These eager pupils were actually catechists attending the Diocese’s Inaugural Faith Formation Conference. The September 10 event boasted 50 workshops in five languages, a shopping bazaar and live music. It concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Gerald Barnes.
With the theme “His Mercy Endures Forever,” the Conference was a bigger, better version of the annual Catechist Days offered annually by the Office of Catechetical Ministry, focusing solely on religious education.
“We tried to have something for everyone; liturgy, faith formation, social justice, different things that would appeal to those in a variety of ministries,” explains Maria Covarrubias, Director of the Office of Catechetical Ministry. “People could also have the opportunity to come together, share and see the big picture.”
The conference, which took about two years to plan, was exactly what catechists were thirsty for.
“I go to a lot of conferences but I really wanted to come to this one so I could hear about things that affect the Inland Empire,” says catechist Catharine Bloom, St. John the Evangelist in Jurupa Valley. “It’s also good to talk to people from other vicariates.”
Attendees could choose which lectures they wanted to hear then follow color coordinated balloons to the right location. Still lost? No problem, Catholic Newman Club students were at the ready.
“We want people to feel at home on our beautiful campus and enjoy the workshops. We also want to communicate the joy we young people have,” says a smiling Jacob Escobedo, Newman Club Music Minister.
Clergy were glowing with the glory as well..
“I’m so on fire with the Holy Spirit and with God right now that I want that spirit of fire to continue to grow, to touch others and to become more transparent in my own life by what I learn in these sessions,” said Deacon Mike Bellinder from The Holy Name of Jesus, Redlands.
Deacon Bellinder came to hear another clergy member from his parish, Father Erik Esparza, JCL. His sessions focused on “Amoris Laetitia,” the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis that reflects on family and its role in keeping the faith. While the document may be lengthy, Fr. Esparza urged catechists to spend some time reading it and reflecting or talking with others in small groups. He says the message is on target for ministry today.
“Catechists not only have to deal with sharing and teaching the faith but the family dynamics that are there,” he said. “The struggles of faith in some families or the brokenness of some families is what you have to get through before you can share the beauty of what our Church is teaching and how our Church is calling upon us to respond.”
Anita Hernandez took that message to heart. The Confirmation Coordinator at St. Junipero Serra, Phelan, now wants to hold a meeting with parish parents.
“I’m so happy I was able to make it. I’m learning so much about the family,” she said. “[Father Esparza] talking about the kids and how we have to be involved with the family, it’s just opening my mind, everything is soaking in.”
While many flocked to hear Fr. Esparza, others came for the Spanish-language sessions. A group of 40 people from Our Lady of Soledad Parish in Coachella got up early, donned matching green polos and hit the road.
“My catechists are enthusiastic,” laughs Maria Duarte, Director of Catechetical Ministry at the parish. “They want to learn new skills and share them with the kids. They love kids.”
Salvador Madrigal from St. Charles Borromeo, Bloomington also brought his team to hear talks in Spanish. He hopes to engage Catechism students in a more creative way.
“I wanted to hear Victor Valenzuela’s talk about how to connect with sacred symbols. The idea is to teach not just with the bible but with symbols. Some people learn by listening, some by watching. I want to try different ways to reach people.”
Some people may be harder to reach than others - take children with special needs. That’s why seminars on inclusive ministry were part of the Conference.
“Today I had the best class, absolutely fantastic,” says Clarice Schnepf, St. Catherine of Alexandria, Riverside. The nurse and youth minister is passionate about all children participating in the Sacraments.
“We don’t want them to be perceived as difficult children,” she says. “We want to love them and embrace them as people who have special talents and challenges as we all do. And to remember these children will someday be adults in our community.”
Despite decades of ministerial experience, Schnepf left with lots of notes and inspiration. She wasn’t the only one. David Rudolph of Holy Spirit in Hemet now wants to read more and do more.
“I came for my own enrichment and to be with others who do this kind of work,” he said. “I’m leaving with some freshness. Our church always needs updating and renewal.”
Perhaps with the spirit of new catechists like Alicia Decaro. She’s learning the ropes at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel on the U.S. Marine Corps Air Combat Center in 29 Palms. After attending the conference, she’s primed and ready to go.
“I want to bring people in!” she says. “I tell people, ‘you have to participate.’ They say church is not for me and I say, ‘no, it is for you!’ ”
With that kind of response, Covarrubias calls the event a success.
“We didn’t know how everything would come together. It was really an act of faith. In the end, I think it came out beautifully.”
The next large scale conference is scheduled for 2020 and will be held every five years after that, according to Covarrubias. Catechist Days will be held annually in the interim years.
Natalie Romano is a freelance writer and a parishioner of The Holy Name of Jesus in Redlands.