PALM BEACH GARDENS | Nearly 60 ministry leaders in faith formation and youth ministry, their catechist and core team leaders, and permanent deacons, representing 30 parishes and schools, gathered Oct. 29 in the Family Life Center of the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola for a professional development day offered by the Diocese of Palm Beach’s Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry.
The gathering was part of a trio of in-person trainings that, combined with monthly Zoom follow-ups, will help parishes understand and embrace the relational shift required in evangelizing ministry today. The theme comes from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ chosen catechetical theme for 2025-26, “Always be ready to give an explanation … for a reason for your hope” (1 Peter 3:15).
During the October gathering, ministry leaders focused on “Finding Hope in Families” and were introduced (or reintroduced) to the shifted focus and immediacy of the church’s desire to prioritize the whole family, and in particular parents, in the formation process.
Three church documents were used to guide the discussions:
- The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” (2223-2226): parents are the first educators of their children in faith. Home is where this begins, but it is only effective when families live with tenderness, forgiveness, respect and love. It begins with strong marriages as the foundation. The parish community then builds on this foundation by supporting parents and children as they grow together in faith through worship and both family and individualized formation.
- The USCCB’s 2000 pastoral plan, “Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us,” which calls for parishes to prioritize adult faith formation that is centered on Scripture, prayer, the sacraments and lifelong spiritual growth.
- The Vatican’s 2020 Directory for Catechesis, which highlights the family as the “domestic church,” where faith first takes root through parents. Emphasizing the family’s vital role amid cultural challenges, the document urges renewed catechetical focus on marriage, family life and intergenerational faith formation that accompanies families from baptism through every stage of life.
The morning session included a panel discussion that began with Deacon Louis and Leona Romero of the Office of Marriage Ministry, who taught leaders about the divine order of the family.
Five directors of religious education and youth ministry have been working with the diocese on a pilot project in relational ministry that prioritizes parents and families. They shared about the work involved in shifting to this style of ministry, from being a process-driven taskmaster to becoming a people-driven minister. They shared challenges and joys that culminated in the successes of reconnection to the church, greater commitment and increased attendance in the pew and in formation programs.
Panelists Deacon Les Loh of St. Jude in Tequesta and Carmelite Father John Horan of St. Jude in Boca Raton shared the clergy point of view in meeting families where they are and accompanying them on their journey, along with practical things ministry leaders can do to connect people through pastoral care and support.
Lastly, recognizing the mental health challenges that face families today, the leaders kicked off the USCCB’s Mental Health Awareness campaign by recognizing the role mental health plays in the health of the family. Catholic counselors Justin McManus and Jaimee Perez with Cornerstone Counseling joined the panel and confirmed the work of the five DREs and youth ministers and offered concrete ways ministry leaders can connect families to Catholic mental health resources and how to remain mentally and spiritually healthy themselves.
The afternoon session was filled with resources to help families at every stage and challenge of life. This included presentations from other diocesan leaders representing the offices of Family Life, Tribunal, Communications, Safe Environments, Vocations and Insurance/Employee Services.
To learn about ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach, visit www.diocesepb.org and connect through Facebook and Instagram.
