The diocesan Office for Catechesis will present the Diocesan Adult Enrichment Conference (DAEC) at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel at 4191 US 36 West (Wyckles Road) in Decatur Nov. 16-17.
The theme for this year's conference, which is sponsored in part by the Annual Catholic Services Appeal, is "Growing Communities of Faith." According to Jonathan Sullivan, director of Catechetical Services, that theme brings to mind Jesus' parables of sowing and harvesting; a way to remind members of the Catholic Church to proclaim Christ in word and faith. He said the biennial event is open to all adults who are interested in deepening their appreciation for — and understanding of — the Catholic faith.
Sullivan said this year's DAEC speakers will assist participants in "understanding how we can seek to grow the Catholic faith in parishes, schools and communities so that all people may come to know and love Jesus Christ." He added that includes evangelizing the students in our Catholic schools, the poor and the sick, our family and friends, and even citizens of the "digital continent."
Chris Malmevik, associate director for Catechesis, said it is exciting to have Sherry Weddell as the keynote speaker as she is extremely well-known as being the author of Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus. Weddell, who presents internationally, co-founded and serves as co-director of the Catherine of Siena Institute.
Kathy Mears, the superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Boston, will give the closing address and will offer workshops on welcoming diverse learners to schools. Also featured at the event is Julie Carrick, who is a recording artist who uses her real life experiences to bring words to her music and to her workshops. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will be presiding at liturgies and will give closing remarks.
Katherine Coolidge, also of the Catherine of Siena Institute, will be giving a special extended session for parish leadership called "Forming Disciples in the Parish: The New Evangelization and the Parish." This session occurs on Monday during Sessions 2 and 3 and is open to clergy, DREs/CREs, liturgists, pastoral associates, principal and youth ministers. Tickets are required for the session, which promises to help create a parish culture of discipleship and integrate evangelizing skills into every aspect of parish life and ministry.
Other session speakers are both national experts and local diocesan leaders who will cover topics such as: becoming an evangelist as a parish leader, teacher or catechist; Catholic social teaching on stewardship and sustainability; evangelizing in RCIA; laying the foundation in youth ministry; faith in the family; understanding and implementing diocesan religious curriculum standards; and more.
Once again this year, the Office for Catechesis is offering pre-conference sessions on Saturday, Nov. 15, with sessions on athletics, young adult ministry and youth ministry. Speakers for that day will speak on the role of the Catholic coach, engaging a new generation, and responding to the needs and evangelizing to people in their 20s and 30s. Fees for those sessions vary from $20 to $40.
From now until Oct. 30, the fees for the main DAEC conference are $50 for the entire conference or $40 for one day only. After Oct. 30 those fees will increase to $55 for the full conference or $45 for Sunday or Monday.
Parishes and schools have already received registration packets but individuals can also register and pay online at www.dio.org/catechesis/daec — or interested individuals can call Chris Malmevik at (217) 698-8500, ext. 178 or email .