Some 80 directors of religious education and other parish and diocesan staff met Aug. 22 for inspiration and discussion on best practices as they begin a new academic year of teaching the faith.
The diocesan Office of Faith Formation hosted the annual gathering at Christ the Redeemer Church in Sterling.
Participants heard from Bishop Michael F. Burbidge; Father William P. Saunders, episcopal vicar for faith formation and pastor of St. Agnes Church in Arlington; Ana Lisa Piñon, director of faith formation and evangelization programs; and Frank Moncher, a clinical psychologist with diocesan Catholic Charities.
During her presentation, Piñon shared resources geared toward meeting people where they are on their faith journey, to help deepen their relationship with Christ. At the parish level, she offered suggestions for small groups (such as Franciscan University’s Discipleship Quads or sessions exploring the national Eucharistic revival); formation (through offerings from the Catholic Apologetics Institute of North America, Catholic Distance University or the Institute of Catholic Culture); and Bible studies (Walking with Purpose and Ascension Press material). To assist people exploring their interest in Jesus and the Christian life, she recommended programs such as Alpha and the Rescue Project. Piñon said Catholics who are well-formed should consider the Evangelical Catholic Reach More and Forming Disciples in Mission programs.
Moncher discussed strategies for religious educators to take on their work energetically to change the world and save souls, while setting proper boundaries as Jesus did. He also presented Scripture-based advice for building productive working relationships with children and adults, citing Romans: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly” (Rom 12:15-16).
