'Mary, Star of Evangelization' subject of April 28 Focus Day

photo courtesy Chela González

+ Enlarge

Chela González of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, N.M, will present a workshop titled, ?Mary, Star of Evangelization? April 28 at St. Vincent de Paul's Benvegnu Center. 

by Susan Northway

An evangelist is defined as one who announces the Gospel message. A catechist echoes the faith and passes it on to others. Mary of Nazareth assumed both roles. Our Lady stands out as her son’s first teacher in the faith. Through her knowledge of the Hebrew scriptures and salvation history, through her humble habits of daily prayer, her trust and resounding "Yes!" to God’s offer, Mary catechized Jesus. The document "On Catechesis in Our Time" identifies Mary, as "a living catechism (and) the mother and model of catechists." (73)

With this theology and heritage in mind, the Office of Religious Education will present a special spring focus day; "Mary, Star of Evangelization," April 28, at St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s Benvegnu Center, featuring Dr. Chela González, director of religious education for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, N.M. The diocesan workshop will explore Mary’s role as our guiding light on the pathway that leads to Jesus.

Not only was the Blessed Mother her son’s first teacher in the faith, she was also Christ’s first disciple. Within their human family, Jesus formed and taught his mother about his role as divine son who remained obedient to his heavenly father.

During Jesus’ first event of public ministry, the wedding at Cana, Mary instructed a worried steward and his staff to follow her son’s instruction. The miracle at Cana occurred and "his disciples began to believe in him." (Jn.2:11) Tradition teaches us that Mary the disciple remained with the followers of Christ in the upper room after her son’s death.

Sometimes referred to as the "Virgin of Pentecost," Mary is authentically the mother of the church who draws believers to Christ and assists in the church’s mission of salvation. (NDC, 74)

In her many appearances, Mary illuminates and guides the pilgrim path of all the faithful who seek communion with our triune God. Many nations have sought her patronage. In the United States, Mary the Immaculate Conception shines forth as the country’s patroness. Mary, Virgin of Guadalupe, is evangelist and patroness to the people of the Americas. From her first appearance as a beautiful mestiza, she continues today to inspire, teach, and accompany people on their faith journeys. She has been called "an impressive example of a perfectly inculturated evangelization." ("The Church in America," no. 11)

Today as in the past, many Catholics maintain an intense and powerful devotion to Mary. Marian devotion gives birth to beautiful prayers, folk traditions, and traditional sacramentals such as medals, icons, and rosaries. The artistic outpouring of Marian devotion helps evangelize and catechize the world.

Chela González began work as archdiocesan director of the office of religious education for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in August 2002, where she is part of the Pastoral Ministries Division staff. She was born in Mission, Texas, and raised in Hereford, Texas.

González left Hereford to study in San Antonio, where she stayed for 20 years and grew to love the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, she spent an academic year in Guadalajara studying Spanish. When she returned she continued her studies while doing ministry – both in a parish setting and an archdiocesan setting, earning a Masters Degree in theological studies from the Oblate School of Theology, and later a Doctorate in theocentric and pastoral counseling.

Alongside her catechetical responsibilities for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, González also serves in the following capacities: St Norbert’s College – adjunct professor of religious studies for the Masters Degree in Theological Studies Program; University of Dayton – IPI Partner (Arch)diocese for the Virtual Learning Center (VLCFF); Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish – parishioner, music ministry, liturgy planner; Ecumenical Institute for Ministry – faculty and formation committee, Albuquerque, N.M.; permanent deacon formation for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe – faculty; Escuela de Ministerios de la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe – faculty; Drawing Water from the Desert Ministries.

González’ wide experience in ministry include that of catechist, Catholic School teacher, youth minister, director of religious education, music ministry for liturgy, pastoral administrator, catechist formation, supervisor of seminarians in theological field education, director of permanent deacon formation. She is currently director of the office of religious education for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. She has directed retreats and is a certified spiritual director. She is a presenter both in English and Spanish, and has presented at the Dallas Ministries Conference, the El Paso Diocesan Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leaders. She has written a book of poetry entitled "Rejuvenation" and is also a contributor to the 2005 edition of "Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul."

Multimedia presentations, Marian crafts, prayer, and a catered luncheon will make this a wonderful day to celebrate and share in the beauty of Our Lady. The workshop fee is $15 which includes lunch and all supplies. All are invited and welcome to attend at St. Vincent de Paul Benvegnu Center from 10:00am to 2:00 pm. Please call 328-8641 ext. 326 to register.