Hundreds of Catholics to attend Convocation, annual day of education, formation in the faith

SMITHFIELD — The 53rd annual Diocese of Providence Faith Formation Convocation is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at Bryant University. The event will feature dynamic speakers, more than 20 workshops in both English and Spanish discussing a variety of topics including parish evangelization, science and environment, Catholic education, youth ministry and much more. The Faith Formation Convocation is an opportunity to grow in personal and missionary discipleship and to encourage one another for the mission of evangelization.
The day will begin with Mass celebrated by Bishop Thomas J. Tobin. The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will also be available throughoutthe day. The Convocation will showcase two levels of exhibitors and vendors as well as an all-you-can-eat lunch.
This year, the Office of Faith Formation for the diocese, is pleased to welcome Notre Dame University’s McGrath Institute for Church Life as one of the event’s sponsors. Eight speakers from the institute will be offering breakout sessions in the area of science and religion, many topics expanding on science and the Bible, creation and evolution, and the Church’s vision of gender.
“These are open to everyone, but should be of particularly interest to Catholic school teachers who teach science and religion,” said Michelle Donovan, assistant director of the Office of Faith Formation.
There will be several national speakers giving talks this year, including Mike Aquilina, executive vice-president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, who will deliver the keynote address. His talk, entitled “The Martyr’s Cup,” will focus on the early Church and how they spoke about the Eucharist.
William Patenaude, a Catholic author and environmental engineer, will present a breakout session entitled, “Care for our Common Home: Safe, Effective and Eco-Friendly Land Use,” which will serve as a follow up to the successful eco-series that was held in the diocese this past Fall.
The annual convocation is a wonderful opportunity for Catholics throughout Rhode Island and surrounding areas to be inspired, renewed, and engage in conversations with other Catholics about the best practices for evangelization.
“We know that all of the sessions offered will be beneficial for participants to increase their own love and knowledge of the Catholic faith, but we also intend that these sessions will give them the language they need to evangelize and confidently share the faith with others,” said Donovan.
Nearly 800 people attend this event each year. For more information, including a list of speakers and topics, or to register, visit www.discovercatholicfaith.org/convocation. Please contact the Office of Faith Formation at (401) 278-4646 with any questions or if you need help registering. The deadline to register is March 7.