By Claudia Mathis
Sun staff writer

Sister Katie Eiffe, CSJ, Diocesan Director of the Office of Faith Formation, is hoping for a crowd of 500 to attend the faith inspiring 2010 Journey of Faith Conference Saturday, Sept. 26. The 16th annual conference will be held at the OnCenter in Syracuse.

This year the theme is “Paths to Discipleship.” As Sister Katie and her office considered the theme of discipleship, they invited Bishop Thomas Costello to return as keynote speaker for a second time (he was the keynote speaker for the first Journey of Faith Conference in 1995). “As you know,” said Sister Katie, “Bishop Costello has retired as auxiliary bishop, but his experience as priest, as bishop, as disciple will, we believe, challenge and inspire our own journeys of faith.”

Journey of Faith participants will have the opportunity to choose from among 32 workshops on a wide variety of topics, including three on the timely subject of using the tools of technology to enhance faith formation.

Sister Katie said that many of the workshop presenters will focus on how to live like a disciple of Jesus. “As always, we have invited workshop facilitators who will speak to people involved in catechetical ministry, and to people involved in other ministries in their parishes or schools, and to those whose ministry is to their families and co-workers in the marketplace,” Sister Katie said.

The event will also include a musical concert on the Friday evening preceding the conference, Sept. 25. ValLimar Jansen, a gifted singer, songwriter and storyteller, will perform at St. Margaret’s Church in Mattydale. “She is an amazing performer who will uplift and inspire,” said Sister Katie. Also performing that evening will be Sean Clive, a liturgical musician from St. Anthony’s Parish in Chadwicks. He has won national awards for his music.

Following the keynote address, the seventh annual Bishop Costello Award will be presented. The award is intended to honor Bishop Costello and to recognize one who ministers with similar vision, courage and collaboration.
Bishop Robert J. Cunningham will celebrate the closing liturgy.
“Over the years, Journey of Faith has proven to be an opportunity for the church of Syracuse to celebrate faith — and to be enriched personally and professionally,” said Sister Katie. “Our goal is always that we in the church of Syracuse move ever more deeply into discipleship, and Journey of Faith is one instrument of grace in that lifelong journey.”
The conference is open to anyone. For more information about workshops, registration or concert tickets, contact the diocesan Office of Faith Formation at (315) 470-1431.