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August 24, 2023It was a day that promised opportunities for inspiration, prayer and reflection. Participants left the Oklahoma City Convention Center having heard from national speakers and participated in breakout sessions that aimed to better equipped to turn inspiration into action at their parishes.
In addition to the keynote speakers, breakout sessions led by nine individuals steeped in the response to Christ's command to "Go make disciples" provided answers to important questions, practical resources, tips and real-world examples to address challenges to mission.
Encounter
The first breakout sessions focused on encounter, including an explanation from Father Agustino Torres of an encounter with Christ as the necessary first step in the process of conversion to discipleship. God's desire to love people as unique individuals, prayer as encounter and Christian hospitality rounded out the available options.
"Father Agustino's talk reminded us of our first encounter with our Lord. Once a person has an encounter with the Lord, nothing is the same again. Something changed forever in our lives," said Jesus and Rocio Juarez, Saint James the Greater Catholic Church.
Accompany
The second breakout series was about accompanying others on the evangelization path. From the art of conversation to small groups based on the model Jesus gave with the apostles, along with guidance on training for mission and healing for authentic relationship, these breakouts gave participants much to ponder in the coming weeks.
Sue Ryan, theology department coordinator at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, attended Jim Beckman's talk on healing for authentic relationship. She said she was reminded that everyone needs to spend quiet time considering their own areas of brokenness, and that everyone is called to minister to the brokenhearted.
"Jesus is always with us, and our wounds are a unique access point to intimacy with Christ. We can invite Jesus into the wound to heal, restore and lead us toward love, peace, and gratitude," said Ryan.
"I'd love to find a safe and comfortable way to invite new people in or invite those that have left back, to build a true sense of community and a place to belong," said Emily Pickett, director of religious education at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Okarche, after hearing Matt Regitz' talk on the art of conversation.
Community
The last series of breakout sessions directed everyone's attention to community. The celebration of the Eucharist, the Church's liturgical calendar and love of neighbor are key occasions for community. In union with God and each other, people change the way they live in their homes, communities and parishes.
Sheri Wohlfert's talk on “Time as a Teacher” and the liturgical calendar was a favorite of AJ Meier, a parishioner at Saint Joseph Old Cathedral.
"Sheri inspired me to realize that God is present in every moment, and I should stop waiting to be holy, but live in the present, knowing that God gives us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it," said Meier.
