SALT LAKE CITY — The annual Diocese of Salt Lake City Pastoral Congress will offer a full slate of speakers and presentations for adult faith formation in English and Spanish on Saturday, Sept. 22.
"Our yearly diocesan Congress is a rich opportunity for each and every Catholic to deepen and mature in the fullness of their Christian life," said Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general. "Congress is a unique resource, beyond the normal formation that takes place in our individual homes and parishes, to see that the faithful (lay and ordained) are helped to reach true Christian maturity. Unfortunately, catechetical activity is still regarded by many Catholics as something belonging to childhood or as a prerequisite for the reception of the sacraments. Growth and maturation in the faith is a lifelong challenge. Living our lives as true disciples of Jesus Christ is so much more than learning doctrines or understanding truths. We are witnesses to and sharers in a mystery that we live and lovingly communicate to others. And every baptized Christian is called to this mission. To accomplish such a vocation requires learning and formation that is continuing, systematic, and whole for the strengthening of our internal life as a community of believers and our external activity as a missionary church in charitable service to the world."
The Congress theme is "Hospitality: All Are Welcome in This Place."
One keynote speaker for the event is Glenmary Father Les Schmidt of the Glenmary Home Missioners and the Congar Institute for Ministry Development, who will reflect on how to extend hospitality to marginalized people in the community.
"Social justice and hospitality are intimately related; it’s a just practice to welcome people who are unknown to us," said Susan Northway, the diocese’s director of religious education. "I think Fr. Schmidt’s sharing of anecdotes will be fascinating."
The keynote address in Spanish will be given by the Most Rev. José Arturo Cepeda Escobedo, Bishop of Detroit. His presentation, "We are Bridges," will focus on the spiritual growth of people with the new evangelization.
Other speakers include Jesús Abrego, the 2012 recipient of the Catholic Extension Society’s Lumen Christi Award, who will give English and Spanish presentations regarding youth and young adult ministry; and Steve and Palmira Perea Hay, who will begin the day with a special program at 7 a.m., focusing on lay ecclesial ministry.
Additional topics include stewardship, Catholic social teaching, catechesis, adult faith formation and Marian prayer.
"One of the things that’s different this year is that we have more guest speakers from outside Utah, who are bringing insights to us," Northway said.
The 2012 Pastoral Congress will be Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Skaggs Catholic Center, Draper. Late registration will begin at 8 a.m.; a bilingual morning prayer service will begin at 8:15 a.m., led by the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, who also will preside at the Mass at 11:30 a.m. Various workshops will be offered throughout the day, which will end at 4 p.m. Information and registration available online at http://www.dioslc.org/ministries/education/pastoral-congress-2012 or by calling Susan Northway in the Office of Religious Education at 801-328-8641 ext. 326 or Maria Cruz Gray in the Office of Hispanic Ministry, 801-328-8641 ext. 361.
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