijos. Erika De Urquidi nos acompaña para explorar esta gran oportunidad de evangelización. Debemos aprovechar este periodo de preparación a los sacramentos, no sólo para preparar a los niños para su recepción, sino también para ayudar a las familias a descubrir que, a través de ellos, es posible vivir permanentemente en un camino de santidad. 

Session 703  Is Your Liturgical Environment Alive or is it on Life Support? (Liturgical Formation – more in-depth) Fr. Chris Bennett
Creating an environment that helps raise hearts and minds to God The environment in which we encounter Christ can help us become more aware of His presence. Colors, shapes, sounds, smells, live plants, or dried branches set the tone and help us enter into that inner place where we meet God.

Session 801 God Loves Difficult People . . . And I’m One of Them! (General all areas of ministry) Amy McEntee

Jesus said to love God and to love our neighbor, but what about that neighbor who is really annoying? In this session, we will recall God’s great love for us, our call to share that love with others, and practical suggestions for living that love every day.
(Focus: Pretty much what it says—with a smidge of what it means to “admonish the sinner” (Spoiler: If it’s rooted in mercy, it must be done with care and love—not condemnation and humiliation.)

Session 802  "Aquí hay un muchacho que tiene cinco panes y dos peces". La Eucaristía: De la generosidad al milagro. Rev. John Edison Marquez

Esta conferencia se basa en Juan 6, 1-15, desde el cual se raliza una reflexión sobre el aporte pequeño pero generoso del hombre y la inconmesurable bondad de Dios, lo que nos enseña la generosidad en la vida cristiana como manifestación de una verdadera vida Eucarística. La Eucaristía no es solo un acto litúrgico, es la expresión de toda la vida puesta en las manos del Señor Jesús, que recibe lo que somos y tenemos y que lo convierte en bendición para nosotros mismos, la comunidad cristiana y toda la humanidad. 

Session 803 Discípulo, Ministro & Músico. Koren Ruiz

Una oportunidad para aprender y reflexionar acerca de nuestra respuesta como discípulos de Jesucristo, nuestro papel ministros de la Iglesia y nuestro servicio como músicos en la liturgia.