Faith Formation Conference 2008 The Faith Formation Conference 2008 takes place at Damien Memorial School at 1401 Houghtailing St., Honolulu, on June 25-27 from 6-9 p.m. and on June 28 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Product display exhibits will be open in the school cafeteria from 5-8 p.m. on June 27 and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 28. The cost is $10 per class or $40 for the entire conference, and the registration deadline is June 11. To see a complete list of classes and to register go to www.hi-care.org . Call Theresa Gomez at 203-6747 with any questions.

This year’s Faith Formation Conference 2008 has a new name, classes in three new languages, and a renewed emphasis on reaching out to everyone in the Diocese of Honolulu.

Formerly the Catechetical Renewal and Pastoral Conference, this year’s Faith Formation Conference is themed, “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church,” after the October 2008 World Synod of Bishops’ theme. It takes place at Damien Memorial School in Honolulu from June 25-28.

According to Jayne Mondoy, the director of the Office of Religious Education, the conference’s name change is a direct response to the “Diocesan Road Map for Pastoral, Program and Facility Needs,” the strategic planning currently taking place in the Diocese of Honolulu.

“It remains a catechetical event with a strong emphasis in the evangelizing mission of the church,” she added, “in that its purpose is to bring about faith and conversion to Christ.”

Lisa Gomes, the associate director of the Office of Religious Education, said that there’s a misperception that the conference is only for catechists and teachers.

“We’re trying to make the conference open to everyone in ministry not just those involved in religious education,” she said. “Everyone can come and get something out of it, including our youth and young adults this year.”

For the first time, there will be two classes taught in Vietnamese, one in Ilocano, and one in Spanish.

“Our church is more than just an English-speaking church.” Gomes explained.

There are also three classes targeted specifically at youth and young adults — another priority in the strategic plan — on how to evangelize to their peers.

Examples of other classes are “Pioneer Witnesses to Jesus,” a class on the early Catholic Church in Hawaii; “Faithful Citizenship,” a timely course in this election year on how Catholic values should guide our public lives; “Muslim, Jew and Christian: How Three Religious Traditions Recognize the God-Presence in the World”; and “Art in Ordinary Time,” on the arts as a catechesis and worship instrument.

All courses are being taught by Hawaii-based instructors. Vicar general Father Marc Alexander will give the general assembly address on the morning of Saturday, June 28.