Dr. Marc González, Director Department of Faith and
Ministry Formation
Often as I cross the southern end of the Strip I see the light beam from the Luxor going up into the night sky. To be sure, it is a wonderful sight to be-hold. However, at the Red Rock Casino in mid November a beam of light shined down over 800 Catholics at the annual Diocesan Conference. The source of this light is the Lord Jesus who told that where two or three gather in his name, he is present. And was the Lord present!
The weekend started with young mariachi musicians from J. D. Smith Middle School and Eldorado High School sharing their talents and drawing the participants into the exhibit hall. The young men and women provided an added festive note to begin the Conference. The Conference opened with a concert by noted liturgical composer Meredith Augustin. Her joy and love of the Lord was contagious, so much so that more than just a few toes were tapping and hands clapping.
The Conference theme, Choose the Light, was apt because Nov. 15 was the anniversary of the slaughter of six Jesuit priests in Central America along with their housekeeper and her daughter. This sad day provided an opportunity to remember and celebrate those who went before us to the light: the previous bishops of Nevada, the Adrian Dominican Sisters, the Viatorian Fathers, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Dr. Martin Luther King, just to name a few. Bishop Pepe led our prayer by blessing water to remind us we were baptized into the Light.
The first keynote by Fr.Mark Francis, CSV, the superior general of the Viatorians and former teacher at Bishop Gorman High School, reminded us of the riches our liturgical practices contain and how these practices enrich our faith. These practices also lay the foundation for our spirituality. The evening closed with a wine and cheese reception where we re-connected with friends.
The Conference’s second day, Saturday, was centered on learning. The day opened with the blessing and recognition of those who completed catechist certification. Bishop Pepe presided, as catechists are his co-teachers of the faith. The morning keynote by noted columnist and educator, Fr. Ron Rolheiser centered on being missionaries to our children. He encouraged us to love the world as God loves it and to witness to a new maturity of faith.
From the keynote everyone moved onto the workshops. Topics varied from adolescent catechesis, moral theology, healthy living for God’s service, scripture, and being light to the world. After the two workshop sessions, we gathered for a panel discussion to bring the day together.
To close the day, Bishop Pepe blessed us and sent us forth to be light to the world, especially in Las Vegas.
Mark your calendars now for the 2008 Diocesan Conference: November 14 & 15 at the Green Valley Ranch Casino & Hotel in Henderson.
Save the date for 2008
back to top
