Tuesdays, May 7 & 14
Zoom Sessions from 1-2:30pm ET

Inviting, Forming, and Supporting
Parish Catechists

Instructor: Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy

Our plans for inviting, forming, and supporting catechists often begin with the question, “How do we do this?”  While this course will provide practical information to address this question, the Directory for Catechesis inspires us to begin with the essential question: “Who invites, forms, and supports catechists?”  The answer, of course, is Christ.

Each of us has a unique vocation story of Christ’s invitation to catechetical ministry and the grace he continues to provide. By sharing our story and inviting others to do the same, a style of invitation, formation, and support emerges that touches the heart and inspires participation in a mission characterized by the One who entrusts us to hand on the faith to others.

About Our Instructor

Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy began her ministry in the field of Catholic catechetical leadership in the year 2000 upon earning a master’s degree in pastoral leadership from Chaminade University of Honolulu. She served as director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Honolulu for eighteen years. Prior to this appointment she was the Dean of Academics for secondary education and a teacher in the Hawaii Catholic Schools system. Jayne is a national speaker and author of two books: “Cultivating Your Catechists: How to Recruit, Encourage, and Retain Successful Catechists” (Loyola Press, 2017) and “Planning for Restored Order” (Twenty-Third Publications, 2021), is a regular contributor to “The Catechist Journey” blog hosted by Loyola Press, and is a course designer and facilitator for the University of Dayton Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation. She has served on the advisory committee for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs, the Subcommittee on Native American Affairs and as treasurer and vice-president for the National Conference of Catechetical Leaders.

COMPLETED: April 11 & 18
Zoom Sessions from 1-2:30pm ET

Building Intercultural Competence in Catechetical Ministry

Instructor: Sister Ruth Bolarte, D.Min.

The Intercultural Competence Course is firmly grounded in church documents addressing culture, evangelization, and catechesis, emphasizing the profound truth that God consistently meets us within the realm of culture, encompassing ethnic, sociological, and historical contexts. Through engaging online dialogues and activities, we will collaboratively delve into our identities as cultural beings, examining the significance of culture and language in the faith formation process. Furthermore, we will explore the wealth that culturally and linguistically diverse learners contribute to both our Church and society.

About Our Instructor

Sister Ruth Bolarte, IHM is a member of the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, Pa. A native of Peru, she holds degrees in theology from Immaculata University and St. Charles Seminary in Pennsylvania. She graduated with a doctorate in ministry from the School of Theology and Religious Studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She has been involved in parish and diocesan ministry working in areas of adult faith and leadership formation, both national and internationally, within an intercultural context. She is, also, adjunct professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University and Pastoral Consultant for Renew International.

COMPLETED: March 7 & 14
Zoom Sessions from 1-2:30pm ET

Leadership Skills & Practices for Catechetical Leaders

Instructor: Dr. Dan Ebener

The Leadership Skills & Practices Professional Development Course is designed to prepare catechetical leaders for the activity of parish leadership. We will...

1. Approach leadership as a voluntary and interactive activity (not a position) that intends adaptive change.
2. Reflect on Scripture, with its call to servant leadership.
3. Identify the adaptive challenges facing the Catholic Church today (ways in which the church needs to adapt)
4. Explore possible pastoral solutions to these adaptive challenges.
5. Practice the dialogical skills (such as asking questions, listening and facilitating meetings) that are needed to lead adaptive change.

About Our Instructor

Dr. Dan Ebener is a Professor in the Department of Management at St. Ambrose University. He teaches courses on leadership theory, strategic planning, conflict resolution, dialogical skills, leading change, and servant leadership. Dr. Ebener's research interests include leading adaptive change in the Catholic Church, the impact of helping in a collectivist culture, the parables of Jesus applied to leadership, and revitalization of the Catholic Church.Dr. Ebener has authored five leadership books, conducted strategic planning for more than 300 organizations, and served on over 50 nonprofit boards. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Ebener was the Director of Catholic Charities from 1986-2006, Social Ministry in the Church from 1976-2006, and Director of Interfaith Activities, Fellowship of Reconciliation from 1979-1983.

COMPLETED: February 6 & 13
Zoom Sessions from 1-2:30pm ET

Catechesis on Prayer & Prayer Practices

Instructor: John Michael Reyes

The Catechesis on Prayer Professional Development Course will consider various forms of prayer and spiritual practices with a focus on both personal and ministerial growth. We will explore the relationship between personality and spiritual growth, the dynamics of the catechumenate via liturgical and mystagogical prayer and catechesis, and other spiritual practices that can support catechists in engaging the next generation of missionary disciples. Participants will also explore various ways to incorporate prayer practices into practical ministerial areas such as retreats, online and in person, and developing other faith sharing opportunities that will be useful for their areas of ministry.

About Our Instructor

​John Michael Reyes is Director of Adult Spirituality at Saint Ignatius College Preparation in San Francisco. He holds a Master of Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University (Berkeley, CA) and a Certificate in Liturgical Art & Architecture from Saint John's School of Theology Seminary (Collegeville, MN). He has experiences as a P-12 teacher, hospital chaplain, retreat director, and as a campus minister for Jesuit Universities particularly in the areas of Liturgy and Sacramental Formation. He is a frequently sought-after liturgy coordinator and cantor for national conferences, including the annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. He assists with TeamRCIA, and his writings can be found through Liturgical Press, Liturgy Training Publications, Paulist Press and Twenty-Third Publications. John Michael lives in San Francisco, CA.