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Read more about the WCCRE in this article

The Western Conference of Catholic Religious Educators is hosting a major conference in Saskatoon (Sheraton Cavalier) from November 8 – 11. This is the first time that the WCCRE will hold their conference in Saskatchewan. The conference is an opportunity for parish volunteer catechists and others involved in religious education to hear excellent speakers in the field of religious education.


The conference theme is Come With Me into the Field … for the harvest. The conference theme will be addressed by David Wells, Religious Education Director for the Diocese of Plymouth in England. David is a master catechist and storyteller. Catechists, who hear David Wells frequently say, “He made us laugh and cry in the same session, the time flew by”. This is excellent chance for religious educators to hear an internationally renowned speaker on religious education.


WCCRE offering the 2007 Conference in service to:
  • Pastors 
  • Catechists in various ministries 
  • Parish leadership 
  • Parents 
  • Diocesan Ministries 
  • Interested persons from Western and Northern Canada 



Keynote Speaker - David Wells

  • From the Diocese of Plymouth, England 
  • Director of Religious Education
  • Catechist in service to adults, youth and children
  • Mentor to catechists and parents 


Opening Keynote - with David Wells

  • “Come With Me” – Responding to the Call to Join in the Adventure”

    Into the Field – Plenary talks with David Wells
  • Sowing the Seeds of Faith in a Cultural Context
  • Sowing the Seeds of Faith in an Ecclesial and Spiritual context
  • Sowing the Seeds in a Domestic Context
  • Caring for the Sower


Workshop Sessions
Saturday, November 10
A - 1:30 – 3:00
B - 3:30 – 5:00

Restored Order of the Initiation Sacraments: Sessions A & B
Restoring the Sacraments of Initiation to their original order is taking place in many Dioceses throughout the Church of Canada. This workshop will explore the reasons for this restoration, citing recent Church teaching and the revision of rites called for in Vatican II. It will also present some pastoral considerations and catechetical aspects of such a restoration.

  • Most. Rev. Gerald W. Wiesner, o.m.i. ( Bishop – Diocese of Prince George)
  • Mary-Ann Bates, RSCJ ( Director of Catechetics – Diocese of Prince George)

Accompanying Youth in Faith:
Session A - The “Calling” - covering the four principles of Youth Ministry; Veracity, Authenticity, Audacity and Humility. Looking at these principles will assist us to see that our own commitment to God and with others is the strongest calling, and that “holy attraction” is the essential beginning of “relational ministry.”

Session B - The “Experience” - covering the principles of Diversity, Sanctuary, Intimacy, Mystery, and Creativity exploring why God’s children hunger to experience and know God? The answers sit in those mysterious, safe and awestruck situations that only God can create. 

  • Warren Dungen, Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Prince Albert. 

Accompanying First Nations in Faith: Sessions A & B
This interactive workshop will be a blend of input and dialogue on a variety of topics such as forging a new relationship with the Aboriginal peoples; Aboriginal spirituality and Christianity and ministry among the Aboriginal peoples. There will also be an opportunity to react to the keynote presentations. 

  • Archbishop Lavoie, Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas

Accompanying Adults in Faith: Sessions A & B
This workshop will reflect on the guiding orientations for accompanying adult faith development. Drawing on the General Directory for Catechesis, practical approaches for evangelization with adults who are at different stages, ranging from the drifting away from the life of faith to those who seek to mature in their faith, will be explored. An update and consultation on the development of the CCCB National Pastoral Plan for Evangelization and Catechesis with Adults will also be included. 

  • Joanne Chafe (Director, National Office of Religious Education CCCB)

Liturgy of the Word with Children: Sessions A & B
“Let the children come…” – Discover the wonder and beauty of the Liturgy of the Word with children through the eyes of an experienced catechists and teacher. See how the Liturgy of the Word with Children is a celebration of the Word relating to the lives and experiences of children.

  • Karen Schreiner (Pastoral Associate, St. Ann’s Church, Saskatoon)

Conference Brochure - PDF

Registration Information
Regular Registration fee includes registration, all sessions, nutrition breaks, 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 supper and Thursday social.

Commuter Registration fee includes registration, all sessions, morning coffee/tea, nutrition breaks, Sunday breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 supper and Thursday social.

Early Registration (October 8, 2007)
$285 regular, $255 commuter
$100 non-refundable

Registration fee after October 8, 2007
$320 regular / $290 commuter

Registration Form - PDF