The diocesan Office of Faith Formation gathered 85 parish directors of religious education at Christ the Redeemer Church in Sterling Aug. 19, for Mass, lunch, and a series of speakers who shared insights and inspiration on the Catholic faith for the teaching year ahead.
“Pray each day for the grace of holy perseverance,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge said during the luncheon. “Shift from ‘What I am going to do for God,’ to ‘With your grace, may I keep my eyes fixed on what truly matters. May I be a promoter of unity and hope.’ ”
Msgr. William P. Saunders, diocesan episcopal vicar for faith formation and pastor of St. Agnes Church in Arlington, also addressed the educators.
Speakers included Father Daniel J. Mahan, director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Institute on the Catechism; Father John F. Heisler of the diocesan Office for Canonical Affairs and Tribunal; Deacon Marques R. Silva, director of the diocesan Office of Child Protection and Safety; Andrew Montanaro, catechetical accompaniment specialist to the U.S. bishops’ catechism institute; and Colette Lienhard, special consultant to the diocesan Office of Faith Formation.
