(3/2) The 7th Annual Central Maryland Formation Day will take place at Mount St. Mary’s University on March 12, 2005. During this one day event, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., attendees will come together to pray, discover, and learn from keynote speaker, Monsignor Ray East, along with 18 other workshop sessions. This is a great opportunity for catechists, RCIA teams, youth ministers, parish and school leaders, social outreach ministers, clergy, parents and guardians to "roll away the stones of our unbelief" and enhance the daily life and ministry within the Church.

Bishop W. Francis Malooly, from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, will preside over the keynote session, in which special guest Msgr. East will offer an insightful and encouraging presentation that focuses on the practical tools needed to revive, restore and renew beliefs. Msgr. East, a priest in the Archdiocese of Washington, is currently Director of the Office of Black Catholics and Vicar for Evangelization. He has worked in areas of the liturgy, youth ministry, initiation and evangelization and is a nationally recognized keynote and workshop presenter.

Sponsored by the Catholic Education Ministries Center of Central Maryland, in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, along with the Central Maryland Social Justice Outreach Network and Central Maryland Clergy Network, the annual Formation Day concentrates on the spiritual resurrection and ongoing renewal to which Christians are called. The variety of workshops being offered this year means that there is something for everyone. Workshop titles include: "Roll the Stone Away: Really Rising with Christ," "Young People on the Internet," "Happy and Holy Households of Faith," and "Catholics and Divorce: Myths and Ministries." Registration is due by March 1 and includes a continental breakfast and buffet lunch. The fee is $25.00 per person for parishes and schools affiliated with the CEM Center of Central Maryland and $40.00 for all non-affiliated parishes and schools. A group discount is being offered for groups of 15 people or more when you register with your parish or school.

For more information call (301) 447-3707.