8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Denver, CO • Directions
Join our Workshop staff a for a one-day program on what the Catechism refers to as the "source and summit" of our Faith. Explore how the Eucharist is truly a Sacrament of love and how you can lead your students to receive greater spiritual fruit from Communion. You’ll learn the Old Testament roots of the Eucharist, as well as how their fulfillment is found in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
This Workshop blends scholar presentations with interactive pedagogical sessions, giving you a chance to explore content with a respected scholar, as well as explore and simulate practical teaching strategies with ready-to-use classroom materials. Share best practices with your fellow teachers, and engage in both formal and informal discussions.
Schedule
Join us, and you'll receive…

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

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

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.

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.