ECED Semi-Annual Meeting
Members of the Eastern Catholic Eparchial Directors of religious education
(ECED) met during the first week of November. For a first-time-ever, the
group’s meeting was conducted on the West Coast.
The Retreat House of the Benedictine Prince of Peace Abbey
in Oceanside, California provided a serene venue for the educators to
gather to discuss and deliberate the issues that decide how best the eparchies
may serve catechists by providing substantive material for use in the
classrooms and discussion groups.
The crowded agenda for the thirteen members of ECED present
first addressed the task of revision of the Grade Seven text of the God
With Us Publications series. A page-by-page critique of the draft copy
was undergone. The comments and suggestions were noted and returned to
Fr Fred Saato, editor, to incorporate into the text. A day-and-a-half
went into the process of refining the ideas after all had a chance to
express opinions and concerns over the content, approach, practicality
and style of the book—and the teachers’ manual that will accompany
it. As well, an overview of the Grade Eight text was presented, so that
its revision may be initiated soon.
Other projects already underway and in various stages of
development were addressed with progress reports. These include a series
of facilitators’ guides for the three-volume Light for Life Catechism
series, which is already published. The material, approved and promulgated
by the Eastern Catholic bishops of the United States, would certainly
benefit from a tool to use in bringing out the theological insights and
issues contained in it. Likewise, attention was drawn to the Catechetical
Sunday poster that is to be readied for next September’s observance.
As well, a revised version of a “Writer’s Guide” was presented
for discussion and amendment prior to it final preparation and presentation
to those who may be selected to author any material for God With Us Publications.
An inventory analysis was distributed and its details discussed—and
decisions made concerning the need for reprints of dwindling stock—and
methods of making people aware of some of the other material available—but
sitting on warehouse shelves.
Further discussion was made on the topic of upgrading the
website and finding ways to better serve the catechists—or any other
interested person—in their search for information specifically on
the Eastern Churches.
Seeking to find ways of providing a method for catechists
to learn techniques and share in their experiences with others, a steering
committee has been established to investigate the possibility of symposia
or conferences that might increase the efficacy of their efforts in their
work in instructing others.
All in all, the days were productive, and there was even
time left for prayer, meals, and some socializing when the work was done.
All left, looking forward to the next meeting, and more issues to resolve.
Fr James Banksto, Sr Olga Marie Faryna, and Dr Frances Colie listen
to a point being made by Fr Fred Saato [second from right]. |
Bishop Nicholas Samra, Fr Elias Rafaj, Fr Gregory Noga, Dr Barbara
Lutz and Fr Anthony Hernandez are attentive to one of the points
of discussion. |
|
Members of ECED paused for a photo in the chapel after the Divine
Liturgy celebrated the first full day of the meeting. They (and
their (arch)eparchy or affiliation) are--LEFT-RIGHT: Fr James Bankston,
(St Nicholas); Sr Olga Marie Faryna OSBM, (St Josaphat); Fr Al Forlano,
(Stamford); Dr Barbara Lutz, (Passaic); Sr Marion Dobos, OSB, (Pittsburgh);
Archpriest John Kachuba, (Parma); Bishop Nicholas Samra, (liaison
for Eastern Catholic bishops); Very Rev Gregory Noga, (Passaic);
Fr Anthony Hernandez, (Van Nuys); Fr John Lucas, (St Nicholas);
Fr Elias Rafaj, (Pittsburgh) and Fr Fred Saato (bathed in harsh
sunlight—God With Us Publications). Absent for the photograph:
Dr Frances Colie (Newton). |
