Training Seminar for UCU Catechetical Program Students in Philadelphia

On September 6, 2025 a training seminar for students of the Catechetical Program of the Catechetical-Pedagogical Institute of the Ukrainian Catholic University took place in Philadelphia. The event was organized by the Religious Education Ministry of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

The meeting began with introductions by the co-directors of the ministry, Rev. Mykola and Mrs. Uliana Dziurakh, and by all the students. The first lecture was delivered by Dr. Maria Ivaniv Lonchyna on the topic “Ukrainian Greek-Catholics in the USA: 140 Years of Life and Ministry.” 

The second lecture was given by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Incarnate Word, who in their lecture “Catechesis in Settlements” shared their experience in catechizing both children and adults. They also discussed the challenges of organizing parish catechetical life and presented sample lessons. 

After a common lunch, participants had the opportunity to visit the Archeparchy’s museum “Treasury of Faith” guided by Rev. Mykola Dziurakh. The final lecture was led by Mrs. Uliana Dziurakh on “Special Catechetics: Methodology,” during which students symbolically entered the times of Moses and walked part of his journey through interactive methods. 

At the conclusion of the seminar, Rev. Mykola and Mrs. Uliana, co-directors of the Religious Education Ministry of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their presence and active involvement, and invited them to future events.