Jenny Adams joined the staff at Christ Our Light Parish in 2002. A graduate of St. Cloud Technical College with a major in advertising, she had been working in graphic design for a number of years when she began actively volunteering with youth in the parish, which led to a paid position in youth ministry. She earned her master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary in 2013. In 2016, she took on a new role within the parish to develop and enhance communications and assist with various office tasks. She resides in Princeton with her husband, Mike, and two young sons: Davin and Leo.
All posts by Dave Laidlaw
Radical Hospitality – Are We Ready to be Serious About Extending Christ’s Welcome? – Aaron Carpenter
Room: Quad 353
In this session, we will look at the importance of building relationships with strangers and friends and how it directly impacts our ability to be radical in extending Christ’s welcome. All ministers, whether secretary, pastor, liturgical minister, catechist or others will be able to apply radical hospitality to their ministry.
How to Keep Your Cool in a Hot Mess…Tools to Help with Stress, Anxiety and Finding Calm in a Busy World – Cindy Pfannenstein / Erin Hatlestad
Room: Auditorium and Humphrey Theatre
As mental health concerns increase in our complex daily lives, it is more important than ever to have tools to help find inner peace and build resiliency. This workshop will provide participants simple techniques to use in their personal lives and classrooms, helping them to thrive and find calm every day.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry: Don’t Be the Lone Ranger! – Kent Schmitz
Room: Quad 254
Ministry to, for, by, and with youth and young adults is an ”all parish, all community” practice in ministry. Participants will review and discuss successful approaches and models of ministry that encourages full community engagement.
What Form Do We Need for That? – Bailey Ziegler
Room: Quad 252
Brush up on some human resources fundamentals and explore new areas and concepts of staffing, compensation, and employee relations. There will be time for conversation and question and answers with other parish staff members on topics of interest and need, particularly taking into account the recent formation of area Catholic communities. This session will be ideal for pastors, business managers, and parish office staff who handle a variety of human resources tasks such as new hire orientation, payroll, and benefits.
We are Talking in Questions…Area Catholic Communities – ACC Planning Council
Room: Quad 349
We are still asking questions as we continue to plan for Area Catholic Communities (ACC). Which masses will be held where? When will the changes occur? What changes might we see? It is important that we ask the right questions of the right people. This panel will share some of the questions that their planning councils are wrestling with as well as what their hopes are for the future of ACC’s.
The Role of the Pastoral Council in the Life of the Parish – Fr. Robert Rolfes / Jane Marrin
Room: Quad 261
This session will address the organizational structure of a parish and the role of the pastoral council in that structure. Participants will gain an understanding of what it means to serve as a member of a parish pastoral council. There will be time for true dialogue with the presenters. If you have concerns or questions regarding your current or future involvement with your pastoral council, you won’t want to miss this presentation.
The Rite is Right: Why Do We Sing What We Sing at Mass? – Laurie Youngers
Room: Quad 360
Explore the Order of Mass and the Three Judgments one uses to choose music – Liturgical, Pastoral and Musical and the different categories of music – acclamations, dialogues, hymns, psalms and other spiritual songs. We will also explore how to shape liturgy for seasonal worship both for Sunday and school and how the relationship between pastoral musician and priest makes it “all” work. We will also touch briefly on Copyright, CLOW, School Liturgies, Resources.
Technology and Parish Life: Communicating the Stories of Jesus Christ and His Church – Jenny Adams/Tim Welch
Room: Quad 344
Dr. David Walsh says, “Whoever tells the stories defines the culture.” Communications 101 says “If we don’t tell our story, someone else will.” Basic Collaboration Skills says, “Keep people in the loop!” How are we telling the Stories of Jesus Christ, our parishes, and God’s activity in our lives? This session will look at some of the why’s and how’s of using technology in parish communications and faith formation. We will also dream about ways of engaging our youth and young adults in this important ministry. We need to tell our story, and tell it well, especially in light of the challenges of area Catholic communities.
Sayonara to the Sounds of Silence: Effective and Transparent Communications for Parishes – Joe Towalski
Room: Quad 339
Three experienced church communicators highlight best practices for sharing important information with parishioners, particularly during times of crisis or change. Participants in this workshop — moderated by Joe Towalski, director of communications for the Diocese of St. Cloud — will have an opportunity to ask questions and share their own experiences.