MOOSE JAW — Several Catholic educators experienced a life-changing trip recently after they attended an international conference that focused on building up the faith through presentations from inspirational speakers.
Five members of Holy Trinity Catholic School Division attended the 58th annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress (LA Congress). The conference is the largest gathering of Catholics in the United States, with roughly 40,000 people attending.
The theme this year was “Called to Compassion.”
The group that attended included Gillian Muench, vice-principal at Vanier Collegiate, Jelienne Unger, a teacher from All Saints in Swift Current, Lisa Busta, division chaplain, Derek Hassen, board trustee, and Amanda Hassen, pre-kindergarten teacher at Sacred Heart School.
Busta, Unger and Muench spoke about the trip during the recent board meeting.
“We had a wonderful time,” said Busta, who thought this year’s theme was the best of the four congresses she’s attended, while one quote that stuck with her was, “Compassion is the language of God.”
Busta’s favourite speaker was ValLimar Jansen, a contemporary Christian musician, public speaker and professor who spoke in Moose Jaw in 2022. Jansen’s session was titled “Thrive Together: Building Compassion in the Workplace.”
Some ideas the division chaplain absorbed included the importance of recognizing suffering, having the desire to alleviate suffering and distinguishing between empathy and compassion. With a chuckle, the division chaplain said she took six pages of notes during Jansen’s talk.
Another speaker Busta enjoyed was Sister Kathleen Bryant, a straight-talking woman who — among other things — said fear causes people to build walls around themselves since they fear being truly vulnerable with others.
This was Unger’s first LA Congress and she was unsure what to expect but enjoyed attending daily Mass and Morning Prayer. Moreover, she rarely sees religious brothers and sisters in Swift Current, but thought it was great to see many of them at the conference displaying their dedication to God.
“This (was) just an amazing sight. My mind was blown,” she remarked. “I never thought the Catholic world could be so big and active.”
Unger enjoyed Fr. Leo Patalinghug, an internet speaker, who reminded attendees that it’s important to share a meal as a family unit, while schools could apply this idea by having potlucks.
Furthermore, she enjoyed seeing Catholic book sellers and thought it would be great to have school book fairs tailored to their faith, while she thought the many exhibitors were similar to missionaries since they helped encourage attendees’ faith journeys.
Unger also learned that ministry is not just about numbers but about forming true disciples of Jesus Christ, since deeply committed people have a greater effect than a large, unformed crowd.
“… it was just so encouraging to be around the same people of faith,” she added.
Said trustee Hassen, “It’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. I don’t know how you would attend this conference and not get something valuable from it.”
Muench said she left feeling like the conference had connected to her soul. Moreover, she enjoyed seeing other attendees living their Catholic faith without shame or embarrassment.
One speaker Muench enjoyed was YouTube sensation Rhyan (Bro Rhy) Ramirez. Ramirez said ministry is a presence — showing up every day spiritually, emotionally and relationally — and not just an action, which builds trust and the ability to transform students’ lives.
“‘If we can just reach one, maybe that one will be the one that reaches the millions,’” Muench said in quoting the YouTuber, noting high school students would connect with Ramirez instantly.
Muench also enjoyed Dr. Julia Sandusky, who discussed talking to teens about sex. Specifically, the psychologist said the language parents use matters and there should be a shift from silence to one of open dialogue using Catholic teaching.
“Sexuality is a framework as a gift from God. It’s meant for love, for unity and marriage, for openness to life,” she said. “It’s not taboo and it’s not biological. We have to lead this healthy stewardship and conversation.”
The vice-principal said this talk was relevant since she has two young children, which means —based on Sandusky’s advice — she should lay a foundation now and provide messages that align with Catholic teaching. This is important since she heard “staggering” statistics about how early kids are exposed to sex and pornography, especially through technology.
“It was very, very powerful to me and something I can help other parents navigate too … ,” Muench added. “(Overall, the conference) was incredible (and) it was very moving.”
The next Holy Trinity board meeting is Monday, May 12.
