The Center for Theological and Spiritual Development (Center) at the College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), 2 Convent Road, Morristown, N.J., will present its first state-wide Hispanic Catechetical Congress on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. in the College’s new Annunciation Center. This year’s Conference will be the first state-wide gathering of the Spanish-speaking Catechetical community in New Jersey.

The inaugural event will offer insights for personal development and ministry to those serving as teachers to the Spanish-speaking community. Most Rev. Edgar M. Da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, will lead in opening prayer; Cuban native Dr. Maria de Los Ángeles García will preside as keynote speaker for the day.

Cost for this year’s Conference is $25 (lunch included). To register or for more information, contact the CSE Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at (973) 290-4300, or visit the Center online at www.cse.edu/center.

Dr. García has served in the Archdiocese of Havana as associate director for the Catechetical Department, the president of the Cuban Catholic Action Organization, and was employed by the Archdiocese of Newark and served there as associate director for Hispanic Religious Education for 25 years. While in this position, Dr. García created a catechist formation program that is still being used today for the formation of catechists in various dioceses.

“Dr. García has an impressive history of commitment to education and forming and transforming the People of God at the parish, diocesan, national, and international levels,” says Dr. Linda Baratte, CSE director of the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development. “From her early experiences in Castro’s Cuba, where she was imprisoned for her refusal to cease teaching the Gospel, to her ‘retirement’ where she continues to teach and learn, her passion for religious education has been a blessing to the Church.”

As a special highlight, the College will present to Dr. García its prestigious Caritas Award in recognition of her more than 35-year record of dedication and professionalism in serving the Spanish-speaking community as a religious educator.

In addition to the day’s feature presentation, the Conference will include two sessions of 12 workshops from which to choose, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and again from 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. These workshops include “Hispanic Traditions and Catechesis,” presented by Sister Ana Josefa Fajardo of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Newark; and “Using Justice and Peace Heroes of Our Time for Catechesis with Hispanic Youth,” with Rita Ann Martinez, director for Religious Education in Houston, TX.

The Center is known nationwide for the annual Spirituality Convocation and Summer Institute programs that draw theologians from around the country and thousands of people of all faiths to the campus in celebration of spirituality and cultural diversity. For more information about the Center and its upcoming events, call 973-290-4300, or visit online at www.cse.edu/center.
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