Workshops Available from CRS West

The workshops below are available in West Coast dioceses for 2009-2010. Topics can be presented in either one or two hours for:

Also, presentations can be tailored to the needs or interests of a specific gathering.

If you are interested in scheduling a presentation, please contact Joe Hastings at jhastings@crs.org or at 206-568-7237 for workshops 1-7, James DeHarpporte at jdeharpp@crs.org or at 619-619-2363 for workshop 8-11, Joe Symkowick at jsymkowi@crs.org or at 916-484-0315 for workshops 12-14 and Maria G. Arroyo at marroyo@crs.org or 619-619-2363 for workshops 15-17 (offered in both Spanish and English).

1. The People of the Way: Teaching the Bible's Story of Migrants and Refugees

People who are migrants and refugees are often at the margins of American culture, but they are at the center of the Bible. From Genesis to the Epistles, the Bible is the story of God's presence among migrants in search of a new life in new lands and refugees escaping war, persecution, and conflict. This workshop draws together the Bible's many stories of migrants and refugees, and gives participants tools for reading, interpreting and teaching these stories in their parishes and schools.

2. Living Simply, Sustainably and in Solidarity with the Poor

As we enter into the 21st Century and its "Age of Globalization," how can we each form people for lives of faith, integrity and community in our world? Christian witnesses from Jesus of Nazareth to Mother Theresa to John Paul II have lived simply, so that there can be enough for all, sustainable, so there can be enough for all generations, and in solidarity with the poor, seeking to stand with the most vulnerable of God's people. This workshop begins with a foundation among the Scriptures and saints, and moves on to share resources for individuals and groups to commit to simplicity and solidarity in today's culture of consumerism and individualism.

3. Think Globally, Act Locally: Integrating Global Solidarity into Parish Life

Reaching out to the world in service and justice is at the heart of the gospel, but many parishes find it difficult to start a global concerns ministry. This workshop gives participants the tools they need to make global concern a part of the parish's existing ministries: religious education, liturgy, outreach and youth ministry. Participants will draw on best practices in starting and guiding parish social justice ministries, adult education, and liturgy, and will receive resources to help them start a social justice ministry in their parish or to strengthen the ministry already there.

4. Forming a People of Peace

Peace is not the absence of war; peace is the presence of justice. ~Pope Paul VI

Everyone wants peace, but it seems that few know how to pursue it. Jesus of Nazareth taught a nonviolent alternative to the violent world of the first century, and today Catholic Relief Services continues to "build" peace in conflict areas around the world, in places like the Philippines, Rwanda and Colombia. This workshop shows that there is a real alternative to violence, and gives participants tools for teaching peace in our parishes and communities.

5. Teaching the Bible in an Age of Globalization

In the current age of "globalization" we are increasingly in touch with people from around the world—their culture, conflicts and their faith! The Bible itself encompasses people from many lands and cultures, and has much to say about how faith draws people together across cultural lines while respecting their God-given identity. This workshop shares seven major insights from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East on how to read and teach the Bible in our interconnected world.

6. Starting and Strengthening Parish Social Ministry

Ministries that serve the poor and advocate for justice are as central to the parish as celebrating liturgy or forming parishioners in our faith. This workshop helps participants to start a parish social justice ministry that is (1) rooted in Catholic social teaching, (2) connected to other ministries in the parish, and (3) a leaven to invite all parishioners to participate, not just a motivated few! These effective and realistic steps are also helpful for strengthening or renewing the social justice ministry that already exists. We will review some of the many resources available for planning the ministry and building a firm foundation in Catholic social teaching. This workshop draws on the presenter's experience helping many parishes start, strengthen or renew their ministries of service and justice.

7. The Church as a "Peacebuilder"

All over the world, the Catholic Church has emerged anew as a "peacebuilder"—an agent for building peace in situations of war and conflict. This role is not limited to praying for peace or speaking for peace, but includes facilitating dialogue among rival factions, creating development projects that bring enemies together, creating and sustaining "peace zones" and training teachers, catechists, pastors and local leaders to intervene in conflict and bring healing after conflicts end. Catholic Relief Services has played a major role in "peacebuilding" in Rwanda, Colombia, the Philippines, El Salvador, the Congo and elsewhere. This workshop introduces participants to this emerging global trend and prepares them to help the Church become a "peacebuilder" here in our own country.

8. Building the Kingdom of God through Global Solidarity

In Mathew's Gospel the vineyard becomes the Kingdom of God. How do we tend the garden and build the Kingdom? It seems that we are increasingly threatened by droughts, cyclones, floods and earthquakes, bringing misery but also opportunity for those of us who believe that we are called to live in solidarity with the poor. How does Catholic Relief Services show care for God's creation and respond to emergencies in ways that express solidarity? How can our families and parishes work for social justice in the world today? This workshop will give participants the tools they need to make global concern a part of your parish's ministry.

9. Is Peace Possible in the Holy Land?

Upon landing in Tel Aviv on May 11, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI said: "Even though the name Jerusalem means 'city of peace,' it is all too evident that, for decades, peace has tragically eluded the inhabitants of this holy land. The eyes of the world are upon the peoples of this region as they struggle to achieve a just and lasting solution to conflicts that have caused so much suffering." This workshop will touch on the causes of the conflict, the lives of the people served by CRS, and what we can and must do to bring peace. Learn about the U.S. Bishops' Campaign for Peace in the Holy Land.

10. Climate Change: Why Should I Care?

More and more, we continue to hear about global warming, climate change, an increase in natural disasters and other global phenomenon. Much of this activity is due in part to how we have engaged our earth in the past century. Today, we come face to face with various questions: What are the moral implications of climate change? How is the Catholic community called to respond to these changes? What can we do to heal our earth? In this workshop, we will examine the climate changes affecting us the strongest, how the Church invites us to respond and the steps we can take to begin to care for God's creation and form part of the solution.

11. Water: A Right or a Commodity?

Over 850 million people lack access to safe drinking water. Conflicts around the world are being fueled or exacerbated by water shortages. Climate change is leading to greater concerns over access and supply even in rich countries. How does clean water bring hope and life to people in the developing world? What can we do to address these issues overseas? What can we do here at home to help ensure the basic right to water is achieved? This workshop will explore these questions and touch on how CRS currently supports water-related programs.

12. Balancing My Diaconate Ministry

This presentation by Deacon Joe Symkowick can be tailored from 1 to 3 hours. As its title suggests, it is directed to deacons and their spouses. It reviews the meaning of the threefold ministry of the deacon—word, sacrament, and charity and justice. It suggests that these three are really an integrated continuum flowing one from the other. It then shares some practical ways to balance these ministries especially focusing on charity and justice.

13. Holy Land 1A

This is an evening or two evening presentation by Joe and Patty Symkowick who together with CRS Diocesan partners visited Israel and the West Bank from September 21 to October 6, 2008. It focuses on the situation in the West Bank where the delegation spent most of its time during the visit. In addition to oral presentation it incorporates prayer/reflection, historical/chronological timelines, maps, slides from the visit, PowerPoint and questions and answers. Depending on the audience and its preferences the presentation can incorporate the showing of a film.

14. Advocacy Capacity Building Workshop

CRS looks at its overseas relief and development work through the Justice Lens. Its ultimate goal is to address the structural causes of injustice. Advocacy is a powerful means to change policies and practices which contribute to injustice. As a result CRS has developed an extensive training manual and through its team of trainers can give weekend or longer trainings. The trainings are very interactive in their approach. Participants study the concepts and core elements of advocacy and engage in analysis, planning and strategy using case studies and real issues. In addition, trainings can be tailored to specific needs. Most recently, together with the California Catholic Conference, the CRS training team conducted two workshops—one north and one south—for Diocesan Advocacy Team Leaders. Each California Diocese is in process of developing an Advocacy organization. In order to present these workshops CRS asks that it recover the cost for its workshop presenters.

CRS Workshops Available in both English and Spanish

The workshops below are available in both English and Spanish and can be adapted to meet the needs or interests of your gathering. Topics can be presented at conference workshops, ministry formation programs and continuing education for ministry staff, clergy or leadership. If you are interested in scheduling a presentation, please contact Maria G. Arroyo at marroyo@crs.org or at 619-987-5266.

15. Jesus' Mission: An Invitation to Justice

The message of the struggle for justice and peace on earth is deeply rooted in the prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures. In the Gospels, we see the prophet's message fulfilled through Jesus and his mission. His words and deeds clearly manifest the justice and peace of the Kingdom of God here on earth. His mission and message invited everyone to a personal metanoia; a change of heart. His message challenged the social structures that were in place to a new way of being in the world. Today, Jesus continues to invite us and challenge us to a new way of being and to make manifest the justice and peace of the Kingdom of God here on earth. In this workshop, we will walk along Jesus' mission of justice and peace and explore our own response to metanoia in our lives.

La Misión de Jesús: Una Invitación a la Justicia

El mensaje de la lucha por la justicia y paz en la tierra tiene sus raíces en los profetas de las Escrituras Hebreas. En los Evangelios vemos que el mensaje de los profetas se cumple en la persona y misión de Jesús. Sus palabras y obras claramente manifiestan la justicia y paz del Reino de Dios en la tierra. Su misión y mensaje invitaba a todos a una metanoia; un cambio de corazón. Su mensaje desafiaba las estructuras sociales a une nueva manera de ser en el mundo. Hoy en día, Jesús continúa invitándonos y desafiándonos a una nueva manera de ser y de manifestar la justicia y paz del Reino de Dios aquí en la tierra. En Este taller caminaremos a un lado de Jesús y su misión de justicia y paz y exploraremos nuestra propia respuesta a la invitación de metanoia en nuestras vidas.

16. Our Sacramental Call to Justice

We are a Church walking in faith, celebrating and giving expression to it together. We are a Church filled with symbols and rituals that bring us life. We are a Sacramental Church. The Sacraments are neither passive for individualized rituals. It is in the Sacraments that we encounter our God more fully and in community give our "yes" to a committed life of discipleship; a discipleship in which we become the hands, heart and person of Jesus in our communities and our world at large. In this workshop, we will take a closer look at the Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist exploring how they continuously call us back to our promise of discipleship and challenge us to actively move outside ourselves and into the world seeking and sharing the Kingdom of God.

Nuestro Llamado Sacramental a la Justicia

Somos una Iglesia caminando en fe, juntos celebrándola y dándole expresión. Somos un Iglesia llena de símbolos que nos otorgan vida. Somos una Iglesia Sacramental. Los Sacramentos no son rituales pasivos ni individualistas. En los Sacramentos encontramos a Dios más plenamente y en comunidad damos nuestro "sí" a una vida comprometida al discipulado; un discipulado en el que nos convertimos en las manos, los pies, la persona de Jesús dentro de nuestras comunidades y en el mundo. En este taller miraremos más de cerca los Sacramentos del Bautizo y la Eucaristía, explorando como continuamente nos llaman de regreso a nuestro discipulado y como activamente nos mueven más allá del 'yo' y hacia el mundo buscando y compartiendo el Reino de Dios aquí en la tierra.

17. Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching Principles

It is known as the Catholic Church's best kept secret. For over 100 years, the Church has actively developed a body of teachings rooting the Gospel's message of justice and peace into our lived reality in the modern world. They speak to and challenge our individual person, our social structures and events taking place in our world in light of a Christian perspective inviting us to a new way of being in our world. Although the body of documents is quite abundant, seven general principles have been identified. This workshop offers a basic introduction to the seven general principles of Catholic social teaching and the opportunity to explore our own personal response.

Introducción a las Enseñanzas Sociales Católicas

Se habla de ello como el mejor secreto de la Iglesia. Por más de 100 años la Iglesia ha desarrollado activamente un cuerpo de enseñanzas enraizadas en el mensaje de justicia y paz del Evangelio y en la realidad de nuestro mundo moderno. Estas enseñanzas nos hablan de y desafían a nuestra persona y a las estructuras y eventos sociales presentes en nuestro mundo mediante una perspectiva Cristiana invitándonos a una nueva manera de existir en el mundo. Aunque el cuerpo de documentos es abundante, siete principios generales se han identificado. Esta taller ofrece una introducción a los siete principios generales de las Enseñanzas Sociales Católicas y la oportunidad de juntos explorar nuestra respuesta personal.

Presenter Information

Maria G. Arroyo MTS, PCAC, works for Catholic Relief Services as part of the West regional office working on education and formation on Catholic social teaching and global solidarity. Before coming to CRS, Maria served as a parish pastoral agent, youth/university minister and taught religion in primary schools. She also taught classes and workshops on Youth Ministry, Catechetical Methodology, the Sacraments and Spirituality through the Institute of Pastoral Ministry of the Diocese of Orange. Maria earned her M.A. in Theological Studies from Loyola Marymount University and recently completed an M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the University of San Diego, and is a Certified Spiritual Director from the Center of Christian Spirituality at USD.

María G. Arroyo, MTS, PCAC, actualmente trabaja con Catholic Relief Services como parte de la oficina regional del oeste, educando y formando a la comunidad sobre las Enseñanzas Sociales Católicas y la solidaridad global. Antes de ingresar con CRS, María sirvió como agente pastoral de una parroquia, fue ministra de la pastoral juvenil y maestra de religión en escuelas primarias. También ha sido profesora en el Instituto de Ministerio Pastoral de la diócesis de Orange, dando clases y talleres sobre la Pastoral Juvenil, Métodos Catequéticos, los Sacramentos y Espiritualidad. María cuenta con una Maestría en Estudios Teológicos de Loyola Marymount University, una Maestría en Consejería Pastoral de la Universidad de San Diego y un Certificado en Dirección Espiritual del Centro de Espiritualidad Cristiana de USD.

Jim DeHarpporte, for over 30 years, has served with Catholic Relief Services in many countries in Asia and Africa, including the Philippines, India, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Thailand and Indonesia. His assignments have taken him to over 50 countries. Since 2002, Jim has been based in San Diego, CA, as the regional director for Catholic Relief Services West.

Joe Hastings, M.Div., works with Catholic Relief Services promoting global solidarity in West Coast dioceses from his office in Seattle, WA. Before coming to CRS he worked with the homeless, in parish social ministry and in religious education. He has taught classes and workshops in scripture, theology, social justice and nonviolence in programs for adult education, catechist certification, deacon formation and young adult leadership. He received his B.A. in Theology and Political Science from Boston College and his M.Div. from Weston Jesuit School of Theology. He shares the work of CRS and Catholic Churchs in the Middle East, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Deacon Joe Symkowick is a third generation San Franciscan. Joe has been a Deacon for twenty-one years and is assigned to the Newman Center at California State University, Sacramento. Prior to joining CRS, Joe was a practicing attorney for 32 years. His specialty was education and, in addition to serving in many other positions, he was the General Counsel of the California Department of Education for 13 years. Joe has a B.A. in Philosophy from St. Patrick's College Seminary, Menlo Park, California, and a Juris Doctorate from University of California, Hastings College of Law, San Francisco, California.