This year’s Archdiocesan Catechist Convocation gives reasons for hope

On Oct. 25, the Catechist Convocation of the Archdiocese of Newark brought together an estimated 750 participants at Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, NJ, for a day of prayer, reflection, sharing, and continuing formation.

Organized by the Archdiocesan Office for Lifelong Faith Formation, the annual day-long event aimed to support and strengthen catechists, parish leaders, and Catholic school teachers, as they educate people in the Catholic faith and facilitate life-giving relationships with Jesus Christ.

This year’s convocation reinforced the focus of the USCCB for Catechetical Sunday which is connected to the Jubilee Year of Hope, starting with the theme: “Always be ready to give an explanation for a reason for your HOPE” (1 Pet 3:15). According to organizers, the theme was chosen to encourage catechists to “be prepared to share the person at the center of our faith, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the hope He provides.”

The convocation featured a keynote address and 40-plus workshops offered in English or Spanish that focused on the diverse needs and challenges that catechists face on their mission. An Exhibitor’s Hall offered a range of products, resources, and services to participants and included representatives from various Archdiocesan offices.

There was also a “Stories of Hope” corner, a new feature that invited participants to respond to a question: What is the reason for your hope? Reels with catechists’ responses will soon be published on the office’s social media channels.

Trusting in new growth

The morning began with sacred music and a Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark. He was joined by Father Stephen J. Fichter, Ph.D., the Archdiocesan Vicar of Education, and several priests from parishes participating in the convocation.

In his homily, Cardinal Tobin noted that Pope Leo XIV had recently received some 20,000 catechists in Rome. During the Jubilee event, the pope “gave an essential idea of how he sees your holy vocation within the church of Jesus Christ,” Cardinal Tobin said. “He said the Gospel announces to us that everyone’s life can change because Christ rose from the dead. This is the event that saves us; therefore, it must be proclaimed and known.”

“Some of you were there,” the cardinal continued. “He said that as catechists, you are disciples of Jesus who become his witnesses.” He said that the pope had reminded catechists that each of them “pronounces” the Word of God “with his or her own life.”

The day’s Gospel reading (Luke 13:1-9) included the parable of the barren fig tree and the gardener who asks for permission to continue caring for it. “The gardener pleads for another chance, trusting that with care, pruning, and time, there will be new growth,” Cardinal Tobin said. “Often those painful moments of pruning, correction, struggle, or loss are the Gardener’s way of helping us grow stronger and more fruitful.”

“We have received faith from people who chose to pass it on,” Cardinal Tobin said. “Our task is to pass on this Good News, bearing fruit that nourishes others, and leaves the world a little better than we found it.”

Immediately following the Mass, Cardinal Tobin honored nine catechists from the Archdiocese who were celebrating anniversaries of 20 or more years of ministry.

Be ready!

The convocation’s keynote, delivered by Katherine Angulo, followed the Mass. Her address was titled “Unity in Diversity, ‘Be Ready!’” and was about “fostering multicultural understanding and communion in parishes while forming disciples.”

Angulo told Jersey Catholic that the convocation is an essential moment for catechists. “When we are in community, we realize that we are not alone,” she said. “Especially as catechists, we can feel that we are the only ones in the world doing this.” She added that the convocation was a “reenergizing” moment because participants “re-encounter the beautiful call of being a catechist.”

“Inspired again, we can then go back to our parishes and bring that Good News to the community and embrace the new blessings that God has prepared for us in the year to come,” Angulo said.

Patricia Rodriguez, Director of the Office for Lifelong Faith Formation, agreed that the convocation provides participants with a needed perspective. “What strikes me about this event is that when people come together like this for prayer and formation, they realize they are not alone in ministry; they can look around and know that they are walking on mission together,” she said.

Building knowledge, spirituality, and skills

The workshops were designed to “provide a dynamic assortment of topics to accompany, inspire, and support” catechists in three areas of ministry: knowledge about faith and culture, spirituality and self-care, and ways to teach and witness the faith to others. Presenters were encouraged to draw upon their own experiences and engage participants in conversation.

Topics included helping young people discover their vocations, working with migrants, common mistakes in catechesis, effective ways to engage students, and fostering friendships and hospitality within faith communities.

“This convocation was my first and definitely not my last!” said one enthusiastic participant, who added that the day was “full of knowledge, excitement, positivity, and so much more. It was such a blessing to be part of the event.”

Another catechist who took part in the Spanish-language workshops said that they were “excellent” and “very helpful for our faith formation classes!”

The convocation is made possible by the coordinating efforts of Gina Butler, Associate Director for Catechist Formation and Catechesis in Catholic Schools. Butler was supported by the Office for Lifelong Faith Formation staff and a large team of volunteers who welcome attendees, act as ushers and guides, and help with setup and other practical matters. One volunteer, Jen, said that despite many difficulties she has had in life, “God has always been present in my life.” She added that participating in the convocation was a way of “instilling that hope in my children and others around me.”

As the day wrapped up, the Office for Lifelong Faith Formation expressed its gratitude to Cardinal Tobin, Katherine Angulo, the workshop presenters, Paramus Catholic High School, and the many staffers and volunteers who gave of their time to make the convocation possible.

Catechists are invited to participate in the Jubilee Mass for Catechists on November 23, 2025 at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ.

For more information, visit the Office for Lifelong Faith Formation.

To view more images of the 2025 Catechist Convocation, click HERE.

Featured image: Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., delivers his homily during Mass at the 2025 Catechist Convocation in Paramus, NJ. (Photos by John Touhey / Archdiocese of Newark)