Catechetical Congress to offer inspiring speakers

By Chris Donahue
Staff Writer

Thomas Groome, professor of theology and religious education in Boston College, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Catechetical Congress, which will be held Nov. 22 in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, and in Guardian Angels Parish, Edison.

Groome is the author of Christian Religious Education, widely regarded as the most important and influential contemporary work on the subject, and of Sharing Faith, a foundational work on Christian ministry.

Groome is also the principal of the Coming to Faith series, the bestselling K-8 religion curriculum in Catholic schools and parishes.

About 650 people are expected to attend the event, which will feature 26 workshops and a place to buy items such as textbooks, said Dr. Mary Kay Cullinan, director of the diocesan Office of Religious Education.

The day begins with Mass in Guardian Angels Church at 9 a.m. and light breakfast at the parish from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., followed by the keynote address.

The Catechetical Congress returns to the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center for lunch at 1 p.m., followed by workshops and exhibits.

Buses will be available to take attendees from the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center to Guardian Angels Parish from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and the return trip from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

Workshop topics include: How to be a good catechist; why we must, should, can or cannot do certain things during Liturgy; how to teach children about peace, and the importance of symbol and ritual in our everyday experience. A workshop for Spanish speakers is also offered.

"All of the people certainly that we have on the roster of presenters are very, very good," Dr. Cullinan said. "We have some people coming to do things that are more focused on high school catechism and youth ministry, including (Kevin Early) our own diocesan director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

"And we have priests that are going to focus on the Liturgy. So that’s a little nuance that we added this year."

Dr. Cullinan added, "It’s also a time when they (catechists) can come and see that they’re not alone. Sometimes you teach in a parish and you see other people teaching, but you don’t see the bigger picture of the diocesan spectrum. You know that you’re not alone on your particular grade level, isolated at your particular parish.

"You get to participate in workshops for your own benefit so that you can go back into your classroom and be a little bit more creative."