7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Downingtown, PA • Directions
We are excited to present the Archdiocese of Philadelphia new teacher catechetical orientation. This event is open to all K-8 Catholic school teachers that are new to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the 2022-2023 school year.
Registration for this event is being handled by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
This catechetical program is made possible by a grant from the Ambassador's Fund for Catholic Education, the successor name to the Archdiocesan Educational Fund. This charitable organization was created and funded by Matthew H. McCloskey, Jr. (1893-1973), building contractor and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland (1962-64), in 1967 to advance Catholic education and evangelization throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The name of the fund changed in February 2020.
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.