saturday Workshops

Ministry Days
  • Home
  • Schedule
  • Special Events
  • Keynote
  • Workshops/Talleres
  • Sponsors & Exhibitors
  • Contact
  • Conference Info and Map
  • Disaffiliation of Young Catholics
  • New Page
Workshops Home

Session H | 3:15pm- 4:05pm


H-01
The Family Faith Assessment: Why we shouldn’t shy away from it and how it can open opportunities for Catechesis and Evangelization 
Mike Aliscad

At the beginning of the year I give my families a Family Faith Assessment. I was scolded for doing so. “You’re putting these families down!” “You’re making them feel bad!” “We already know they don’t go to church, why do you have to publicize it!” If my purpose was to do any of those things then I should absolutely be scolded for it. But what if there was a different purpose? What if a Family Faith Assessment could lead to a way to bring an entire family back to the church? What if we convince parents that this is an opportunity for them to grow as well? How better prepared will our Confirmation Candidates be? How excited will First Communicants be when the receive the Eucharist. How much better will our lesson planning be for our students? What if it could change and program? 
• Also offered on Saturday at 2:15pm as C-02. 

​About the Speaker: I have been in catechism and youth ministry for 20 years. While in high school as a Catechist in Japan; I began delivering God’s message to youth using a recipe of comedy, storytelling, and activity based methodology’s. I’ve engaged students in 2 countries, 3 states, and 4 diocese; teaching 5th grade to Confirmation. I’m going on my 6th year as the Youth  Minister at Holy Spirit in Fairfield.

H-02
Addressing the Identity Crisis: Teaching Theology of the Body 
Angela Rubang

Modern man has forgotten who he is and swayed by relativism, he is confused and unable to understand his own identity, resulting in many issues, and particularly gender identity. We must return to a proper understanding of anthropology and of Love, which was addressed so thoroughly in John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Through a christological lens I will go over the fundamentals in teaching it and demonstrate the dignity of the human person, the body and that it all points to the Eucharist, the Source and Summit of the Christian Faith.
• Also offered on Friday at 3:15pm as D-01.
 
About the Speaker: Angela is a native to the Sacramento Diocese. She has been a member and youth leader in St. Catherine of Siena’s Catholic Youth Ministry for many years, and played a role in developing the Young Adult Ministry as well as events for the Solano Deanery of Young Adults. She received her M.A. Theology from the Augustine Institute in Colorado and serves a Master Catechist for the diocese and the Program Director for the Catholic Newman Center, Sacramento. Dedicated to the call of the New Evangelization, she has served as a Catholic school Religion and Theology teacher, confirmation coordinator, and youth and young adult minister.

H-03
Religious Conversion: Your Place in the Process
Douglas Beaumont 

This talk explains the stages of religious conversion, detailing the struggles each stage presents and how we can come alongside those in each stage to help them transition into the Church. • Also offered on Saturday at 9:30am as E-03. 

​About the Speaker: I  am the DRE at St. Joseph’s parish in Modesto, CA. I have a Ph.D. in theology and have appeared on EWTN, Journey Home, and Catholic Answers Live. I have been published by Ignatius Press and have a book coming out next year from Catholic Answers. ​

H-04
Come Back to the Well: Spiritual Nourishment for Educators and Ministers
Darlene Carlson

Replenish your spirit! Teaching can take everything you have; you give non-stop, shaping the very hearts and souls of the students in your class and the members of your parish community. We invite you to take time for you and learn new ways to nourish your spirit. This workshop will give you time to retreat from the chaos, reflect on what is, and renew for what’s to come, inspiring you to find new ways to grow in faith, and present ideas to keep it going throughout the year.
 
About the speaker: I have taught in the Oakland and Sacramento Dioceses for over 20 years, both in primary & middle schools. I also volunteer as a catechist for faith formation & vacation bible camp, Eucharistic ministry, and Cathedral tour docent. I am on the board at Retreat, Reflect, Renew, where I work as online retreat facilitator and reflection presenter, and I am currently studying to be a spiritual director.


H-05
Re-imagining RCIA Purification and Enlightenment
Deacon Ken Crawford & Rita Schillin

Most RCIA programs are built around the Catechumenate phase of the process, focusing on Catechesis. This can sometimes lead to both the Inquiry as well as the Purification and Enlightenment phases of the RCIA process having too similar a format and purpose as the Catechumenate. This is a mistake. In this talk, Deacon Ken will discuss how to structure Purification and Enlightenment so that it stands on its own and properly fulfills its unique purpose.

​About the Speakers: Deacon Ken Crawford grew up as an atheist and converted to the Catholic faith in his 20’s. Between his conversion experience, his engineering background and his diaconal formation, Deacon Ken has a unique perspective that he
enjoys sharing with others. He sees it as his calling in life to bring more to the faith and deepening the faith of those around him.

​Rita Schillin is the Former coordinator of RCIA and Adult Confirmation in Divine Savior Parish, now Coordinator of RCIA and Adult Confirmation in St. Clare’s Parish, Roseville CA. A member of the diocesan RCIA Team, Facilitator for the Diocesan Lay Mission Project, and Master Catechist in Sacramento Diocese, CA. Received Master’s Degree in Faith Formation from Sacramento
University.

H-06
Living the Liturgical Year in the Home
Dr. John Joy

This workshop discusses various practical ways in which families can incorporate the natural cycles and rhythms of the Church’s liturgical year into the home, which is the domestic Church. How to pray, fast, and feast with the saints and seasons.
• Also offered on Friday at 9:30am as A-07 and Saturday at 9:30am as E-07
​
​About the Speaker:  Dr. John Joy is the Marriage and Family Coordinator for the Diocese of Madison. He has published in the areas of dogmatic, sacramental, and liturgical theology.

H-07
Using Social Media and Technology To Meet Kids Where They Are 
Sherry Hayes-Peirce

This interactive session will explore the ways that teachers and catechists can use social media and technology to engage students. This session will require attendees to use their phones as a part of the activities during this session. They attendees will also get a sneak peek of my new book on the subject.
• Also offered on Friday at 3:15pm as D-05
 
About the Speaker: Sherry serves as the Chief Inspirational Officer of the Church Social Tips, a ministry that helps Catholic parishes and organization practice digital evangelization. The tips, tools and techniques of creating a strategy for digital evangelization have been shared across the country in published articles, conference sessions including Ministry Days 2018 and podcast interviews.

H-08
Why do I do the things I hate? Understanding the roots of destructive behaviors
K. Bryan Kelso

In Romans 7, St. Paul talks about the struggle of not doing what we should and doing instead what we should not. What causes
this ? Why do we go to Confession over and over for the same sin and often make little or no progress? This workshop will
offer a schematic of how our deep-seated thinking patterns can give rise to our “Romans 7” actions, ranging from
losing our tempers to procrastination to severe addictions. Recommendations will be offered for how to begin a decisive
path toward becoming dead to these compulsions as Romans 6 suggests all Christians are both called and empowered to
do.

About the Speaker: Bryan is a convert to Catholicism and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who practices from a Catholic world view. His clinical toolbox includes showing his clients how to draw upon the power the sacraments as a part of their individual and relationship healing. This involves helping them identify and remove psychological impediments that may inadvertently be preventing them from receiving sacramental graces.

H-09
I Believe; Help My Unbelief! 
Mel Kennedy

God invites us into a larger faith. This simple passage & quote from Mark, Chapter 9: “Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!” is a key to the difficulties, questions, and the winding journey of belief. A journey that has room for doubt because belief is an act of exploring and a process of learning, embracing, and trusting. This session will break open the Gospel of Mark and discover the God who not only desires our belief but actually welcomes our curiosity. Asking questions can strengthen our faith. When we reach out to God, God reaches back!
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-09.
 
Dr. Mel Kennedy is a musicianary (musician & missionary) who is passionate about helping believers engage their faith in deep & compelling ways. She is an award-nominated recording artist, liturgical trainer, & inspirational speaker. Her ministry is about empowering the community to share their faith & radiate God’s love through liturgy, service, relationship, & the simple actions of daily life

H-10
Stop banging your head against the wall trying to make the same stuff work! Re-Visioning Ministry to Junior High & High School Youth 
Deacon Kevin Staszkow

If you are frustrated with the numbers, participation, or effectiveness of your Junior High or High School programming and know in your heart it’s time to do something new, then this workshop is for you. Stop banging your head against the wall trying to make the same stuff work. Open yourself to a new vision and a new attitude. Start making disciples and reviving the parish. Whether you are coming from the Faith Formation camp or the Youth Ministry camp, you’ll love this workshop.
• Also offered on Friday at 3:15pm as H-10
 
Deacon Kevin Staszkow is the Director of the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Sacramento.​

H-11
​What are the Mother Daughter and Father Son programs? 
Marisela Smith & Manuel Moreira

Most parents of most teens and pre-teens are very concerned for them, and rightly so, because their children are being regularly bombarded with toxic and hostile messages about sexuality, fertility and self-respect. This is why several parishes in our Diocese offer Mother Daughter and Father Son programs. These 3 – 4 hour programs are quick-moving, engaging and entertaining, and they offer pure, positive, scientifically-accurate, and age-appropriate messages about these sensitive topics. The goal is to encourage and equip parents to have ongoing, well-informed and healthy conversations with their children. This workshop will review what is covered in these programs, where they are held, and how you can start one in your own parish.
• Also offered on Friday at 3:15pm as D-08
 
Marisela is with the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Sacramento.
 
Married and currently working as a field agent for the Knights of Columbus, protecting catholic families. A native from El Salvador, Manuel moved to the Sacramento area in 2008, becoming an active member at St Clare Parish where he leads the Father Son Program. Being the father of three boys he has always been engaged in activities that guide and educate parents as well as young boys on the important topic of human sexuality.

H-12
What Conflict? Faith & Science in Friendship 
Ryan Mayer

One of the primary reasons that young people, in particular, are skeptical of a life of faith is the perceived conflict between science and faith. Not only does this not need to be so, but the articles of faith actually provide the philosophical basis for the natural sciences to flourish. We will discuss these foundations and offer practical ways that teachers and catechists can witness to the harmony of faith and science as complementary ways of knowing.
• Also offered on Friday at 3:15pm as D-09
​
​About the Speaker: I am Director of Catholic Formation & Curricular Integration and theology teacher at Marin Catholic in  Kentfield and have taught adult faith formation at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. I hold degrees in philosophy, theology, bioethics, educational leadership, and literature and a certification in health care ethics from the National Catholic
Bioethics Center.

H-13 A Vision of Society Worthy of Our Young People
This workshop is no longer available. 

H-14
Becoming a Sheepdog: Leading with Vision
Darcy Wharton

We often recognize ourselves as sheep and some among us are called to be shepherds. But what is the role of the sheepdog? Are you called to be one? In this session, we will explore the demonstrated qualities of leaders who intentionally build collaboration and a sense of coresponsibility in their families, classrooms, or parishes. •

​About the Speaker: Darcy currently serves as the coordinator of adult faith formation for SS. Peter & Paul parish in Rocklin, California. She is a wife and the mother of three young adult women. She holds a Master’s degree in Religious Education from Loyola University New Orleans Institute for Ministry and is passionate about spiritual direction, retreat ministry,spirituality, writing, singing, and social justice.​

H-15
Nurturing the Catholic Identity of our Children AND their Families
Julie Moody

Many would say that religious practices and traditions within the home and religious instruction outside of the home are necessary in supporting the Catholic Identity of our children. With so much expected of our programs and families, we
will examine what’s working and where a tweak or two may further strengthen Catholic Identity of our children AND their
families. Come explore some practical and pastoral responses to the challenges of today’s overextended families.
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-15.
​
​About the Speaker:Julie Moody is a former Religion Teacher and Religion Coordinator at St. Leo the Great School in San Jose. She has been involved in Parish Faith Formation and Youth Ministry programs, in addition to teaching Religion and a Campus
Minister at Presentation High School in San Jose. Her parish and school ministry spans over 35 years.

H-16
Clergy + Lay Collaboration
Cecilia Flores & Fr. Raj Derivera

As laity continue to take on important leadership roles within the Church, it is important to maintain connected and work
well with clergy. This workshop will offer practical tips on how to connect to, communicate well with, and collaborate
effectively with clergy. Improve your working relationship, communication, the effectiveness of your collaboration,

About the Speakers:​
Cecilia has more than 15 years of experience working in youth ministry, international missions, and justice Social. She has a master's degree in World Development and Justice Social of St. John’s University, and has worked in the Diocese of Sacramento since 2014. She currently works as Director of Programs in Catholic Charities of Yolo- Solano Cecilia is also host of the Bishops Hour with Radio Santísimo Sacramento.

Fr. Raj Derivera Grew up in Vallejo, California and attended UC Davis studying computer science engineering before the Spirit stirred his call to priesthood. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2016 and was assigned to St. John Vianney Parish in Rancho Cordova as a Parochial Vicar. Fr. Raj currently serves St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in North Highlands as a Parochial Vicar.

H-17 From Service Project to Discipleship
This workshop is no longer available

H-18
Going, Going, Gone … the Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics
Dr. Bob McCarty

In their 2015-2017 study, the Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics, Saint Mary’s Press describes extensive research on young Catholics who have left the Church. Using both quantitative and qualitative assessments the research identifies common antecedents in the disaffiliation process, the myriad reasons young people choose to leave the faith community, and where they go, if anywhere. This workshop will identify the underlying dynamics that lead to disaffiliation and examine the implications for parish life, vocational discernment, liturgy, and pastoral ministry. We will hear from young adults, in their own voices, about their connection to the Catholic community and consider the underlying questions that will guide our pastoral response.

Dr. Bob McCarty has been in professional ministry since 1973, serving in parish, school, diocesan, and national settings. He offers consultations, retreats, workshops and training programs in ministry skills and issues internationally. Bob serves as the project coordinator for the Saint Mary’s Press research project, Going, Going, Gone: The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics. Bob has a BS in Sociology/Theology from St. Joseph’s University, an MA in Religious Education from LaSalle University and a D.Min. from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Indiana. Bob is adjunct faculty at The Catholic University of America and The University of Dallas.

Picture

Diocese of Sacramento

Office of Family & Faith Formation
2110 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818

Telephone

916-733-0177

Email

ministrydays@scd.org

Follow Us

  • Home
  • Schedule
  • Special Events
  • Keynote
  • Workshops/Talleres
  • Sponsors & Exhibitors
  • Contact
  • Conference Info and Map
  • Disaffiliation of Young Catholics
  • New Page