CATECHETICAL WORKSHOP

Archdiocese of Chicago Teacher Retreat, Fall 2026(Option 4)

Name: Archdiocese of Chicago Teacher Retreat, Fall 2026(Option 4)
Start: 2026-08-13T08:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-08-13T14:30:00-05:00
Location: Marytown – the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe

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Marytown – the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe

1600 W Park Ave
Libertyville, IL 60048 United States

August 13, 2026

8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Retreat Overview

Archdiocese of Chicago Teachers are invited to join us for a day of prayer, reflection, and formation. Spend time reflecting on the themes of Encounter, Explore, Grow & Go. You will be given the opportunity to step away and be renewed in your vocation as a teacher.

This retreat blends speaker presentations with interactive sessions, giving you a chance to explore content with a respected speaker, as well as explore and simulate practical strategies to help you, and your students grow in the spiritual life. Share best practices and enjoy catered breakfast and lunch with your fellow Archdiocese of Chicago teachers.

Schedule

8:30-9:00am

Breakfast and Check-In
9:00-9:15am

Program Introduction
9:15-9:45am

Scriptural Reflection and Discussion

Encounter our Lord in the scriptures through Lectio Divina and spend time reflecting with your colleagues on the movements of the Holy Spirit in your life.
9:45-10:30am

The Spirituality of a Teacher

Enjoy the first presentation by Deacon Anthony, followed by Q&A.
10:30-10:45am

Break
10:45-11:15am

Back to Basics: The Main Elements of the Gospel Message

The good news of the Gospel message is the kerygma: the great story of Jesus and His invitation to us. What are the essential elements of that story? Spend time revisiting and reflecting on those key points.
11:15-12:00pm

Forming Students Into Disciples of Christ

Enjoy the second presentation by Deacon Anthony, followed by Q&A.
12:00-12:45pm

Holy Mass
12:45-1:30pm

Lunch
1:30-2:15pm

Sacred Art Gallery Walk

Enter into a time of prayer and reflection as you examine a variety of sacred art images.
2:15-2:30pm

Additional Resources, Evaluation

Join us, and you'll receive…

Catechetical Formation

Engaging sessions by a catechetical scholar provide background knowledge.

Practical Application

Research-based teaching strategies, and concrete tools to apply this knowledge in the classroom.

Spiritual Formation

You'll explore your vocation as a teacher, and your calling as a witness to Christ.

Ready-to-Use Materials

Receive a free supplemental guide featuring 10-12 lessons with activities and sacred art.

Presenters

Mike Gutzwiller

Mike Gutzwiller is the Senior Director of Curriculum Development for Sophia Teachers. Since joining the team at Sophia Teachers in 2015, Mike has been the primary author and editor of the Spirit of Truth K-12 and high school textbook series and has led professional development Workshops throughout the US. Mike is the former theology department chair at St. Thomas More High School in Milwaukee, WI. He earned his BA from Franciscan University of Steubenville where he majored in theology and catechetics and has an MA in school counseling from Marquette University. Mike lives with his wife and two children in Waukesha, WI.

Deacon Gerard-Marie Anthony

Deacon Gerard-Marie Anthony is a deacon and director of religious education for Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He received his BA in Theology from Christendom College and his MA in Theology from the Catholic Distance University. He has written for numerous magazines such as Our Sunday Visitor, Mind and Spirit: Integrating Psychology and Faith, Ethics and Medics, the Black Catholic Ministries Newsletter, Deacon Digest, Lay Witness, Homiletic and Pastoral Review, Immaculate Heart Messenger, CatholicMatch, and the Catholic Stand. He also has two apostolates which are A M.O.M.S Peace (an organization that helps mothers experiencing the trauma of a miscarriage or stillborn birth) and Mother of Light Center (which helps to bring the love of God to the homeless and those who are forgotten and abandoned).

Archdiocese of Chicago Teacher Retreat, Fall 2026(Option 4)

Retreat Overview

Schedule

Mike Gutzwiller

Deacon Gerard-Marie Anthony

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Archdiocese of Chicago Teacher Retreat, Fall 2026(Option 4)

Retreat Overview

Schedule

Join us, and you'll receive…

Catechetical Formation

Practical Application

Spiritual Formation

Ready-to-Use Materials

Presenters

Mike Gutzwiller

Deacon Gerard-Marie Anthony