August 21, 2015

Evangelization Supplement

‘Sent out to proclaim the message’: How to build disciples in central and southern Indiana

A group of catechists traveling from the Indianapolis area to the St. John Bosco conference in Steubenville, Ohio, gather for prayer before making their return journey home on July 16. (Photo by Natalie Hoefer)

A group of catechists traveling from the Indianapolis area to the St. John Bosco conference in Steubenville, Ohio, gather for prayer before making their return journey home on July 16. (Photo by Natalie Hoefer)

Editor’s note: In Mark 3:13-15, Jesus chose 12 disciples and sent them out to proclaim the message of salvation.

Since then, the Church’s mission to evangelize has continued, including here in central and southern Indiana.

Knowing those who catechize cannot give what they don’t have, Ken Ogorek, archdiocesan director of catechesis, has encouraged catechists in the archdiocese to attend the St. John Bosco Conference for Catechists and Religious Educators at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio, each summer.

This year, thanks in large part to funds from generous donors in the archdiocese, 15 catechists from central and southern Indiana—including Batesville, Connersville, Danville, Greencastle, Indianapolis, Liberty, New Albany and Oldenburg—were able to attend the July 13-16 conference.

The gathering—a combined educational/retreat experience—offered sessions specific to youth ministry, campus ministry, Catholic schools, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, and more, offered by nationally and internationally renowned leaders in Catholic catechesis. Each day also included the opportunity for Mass, adoration, confession and prayer.

Criterion reporter Natalie Hoefer followed the catechists to help them share with the local Church what they learned, and how parishes will benefit from their participation in the conference.

This supplement focuses on the experience of a few of those catechists, and a summary of a talk given by one of the keynote speakers.

For more information on the St. John Bosco catechetical conference, log on to www.steubenvilleconferences.com/adult/bosco. The 2016 St. John Bosco Conference for Catechists and Religious Educators will be held on July 18-21. †

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