"Lord, Teach us to pray." Jesus' own Apostles asked for His help in learning to pray. So often our students and even we ourselves need help praying. Prayer is something so essential to the Christian life, yet it can often seem complicated. Join our Workshop staff for a FREE one-day program in the Diocese of Grand Rapids for Catholic School teachers on finding simple yet profound ways we can enter and help our students enter into a more intimate relationship with our Lord through prayer. This Workshop blends scholar presentations with interactive pedagogical sessions, giving you a chance to explore content with a respected college professor, as well as explore and simulate practical teaching strategies with ready-to-use classroom materials. Share best practices with your fellow teachers, enjoy catered breakfast and lunch, and engage in both formal and informal discussions.
Engaging sessions by a catechetical scholar provide background knowledge so you can confidently engage students with our Faith.
You'll explore your vocation as a teacher, coming to see your calling as a witness to Christ in the classroom.
A veteran teacher follows each scholarly presentation with research-based teaching strategies, giving you immediate ways to apply this knowledge in the classroom.
Receive a free, classroom-tested teacher's guide featuring 10-12 lessons with classroom activities and sacred art.
Jose Gonzalez joined the team at Sophia Institute for Teachers after more than 10 years as a high school teacher at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, Kansas. In addition to teaching, he has also worked as a youth minister and a coordinator of Totus Tuus in the Archdiocese of Denver. Jose is also an experienced speaker and presenter whose experiences include youth and Confirmation gatherings, RCIA classes, and adult faith formation. Jose 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 two daughters and a son.
Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM, is Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. A member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, she holds a BA in theology and elementary education from St. Louis University and an MA from the Angelicum, awarded after completing studies at Notre Dame Catechetical Institute. She also earned the Pontifical Catechetical Diploma as well as an undergraduate degree in deaf communication. She has completed her doctorate at Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, England. Involved in catechetics in all its forms, at every level, Sr. Johanna has also spent several years as a Catholic school teacher. In 1999, Sr. Johanna joined the Theology faculty of Franciscan University. She specializes in catechetics, and teaches both graduate and undergraduate students. In addition to her teaching duties, Sr. Johanna travels throughout the country presenting workshops on catechist training, catechist retreats, and catechesis for persons with disabilities. Sr. Johanna is also engaged in research on the role of Catholic sisters in the American Civil War.
360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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