God’s story comes alive in our stories. Join Father René in exploring four gospel stories that illustrate how Jesus puts the “zing” in God’s mission and how we as his followers are called to testify with a “zing” in bringing the Good News to a world that needs it.

Very Reverend René Constanza is a member of the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle (Paulist Fathers) and the Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. He also directs the vision and mission of the Catholic Information Center, a Paulist evangelization ministry serving the Cathedral Parish and the Diocese of Grand Rapids.

 Dimension: Evangelization

When Catholics gather for Eucharist, we use our entire bodies to encounter Christ. We cross ourselves, stand, sit, bow, and kneel. This session will lead participants through all the postures and gestures we use at Mass, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sacred liturgy and the ability to teach people of all ages the meaning of our “Catholic calisthenics.”

Father Chris Rouech is pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Grandville. With a Master’s Degree in Liturgical Studies from University of Notre Dame, he served for eight years as interim director of the Diocesan Office for Worship

Dimension: Spirituality 

Also offered as C-10

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults expects that “celebrants should make full and intelligent use of the freedom given to them” (RCIA 35) to adapt the rites. But just how far does that freedom extend? This workshop welcomes not just celebrants but all ministry leaders who help prepare the rites to: explore the rationale for adaptation, identify elements that admit of change, determine what characteristics ought to be preserved, and evaluate the benefits of proposed adaptations.

Dr. Aaron Sanders studied theology at the University of Notre Dame and has experience in liturgical ministry at both the parish and diocesan levels. Through his service to the Diocese of Grand Rapids as Director of the Office for Worship he hopes to lead all the faithful to a deeper participation in the sacred mysteries we celebrate.

Dimension: Professional Theology

Also offered as B-7

Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation titled, “Rejoice and Be Glad” explores holiness and challenges all the faithful to witness to the glory of God and to the human person fully alive. Through story, scripture and Pope Francis’ words, YOU will be equipped to grow in holiness and make present God’s reign  every day.

Jeff Andrini, D.Min, is a Master Catechist with the Diocese of Grand Rapids with 30 years of parish experience and currently serves as Director of Faith Formation at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish in Grand Haven.

Dimension: Theology

The essential framework from which to witness within a sacramental marriage is that each person clearly knows who they are in relation to God. Only then can a couple live a testimony of a Gospel Marriage. Drawing from the privilege of years of martial therapy with countless couples, Dr. Birkeland will explore key facets of a sacramental marriage and highlight some marriage potholes that occur along the way.

Dr. Peter Birkeland is a Clinical Psychologist, working professionally for 35 years. He received a Ph.D from Michigan State University in 1985 and is currently in private practice in Rockford and Big Rapids specializing in formal psychological assessment, Individual and Marriage therapies, special interest in the integration of Catholic teaching and psychotherapy intervention. Dr. Birkeland is married to Julie and has four children. He is also a Franciscan Apprentice.

Dimension: Theology

Also offered as B-12

It’s not just for Confirmation anymore! The mission of the Church makes clear that service is integral to Catholics. Based on the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching, this presentation will assist you with easy ideas for service projects that will help learners of all ages embrace service as a way of life.

Nancy Bird has been involved in religious education as a catechist, parish catechetical leader and youth minister. She combines practical experience, creativity and motivational enthusiasm to energize those called to embrace and live their Baptism joyfully.  Presently she serves as Director of Training and Professional Development for RCL Benziger Religion Publishing Company, resides in Tallmadge, Ohio and continues to be a volunteer catechist.

Dimension: Evangelization

Effective communication is critical to all areas of parish life. It is easy to become burdened with trying to keep up with technology and the need to get things done. Pope Francis has consistently called us to something deeper and more fulfilling. Learn how to regain your mission in the effort to get information out of the door. Walk away inspired to speak to the hearts as well as the heads of your parishioners.

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Mike DiCosola resides in Rockford, Michigan, is a parishioner at Our Lady of Consolation Parish and has been an active lay minister at all ages of formation for over 15 years. He speaks nationally on parish communications and evangelization as the director of the myParish App.

Dimension: Evangelization

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 a catechist with adults.

Dimension: Evangelization 

Humanae Vitae turned 50 this year. Polls indicate that more than 80% of Catholics ignore, if not outright reject, its teachings. This presentation will reflect on the universal call to holiness through chastity and the grave dangers that concupiscence presents to living our baptismal vocation with integrity.

Dr. Dennis J. Marshall is Professor of Theology at Aquinas College.

Dimension: Theology

Paul’s so-called conversion experience of Jesus is iconic, but what goes unnoticed is the theological change that occurred because of it. The theology of the Pharisees had to be transformed: from exhorting Israel to covenantal obedience to the incorporation of gentiles into the people of God. This session will expose  participants to St. Paul’s key theological innovation because of his experience of the resurrection.

Dr. Stephan Davis is an Associate Professor of Theology at Aquinas College. He is the author of “The Antithesis of the Ages: Paul’s Reconfiguration of Torah” which studies Paul’s Theology in its ancient Jewish context.

Dimension: Theology 

Also offered as B- 21