More than 600 religious educators were trained at the 2024 Catechist Convocation at Notre Dame de la Baie Academy High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This event was made possible through a Catholic Foundation Advancing the Mission (ATM) Lifelong Catechesis Endowment grant.
Held on October 19, 2024, the Catechist Convocation brought together parish catechetical leaders, RCIA Coordinators, catechists, youth ministers, and Catholic School teachers to discuss the shared mission of helping more people discover Jesus.
The day included Mass, keynote presentations from experts in the field, and workshop opportunities for leaders to learn about their particular areas of ministry, inspiring and giving leaders the tools they need to share Jesus in their parishes. There were also presentations held by members of the Catholic Foundation team about grants, World Mission Services, and more.
Thanks to Kately Javier from the Diocesan Office of Evangelizing Catechesis, hundreds of catechists receive the resources and support they need to give young people hope. The Convocation was another example of how catechists are supported.
“The 2024 Catechist Convocation was a beautiful moment of grace for the Church of Green Bay! Over 300 catechists gathered to discern the needs of our young people and to embrace our call to go forth to form missionary disciples. This day was a great opportunity to share in prayer and fellowship with the wonderful leaders dedicated to building up the Kingdom of God across our local church,” said Javier.
Javier also showed gratitude for the Catholic Foundation’s support through the Bishop’s Appeal. Javier’s role in the diocesan Office of Evangelizing Catechesis is supported by the Bishop’s Appeal.
“I am so grateful to the Catholic Foundation for their support of the Office of Evangelizing Catechesis through grants and the Bishop’s Appeal. Because of the Foundation’s support, our office supports, forms and accompanies Catholic leaders, helping them share Jesus with others,” shared Javier.
As religious educators impact the lives of more of our youth, our young people are then also moved to start a lifelong friendship with Jesus. Amy Van Schyndel, an Educator at St. Sebastian Parish in Isaar, noted how the Convocation was impactful in her own formation as well.
“It was great to attend this event with catechists from my parish and learn alongside them and hundreds of other catechists. We found more ways to help children discover Jesus, and we deepened our faith in the process. I am thankful to the Catholic Foundation for making this possible,” shared Van Schyndel.
Because of the support of many generous families to the Advancing the Mission campaign, Catholic Foundation grant recipients like the 2024 Catechist Convocation can help more people share Jesus. Together in faith, we leave a legacy for a brighter tomorrow!