ARTICLES

Catechists challenged to remain hopeful

Over 100 catechetical leaders from across the diocese gathered May 15–16 at the Roslyn Episcopal Conference Center in Richmond for the Annual Sullivan Conference for Catechetical Leaders presented by the diocesan Office of Christian Formation.

Father Robert Duggan, a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington who holds a doctoral degree from Catholic University in sacramental and liturgical theology, challenged the leaders present to take the words of the National Directory for Catechesis seriously when it says that “the baptismal catechumenate is the source of inspiration for all catechesis.” (pg. 115)

While many pastors and catechetical leaders continue to follow an academic approach, the Directory calls for catechetical processes linked closely to the liturgy and which constantly call us to conversion and active discipleship, taking into consideration the individual needs of those coming to belief (initiatory) or those fully initiated (ongoing) who long to deepen their Catholic faith.

Father Duggan called for a balance between content, based on systematic study of scripture and Tradition, and formation, which utilizes ritual, communal prayer and discussion which relates faith and belief to situations of family, work and civic life.

Father Duggan served as pastor of St. Rose of Lima parish in Gaithersburg, MD, for 19 years until 2005. St. Rose received national recognition as an exemplary Catholic parish and was listed in Paul Wilkes’ publication Excellent Catholic Parishes.

The Richmond gathering honored several religious educators who are retiring from catechetical ministry. Those honored this year included Ann Ruggaber of Immaculate Conception in Hampton, Sister Mary Farrell of Incarnation in Charlottesville, Carol Hiett of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Anne Gildea of Prince of Peace in Chesapeake, Sharyn Sexton of St. Patrick in Lexington, and Patty Huffman of Blessed Sacrament in Harrisonburg.

In addition, Region 10 religious educators Marty Huber and JoAnn Detta were recognized.

Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo thanked the retirees and also called upon those continuing in catechetical ministry to remain hopeful in their parish ministry even in the face of often trying circumstances.

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