Directors and coordinators of parish religious education programs gathered at the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg on August 30 for a convocation at the start of a new year of classes.
Sessions included a presentation on the Sacrament of Confirmation by Father Joshua Brommer; a networking lunch and welcome from Dan Breen, Diocesan Secretary for Education; and introductions by the staff and ministries of the Diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization.
Via Zoom, Patricia Neal, Director of the VIRTUS Programs for National Catholic Services, LLC, offered a presentation on the VIRTUS Empowering God’s Children® annual training, which the Diocese provides to all children enrolled in its Catholic schools and religious education classes. The program provides children and youth with tools and training on boundaries, safe and unsafe behaviors and healthy relationships.
Catechists also participated in discussions on catechesis for the entire family, the National Eucharistic Revival, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and recommended resources and best practices, that included sessions on leadership, effective catechesis, panel discussions and prayer.
The annual convocation is presented by the Diocesan Office of Cathechesis, which is directed by Ryan Bolster. Learn more about religious education in the Diocese at this link.
(Photos by Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness.)
