CATECHETICAL WORKSHOP

The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools: A Blueprint for Culture and Practice, Green Bay, Fall 2026

Name: The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools: A Blueprint for Culture and Practice, Green Bay, Fall 2026
Start: 2026-08-11T08:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-08-11T14:30:00-05:00
Location: Norbertine Center for Spirituality

format

Time

credits

Norbertine Center for Spirituality

1016 N. Broadway
De Pere, WI 54115 United States

August 11, 2026

8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Workshop Overview

Explore the essential Vatican document that articulates the Church’s vision for the identity, mission, and educational mandate of Catholic schools. Participants will discover themes such as the role of the teacher, the integration of faith and culture, and the unique partnership between parents and the Church, and leave equipped with practical tools for forming students in truth, virtue, and a living relationship with Christ.

This workshop 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 Diocese of Green Bay teachers and catechists.

Schedule

8:30-9:00am

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

Program Introduction
9:15-9:45am

Opening Meditation

Reflect on your own journey of discipleship by examining and praying with a story from the Gospels.
9:45-10:30am

The Five Essential Marks of a Catholic School, Part 1

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

Break
10:45-11:30am

Returning to the Heart of the Matter: The 5 Marks and the Kerygma

Identify the key elements of the Gospel message and how to clearly communicate them, in age-appropriate ways, to your students.
11:30-12:15pm

Holy Mass
12:15-1:00pm

Lunch
1:00-1:45pm

The Five Essential Marks of a Catholic School, Part 2

Enjoy the second presentation by Sr. Johanna, followed by Q & A.
1:45-2:20pm

Self-Assessment and Collaboration

Identify which of the five marks your school embodies most strongly, and which represents your greatest area for growth. After sharing these reflections in a small group, discuss concrete strategies for supporting one another and strengthening these marks across your school communities.
2:20-2:30pm

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

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.

Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSMG, Ph. D.

Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM, is Emeritus Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. A member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, she holds a BA in theology and elementary education from St. Louis University an MA in catechetics from the Angelicum, the Pontifical Catechetical Diploma as well as an undergraduate degree in deaf communication. She earned her doctorate at Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, England. She has been involved in catechetics in all its forms, at every level, including 15 years as a Catholic school teacher. She was a professor of theology and catechetics at Franciscan University at Steubenville from 1999 to 2025. Sr. Johanna presently serves as a consultant for catechetics in parishes and Catholic schools, and travels throughout the country presenting workshops for catechist training, catechesis for persons with disabilities, retreats and parish missions. She is also engaged in deaf ministry, Franciscan spirituality, and research on the role of Catholic sisters in the American Civil War.

The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools: A Blueprint for Culture and Practice, Green Bay, Fall 2026

Workshop Overview

Schedule

Jose Gonzalez

Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSMG, Ph. D.

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The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools: A Blueprint for Culture and Practice, Green Bay, Fall 2026

Workshop Overview

Schedule

Join us, and you'll receive…

Catechetical Formation

Practical Application

Spiritual Formation

Ready-to-Use Materials

Presenters

Jose Gonzalez

Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSMG, Ph. D.