WINSTON-SALEM — Following a record attendance of 700 in 2022, catechists and all who teach the faith are invited to attend the Diocesan Catechetical Conference at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem on Nov. 11. To coincide with this year’s Eucharistic Congress, the conference theme is “I Am With You Always.”
The one-day event starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Keynote presentations in English and Spanish will begin at 9:15. Scott Sollom, Ph.D., from Franciscan University, will present “The Holy Eucharist: Flesh for the Life of the World.”
Father Julio Domínguez, the diocese’s vicar for Hispanic ministry, will present “Cómo Integrar Las Prioridades del Obispo Jugis a La Pastoral.”
A breakout session featuring a variety of topics will follow the keynote addresses. Then, Father Domínguez will offer Mass at 11:15 a.m. Lunch and two more breakout sessions will round out the day.
Publishing vendors, such as Our Sunday Visitor, St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, Sophia Institute Press, and Sadlier, will sell catechetical materials.
“The biggest draw for attendees is that we’re bringing in catechists and parish catechetical leaders from all over the diocese,” said Chris Beal, director of faith formation for the diocese. “It gives them an opportunity not only to hear great dynamic speakers both nationally and locally but also to come together and learn from one another.”
The third breakout session will include group sharing about best practices, practical takeaways, and challenges and successes in the classrooms and beyond. In this session, parishes that have similar-size faith formation programs will meet and discuss these topics, drawing on the community, Beal says.
Other talks include “Devotion and Discipleship” by Deacon Matthew Newsome; “Gender Ideology & Christian Anthropology” by Theresa Farnan, Ph.D.; “Forming a Life of Prayer” by Father Joseph Wasswa; and “Catholic Identity” by Steve Bodsford.
Talks titled “Discípulos digitales latinos en el mundo moderno;¡técnicas e ideas!” and “Modelos de inclusión familiar: ¡papás activos en la catequesis!” by Gerardo Salazar are among the highlights in the Spanish track. Many other topics will be covered, including youth ministry, encouraging faith in families, and OCIA (formerly known as RCIA).
Conference check-in begins at 8 a.m., and the last breakout session ends at 4 p.m.
For more information and to register, go online to www.charlottediocese.org.
Questions? Call the Education Vicariate Office at 704-370-3244.
— Annie Ferguson