Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference ignites a spiritual fire

By Kim Roberts, Contributing writer
Photos by Frank J. Methe, Clarion Herald

“Encounter Jesus, Go With Joy,” was the theme for the 2024 Go! Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference held Jan. 12-13 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. Approximately 600 attendees from around the Gulf South attended the two-day event marking 40 years the Archdiocese of New Orleans has sponsored the gathering in collaboration with Catholic dioceses in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and northwest Florida.

According to Deacon Michael Whitehouse, Ph.D., conference coordinator and deputy director of faith formation in the Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, a multi-diocese planning committee worked together to plan the conference, and all the directors worked together to collaborate, bring inspiration and provide wisdom along with having the ability to bring speakers from their own diocese.

Resources for catechists

The speakers were individuals who work in parishes and schools and are experts who could provide concrete strategies and ideas that might be new to many catechists attending the conference.

“We want people to gain new ideas and strategies, but above all, we want people to encounter Jesus while attending over these two days,” Deacon Whitehouse said. “People serve in many different ministries, but it is catechesis at the end of the day, and it is more than just conveying information or a message; it is about sharing the very life of God.

“No matter where we are or what ministry, we are catechists and are echoing Jesus. The hope, based on the theme, is that we want attendees to be reminded that they are experiencing Jesus and that they know that if they are engaging in these ministries and are doing it without joy, then they are doing it without Jesus. We are calling everyone to ‘Go Forth and Be Disciples’ – sending them forth with joy; coming together to encounter the Lord, through the liturgy, speakers and one another.”

Opening Mass

The day began with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who reinforced the conference’s theme of being called to serve in ministries and serving as disciples.

During his homily, Archbishop Aymond said Catholics have been called to serve and lead God’s people in his name,  and each person has been given different tools to serve in his name and be a servant like Jesus himself.

“We are gathered together today because we have been called and have been given a gift to serve,” he said. “We are many, but we are one because we are the body of Christ. In all ministry work, we are called to be humble. Serve in a way that moves hearts and do it with care and remember we must be faith-filled ourselves. Make disciples of others and help people know what Jesus taught. How do we best serve in a ministry?

“We must continue to grow in prayer and know Jesus personally, study and pray, respect one another, and know that there is no room for division – that we are called to be united in faith.”

Rousing talk

Friday’s keynote speaker Mike Patin, an author and “faith horticulturist” from Lafayette, engaged the audience with his theme, “Joy to the World – Let’s Go!” He was full-throttle from beginning to end, with audience-participation activities, entertaining anecdotes and thought-provoking questions.

Patin thanked everyone in attendance for saying yes to serving and doing something noble in their life for God.

Over the two-day conference, the event had more than 40 breakout sessions with a wide variety of speakers addressing multiple topics ranging from using technology to enhance faith formation; preparing Catholic school Masses; encountering the Lord in Scripture;  ministering to lay ministers; and talking to others about faith.

Also, 30 exhibitors – publishers, service organizations, spirituality centers, jewelers, photographers – displayed a wide variety liturgical resources all geared to offer catechists new resources and also help them find ways to sustain themselves spiritually and lead the ministries in which they work.

“I am so excited to see so many school and catechetical leaders and teachers come together to learn and grow in faith,” said Dr. RaeNell Houston, superintendent of the Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation.