Presented by Dino Durando and Marc Cardaronella of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Nov 15, 2022 Parish renewal can be sought in many ways, and within a larger diocesan initiative of this kind, individual parish communities need to find their own ways of moving in that direction effectively. The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has discerned a pathway to renewal for its parishes, and is in this work for the long run, not following the illusion of quick solutions. They will discuss how they discerned their approach, the realities they’ve faced, and on what terms good progress becomes possible.

Presented by Mary Mosher, Master Catechist and Catechetical Institute Mentor. Nov 8, 2022 St. John Paul II tells us that, “Family catechesis . . . precedes, accompanies and enriches all other forms of catechesis” (Apostolic Exhortation “On Catechesis in Our Time,” Catechesi tradendae, CT, 68). These words challenge us to examine our thinking about how to pass on the Catholic faith within the parish or school we serve, and specifically to look at how to encourage the formation of the entire family. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we read, “The family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom” (2207). This webinar will examine the primacy of the family in religious formation and the importance of assisting families in their own formation so that together the parish or school community and families can work to bring about the well-formed and beautiful soul of each member.

Presented by Katie Dawson (Diocese of Orange), Sean Martin (Diocese of Gary), and Ann Lankford (Diocese of La Crosse). Oct 18, 2022 A strong diocesan formation effort is not simply one geared to form individuals well in the faith, but one that seeks to foster intimate ties in Christ among the faithful, providing distinctively Catholic and ongoing encounters with Jesus through devotions, Confession, education, and fellowship, so participation in the Mass is experienced as it should be, as the summit of a wider movement towards the Lord.  This webinar will discuss ways to foster, at a diocesan level, creative catechetical formation that encourages this experience of the Lord in local communities of faith.

Presented by Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig of the Catechetical Institute on Oct 11, 2022. In the Directory for Catechesis we read, “Over the course of the centuries, the Church has never neglected to give priority to the formation of catechists. . . . Formation is an ongoing process that, under the guidance of the Spirit and in the living womb of the Christian community, helps the baptized person to take shape . . .” (130–131). This beautiful document highlights for us the incredible vocation that is catechesis and the importance of the formation of catechists and leaders in diverse communities of faith and cultures. In light of the document’s strong emphasis on kerygmatic catechesis, pastoral accompaniment, and the need to more effectively reach families, this webinar will explore how the Directory for Catechesis specifically points to ways forward in Hispanic ministry.

Presented by Dr. Bill Keimig of the Catechetical Institute on Oct 4, 2022. Bishop Thomas Olmsted noted that, “Franciscan University has been on the vanguard of forming generations of priests, religious and lay faithful in service to the Church and world. It has provided passionate and robust intellectual formation for the People of God for many decades now. Franciscan University has, and continues to be, a gift to the Church. Thus, I wish to affirm my support of the Catechetical Institute and assure those who are interested in taking advantage of this online resource that I fully endorse this catechetical effort.” So what is the Catechetical Institute seeing as its next creative steps to help the Church in the New Evangelization, and to help you succeed in this challenging culture? Come find out!

Presented by Dr. Joseph White, Director of Catechetical Resources at Our Sunday Visitor Publishing on Sept 28, 2022. “. . . thus says the Lord . . . ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine’” (Isaiah 43:1). The proclamation of the Good News of the Gospel, the kerygma, is the message we are called to share with all those we catechize, and the great story of God’s loving plan for our salvation and what He calls us to be. In order to proclaim the kerygma to any audience in a way that can be heard and inculcated — such that they desire to run to their Savior and return His love — it is important for us to understand the content of the kerygma, its different formulations, and the context in which we will be sharing it. This webinar will explore the essence of the kerygma and ways to effectively share it in a catechetical setting.

Presented by Charleen Katra, Julia Gilberto, and Esther Garcia of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability and Chad Judice of the Diocese of Lafayette on Sep 20, 2022. In his homily at the Jubilee of the Disabled, St. John Paul II beautifully stated: “How eloquent are your words for us . . . Lord of life and hope! Every human limitation is ransomed and redeemed in you. Thanks to you, disability is not the last word on life. Love is the last word; it is your love that gives meaning to life” (December 3, 2020). We also heard from St. John Paul II that “. . . the Church has always looked on catechesis as a sacred duty and an inalienable right” that needs to be available to all people, and this includes persons with disabilities (Apostolic Exhortation “On Catechesis in Our Time,” Catechesi tradendae 14). This webinar will discuss the Church’s teaching and practical guidance concerning catechesis for persons who have physical or developmental disabilities, and how to serve their families.

Presented by Jayne Mondoy of the Diocese of Honolulu on Sep 13, 2022. St. Paul lists administration as gift to build up the Church (1 Cor 12:28). Ministry leadership and administration are often unsung and unnoticed, yet the harmony, communication, and collaboration necessary for effective ministry would suffer without excellence in these areas. What traits and practices make for success in a ministry leader’s life? What forms of professionalism in ministry might be cultivated to ensure a better disciple relationship with Jesus and more effective outreach work? This webinar explores characteristics of leadership and healthy interaction with others.

Presented by Dr. Peter Murphy and colleagues of the Diocese of Green Bay on Aug 16, 2022. The idea of working as a diocesan team to foster discipleship may seem daunting but with dedication and perseverance, it is possible to see fruit. This webinar will explore, through the lens of one diocese, some of the challenges to overcome, and some suggestions about how to pursue a team approach, how they are trying to address difficulties they’ve encountered, as well as some areas of success.

Presented by Ken Ogorek of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis on Aug 9, 2022. Those to whom the faith is taught are swimming in Woke Soup, and the culture of death has a powerful ally in Cancel Culture. Evangelization and catechesis acknowledge these realities, equipping folks to navigate the culture of cancellation as well as seeing through the woke-ism that can obscure our vision of wisdom, mercy and moral authority. Join seasoned catechist and diocesan leader Ken Ogorek for a brief treatment of these timely topics — a web session with an eye toward authentic inculturation in our times.