Summer Congress 2013

Summer Congress features nationally known speakers

Summer Congress will help ministers,
volunteers build Households of Faith

ROCHESTER, New York – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester’s Office of Evangelization and Catechesis will hold a special Summer Congress called “Households of Faith: Rooted and Grounded in Love,” featuring nationally known speakers and more than 30 workshops geared to help parish staffs and volunteers in their outreach ministries to families.

This 2013 Catechetical Congress on Family is for professional ministers, catechists and volunteers who desire new knowledge and new tactics to building stronger, faith-based households.

The Congress will be held at Aquinas Institute, 1127 Dewey Ave., Rochester, on Friday, August 2, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, August 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Keynote speakers are:

·         On Aug. 2, Rev. Michael White and Tom Corcoran, authors of Rebuilt: The Story of a Catholic Parish, who will speak about “Music, Message and Ministry: Keys to Bringing New Disciples to the Church.” This keynote is open to the public.

·         On Aug. 3, Dr. Jo Ann Paradise will speak on “Rediscovering the Sacredness of Family Life: The School of Love.” This keynote is open to the public.

Other featured presenters are Dr. Timothy Hogan, Dr. Susan Grenough, Dr. Greg Mosier, Susan Vogt and Michael Theisen — each of whom will offer insights for those in ministry to help people create healthier, happier, faith-filled families in today’s challenging culture.

Workshops will cover a variety of topics on the family, including “Understanding and Ministering to Hispanic Families,” “Talking About Materialism and Generosity,” “Prayer and Family,” the “Household, the Bible and the Church,” “Family Friendly Parishes,” and “Overcoming Obstacles of Stress to Grow Your Family in God’s Glory,” among many others.

Detailed information about how to register, workshop fees and a complete agenda for the Congress is available online at homelinks.dor.org/summer or by calling 585-328-3228, ext. 1295. An early-bird discount is available to those who register by June 30.