Annual Pastoral Congress will be filled with hope

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Tony Melendez offers Pope John Paul II a music tape. Melendez has no arms and plays the guitar with his feet. He will be the keynote speaker of the Annual Pastoral Congress on Oct. 10. and will offer a concert the next day in the Juan Diego Catholic High School auditorium at 7 p.m.

DRAPER — "We Have Set Our Hope on the Living God" will be the theme of the Annual Diocesan Pastoral Congress that will take place on Oct. 10 at the Skaggs Catholic Center. The words of Saint Paul in Timothy 4:10 that Pope Benedict XVI used in his address at the recent World Youth Day gave inspiration to this year’s theme.

"The question of hope is truly central to our lives as human beings and our mission as Christians, especially in these times. We are all aware of the need for hope, not just any kind of hope, but a firm and reliable hope…" said the pope.

"This is a congress that summons the catechists and pastoral leaders of the entire diocese to obtain a better knowledge of our faith," said Father Omar Ontiveros, parochial vicar of the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City.

The keynotes, workshops, and liturgical celebrations offered throughout the day will echo the same message of hope and will be open to the general public.

Chris Patrone, chair of the theology faculty of Juan Diego Catholic High School, will present "A Prayer of Hope: The Labyrinth." The Labyrinth is an ancient devotional prayer form.

Deacon Mike Bulson, from Saint Andrew Parish, will present "The Gift of Hope – The Spirituality of Thomas Merton." With his presentation Deacon Bulson will give an insight of the 20th century trappist monk whose spiritual journey and writings have inspired many around the world.

With her theme "Messianic Hope and Right Relationship Transforming the Christian Life," Doctor Kandie Brinkman will offer a powerful view of Jesus’ teachings in our time.

A path for Christian seeking the "love of God which casts out fear" will be described in Jakob Rinderknecht’s presentation "Monastic Spirituality for Everyday Living," which will be based from Saint Benedict’s description of the Christian life and his "little rule for beginners."

Father Javier Virgen, assistant director of the Office of Vocations, and Deacon Ricardo Arias, will present "Exploring Vocations – Our Hope for the Future."

The keynote speaker will be Tony Melendez with the theme "Announcing the Hope-filled Gospel." Melendez will also offer a concert to conclude the Autumn Catholic Teen Social (ACTS) Oct. 11 at the Juan Diego High School auditorium.

"He is a very special singer because he does not have any arms and plays the guitar with his feet. He played his guitar for Pope John Paul II" during a World Youth Day, said Fr. Ontiveros.

"With his music and special gift, we realize that despite the challenges and obstacles in our lives, with God, everything is possible. I once watched his testimonial on video, where he said that every time he sees someone with his or her two arms doing something, he is witnessing a miracle. This tells us we should not take what we have for granted," he said.

Other congress speakers include Sister Madonna Figura; Dan John, a writer for "Catechetical Update" and "Utah Historical Quarterly" and a columnist for the Intermountain Catholic; Tony and Diana Hanebrink; Dee Rowland, Government liaison for the diocese; Father Juan Molina; Deacon Forrest Gray, director of Continuing Education for Deacons; Rich Barra, physicist and member of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish; Father Sam Dinsdale, of Saint Patrick Parish; Kevin and Barbara Acker, Utah coordinators for Worldwide Marriage Encounter; Tami Bernstein; William Trentman, theology teacher at Juan Diego Catholic High School; Carol Ruddell; Timothy Johnston, diocesan director of Liturgy; Doctor Brian Manternach, instructor of vocal music at Juan Diego; and Marianne Roszahegyi, theology teacher at Juan Diego.