Evangelization, catechesis event to feature ways ‘God draws us in’
By Natalie Hoefer
The archdiocesan Secretariat for Worship and Evangelization’s annual Gathering of Disciples event will take place at Roncalli High School, 3300 Prague Road, in Indianapolis, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 7.
The yearly event provides formation and training for those in parish and school ministry—for example, catechists, school teachers, liturgical ministers, parish evangelization teams and those interested in evangelization.
The theme for this year’s Gathering of Disciples is “Beauty, Goodness and Truth: Drawn to Discipleship.” The keynote speaker is St. Francis of the Martyr George Sister Johanna Paruch, associate professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio.
Goodness, beauty and truth are “three transcendentals ways God uses to draw us toward himself throughout our lives,” explains Ken Ogorek, archdiocesan director of catechesis. “Some folks are struck by beauty, and this experience encourages them to ponder God.
“Others focus on the goodness of disciples, including that of the saints, and they want to know the key to living in such a joyful, loving way.
“Still others see that the truth of Christ’s teaching—available to all via Scripture and sacred tradition—provides the only satisfactory answers to their most pressing questions.”
Because there are several ways to seek Christ, says Ogorek, “catechists and evangelizers employ all of these [approaches] in their ministry, knowing that each of them—at various points in a person’s life—can help draw her or him in to a relationship with our Lord Jesus.”
The keynote address, “How Beauty Evangelizes and Draws Us to Discipleship—by God’s Grace,” will be presented in English and translated for Spanish-speakers. Breakout sessions will be offered in both languages.
The breakout sessions in English include:
- “Lesson Planning with Scripture;”
- “Using Art in Lesson Planning: a Practical Workshop for Catechists;”
- “Starting (or Jump-Starting) Your Parish Evangelization Team;”
The breakout sessions in Spanish include:
- “Lesson Planning with Scripture;”
- “ ‘That’s Just Your Opinion’: Teaching about Truth and Goodness in a Relativistic Society;”
- “ ‘10 Things a Disciple of Jesus Does’: an Evangelization Resource.”
Both tracks will also include a liturgy workshop and a retreat/renewal workshop.
The day will end with a panel discussion of local Catholic artists discussing how their medium draws them closer to God. The panel will include a poet, fiction writer, painter, musician and dramatist.
The cost, which includes light morning refreshments and lunch, is $30 for those in Indianapolis deaneries, and $25 for all others. Participants do not need to pay in advance, as the cost will be assessed to parishes.
Registration is required by Sept. 6. For more information or to register, go to bit.ly/2YWNPqR (case sensitive).
For questions, e-mail catechesis@archindy.org. †