Conference looks at link between families and catechesis

Nearly 200 catechists from across the Diocese’s four counties gathered March 11 for their annual formation day that began with a Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and included a two-part presentation by Dr. Lauri Przybysz, executive director of the Christian Family Movement-USA.
In his homily, Bishop O’Connell emphasized the critical importance of catechesis to the future of the Church.  He said, “The most important thing that the Church — and we ARE the Church — can do is the transmission or handing on of faith to the next generation.  It is faith that gives rise to hope and hope that encourages love.  Faith and hope and love make connections among people, draw them together, unites them to seek the common good.” Watch Bishop O’Connell’s homily from the Mass to open the conference, HERE.
Dr. Przybysz’s discussions were based on the RCL Benziger Family Life series, which, according to Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Mary Agnes Ryan, director of the Department of Catechesis, has been in use in all Catholic elementary schools and parish religious education programs for the past three years. The series has a curriculum that focuses on character and chastity formation, and relationship skills, including how to behave appropriately, the importance of telling the truth and making smart decisions.
For multimedia coverage of the 2017 Catechetical Conference, click here.