Workshops for the Special Needs RE Community
7-15 Welcoming and Valuing People with Mental Illness
Mental illnesses – including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar illness, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder – touch one in four families. Stigma keeps many who have these illnesses, and their families, from getting help. How can we as Church reach out and let them know they are not alone? Deacon Tom Lambert and Connie Rakitan will share their experiences of over 25 years providing support and educating parishes and dioceses about ministry to people with mental illness. They will present practical resources parishes can use to support individuals and families, including models for inclusion, retreats and spiritual companioning.
Session 1-28:
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Session 5-27:
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Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy
Dr. Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy is a seasoned catechist and Catholic schoolteacher, who teaches at St. Mary Immaculate Parish School in Plainfield, Ill. Her own children have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Asperger’s syndrome, so she has insight into behavior management and faith formation … and a wry sense of humor. She has spoken at national principals and special needs conferences, as well as diocesan gatherings. Her book is titled the “The ABC’s of ADD for Catechists.”
Workshops of benefit to the Special Needs RE Community
Talleres de beneficio hacia la comunidad de Educación Religiosa para personas con Necesidades Especiales
Session 1-26:
Child Development and Catechesis: Speaking the Learner’s Language
How can we make sure we are really reaching our learners? What steps can we take to ensure we are presenting the faith in the most engaging and understandable way possible? This workshop, presented by a clinical child psychologist and catechetical author, will focus on stages of cognitive, social, identity and moral development and their impact on developmentally appropriate catechesis. Specific recommendations will be offered for meeting the needs of learners at every age and stage.
Dr. Joseph D. White
Dr. Joseph White is a clinical child psychologist and National Catechetical Consultant for Our Sunday Visitor Publishing and Curriculum. He previously served as Director of Family Counseling and Family Life for the Diocese of Austin. Dr. White has taught courses in catechetics and pastoral guidance at the University of Dallas and at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He is a frequent keynote speaker and popular workshop presenter at national and diocesan conferences. He has appeared on several national Catholic radio shows and maintains a blog on catechesis.
Session 2-02:
Blocks, Dress-ups and Make Believe: The Power of Play in the Faith Formation of Young Children
Play is powerful at all stages of development and learning, but is especially important in the faith formation of young children. Play provides opportunities to learn and practice new concepts and skills. Play inspires children to act out stories, and in turn, provides opportunities for children to make meaning of their world. In this session, participants will learn how to create a play-based faith formation program that helps young children come to understand the wonders of God’s love.
Session 4-01:
Preschool Faith Formation: Learning from the Master
What do you do with children who are too young to read and write? How do you keep them busy? What do you do when the children won’t come into the room or refuse to leave? How do you keep a group of 3- or 4-year-olds engaged, busy and learning. Participants will learn from a master teacher and catechist who has taught faith formation using developmentally appropriate and play-based practice. Participants will see examples of supported play, interactive group time, and techniques that slow the pace of lessons so that children are active learners.
Dr. Shauna M. Adams
Dr. Shauna Adams is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood at the University of Dayton in Ohio, where she is also Executive Director of the Center for Early Learning. With a background as a special education teacher, she now presents at national education conventions, including the National Catholic Educational Association. Dr. Adams co-authored RCL Benziger’s early childhood and kindergarten programs titled “Stories of God’s Love.”
Session 2-18:
An Armless Embrace of Hope
In this session, Tony Melendez shares how music, faith and a desire to achieve can help to overcome the toughest of times. With his God-given gift of toe-picking the guitar, Tony, along with his band of experienced musicians, The Toe Jam Band, shares his inspiring story of perseverance and faith. Since playing for Pope John Paul II during his trip to Los Angeles in 1987, Melendez has performed in 42 countries and all 50 states. Tony sings and shares from his heart. Together, you’ll laugh, cry, and pray. Come be embraced by an armless gift of hope!
Tony Melendez
Tony Melendez was born without arms as a result of his mother taking the prescription drug Thalidimide. The world-renowned armless guitarist was first brought to public attention during Pope John Paul II’s trip to Los Angeles in 1987. As a composer, singer, and speaker, Melendez has been in involved in ministry for over 25 years, sharing his music and story worldwide, presenting workshops and concerts in English and Spanish at churches, schools, corporations and international events. Melendez has recorded five albums and has won numerous awards.
Session 3-07:
Bringing Scripture to Life with Children
Are you in need of some new ideas when approaching Scripture with children? If so, then come to this workshop! We will explore how bringing Scripture to life for children not only can but should be filled with joy and enthusiasm! Focus will be on creative ideas and techniques that can be immediately used in the learning setting with elementary-aged children.
Steven Ellair
Steven Ellair is a Senior Editor and National Presenter with Minnesota-based Saint Mary’s Press. He has been involved in catechetical ministry for 21 years and has served as a parish catechist, youth minister, Catholic schoolteacher, and catechetical consultant for the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Ellair has been involved in Catholic publishing for nearly 11 years and continues to write and speak nationally on issues related to catechesis. He has presented at national religious education events for 18 years.
Sesión 3-55:
San Juan Bosco: El SUPER héroe de los jóvenes
¿Cuantas veces como catequistas o encargados de la pastoral juvenil hemos estado a punto de tirar la toalla? ¿Sabían que este santo alguna vez fue hasta excomulgado por malos entendimientos con el obispo? Pero todo esto no le impidió seguir haciendo la diferencia en la vida de los jóvenes, especialmente los más necesitados. En esta conferencia realizaremos un análisis de quien fue San Juan Bosco y de la pedagogía que él utilizó para cambiar millones de corazones. Nos daremos cuenta que sus técnicas pueden servirnos en nuestro ministerio con la juventud. Venga, comparta y reflexione en la vida del santo de los jóvenes.
Juan Carlos Montenegro
Juan Carlos Montenegro es Coordinador de la Pastoral Juvenil y Coordinador del Voluntariado Salesiano en Los Angeles. Ha entregado toda su vida ha trabajar con los jóvenes, ha trabajado como misionero en la mitad de la selva Amazónica y ha tenido la oportunidad de participar en varios congresos internacionales, “JC” como le conocen los jóvenes gracias a la experiencia que tiene de 16 años de la Pastoral Juvenil ha logrado escribir tres libritos. Es conferencista en NCCYM, los congresos de Educación Religiosa, y en conferencias internacionales.
Sesión 3-58:
¿Qué hacer para recuperar los valores cristianos de la familia?
“La catequesis familiar es, en cierto modo insustituible, sobre todo por el ambiente positivo y acogedor, por el atrayente ejemplo de los adultos, por la primera y explicita sensibilización de la fe y por la práctica de la misma” (DNC 47E). En este taller hablaremos de los valores humanos y cristianos que dan significado y dirección a cada aspecto de la vida familiar. Aprenderemos tácticas para ayudar a los padres de familia y a los niños a mantener el orgullo de ser parte de una herencia o tradición que “entra en el misterio” y aprecia y vive los valores cristianos.
Enedina Sánchez-Saucedo
Enedina Saucedo es Directora Asociada en la Oficina para el Ministerio de Evangelización y Catequesis de la Diócesis de San Diego, tiene experiencia en el ministerio de adultos y niños, música litúrgica, metodología práctica para la catequesis. Ha dado presentaciones en National Conference for Catechetical Leadership) y National Catholic Educational Association, también ha dado cursos de historia de la Iglesia, métodos para la catequesis y talentos para los padres de familia en la Diócesis de San Diego y arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles.
Session 4-03:
Come Sing My Song! Celebrating Our Faith with Children
St. Augustine said, “Those who sing well pray twice.” In this spirit, come and join experienced elementary educator Australian Andrew Chinn in a workshop that explores the use of music to enhance the daily prayer lives of children, as well as liturgical celebrations and special events throughout the liturgical and school year. Come be enthused and skilled for your work in the prayer, celebration and liturgical life of yourself and God’s children. Bring your voices (all kinds welcome!) and your inner child as we celebrate the mystery of our faith.
Andrew Chinn
Andrew Chinn worked as a classroom teacher in Catholic elementary schools in Sydney, Australia, for nearly 20 years before moving into full-time music ministry as Director of Butterfly Music. He has visited 900 Catholic elementary schools, has performed in 2,000 concerts and presented at Catholic education conferences in 20 dioceses across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. Chinn has released eight CDs, four DVDs and five picture books that are used widely by teachers and catechists in the faith development of children.
Session 4-04:
Ahhh, to be a Kid Again: Music & Movement for the Very Young and the Young at Heart!
It’s no mystery why children love to sing and dance! Put yourself in a child-like mindset and explore different ways to connect with your inner child. Come ready to dance and sing to songs that reflect our faith. This is a great workshop for teachers who work with young students (K-6).
Donna Anderle
Donna Anderle is an accomplished dancer, teacher and choreographer. She is on the teaching faculty of the Cincinnati Ballet and Midwest Theatre Ballet and is involved in Cincy Dance, an outreach program for Cincinnati inner-city schools. Anderle is a nationally known liturgical dancer who continues to give workshops, keynote presentations and dance in concert and has choreographed for major conferences, including the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Her work is compiled in four choreography books and a video.
Sesión 4-56:
Ante cada edad de 3 a 10 años ¿Qué? ¿Por qué? ¿Cómo?
Somos educadores católicos. Para educar a nuestros niños conviene saber qué conviene desarrollar en cada edad, por qué eso y cómo hacerlo. Compartiré mi experiencia de cerca de 50 años trabajando con todas las edades escolares. En esta conferencia daré pistas para formar a los chicos de 3 a 10 años.
Eduardo Levy, SJ
Jesuita Padre Eduardo Levy, ordenado en 1967, es director de Encuentros con Cristo, en Guadalajara, México. Durante 49 años ha dirigido Encuentros con Cristo orientado a niños y jóvenes desde los 3 hasta los 18 años y a maestros, padres de familia, abuelos y religiosas. Desde 1969 a elaborado 34 manuales y libros para dirigir Ejercicios Ignacianos y Encuentros renovados en los últimos cinco años.
Session 5-06:
Engaging Children in Catechesis Through Song
As religious educators, we recognize the power of song to enrich our children’s journey in faith. Song deepens understanding, adds enjoyment to learning, nurtures prayer and fosters celebration. Using song and gesture, John Burland will demonstrate how music can be easily incorporated into religious education as a highly effective teaching and learning strategy. A variety of catechetical themes will be addressed during this session, including Scripture and the sacraments. Come ready to participate in songs and activities that will energize and engage your students as they journey in faith.
John Burland
John Burland is an educator and composer of religious music for children and adults. He is the Project Officer-Liturgy/Music for the Catholic Education Office in Sydney, Australia, and a workshop presenter, composer and touring musician for Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division. Burland has worked as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and religious education coordinator for over 20 years in school and parish communities. He is a regular speaker at conventions and gatherings across Australia, New Zealand and North America.
Sesión 5-52:
¿En que momento entran los pequeños al misterio del amor de Dios?
Invitar a un pequeño a reconocer el amor de Dios implica encontrar momentos educativos en su vida cotidiana. Es así como podemos acercar a nuestros niños al Misterio del Amor de Dios y de nuestra Fe. Aprovechando la llegada de la Primavera, que significa Nueva Vida, el Consejo Asesor de Educación de Primera Infancia de Los Angeles compartirá algunos ejemplos de como guiar a pequeños de 3, 4 y 5 años para que experimenten y celebren los dones de Dios a través de experiencias concretas y apropiadas a su edad.
Early Childhood Advisory Board
Continuando con la misma visión desde hace casi 40 años, el Comité de Consejo de Primera Infacia de la Oficina de Educación Religiosa, Arquidiócesis de Los Angeles, un grupo multitalentoso de catequistas, educadores y profesionales, se esfuerza ayudar a otros a apreciar la importancia de experimentar el amor de Dios en formas concretas durante los años formativos prescolares de niños de 3 a 5 años de edad. Los talleres ofrecidos por este comité son informativos, con un enfoque “práctico” para la formación religiosa.
Session 8-09:
Drama and Sacramental Preparation: A Doorway to the Mystery
Anne Frawley-Mangan invites you to join her in discovering ways of using drama to enhance religious education, with a particular focus on sacramental preparation. In this fun and interactive workshop, you will learn skills and techniques that will help you discover ways that drama enables children to gently enter into the mystery. Come prepared to move, play and enjoy!
Anne Frawley-Mangan
For over 20 years, Anne Frawley-Mangan has been Creative Director of Litmus Productions in Brisbane, Australia, where she writes and publishes drama and music resources for use in education and liturgy. Frawley-Mangan, who teaches Speech and Proclamation at Holy Spirit Seminary, Brisbane, presents workshops and keynote addresses in Australia, New Zealand and North America. Her works include “Mark My Words: Dramas From Mark’s Gospel” and other titles with Michael Mangan.