All posts by Susie Boone

Very Reverend George Mockel

Marian Conf Speakers

Very Reverend George Mockel is the Vicar General of the Diocese of Oakland, as well as a Pastor at Santa Maria Parish in Orinda, CA. As Vicar General, a position he has held in Oakland since 2005, Father Mockel oversees all clergy services, pastoral planning and property management of the Cathedral. In addition, Father Mockel serves on the Boards of Catholic Management Services, Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Oakland, Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services, College of Consultors, Diocesan Finance Council, Diocesan Planning Board, the Oakland Parochial Fund, Inc., Priest Personnel Board, Presbyteral Council, President Cathedral Corporation of the East Bay.

A Bay Area native, Father Mockel received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Saint Patrick’s College in Mountain View and attended Saint Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park where he earned his M. Div. degree. He studied Canon Law at the Catholic University of America and later attended the Institute on the Revised Code of Canon Law at the University of San Francisco. He has previously served as Judicial Vicar and chief judge of the Diocesan Tribunal and pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Concord

Bishop Jaime Soto

Marian Conf Speakers

Bishop Jaime Soto was born December 31, 1955, in Inglewood, California. He attended Saint John’s Seminary College in Camarillo, California, and there earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy in 1978 and Master of Divinity degree in 1982. In 1986, he earned a Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Orange in 1982, was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Orange, March 23, 2000, and was installed Bishop of Sacramento on November 29, 2008.

Bishop Soto’s pastoral experience includes work in Catholic Charities, immigration reform and ministry to the Hispanic community. Within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Bishop Soto is chairman of the USCCB Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, a member of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, and a consultant to the Committee on International Justice and Peace. He is also the chairman of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC).

Bishop Soto has been a strong defender of immigrant rights; he encourages Catholics to read the Bible so as to better understand the church’s stance on immigration and its long-standing support for the rights of immigrants. He believes that comprehensive immigration reform, if done properly taking into account the concerns of all affected parties, would benefit the country as a whole.

FAQs

Marian Info

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Marian Conference?

The 2019 Marian Conference at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church is an opportunity to enter into an experience of prayer, reflection, learning and adoration with the ultimate goal of becoming closer to Jesus through His mother, Mary. In an atmosphere alternating between quiet and celebration, it will be a gathering of at least 800 Catholics from IHM and nearby parishes to reflect on their lives, their families and their world; and with the help of the international and national speakers invited for the event, grow deeper in relationship with Mary and Jesus.

2. Do I need to pre-register?

Yes, as seating is limited, we advise you to pre-register online via FaithDirect or Eventbrite beginning March 2019. You may also opt to pre-register by sending the form through mail or by dropping off the signed form at the Parish Office of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (500 Fairview Avenue, Brentwood, CA 94513). Same day registration will be available during the Conference; however, for the interest of organization and convenience on the part of the participants, we advise that you take advantage of the various avenues to pre-register.

3. What does my conference registration fee cover?

Your registration fee of $30 covers admission to sessions and side events during the two-day conference. This also includes a Conference bag, ID tag and lanyard, souvenir program and tokens from our event sponsors. The Marian Conference begins at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 11, 2019 and ends at 10:00 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2019. Kindly standby for the full Conference schedule. We, of course, highly encourage that you attend all the Sacraments, sessions and side events, but also recognize that this entails commitment. The registration fee will remain the same, though, even if you are able to attend only one, or all sessions and side events.

4. Are meals included with my conference registration fee?

Food is separate from your Conference registration fee. When you register, you will have an option to pre-purchase meals. Snacks will also be available for on-site purchase

5. Is lodging available if I wish to stay in Brentwood throughout the conference?

Lodging is limited, but available, in the Brentwood area.   Two hotels are just a short drive to the conference.

•Hampton Inn Brentwood is at 7605 Brentwood Blvd, just 2.4 miles from IHM. Their direct number is 925-513-1299.

•Best Western Brentwood Inn is located at 8820 Brentwood Blvd, just 3 miles away.  Their direct number is 925-634-6400.

6. Are there multiple sites for the conference?

No, the entire Marian Conference will be conducted on the IHM grounds. Parking will be available within the vicinity, but as space is limited, we do encourage carpooling. Parking has also been arranged off the IHM grounds, with shuttle services available for the entire duration of the Marian Conference. A full vicinity map will be made available, to include reference to Masses, Confessions, Adoration and Benediction, Rosary, Conference sessions, registration desk, food booths and the exhibitors area for books, vestments, sacramental wine and other religious items like statues, rosaries, medallions, veils and prayer cards. There will likewise be recordings of the Conference sessions on USB drive and commemorative shirts for sale which we encourage you to pre-order together with your registration.

7. How should I dress?

Most people dress very modest casual, and nice jeans. Some choose to change into dress clothes for Holy Masses. A light sweater or coat is a good idea for this time of the year in Brentwood. 

8. Can I bring my children?

The Marian Conference is a family Conference. Children are most welcome, and 11 and under are free! Youth 12-17 receive a reduced rate of $15 to attend. There will be a Praise and Worship Night for the Family on Friday starting at 7:30 PM. Parents with very young children can sit towards the back of the church, if they so choose, for stroller space.

9. How do I find out the conference schedule?

The full Conference schedule will be made available on the Conference website, which will also contain information on each of our speakers once they have confirmed. You will likewise receive a printed souvenir program upon registration. We recommend keeping it with you at all times, but if you forget or lose it, you can get a copy of the full Conference schedule at the Registration Desk.

10. Can I volunteer to help in any way? 

Absolutely! We are very grateful for volunteers! There would be no Conference without them! Before the Conference, call the IHM office at 925-634-4154. Any one who can stay to help break down the Conference at the end is most appreciated! Many hands make light work and we can be done in a couple of hours!

11. Will there be sessions in Spanish?

Yes. From our experience at the last Conference, aside from having translation devices readily available to those who might need them, we will also have at least three (3) parallel sessions in Spanish. More details to follow.

12. Can I make a contribution and/or advertise for the conference?

Most definitely! IHM is a 501C(3) non-profit and all donations are tax-deductible. The Conference does not strive to make a profit, but to cover expenses. Donations should be made to IHM – 2019 Marian Conference. Several sponsorship levels and print advertising options are available, or you can consider sponsoring a group of youth to attend. Call Deanna Betschart at (925) 222-9661 for details.

13. Is the conference recorded?

Yes, the Conference is recorded, and will be available for a reasonable fee. You can pre-order USB as you register, and they will be mailed after the Conference. We do not sell video recordings.

14. I have already registered for the conference, what happens next? 

Once you have registered, you will receive confirmation through email, phone call and/or mail. This will come in handy, but not necessary as we have the records, when you check-in on the actual day of the Conference and there receive your Conference bag, ID tag and lanyard, souvenir program and tokens from our event sponsors. Please help us promote the Conference to your family and friends, to your local church community and the ministries you are part of, and share with them this wonderful opportunity to grow in more faith and trust in God’s mercy … by being part the 2019 Marian Conference!

Wednesday | Oct 9

Uncategorized

Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors

7:30 am – 8:30 am
Exhibit Hall – Riverwalk

Exhibitor Tear-down

8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Closing Plenary Session

9:00 am – 10:00 am
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom IV – VII

Speaker:
Dr. Thomas Jones

Closing Concelebrated Liturgy

10:15 am – 11:15 am
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom IV – VII

Session 61 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Leading with Courage: How to steward your gifts without holding them hostage

ICSC Tue PM 19

Session 61
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Chicago Ballroom X
Leading with Courage: How to steward your gifts without holding them hostage

Speaker: Jonathan Baca
Annual Appeal Coordinator
Diocese of Dallas, Texas

Moderator: Coni Perez
ICSC Conference Team
Houston, Texas

Do you consider yourself a leader? Whether or not you are entrusted with running a parish, heading a large corporation, or raising a family, the Lord asks of you to be a leader, even when you’re not “in charge.” Find out why your view of leadership might be preventing the Lord from working in your ministry.

Mr. Jonathan Baca

Jonathan Baca is the coordinator for the annual appeal for the Diocese of Dallas, which generates more than $7 million annually. Prior to working for the diocese, he taught high school theology for four years and then went on to work in international corporate travel for three years. A native Californian, he holds bachelor degrees in theology and marketing from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a master’s degree in theology from the University of Dallas.

Session 48 | 8:30 am | Setting Endowment Goals to Generate Major Gifts

ICSC Tue AM 19

Session 48
8:30 am – 9:30 am

Huron
Setting Endowment Goals to Generate Major Gifts

Speaker: Donna Marino
Senior Vice President
Greater Mission, LLC
Phoenix, Arizona

Speaker: Thomas Sonni
President and Managing Partner
Greater Mission, LLC
Baltimore, Maryland

Moderator: Rick Jeric
Executive Director
Women’s Care Center
Columbus, Ohio

This session will focus on setting long term endowment goals and launching new campaign-style efforts to secure major, planned and blended gifts. Hear new ideas and discuss best practices in this highly interactive session.

Ms. Donna J. Marino

Donna Marino has 35 years of development experience including over 20 years serving the Catholic Church. She is a native of Connecticut and served in senior management positions with two religious orders, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in New York and the Sisters of Mercy in Connecticut. Her diocesan and parish experience includes serving as the executive director of development for the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, where, as a member of the bishop’s senior leadership team she managed the annual bishop’s appeal, a comprehensive major gifts program, and the diocesan foundation. In 2007, she relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where she served as the president and CEO of the Catholic Community Foundation for the Diocese of Phoenix. She joined Greater Mission as a senior vice president in 2016. Ms. Marino is a graduate of Boston University and Harvard Business School’s executive leadership program, Strategic Perspectives in Non- Profit Management. She resides in Scottsdale, Arizona and is a parishioner at Our Lady of Joy Parish in Carefree, Arizona.

Mr. Thomas Sonni

Tom Sonni founded Greater Mission in 2006. He brings more than 25 years of experience designing stewardship models and managing capital campaigns along with years of experience in strategic planning, annual appeals, major gifts, and legacy giving. He has guided efforts that have raised over $400 million. His service has strengthened the Arch/Dioceses of Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Lansing, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, Providence, Richmond, St. Petersburg, and Venice, among others. He led the creative design of With All Your Heart, a mission advancement model that integrates spiritual formation and lifting parish communities to new levels of generosity that sustain and expand mission and ministry. Before founding Greater Mission, he served as the executive leader of diocesan-wide development and stewardship programming in the Diocese of Harrisburg and the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He also served on the ICSC board of directors.

Session 47 | 8:30 am | Vision 2020: Designing Impactful Campaigns in the Context of National and Church Transformation

ICSC Tue AM 19

Session 47
8:30 am – 9:30 am

Erie
Vision 2020: Designing Impactful Campaigns in the Context of National and Church Transformation

Facilitator: Thomas Kissane
Principal and Managing Director
CCS
New York, New York

Panelists:

Reverend Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik
Pastor
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Long Beach, California

Peter Hoskow
Principal and Managing Director
CCS
Chicago, Illinois

Cory J. Howat
Executive Director
Catholic Community Foundation
Archdiocese of New Orleans, Louisiana

Shannon Roh
Director of Development and Stewardship
Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama

Moderator: Brian Doyle
Director of Development
Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida

Our Church faces a rapidly changing world and is impacted by new generations of parishioners, a fluctuating economy, a unique political landscape and a new digital age. It is increasingly critical that fundraising and stewardship efforts adapt to the landscape and resonate with parishioners. In this session, panelists will share insights on how to plan and execute an impactful and successful fundraising campaign that includes strategies and examples for shaping and communicating a vision for the Church that garners support from diverse Catholic communities.

The Reverend Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik

Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik attended St. John’s Seminary College and St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California and was ordained to the priesthood in 1982. In 1992, he received his master’s degree in liturgical studies from the University of Notre Dame. Monsignor Kostelnik has served as associate pastor in two parishes and was the founding pastor of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, where he helped to secure the $190 million funding for the project. In 2017 he became pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Long Beach, California. He currently serves on the Archdiocesan Development Board and the Archdiocesan Called to Renew Campaign Leadership Team.

Mr. Peter Hoskow

Peter Hoskow is principal and managing director of CCS. Based out of CCS’s Chicago office, he oversees the firm’s central United States operations and leads a team of more than 70 professionals across the region. He has devoted his entire 20-year career to helping nonprofits elevate critical missions such as strengthening faith, feeding the hungry, enhancing education, and providing life-saving healthcare. Mr. Hoskow co-chairs CCS’s Diocesan Practice Group and co-leads the firm’s Catholic Advisory Group. A graduate of Marquette University, he participates in the university’s mentor program, helping students prepare for their professional journeys. Mr. Hoskow serves on the Leadership Council of Loyola University’s Baumhart Center and on the Board of Visitors of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Mr. Hoskow is a parishioner at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Chicago, where he resides with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.

Mr. Cory Howat

Cory Howat is the executive director of The Catholic Foundation for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He has an extensive background working in nonprofits. He is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana where he resides with his wife and five children. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in philanthropy and development from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota.

Mr. Howat’s business background started when he and an associate established the Smoothie King franchises in the Las Vegas valley. This motivated him to take some of the entrepreneurial expectations of the business industry into the nonprofit sector. His nonprofit development experience broadened as the executive director for Boys Hope Girls Hope where he served for over nine years. This included the rebuilding of the organization following Hurricane Katrina.

He has fundraising experience as a major gifts officer and as a director of institutional advancement. He served as the director of stewardship for the Archdiocese of New

Orleans before being promoted as the head of the Catholic Foundation in 2017. Mr. Howat led an initiative to build an innovative parish curriculum, Encountering Christ, which guides parishes from discipleship into full Christian stewardship. In addition, he helped create and launch #iGiveCatholic, the first day of Catholic giving in the United States.

Mrs. Shannon D. Roh

Shannon Roh, holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Auburn University. She is in her sixth year as the director of development and stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile and the executive director for the Catholic Foundation. She has an extensive professional background in corporate and operational development, having experience in labor management and training, computer software systems, marketing, and customer and client relations for The Home Depot, Reflexis Systems, Inc., and Superb Foods. Mrs. Roh had also served three years as director of development for St. Lawrence Parish in Fairhope, Alabama where she and her husband, Joe, are members. They have four children.

Session 46 | 8:30 am | Principles of Diocesan Annual Appeal Success

ICSC Tue AM 19

Session 46
8:30 am – 9:30 am

Superior
Principles of Diocesan Annual Appeal Success

Speaker: Jim Kelley
Director of Development
Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina

Moderator: Karin Hurley
Director of Stewardship and Development
Diocese of Salt Lake City, Utah

Diocesan annual appeal returns, on average, have not measured up to expectations the last 18 months. But for those dioceses that adhere to the fundamentals, annual appeal returns can remain stable and even increase. This presentation will focus on those diocesan annual appeal fundamentals and practices that can help diocesan and foundation directors overcome challenges such as changing demographics, parish mergers and those challenges magnified by the media. This presentation will help you conduct an appeal that reflects a professional and well-run development office.

Mr. Jim Kelley

Jim Kelley is the director of development for the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina. He manages the office which operates the diocesan support appeal, assists parishes with stewardship efforts and capital campaigns, assists Catholic schools’ development efforts, directs development efforts for Catholic social services and campus ministry, directs the planned giving and major gift programs and writes grants. He is also the executive director of the Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Mr. Kelley is the author of Stewardship Manual: A Guide for Individuals and Parishes Developing Stewardship as a Way of Life, and the book, Sustaining and Strengthening Stewardship. He is the co-author and co-editor of Stewardship: Disciples Respond – A Practical Guide for Pastoral Leaders, and the Children’s Stewardship Manual, both ICSC publications.

He has been a member of the committee that organized and produced the ICSC publication, Keeping Stewardship Alive: Proven Stewardship Ideas as well.

Mr. Kelley has served ICSC in countless capacities over the last 30 years: its board of directors, numerous committees, and presentations at annual ICSC conferences and institutes. He had two tenures on its board of directors; first, from 1994 to 2000, serving as vice president from 1997 to 2000. Then, again from 2006 to 2007, serving as board president from 2007 to 2011. He was also the 2000 recipient of the ICSC Bishop Connare Award. Mr. Kelley has significant board experience having chaired 21 nonprofit boards over the last 20 years.

Session 45 | 8:30 am | La Campaña Anual Diocesana: Éxito en la Comunidad Hispana/The Diocesan Annual Appeal: Success in the Hispanic Community

ICSC Tue AM 19

Session 45
8:30 am – 9:30 am

Ontario
La Campaña Anual Diocesana: Éxito en la Comunidad Hispana/The Diocesan Annual Appeal: Success in the Hispanic Community 

Speaker: Ana Juarez
Administradora
Parroquia St. Alfred
Taylor, Michigan

Speaker: Jessica Orzechowski
Coordinadora de Servicios Parroquiales
Arquidiócesis de Detroit, Michigan

Moderator: Alma Benitez
Directora de Corresponsabilidad y Desarrollo
Diócesis de Yakima, Washington

Cuando se trata de pedir dinero, ¿cómo involucramos a la comunidad hispana en nuestra parroquia de una manera significativa y sustantiva? Esta presentación ofrecerá una metodología básica paso a paso para la recaudación de fondos de la parroquia en la comunidad hispana mediante el uso de un modelo empleado para solicitar fondos de apelación anual diocesanos. Este método fundamental fomenta mayores donaciones y un mayor cumplimiento del compromiso de sus feligreses de habla hispana.

When it comes to asking for money, how do we engage the Hispanic community in our parishes in a meaningful and substantive way? This presentation will offer a basic step-by-step methodology for parish fundraising in the Hispanic community by using a model employed to solicit diocesan annual appeal funds. This fundamental method encourages increased giving and stronger fulfillment of pledges from its Spanish-speaking parishioners.

Ms. Ana Juarez
Ana Juarez is the business manager at St. Alfred Catholic Church in Taylor, Michigan. As a parishioner, she currently serves on the St. Alfred stewardship commission and is a member of the leadership team. Ms. Juarez was born and raised in Durango, Mexico. Her background is accounting and she holds a business manager certification from Villanova University. She has a daughter, and together they serve in a number of parish ministries at St. Alfred.

Sra. Ana Juárez
Ana Juárez es la administradora de la Iglesia Católica St. Alfred en Taylor, Michigan. Como feligrés de St. Alfred, actualmente sirve en la comisión de corresponsabilidad de St. Alfred y es miembro del equipo de liderazgo. La Sra. Juárez nació y creció en Durango, México. Su experiencia es en contabilidad y tiene una certificación de administración de la Universidad de Villanova. Ella tiene una hija, y juntas sirven en múltiples ministerios parroquiales en St. Alfred.

Ms. Jessica Orzechowski
Jessica Orzechowski is a parish services coordinator in the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Department of Development and Stewardship. Her area of concentration is stewardship coordination in parishes with Spanish-speaking populations. An employee of the archdiocese for the last 20 years, she has been involved in numerous stewardship education and development projects. She has also been an active member of ICSC for more than a decade. She provides leadership in the coordination of the Spanish- language stewardship education presentations at annual ICSC conferences. Ms. Orzechowski is a parishioner at St. Alfred Parish in Taylor, Michigan and has assisted its pastor in a number of successful stewardship education and fundraising activities. She currently serves on the St. Alfred stewardship commission and is a member of the parish leadership team. She is also a member of the board of directors of Loaves and Fishes Southwest Detroit and a committee member of the Right to Life Michigan Hispanic Leadership Committee. Ms. Orzechowski was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico where she earned a degree in marketing. She and her husband have been married for 21 years and have one daughter. As a family, they serve in a number of parish ministries.

Sra. Jessica Orzechowski
Jessica Orzechowski es una coordinadora de servicios
parroquiales en el Departamento de Desarrollo y Corresponsabilidad de la Arquidiócesis de Detroit. Su área de concentración es la coordinación de la corresponsabilidad en las parroquias con población de habla hispana. Como empleada de la arquidiócesis durante los últimos 20 años, ha estado involucrada en varios proyectos de educación y desarrollo de corresponsabilidad. También ha sido un miembro activo del ICSC por más de una década. Es una líder en la coordinación de las presentaciones de educación en las conferencias anuales del ICSC. Jessica pertenece a la Parroquia St. Alfred en Taylor, Michigan y ha ayudado a su párroco en una serie de actividades exitosas de educación en la corresponsabilidad y recaudación de fondos. Actualmente sirve en la comisión de corresponsabilidad de St. Alfred y es miembro del equipo de liderazgo. Además, es miembro de consejo de la organización Loaves and Fishes Southwest Detroit y miembro del Comité del Liderazgo Hispano de Right to Life. La Sra. Orzechowski nació y creció en Monterrey, México en donde obtuvo un título en Mercadotecnia. Ella y su esposo han estado casados por 21 años y tienen una hija. Como familia, sirven en varios ministerios de la parroquia.