Diocesan Catholic educators finally able to gather for a Regan Institute Nov. 21-22

Educators in the Diocese of Wichita will finally be able to gather for a Regan Institute Monday and Tuesday Nov. 21-22 at Church of the Magdalen Parish and School in Wichita.

Superintendent of Catholic Schools Janet Eaton said because of Covid restrictions, the last few years of faith formation for educators was carried out at individual schools.

“This year is about living out our theme of Be Not Afraid, Go Forth Faithfully,” she said.

Planned triennially

The event, which will be scheduled triennially, is required for all Catholic school teachers, counselors, and administrators in the Diocese of Wichita. Keynote speakers this year include Fr. Louis Merosne, who will talk about missionary discipleship; praise and worship singer Cooper Ray; and Eaton, who will remind educators to help students earn an “St.” before their names.

“The three years of faith formation at the school level has allowed our schools to grow in new ways as one community of faith,” Eaton said, “and now it is time to bring everyone back to together.”

The Regan Catechetical Institute has been part of diocesan Catholic education for many years, she said, adding that a lot of energy, time, and prayer is put into planning and executing the institute for teachers to receive exemplary faith formation.

Covid interfered

“With Covid changing so much of what we have done in the past, these three years have helped us to discern a new direction for the institute,” Eaton said. “With the help of an amazing committee of teachers, principals, and Fr. Curtis Hecker, chaplain of Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, the Regan Institute has had a make-over.”

This year the Institute will open with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Carl A. Kemme and joined by the Holy Savior Children’s Choir.

Fr. Merosne says that preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ is both a duty and passion for him. His perpetual prayer intention, he adds, is to be a saintly priest. He is the rector of the Cathedral of Saint Anne in Anse-à-Veau, Haiti. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and was ordained in 2011. Father is the founder of The Beloved, a U.S. not-for-profit organization with the mission of preaching the Gospel and serving the poor, especially in Haiti.

Cooper Ray to speak

Cooper Ray is a keynote speaker, musician, and a workshop and retreat leader. He lives in Flower Mound, Texas, with his wife and three young sons. Ray is a dynamic musician who passionately shares his faith. His background includes 20 years of professional ministry experience as a retreat facilitator, liturgical musician and diocesan director.

The two days also include over 80 breakout sessions led by pastors, principals, teachers, and guests. Each teacher will have four breakout sessions to choose from. Ray will lead a holy hour before the closing Mass on the second day of the institute.

“During adoration our educators will have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Confession with the help of over 35 diocesan priests,” Eaton said. “We are so grateful to these priests for giving of their time.”

She added that she is especially grateful that the educators from Southeast Kansas will be attending. They will be guests of the Spiritual Life Center.
Eaton asked for prayers for the 783 educators who lead 9,700 students to Christ every day, “will be able to fill their own vessel with God’s grace and his love.”