File photoHICKORY — Catechists and all who teach the faith are invited to attend the Diocesan Catechetical Conference at the Hickory Metro Convention Center Nov. 5. To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Charlotte diocese, the conference theme is “Faith More Precious Than Gold.”
Held for the first time since 2019, the one-day event starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Bishop Peter Jugis will celebrate Mass at 9:15 a.m. followed by the keynote presentation – “Eucharistic Faith: Foundation of Christian Identity” – by John Bergsma, Ph.D., a professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Three breakout sessions featuring a variety of topics will follow Dr. Bergsma’s presentation.
Major publishing vendors, such as the Augustine Institute, Our Sunday Visitor, St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and Sophia Institute Press will display and sell catechetical materials.
“The biggest draw for attendees is that we’re bringing in catechists and parish catechetical leaders from all over the diocese,” says 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, 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.
Beal also notes that in recent years roughly half of the 500 to 600 attendees are part of Hispanic Ministry in their parishes. Because of this, he says, the Spanish-language track is strong and features a keynote presentation from Father Julio Domínguez, the diocese’s Vicar for Hispanic Ministry.
Other talks include “Engaging Parents & Families in Catechesis” by Dr. Joseph White, “A Pastoral Response to Gender Ideology” by Theresa Farnan, Ph.D., and
“Catholic Philosophy: A Defense Against Relativism” by Paul Kotlowski. “Los Movimientos Apostólicos” by Father Domínguez, and “Formación Continua” by
Deacon Eduardo Bernal, and “Espiritualidad Cotidiana” by Ibis Centeno round out the Spanish track. Many other topics will be covered, including social media and communication for evangelization.
Conference check-in begins at 8 a.m., and the last breakout session ends at 4 p.m. For more information and to register, visit www.charlottediocese.org/ev/conference
Questions? Call the Education Vicariate office at 704-370-3244.
— Annie Ferguson