The Office of Faith Information - Diocese of Rockville Centre

Take time this summer to be enriched and encouraged in your ministry as a Catechist in Faith Formation. We are offering three opportunities for you to hear from people who have done great things and they are able to give you ideas, tools and inspiration as you begin another year in your ministry. Please feel free to register for all three presentations or any one or two! All are welcome!!

“Can teaching religion actually be fun????”

Saturday, July 30 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish, Westhampton Beach
Lunch included, thanks to Dave Barocsi of Pflaum Publishing Group

Description: Dave will be leading a workshop to explore ways of how we can communicate the Gospel using methods of catechesis that are innovative and engaging.
Dave Barocsi is the New York State Representative for Pflaum Publishing a division of Bayard. Dave is a former Campus Minister, Religion Teacher, Music Teacher and a Catholic School Administrator. He had served in many parishes in New York as a Director of Religious Education.  He has been a National  Speaker for the NCEA, NPCD, NCCL and has given many parish missions, workshops and conferences.

“Becoming Masters of Mercy in Today’s Post-Modern Culture”

Friday, August 5 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at St Sylvester Parish, Medford
Lunch included, thanks to Joseph Long, Sales Representative of RCL/Benziger

Description: How can we live fully as authentic people of mercy when dealing with difficult people and when discussing problematic issues? Our day together will focus on combining insights from Pope Francis’ The Face of Mercy (Misericordiae Vultus) and the field of “interpersonal neurobiology” (which is way more fun than it sounds). We will focus on how to work effectively with difficult people and topics, including how to have meaningful dialogue about issues related to human sexuality.
Dr. Timothy F. Hogan is a Catholic Clinical Psychologist, the Director of Behavioral Health at Covenant Community Care in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Hogan holds a Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School, Pasadena, CA and is member of the Michigan Psychological Association, the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, and the Institute for Imago Relationship Therapy. He is a teacher, author, and engaging and informative speaker, as well as a sought-after trainer in his field. Dr. Hogan served as the consultant for the revision of the RCL Benziger Family Life program.

“In the Beginning is the Teacher’s Manual…But YOU Spark the FIRE of Faith”

Thursday, August 11 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Lake Ronkonkoma
Tapas and beverages included, thanks to Lynn Wilson, Sales Representative of Sadlier Publishing
Description: Yes, there is the book, the manual, the lesson plans and ideas…all good and necessary. But it’s the catechist who can ignite that “spark” of faith in the students. Join us!
A prayer experience to call on the Holy Spirit to “kindle in you the fire of his love.”
An opportunity to reflect on your role of forming disciples…“fanning the flame in you” …allowing your faith to fire up your life and role in the classroom.
A wealth of ideas, strategies, and activities for the classroom to help kids allow the light of Christ to shine brightly through them.
John Collins is a retired elementary school principal, former Director of Curriculum and Professional Develoment and elementary school teacher. He is also a former DRE and catechist. John has worked with Sadlier in the northeast for many years. He is now a full-time National Religion Consultant with Sadlier. He is a keynote speaker and presenter at both national and regional catechetical congresses, and provides catechist training in parishes giving practical ideas, strategies and activities on how to teach and be a catechist. His presentations always bring the practical and realistic to catechesis with his experience as both a professional educator and a catechetical leader.

Cost: $10 per person per workshop/ $25 per person to attend all three (3)
For more information please contact Ellen Zafonte at 516-678-5800 ext 506 or email: ezafonte@drvc.org

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