Becoming a Community of Holy Conversation:  Christian churches give a counter-witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ when we mimic the uncivil and demonizing discourse of our larger culture. This session will explore how we can get beyond the politics of demonization that is so dominant in our larger culture and become a community that practices the virtue of holy conversation.

About the Presenter: Dr. Richard Gaillardetz (see keynoter page for bio)
Registration Code:   100  (Morning Session Only)

Worship & Spirituality Commissions: We will look at and discuss ways of visioning for the parish in the areas of liturgy and spirituality. Come with your questions, concerns and ideas!

About the Presenter: Dr. Kristopher Seaman is the director of the Diocese of Gary Office of Worship. He is a professor at Calumet College of St. Joseph. He owns a Doctorate of Ministry with a concentration in Liturgical Studies from Catholic Theological Union, and has recently written a number of nationally-distributed formation resources on the Revised Missal.

Registration Code:  101  (Morning Session Only)

Initiating into the Mystery of Christ: The Four Tasks of Liturgical Catechesis:  Forming a deeper relationship of intimacy and communion with Christ Jesus is at the heart of our catechesis with those in the process of the rites of Christian initiation of adults. God initiates this intimacy with everyone! Our role is to assist companions in naming, experiencing and knowing the loving God. This process requires much more than 'classes.' Giving practical suggestions to participants may enable us to be more successful at deepening relationships with Jesus Christ and his Church.

About the Presenter: Bob Meaney is the director of adult and faith formation at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Hammond. He holds two masters degrees, and has worked in parish and diocesan settings of faith formation and administration in the Archdioceses of Indianapolis, San Francisco and the Diocese of Gaylord.

Registration Code:   102 (Morning Session Only)

Principles of Intercultural Ministry: Parishes undergoing demographic changes find themselves trying to understand their new multicultural identity. How might intercultural principles help in these circumstances?

About the Presenter: Dr. Kristopher Seaman is the director of the Diocese of Gary Office of Worship. He is a professor at Calumet College of St. Joseph. He owns a Doctorate of Ministry with a concentration in Liturgical Studies from Catholic Theological Union, and has recently written a number of nationally-distributed formation resources on the Revised Missal.

Registration Code:   201   (Afternoon Session Only)

Ministers of Hospitality and Greeters: A 2-part series (sessions 1 and 2). Whether new to the ministry or a veteran, this workshop will help to provide a vision for being ministers of hospitality and greeters.

About the Presenter: Danette Lashbrook is the director of liturgy and music for Our Lady of Grace parish, Highland, as well as a teacher in Catholic schools. She did graduate study in liturgy at the University of Notre Dame.

Registration Code:   301a (Morning Session) & 301b (Afternoon Session)
*-note this is a 2-part series

Lift Up Your Hearts, Spirituality for the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Our ministry is one of service and mission. We will explore a mission spirituality that provides vision for our ministry as extraordinary ministers of holy communion. Come explore the dynamic power of Eucharist to shape our lives and our ministry! This is a 2-part series (sessions 1 and 2).

About the Presenter: Fr. Jon Plavcan is the Rector of the Cathedral of Holy Angels in Gary, Pastor of Holy Angels in Gary, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop of Gary, and the Dean of the Gary-Hobart Deanery.

Registration Code:   302a (Morning Session) & 302b (Afternoon Session)
*-note this is a 2-part series

A Spirituality of Proclamation:  A 2-part series (sessions 1 and 2), these workshops are ideal for lectors and other ministers of the Word. Ms. Schiessle’s session is a hands on master class in developing skills for lectors. Practical tips, techniques and recommendations for becoming a better lector will be highlighted. Fr. Schweitzer will speak on the act and event of proclamation that invites deep contemplation of the One who becomes present in the event of proclamation. Please bring a bible to this session.

About the Presenters: Carol Schiessle (Session 1) is a highly-skilled lector. She graduated from the Archdiocese of Chicago's two-year certificate program in liturgy. Fr. Gerald Schweitzer (Session 2) is Pastor of three parishes, Sacred Heart (Wanatah), St. Mary (Otis), and St. Martin of Tours (La Crosse). He is an inspiring speaker who speaks regularly on scripture and a spirituality of proclamation.

Registration Code:   303a (Morning Session) & 303b (Afternoon Session)
*-note this is a 2-part series
 

Youth Ministry: It’s a peninsula, not an island!  Regardless of blame, it’s common for youth ministry programs to be isolated from the rest of the church community, an island unto themselves. But when a parish/cluster’s youth ministry is connected to other ministries and ministry leaders, it can thrive and provide the community with many gifts. Includes tips and dialogue about how to get teens involved in more than just the youth group, and how to get “outsiders” involved in youth ministry.

About the Presenter: Paul Mach is the director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Joliet. He has worked professionally in parish and diocesan youth ministry for over 20 years. He is the former regional representative to the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, where he also served on the executive committee.

Registration Code:   103 (Morning Session Only)

Peer Ministry: Youth Youth Ministers! Lots of adult church leaders are driven to get teens more involved in the life and mission of the Catholic faith community. Lots of adult youth ministers spend many, many hours trying to bring teens closer to Christ. But even the hardest-working adults lack the power of one teen with passion and conviction for his or her faith. This is a 2-part series on how to become a better Catholic Christian peer leader. Yes, youth can be youth ministers!

About the Presenter: Carrie Shelhart currently serves as the Director of Youth Ministry and Faith Formation at the community of St. Teresa of Avila in Valparaiso. Although she’s early into young adulthood, she is already a seasoned veteran ministry leader, having served as a primary conference assistant for the annual diocesan Catholic Youth Xperience for six years. Carrie has a degree from Marian University (Indianapolis) where she studied graphic design, pastoral leadership and peace and justice. At Marian, Carrie was a San Damiano Scholar, and served in dozens of ministry leadership roles. Long ago she was a Diocesan Youth Council rep for St. Edward in her former hometown of Lowell, IN.

Registration Code: 304a (Morning Session) & 304b (Afternoon Session)
*-note this is a 2-part series
 

After the Sign of the Cross, Then What? (Creative Lesson Planning): You’re a first time catechist and the need extra help planning your lesson. You have been given a huge teacher’s manual to navigate as you try to provide a positive educational experience for your students. You only have an hour for class and you have so many options to choose from. Where do you begin? In this session you will learn some rudimentary tips for creating a lesson plan that will engage the students and make you a more effective manager of your time, content and student behavior. Ideal for first time or veteran catechists.

About the presenter: Pat Hoffman is a long time catechetical leader who has served as a DRE in many parishes throughout her career in the Archdiocese of Chicago. She is currently serving as the Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph in Homewood, IL. She is also a consultant for RCL/Benziger Publishers.

Registration Code: 104 (Morning Session Only)

The Real World of Autism: As Catechists we are sometimes challenged to meet all the needs of our students.  Participants in this session will learn common characteristics of autism and strategies to structure programs to meet the needs of students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Presenters: Sharon Huseman is an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher with over 25 years of experience working with young children in areas of disabilities. She has a M.S. Degree in Learning Disabilities, is a member of St. Paul Church, Valparaiso, Indiana and is a member of the parish Education Commission. Jean Campbell joins Ms. Huseman.

Registration Code: 105 (Morning Session Only)

Partnering with Parents: Making a Difference in a "godless" World: Church catechetical documents all say that parents are the primary educators of their children. While often cited, this passage is widely ignored by the catechetical community. However, recent research makes clear that unless parents are actively engaged in the catechetical process, we have little hope of being successful in our catechetical efforts. This workshop will examine the important role that parents play in the faith formation of their children and will identify what catechists can do to more fully engage the parents in catechesis. Sponsored by RCL Benziger.

About the presenter: Dan Mulhall currently serves as the Director for Catechist and Professional Development for RCL Benziger. He holds a MA in Theology and an MA in Christian Community Development. He has worked in the ministry of catechesis for more than thirty years at all levels of ministry. He regularly speaks on catechetical topics both nationally and internationally.

Registration Code: 106 (Morning Session Only)

Welcome to the Jungle (Classroom Management): Every catechist knows the feeling of a class being out of control or up for grabs. Our best efforts at lesson planning and creative learning experiences seem to fail. Regaining control may not be as difficult as you think if you use a few tried and true techniques. In this session you will learn the secrets to successful management of student behavior and how to create a climate for successful learning. Ideal for first time or veteran catechists.

About the presenter: Tom Puplava is a retired Catholic School principal from St. John the Baptist School in Whiting, IN. He currently works for the Office of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Gary and serves on the Diocesan Education Commission.

Registration Code: 203 (Afternoon Session Only)

Chastity Education: Making a Difference in the Lives of Parents and Their Children: Although a part of most diocesan catechetical guidelines, chastity education has long been neglected at the parish level. This workshop will look at the importance of chastity education through the lens of the 2007 USCCB document on Chaste Living, examine why chastity education is needed today more than ever before, and explore how chastity education can be made a part of the catechetical curriculum. Sponsored by RCL Benziger.

About the presenter: Dan Mulhall currently serves as the Director for Catechist and Professional Development for RCL Benziger. He holds a MA in Theology and an MA in Christian Community Development. He has worked in the ministry of catechesis for more than thirty years at all levels of ministry. He regularly speaks on catechetical topics both nationally and internationally.

Registration Code: 204 (Afternoon Session Only)
 

Registration Code: 107 (Morning Session)  •  207 (Afternoon Session)

Creating a Successful Pastoral Council: The presenters will share with the participants the tools that helped to make the Pastoral Council at St. Paul Parish in Valparaiso a success, and the importance of prayer in making decisions for the parish.

About the presenters: John Cunningham is a manager at Speedway Co. in Merrillville. He is active in his parish as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, a continues to serve on the parish Commissions. Terri Collins is a swimming teacher at the YMCA in Valparaiso. She is active in the parish as Director of the Children’s Sunday Liturgy Program and she participates in the Woman of Grace Organization. Both are past Chairs of the Parish Pastoral Council.

Registration Code: 108 (Morning Session)  •  208 (Afternoon Session)

The Pastoral Council – Setting Goals, Objectives and Budget: Deacon Bob will share his experience in setting goals and budgets for Pastoral Councils and parish planning.

About the presenter: Deacon Bob Marben has a degree in Theology from Catholic Theological Union at Chicago. He is also a graduate of the Diocesan Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program and received the Order of Deacon this past June. Deacon Bob is assigned to St. Teresa of Avila Student Center and the Diocesan Office for Youth & Young Adults. He is employed by Mittal Steel in Management Resources.

Registration Code: 109 (Morning Session)  •  209 (Afternoon Session)

Broadening the Scope of the Peace/Social Justice Commission: Ms. Gatons and Ms. Demmon will provide the details of the training program developed by the Diocesan Peace/Social Justice Commission. They will present skills which will help broaden the scope of the parish Peace/Social Justice Commission.

About the presenters: Janice Gatons is a Pastoral Associate at St. Michael Parish, Schererville. Jackie Demmon is a former Pastoral Associate at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Valparaiso. Both are graduates of the Diocesan Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program, and were instrumental in helping to form the Diocesan Peace/Social Justice Commission.

Registration Code: 110 (Morning Session)  •  210 (Afternoon Session)

Nine Principals of Social Justice- What are they?: This session will explore with the participant the Catholic Principals for Social Justice which are the building blocks of a strong Parish Peace/Social Justice Commission.

About the presenters:  Sandra Morgan is Chairperson of the Diocesan Commission, and is currently completing her MDiv. Degree at Catholic Theological Union at Chicago. She also serves at the DRE for St. Thomas More Parish, Munster. Fr. Tom McQuaid co-presents.

Registration Code: 111 (Morning Session)  •  211 (Afternoon Session)

Forming a Pastoral Care Program: In this workshop Ms. Conrad will share with the group the program that she designed and implemented at St. Teresa. It will include the training steps that she built into the program in order for it to be successful.

About the presenter: Kristin Conrad is a member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center. She holds a degree from Webster University in St. Louis, and is a recent graduate of the Diocesan Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program. She is employed by the Montessori School in Valparaiso.

Registration Code: 112 (Morning Session)  •  212 (Afternoon Session)

New Beginnings – Developing Your Catholic Relationship, Identity, & Ministry: Learn about a program that helps your parishioners regain direction and passion in their lives by deepening their relationship with God our Father. Help them discover the best use of their God –given talents at home, work, in the community and at church! New Beginnings was created to assist all of us; young and old, active and inactive - in discerning how to fully realize the unique person that God has called us to be.

About the presenter: Sue Wilson is a member of the St. Thomas More Stewardship Commission. She is a professional educational trainer and is a clinical instructor in Radiology. Sue has been the leader in the development of the New Beginnings Program at St. Thomas More.

Registration Code: 113 (Morning Session)  •  213 (Afternoon Session)

Leading is Serving: How to Attract Volunteers and Keep Them: How do we increase the number people involved in our parish ministries and other efforts to build community within our parishes? This workshop will offer ways of inviting and engaging a wide variety of people to share their special gifts of time and talent, and how to keep them involved.

About the presenter: Joyce Illyes is an active parishioner of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Merrillville where she serves as the chair of stewardship and fund raising. A graduate of the Diocese of Gary Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation Program, she also holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Registration Code: 114 (Morning Session)  •  214 (Afternoon Session)

Diocesan Stewardship Training Program: The presenters will provide information relating to the Parish Training Program developed by members of the Diocesan Stewardship Commission. They will outline the process that they use for training the Parish Stewardship Commission.

About the presenters: Alta Slagle is a Pastoral Associate for St. Paul Parish in Valparaiso, and the Chair of the Parish Stewardship Program. She is a regular participant at the National Stewardship Conference. Virginia Tomac is on the parish Stewardship Commission, and is also the Chair of the Senior Group and is a Margie Clifford Administrator.

Registration Code: 115 (Morning Session)  •  215 (Afternoon Session)