Diocese of Youngstown to sponsor conference

A theology professor will give the keynote address at a Nov. 15 event at YSU.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church” is the theme of an Evangelization and Catechesis Conference planned by the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at Youngstown State University Kilcawley Center.

Dr. Edward P. Hahnenberg, assistant professor in the Department of Theology, Xavier University, will present the keynote address on “The Word of God in a Consumer Culture: Evangelization and Catechesis Today.”

Bishop George V. Murry will offer his reflections.

The afternoon breakout sessions focus on a variety of topics such as everyday holiness, stewardship of creation, practical justice, St. Paul and more.

Dr. Hahnenberg teaches in the areas of theological foundations, ecclesiology, liturgy and sacraments. He received his doctorate in theology from the University of Notre Dame in 2002. Hahnenberg served as consultant to the U.S. Bishop’s Subcommittee on Lay Ministry in its preparation of the recent document, “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry.”

He is the author of two books — “Ministries: A Relational Approach” and “A Concise Guide to the Documents of Vatican II” along with numerous articles in academic and pastoral journals.

A native of northern Michigan, he now lives with his wife and two daughters in Loveland, Ohio.

Exhibitors will include Catholic publishers, religious goods stores, diocesan offices and the Work of Human Hands fair trade program. The fair trade products are handmade by artisans or grown by farmers living in developing regions around the world. The Work of Human Hands Program, a partnership between Catholic Relief Services and A Greater Gift, is a nonprofit program of SERVV International, an alternative trade and development organization. Every fair trade purchase helps the producers maintain steady work and a sustainable income so they can provide for their families.

The registration is $30 and includes lunch, morning refreshments and parking. Participants are eligible for up to four hours of religious education certification credit. Catholic schoolteachers employed by the Diocese of Youngstown may be eligible to earn professional development credit for State of Ohio certification.

For registration information, call the diocese’s Office of Religious Education at (330) 744-8451, by e-mail tosgreco@youngstowndiocese.org or the Web site at http://www.doy.org.