CATECHETICAL WORKSHOP

The Beatitudes and the Moral Life, Diocese of Arlington, Spring 2026

Name: The Beatitudes and the Moral Life, Diocese of Arlington, Spring 2026
Start: 2026-02-25T08:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-25T14:00:00-05:00
Location: St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church

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Only 12 seats left!

St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church

5222 Sideburn Rd.
Fairfax, VA 22032 United States

February 25, 2026

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Workshop Overview

Discover how the Beatitudes reveal the deepest meaning of God’s law and offer a compelling vision of the moral life. In this Workshop, you’ll gain insights and practical strategies for helping your students understand that Catholicism is not merely about following rules, but about living in the freedom of virtue and truth. Together, we’ll explore ways to make morality meaningful and relevant, while reflecting on key themes such as freedom, virtue, sin, conscience, and the Beatitudes.

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 Arlington Teachers

Schedule

8:00-8:30am

Breakfast and Check-In
8:30-8:45am

Program Introduction
8:45-9:15am

Beauty as a Sign of the Moral Life.

Examine and reflect on a variety of sacred art images and explore how these images point to what we believe about the human person and how we are called to live.
9:15-10:00am

Holy Mass
10:00-10:45am

The Beatitudes and the Moral Life

Enjoy the first of two presentations by Dr. Michel Therrien, followed by Q & A.
10:45-11:00am

Break
11:00-12:00pm

Feelings, Passions, and the Beatitudes

Participate in hands-on activities that will help your students come to a deeper understanding of the role our feelings play in the moral life and their connection to the Beatitudes through examples that will help them see the relevance to their lives.
12:00-12:30pm

Lunch
12:30-1:15pm

The Moral Life and Discipleship

Enjoy the second presentation by Dr. Michel Therrien, followed by Q & A.
1:15-1:50pm

“Dinner Party” with the Saints

Participate in an interactive activity to introduce your students to the saints in a whole new way.
1:50-2:00pm

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

Jose Gonzalez

Jose Gonzalez joined the team at Sophia 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 more than 11 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 five children.

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.

The Beatitudes and the Moral Life, Diocese of Arlington, Spring 2026

Workshop Overview

Schedule

Jose Gonzalez

Michel Therrien

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The Beatitudes and the Moral Life, Diocese of Arlington, Spring 2026

Workshop Overview

Schedule

Join us, and you'll receive…

Catechetical Formation

Practical Application

Spiritual Formation

Ready-to-Use Materials

Presenters

Jose Gonzalez

Michel Therrien