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The Joy of Discovering and Communicating Our New Life in Christ: Catechesis in the 21st Century

Saturday, July 30, 2022
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bethany Hall, Rooms B and C
Seton Hall University

Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST) presents a day-long event with prayer, reflection and discussion focused on the ministry of lay catechists and the collaborative support catechists and ordained ministers can provide for one another in their ministry.

This catechetical event will be held in-person, with select portions of the day livestreamed. Catechists, religion teachers and faith formation leaders are encouraged to attend, as well as all those interested in Pope Francis’ papal letter on the ministry of catechists, “Antiquum Ministerium.”

In-person registration is now closed; livestream registration is still open. A link to join the broadcast will be provided to registrants via email.

Part of ICSST’s The 4:12 Pathway for Pastoral Leadership: Building an Authentic Culture of Discernment project, The Joy of Discovering and Communicating Our New Life in Christ seeks to strengthen leadership formation for lay ministers and their ongoing collaboration with ordained ministers (priests and deacons).  

Should you require disability accommodations to attend this event, please contact [email protected].

Featured Speakers


Donna OrsutoDonna Orsuto, S.T.D., is the co-founder and director of The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas (Rome, Italy) and professor of spirituality at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy. Pope Benedict XVI named her a Dame of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of Saint Gregory the Great in 2011.

Filipe DominguesFilipe Domingues, Ph.D., is the deputy director of The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas (Rome, Italy). A native of Brazil, he spent most of his career in journalism covering religion, finance and the environment. He completed the licentiate and doctorate in social sciences at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Patrick ManningPatrick Manning, Ph.D., is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Pastoral Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology. As an educator and pastoral theologian, Manning directs his research and teaching toward inviting people into the fullness of life that Jesus Christ offers.
 

Register Now

In-person registration is now closed.

Schedule of Events

*Indicates section to be livestreamed

9:00 a.m. 

Arrival, Registration and Refreshments

9:30 - 9:45 a.m.

Welcome and Opening Prayer*
•    Dianne Traflet, J.D., S.T.D., Associate Dean, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST)
•    Msgr. Joseph Reilly, Former Rector/Dean of ICSST (2012-2022); Chair, Board of Directors, The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas (Rome, Italy)

9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

Presentation: The Vocation of the Catechist and the Call to Joyful Witness of New Life in Christ*
Donna Orsuto, S.T.D., Co-founder and Director, The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas (Rome, Italy); Professor of Spirituality at the Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome, Italy)

10:30 - 11 a.m.

Personal Reflection,Q&A and Group Discussion

11 - 11:30 a.m.

Presentation: Joyful Messengers of Challenging Proposals*
Donna Orsuto, S.T.D., Co-founder and Director, The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas (Rome, Italy); Professor of Spirituality at the Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome, Italy)

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Walk to the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception; Noon Mass
Attendees are welcome to quiet prayer before mass.

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch Break with Video Presentations
Attendees will return to Bethany Hall for lunch.

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Presentation: Come to the Living Water: Renewal for Catechists and Those They Catechize*
Patrick Manning, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of Pastoral Theology, ICSST

2:30 - 3 p.m.

Personal Reflection and Group Discussion

3 - 3:45 p.m. 

Presentation: Christ is Alive! Young People and the Ministry of Catechesis*
Filipe Domingues, Ph.D., Deputy Director, The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas (Rome, Italy)

3:45 - 4:15 p.m.

Personal Reflection, Q&A and Group Discussion

4:15 - 4:45 p.m.

Closing Remarks*
•    Donna Orsuto, S.T.D., Co-founder and Director, The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas (Rome, Italy); Professor of Spirituality at the Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome, Italy)
•    Dianne Traflet, J.D., S.T.D., Associate Dean, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST)
•    Msgr. Joseph Reilly, Former Rector/Dean of ICSST (2012-2022); Chair, Board of Directors, The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas (Rome, Italy)