Tim Keenan | The Michigan Catholic

DETROIT — On Oct. 11, 1962, 2,200 cardinals, archbishops and bishops solemnly processed into Rome’s majestic St. Peter’s Basilica for the opening ceremonies of the Second Vatican Council, convened by Pope John XXIII. When they filed out after the last session, presided over by Pope Paul VI, in 1965, the Church had begun a decades-long process of renewal.

Thirty years later, Pope John Paul II called for a universal “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” and this year, Pope Benedict XVI has called in his Apostolic Letter “Porta Fidei” (“Door of Faith”) to make Oct. 11, 2012, to Nov. 24, 2013, a Year of Faith, during which Catholics are asked to study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the catechism so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith.

Responding to the Holy Father’s call and in recognition of these two important anniversaries, Sacred Heart Major Seminary is hosting an informational and spiritual conference titled “Vatican Council II: Renewal for the Sake of Evangelization,” Sept. 21-22 to explore the significance of Vatican II. Organizers expect between 250 and 300 people to attend.

“This historic anniversary is a unique opportunity to explore the heart of the conciliar documents of the Second Vatican Council and to be inspired to live the call of discipleship in new and profound ways,” said a news release for the event on Sacred Heart Major Seminary’s website.

The conference will open with a keynote address by Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron. His address will explore the theological, liturgical and social movements that preceded the council and influenced the formulations of the early texts.

The second keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Ralph Martin, director of the seminary’s groundbreaking graduate programs in the New Evangelization and a consultor to the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization in Rome. His presentation will focus on the impact of the Vatican II documents on renewal in the life of the Church.

“The two keynote addresses will offer a substantial foundation and deeper appreciation of the documents that will be presented in the afternoon workshops,” the release stated.

Participants will have their choice to attend two of nine workshops, led by nine different experts in their fields and designed to summarize and clarify the most pertinent to the laity of the four constitutions, nine decrees and three declarations published by the council fathers at the conclusion of Vatican II.

Dr. Patricia Cooney-Hathaway, a professor at Sacred Heart since 1988, will explore the Constitution on the Church (“Lumen Genitum”), including the call to holiness and pathways to spiritual growth and development.

Dr. Robert Fastiggi, a Christian anthropology professor at Sacred Heart since 1999, will present the essential parts of the Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (“Gaudium et Spes”). Emphasis will be given to the place of the human person in the world, human dignity and freedom in a polarized society.

“‘Gaudium et Spes’ is a very long and rich document and covers a wide variety of subjects,” said Dr. Fastiggi. “It is a major source for understanding the Christian view of the human person. I’m going to concentrate on the parts that deal with the incredible gift of our being created in God’s image and likeness, and the human call to be in communion with God and other people.”

Fr. John Riccardo, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth and holder of a licentiate from the Pope John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Life, will explore the parts of “Gaudium et Spes” having to do with marriage and family life.

Scott Sollom, a member of the faculty at Franciscan University in Stuebenville, Ohio, and Sharon Williams will discuss ways to implement parish-level sacramental preparation such as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults from the perspective of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (“Sacrosanctum Concilium”) in two separate workshops.

Sacred Heart faculty member Dr. Daniel Keating will offer insights into the Decree on Ecumenism (“Unitatis Redentegratio”) and give direction for individuals and parishes so that genuine ecumenical dialogue can be fostered.

The Decree on the Missionary Activities of the Church (“Ad Gentes”) will be explored by Fr. Eduardo Montemayor, SOLT. He also will offer direction for parish programs and individuals who seek to engage deeply in the work of evangelization.

Author and radio host Teresa Tomeo will explore the core components of the Decree on the Mass Media (“Inter Mirifica”). She will give practical guidance for disciples today in a world that includes social networking.

As the director of the Archdiocesan Office for Evangelization, Catechesis and Schools, Dr. Margie Crooks brings a wealth of experience to her presentation on the Declaration on Christian Education (“Gravissimum Educationonis”) and the critical role of Catholic education in parish and family life.

“We expect people to leave the conference with not only a better knowledge of Vatican II’s documents, but we hope it will motivate them to learn more about the documents, responding to the Holy Father’s summons for the Year of Faith, and take them to heart as a means to come to a deeper relationship with Christ and a deeper love for the Church,” said Dan Gallio, editor of Sacred Heart’s “Mosaic” magazine and a member of the archdiocesan Development Office.

The conference will have a spiritual dimension as well, according to organizers. Attendees are welcome to worship together at Evening Prayer on Friday, Sept. 21, and Morning Prayer and Mass on Saturday, Sept. 22. The program includes lunch on Saturday.