THIS SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELLED

In the study, Going, Going, Gone – The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics, Saint Mary’s Press reveals extensive research on why young people have left the Catholic Church. This presentation will identify the underlying dynamics that lead to disaffiliation, describe the factors that reinforce those dynamics, and examine the implications for the Church and our ministry with children, adolescents and families. We will hear about these issues from young people in their own voices and examine the broader sociological shifts affecting religious affiliation and engagement in secularized culture.

 Pamela Elsey has been involved in Catholic and religious education in various ways for over twenty-eight years in Catholic schools, in parishes, and on the diocesan level. Currently, she is a National Educational Consultant for Saint Mary’s Press. She and her husband, Mark, have 4 children, reside in the Atlanta, GA area, and are members of Saint Mary Magdalene Church where she is an adult catechist.

 Dimension: Evangelization  

Also offered A-17

An impassioned presentation of both current irrefutable statistics and historical documentation of our national struggle for multicultural identity as Americans, will be presented with an opportunity for both discussion and feedback. We will ask the question of why we have not learned as a nation from our past mistakes of oppressing those considered newcomers to our nation of immigrants. We will explore the many facets of cultural differences that both enrich our communities and at the same time serve as rationale for scapegoating for those who fall victim to the fear-mongering of close-minded voices. Finally, we will remind ourselves that our Catholic calling not only encourages us to embrace diversity, but calls us to action to be voice of truth and the hand of compassion.

Rick Muniz is the Principal of San Juan Diego Academy, a K-8 school within the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids. Rick is an educator, writer, speaker, activist and former journalist who regularly presents on issues of diversity.

Dimension: Spirituality 

Also offered as B– 27

Is social media just “mental pollution,” or an effective and relevant communications tool for our Church today? That depends on how you use it! Join me to talk about social media best practices including choosing the right platform, crafting a content strategy, prioritizing quality over quantity, creating dynamic content, time management tools, graphic design for dummies (I include myself in this category), and overcoming the “what ifs” of audience interaction.

JoAnn Fox is a member of the diocesan communications office since 2007.  As the communications specialist, her role includes creating and managing content for the diocesan website, and using social media to evangelize and inform. A communications professional with over 20 years’ experience, she’s worked as a journalist for a small northern Michigan newspaper, in events planning, as a marketer of industrial woodworking equipment, and as a freelance writer and proofreader.

Dimension: Evangelization

Does your parish need a marketing strategy? Absolutely. Having an executable strategy in place can help parishes attract, retain and engage parishioners and the community. This session will help parish leaders and volunteers develop a simple, executable marketing plan designed with these three areas in mind. Are you maximizing your website? Is it mobile friendly? What about social media? Are you on the right platforms and being seen? What about your mission statement and vision? You’ll leave this session with the framework to your very own marketing plan—a framework you can use for the parish as a whole, to promote a specific event, or even attract new volunteers to a subcommittee.

Meahgan Pear – passionately curious and driven by wonder – is a professional marketer who lives for experiences and the stories they create.  Meahgan serves as the National Business Line Marketing Manager for Advisory Services at BDO USA LLP, the 5th largest accounting firm network in the world. Here she spearheads the strategic marketing efforts for the firm’s nations Corporate Finance practice. Prior to joining BDO, she served as Chief Marketing Officer for a local accounting firm in Grand Rapids.

In 2016, she was named one of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty business leaders and continues to contribute to the local community both professionally and personally. She is a proud Native American, belonging to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, and enjoys spending her free time with her two adorable little nieces and her incredibly supportive family and friends. 

 Dimension: Evangelization

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) offers Religious Activities available to ALL Youth and their leaders/instructors. Topics include: Rosary Series, Marian Series, American Saint Series, Modern Saint Series, and Faith Series. Each activity includes a pamphlet with a link to information about the topic, questions and answers, and activities. Learn how to use these free resources in your classrooms, retreat or home!

Theresa Dirig is a mother (two Eagle Scouts and 1honorary Eagle Scout—a daughter) and grandmother to four, originally from Fort Wayne, IN. She ahs been involved in Boy Scouting for the past 29 yrs. and the NCCS for the past 10 yrs. She is currently the Chairperson of the Religious Activities committee, responsible for the Activities offered by the NCCS.

Deb Watson is a mother of two Eagle Scouts from Hudsonville, MI. She has been involved in Boy Scouting for the past 16 yrs. and got involved with Catholic Scouting 10 yrs. ago as a Religious Emblem Counselor. She is currently the Activity Chair for the Grand Rapids Catholic Committee on Scouting.

Dimension: Evangelization

Also offered as B-13