Catechetical Workshop

Christian Anthropology: Responding to Modern Challenges, Diocese of Buffalo

March 07, 2024
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Diocese of Buffalo, NY (Diocese of Buffalo Catholic Center)
Buffalo, NY • Directions

Catechetical Leaders, Catechists, Youth Ministers, and Pastors from the Diocese of Buffalo, NY are invited to join our team for a one-day Workshop on addressing gender ideology. Explore the truth of the human person, the reality of sex, and the magnitude of the cultural influences of gender ideology from a societal level to your local community. Learn facts about gender dysphoria, transgender identification, and the psycho-social, medical, and surgical interventions to align the appearance of the body with self-determined identity. Understand Church teaching on the dignity of the person and medical ethics of “gender-affirming care” and the meaning of true accompaniment for vulnerable persons and help for those who are suffering. Finally, receive activities, lesson ideas, and practical tools to help guide you in navigating this difficult issue with your students.

Schedule


10:00-10:30am
Check-in and Refreshments

10:30-10:45am
Program Introduction

10:45-11:15am
Defining the Human Person through Images
Examine sacred art and other images to discuss how Christian anthropology and gender ideology define the human person.

11:15am-12:00pm
Theological Considerations: A Basic Overview of Theology of the Body
Spend time reflecting on the beautiful teachings of the Theology of the Body and how it is one key to addressing gender ideology

12:00-12:45pm
Holy Mass

12:45-1:30pm
Lunch

1:30-2:15pm
A Clash of Anthropologies
This session will explore the current secular cultural view and contrast it with the Catholic worldview.

2:15-2:30pm
Break

2:30-3:00pm
Scientific and Medical Considerations
This session will explore the science of sexual dimorphism and the effects of psycho-social, hormonal, and surgical interventions on transgender-identifying individuals.

3:00-3:45pm
A Pastoral Response: Practical Tips on Accompanying Students and Parents
Learn what the Church truly means by accompaniment and receive practical strategies to help guide students and parents who are hurting.

3:45-4:00pm
Additional Resources, Evaluation

Join us, and you'll receive…

Catechetical Formation

Catechetical Formation

Engaging sessions by a catechetical scholar provide background knowledge so you can confidently engage students with our Faith.

Spriritual Formation

Spiritual Formation

You'll explore your vocation as a teacher, coming to see your calling as a witness to Christ in the classroom.

Practical Application

Practical Application

A veteran teacher follows each scholarly presentation with research-based teaching strategies, giving you immediate ways to apply this knowledge in the classroom.

Ready-to-Use Materials

Ready-to-Use Materials

Receive a free, classroom-tested teacher's guide featuring 10-12 lessons with classroom activities and sacred art.

Presenters

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Deacon Gerard-Marie Anthony is a deacon and Director of Religious Education for Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He received his B.A in Theology from Christendom College and his M.A in Theology from the Catholic Distance University.  He has written for numerous magazines such as Our Sunday Visitor, Mind and Spirit: Integrating Psychology and Faith, Ethics and Medics, the Black Catholic Ministries Newsletter, Deacon Digest, Lay Witness,  Homiletic and Pastoral Review, Immaculate Heart Messenger, CatholicMatch, and the Catholic Stand.   He also has two apostolates which are A M.O.M.S Peace (an organization that helps mothers experiencing the trauma of a miscarriage or stillborn birth) and Mother Of Light Center (which helps to bring the love of God to the homeless and those who are forgotten and abandoned). 

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Jose Gonzalez joined the team at Sophia Institute for Teachers in 2014 after more than 10 years as a Catholic high school teacher. In addition to teaching, Jose has experience working in parish and diocesan ministry. Jose has been leading Workshops in over 60 dioceses for more than 8 years, and contributes regularly to our teacher's guides and digital instructional resources. He has a BA in theology with a concentration in religious education from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and an MA in evangelization and catechesis from the Augustine Institute. Jose and his wife, Mary Beth, have four children.

795 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA


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