The Office of Evangelization and Discipleship of the Diocese of Raleigh led a delegation of 12 parish leaders to the annual St. John Bosco Conference at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.
The Bosco Conference provided spiritual and professional development for lay ministry leaders across the diocese. Participants came from parishes in Fayetteville, Clayton, Newton Grove, New Bern, Jacksonville, Swansboro, Sanford, Goldsboro and Cary as well as the diocesan staff.
Participants in the three-day training chose a conference track that addressed their particular area of ministry. Training tracks diocesan participants chose included Youth Ministry, Young Adult, Parish Catechetical Leader, Catechist and Diocesan Leader.
Several participants shared their thoughts on the experience:
"My conference experience was one that consisted of spiritual renewal, deepening conversion and practical methodologies, which I hope will bear much spiritual fruit in my parishes. It was amazing being with so many other catechetical leaders and youth ministers who are all working so diligently in the vineyard of the Lord." - Trina Wilson, DRE at St. Mildred, Swansboro and Infant of Prague, Jacksonville
"I sensed a dynamic way to discover the orthodox teaching of the Church, so that catechists can help move the faithful into actual relationship with God and neighbor through the Kerygma. First, catechists need to enkindle the fire of the Holy Spirit in their (our) own hearts, so that we can share it sincerely and with excitement." - Carlos Cortes, DRE at St. Patrick, Fayetteville
"Everyone at the St. John Bosco Conference was filled with joy and love for the Lord. I learned so much, but two things that stick out for me are: 1) God loves me how I am right now. 2) When you are in love, you give without counting -- that's how we should love Jesus." - Mary Lindsey Edwards, Youth Minister at St. Paul, New Bern
"One of the best things I took with me from this conference is the importance of prayer and love. I will definitely come back next time." - Azucena Del Rio Diaz, Youth Ministry Coordinator SALT
"We set out to encounter the risen Christ and were not disappointed. We met him in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, in the sacrament of reconciliation, in the study of his Word, in missionary training, in fellowship and in the silence of our hearts. We now go back to our parishes rejuvenated to bring the life of Christ to those we are given in ministry." - Patrick Ginty, Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Raleigh
For more information on how your parish can participate in the Catechetical Institute formation or to plan for next year’s Bosco Conference, please reach out to Patrick Ginty, Director of Faith Formation.