Catechist Convocation Inspires Renewal and Mission Among Educators and Faith Leaders

The annual Catechist Convocation of the Archdiocese of Newark, held on Saturday, November 9, at Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, NJ, attracted over 800 attendees this year. The convocation offered a Spirit-filled day of formation, inspiration, and camaraderie while honoring the crucial role catechists play in forming the faith lives of both youth and adults.

The extraordinary turnout included more than 700 catechists, parish catechetical leaders, Catholic school teachers, and parish leaders and offered workshops in English and Spanish. About 50 exhibitors and an equal number of presenters contributed to the day. Attendees representing 118 parishes highlighted the broad commitment to the mission of catechesis across the archdiocese.

This year’s convocation theme was based on the Gospel of Matthew 25:37, “Lord, when did we see you hungry?” It aligned with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Catechetical Sunday theme and served as a call to action. Building on this, the convocation explored the hunger for a deeper relationship with God and the catechist’s role as a missionary heart, leading others into Christ’s light.

“Catechists are the heartbeat of our faith formation efforts, and this convocation is an opportunity for them to reflect on the unique call they’ve received to serve in this ministry,” explained Patricia Rodriguez, director of the Office for Lifelong Faith Formation. “It’s about reigniting their love for the ministry and reminding them of the importance of their mission.”

The convocation featured renowned keynote speakers who deeply moved the audience. Julianne Stanz, a celebrated author, speaker and consultant to the USCCB, captivated the English-speaking audience with her heartfelt message about the transformative power of faith. Stanz shared that the more she said yes to God, the more she saw Him touch the hearts of others. Stanz encouraged catechists to embrace their personal stories as a powerful tool for evangelization, noting that our testimonies can inspire others to encounter Christ in new and profound ways.

Equally powerful was the Spanish keynote by Dr. Dora Tobar, a renowned international speaker and educator whose charisma and dedication inspired participants to persist in the challenging yet rewarding work of evangelization. Tobar reminded catechists of their responsibility to evangelize with both words and actions. Her presentation focused on the essential role of catechists guiding others toward a closer relationship with Jesus. “Her message of compassion and concern for others resonated deeply,” Rodriguez said.

The bilingual workshops covered a wide range of topics, from self-care and mental health for catechists to creative teaching techniques and supporting Catholic school educators working in religiously diverse settings. Among the most attended sessions were Mental Health and Trauma in Families and Youth We Catechize, Creating Future Saints, a workshop on fostering a culture of vocation, Creative Teaching Techniques, and Igniting Faith in Middle-schoolers.

The convocation acknowledged the evolving challenges in catechesis. “We designed this event to address the diverse needs of our catechists, helping them balance their roles personally and pastorally,” said Gina Butler, Associate Director for Catechesis. The focus was on equipping catechists not just with knowledge but with a deep sense of their vocational call to lead others to Christ.

This year’s event also introduced a professional development track for parish catechetical leaders, offering tailored workshops to enhance their ministry’s effectiveness.

The day began with a bilingual Mass celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, whose homily seamlessly integrated English and Spanish, reflecting the unity of the archdiocese’s diverse community. His words inspired attendees to embark on their day with Christ at the center.

“The celebration of Mass with over 800 people was a beautiful and unifying moment,” Rodriguez said. Attendees were further moved by the recognition of longtime catechists – those serving 20 years or more – and the spirit of camaraderie that filled the event.

Participants praised the day as “life-giving” and “Spirit-filled.” Many described feeling renewed in their mission, inspired by the keynote speakers and workshops to deepen their relationship with Jesus and share their faith more effectively. One catechist shared, “I feel more confident in my knowledge of Church teaching and equipped with practical ideas to bring back to my parish.”

The convocation also underscored the broader Church’s vitality in Newark. “It’s encouraging to see so many gathered together, united in the mission of evangelizing catechesis,” Rodriguez said.

The event’s success was made possible by the generous support of Paramus Catholic High School, which hosted the convocation, and the efforts of nearly 50 volunteers from various parishes. Their dedication ensured a seamless experience for all involved.

“We are incredibly grateful for the hearts and hands that came together in the name of Jesus,” Butler said. The convocation concluded with a renewed commitment to catechesis, empowering attendees to return to their parishes with renewed zeal and deeper faith.

To learn more about the Office of Lifelong Formation of the Archdiocese of Newark, visit www.rcan.org.