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CATECHETICAL WORKSHOP

Christian Anthropology: Responding to Modern Challenges, Metuchen, Spring 2025

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Time
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St. John Neumann Pastoral Center

146 Metlars Ln
Piscataway, NJ 08854 United States

March 20, 2025

8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Workshop Overview

Are trans people sinful? Is sex a spectrum? Are sex and “gender” two different things? At this workshop, we’ll unpack both theology and science to answer these questions and more. Learn the beauty of the Church’s teaching on the human person, and how to share that truth with charity and compassion.

This Workshop blends scholar presentations with interactive pedagogical sessions, giving you a chance to explore content with a respected scholar, as well as explore and simulate practical teaching strategies with ready-to-use classroom materials. Share best practices and enjoy catered breakfast and lunch with your fellow Diocese of Metuchen catechists.

Schedule

  • 8:30-9:00am

    Breakfast and Check-In

  • 9:00-9:15am

    Program Introduction

  • 9:15-9:45am

    Defining the Human Person through Images

    Examine sacred art and other images to discuss how Christian anthropology and gender ideology define the human person.

  • 9:45-10:30am

    A Clash of Anthropologies: Responding to the Current Culture

    This session will explore the current secular cultural view and contrast it with the Catholic worldview.

  • 10:30-10:45am

    Break

  • 10:45-11:30am

    The Super Powers of Men and Women

    Engage in hands-on interactive activities that will help their students have a firmer grasp on Christian anthropology.

  • 11:30am-12:15pm

    Holy Mass

  • 12:15-1:00pm

    Lunch

  • 1:00-1:45pm

    Scientific and Medical Considerations

    This session will explore the science behind biological sex and medical consequences of surgical procedures performed on those seeking to “transition”.

  • 1:45-1:55pm

    Stretch Break

  • 1:55-2:45pm

    A Pastoral Response: Practical Tips on Accompanying Students and Parents

    Learn what the Church truly means by accompaniment and receive practical strategies to help guide students and parents who are hurting.

  • 2:45-3:00pm

    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

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Jose Gonzalez

Jose Gonzalez joined the team at Sophia Institute for Teachers in 2014 after more than 10 years as a Catholic high school teacher. In addition to teaching, Jose has experience working in parish and diocesan ministry. Jose has been leading Workshops in over 70 dioceses for 10 years, and contributes regularly to our teacher’s guides and digital instructional resources. He has a BA in theology with a concentration in religious education from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and an MA in evangelization and catechesis from the Augustine Institute. Jose and his wife, Mary Beth, have four children.

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Michel Therrien

Michel Therrien is President and CEO of the Preambula Group, a lay apostolate serving the work of the New Evangelization in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He served as the President of the Institute for Pastoral Leadership in the Diocese of Pittsburgh as well as the Director of Evangelization. Prior to this, he served as a professor moral theology at the Augustine Institute in Denver, CO. Prior to that, he taught for seven years at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA, also serving as Academic Dean from 2008-2012. His prior work experience includes teaching high school religion, serving as a DRE, a youth minister, and RCIA leader for various parishes. He has also led adult faith formation in various parishes since 2003. He holds a B.A. in Theology from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, an M.A. in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville, a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the International Theological Institute in Gaming, Austria, and a Doctorate in Fundamental Moral Theology from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.

St. John Neumann Pastoral Center

Christian Anthropology: Responding to Modern Challenges, Metuchen, Spring 2025

March 20, 2025

8:30 am - 3:00 pm

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