4
October 7, 2014
in the diocese
T
he Valley Catholic
Faith Formation Conference: Why is it relevant?
By Wendy Scherbart
Director of Catechetical Ministry
I have a million things to do on the
weekend before Thanksgiving. Why
would I make the time to attend the
Faith Formation Conference at the
Santa Clara Convention Center?
Parents, this is the place where you
can learn from nationally experienced
speakers how to share your faith with
your children. Parishioners, hear the
wisdom of a retired pastor who has
been faithful disciple of Christ. Teachers and catechists, come see how to
provide dynamic spiritual experiences
for your learners. Parish administrators, discover a spirituality of administration from an author of numerous
articles on leadership, administration
and conflict management. Music ministers, learn techniques to organize a
children’s choir.
To all those who are inspired by
Pope Francis, come hear Bishop Robert
McElroy speak on the Pope’s challenge
‘If you are exploring how to serve as a Catholic Worker
or partner with the religious communities to bring the
Good News and God’s compassion to those in need,
come discover a pathway to your desire at the
Faith Formation Conference.’
to pattern our outreach to others upon
the person of Christ himself. Youth
and young adult leaders, learn how to
welcome youth and young adults into
the life of the parish. Social justice advocates, find out practical ways to help
our young people and the community
to be active participants in social ministry. If you are exploring how to serve
as a Catholic Worker or partner with
the religious communities to bring the
Good News and God’s compassion to
those in need, come discover a pathway
to your desire at the Faith Formation
Conference. Environment and Art
team, find guidance and resources to
live the liturgical year.
Do you have children or family
members who have told you they are
gay or lesbian? Come hear how Pope
Francis’s Joy of Living the Gospel has
dramatically changed the perceptions
of what the Church teaches about homosexuality. If you love technology but
worry about the ever-increasing digital
climate, find out what are the latest
trends and hot-button issues facing us
and tools and tactics to address them. If
you want to live out God’s will for your
life, come learn about the daily work of
discernment.
How many opportunities do you
have in your life to join more than 2,500
Catholics from five dioceses (San Jose,
San Francisco, Oakland, Monterrey
and Stockton) in northern California to
be inspired to respond to God’s call to
proclaim the Gospel joyfully?
I challenge you to look at what the
Faith Formation Conference offers.
Go to www.faithformationconference.
com and see for yourselves why it is
worth your time.