Location: International North
Handouts:
How to make a Bag of Compassion Card
Come and see how this recipient of the Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy Award embraces Christian stewardship as a way of life.
Speakers: Members of St. Patrick Catholic Community
Scottsdale, Arizona
Moderator: Mary Ann Otto
Pastoral Minister
St. Joseph and St. Mary Parishes
Appleton, Wisconsin
Location: Regency VI
This panel, comprised of some of the bishops and lay advisors who developed and initially promoted the pastoral letter 25 years ago, will reflect on what prompted the development of the letter, why the choice was made to focus on the spirituality of stewardship, and what were some of the successes that occurred because of the letter. The panelists will also discuss what remains to be accomplished in their hope for the future.
Panelists:
Most Reverend Robert F. Morneau
Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus
Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin
Most Reverend Sylvester Ryan
Bishop Emeritus
Diocese of Monterey, California
Reverend John Koziol, OFM Conv.
Pastor
St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church
Jonesboro, Georgia
Dan Conway
Senior Vice President, Pastoral Leadership
GP Catholic Services
Louisville, Kentucky
Vito Napoletano
President Emeritus, ICSC
Orlando, Florida
Moderator: Michael Murphy
Executive Director
ICSC
Dearborn, Michigan
Bishop Robert Morneau is auxiliary bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and pastor of Resurrection Catholic Parish in Green Bay. This year, ICSC honors him as the 2017 recipient of the Christian Stewardship Award.
Bishop Sylvester Ryan is bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Monterey, California. Following his priestly ordination in 1957 for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Bishop Ryan served as an associate at St. Agnes Parish in Los Angeles and St. Anthony Parish in Long Beach, and taught in their respective high schools. He served as principal of two other diocesan high schools, was a chaplain and instructor at Mt. St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes In Tujunga-Sunland and president/rector of the College Seminary in Camarillo. Bishop Ryan was ordained auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1990 and appointed Bishop of Monterey in 1992. He served on two committees of the U.S. bishops’ conference and for eight years served as the chairman of the stewardship subcommittee for the conference. For six years he was the president of the California Conference of Bishops. He retired in January 2007 and continues to serve the diocese, conducting retreats, workshops, and participating in the permanent deaconate formation program. He serves in local parishes as well when called upon. On occasion, Bishop Ryan conducts retreats and workshops in other dioceses and has been a frequent contributor to ICSC.
Father John Koziol, OFM Conv. was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts and attended Westfield State College in Westfield, Massachusetts where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education. After teaching for one year, Father Koziol entered the Novitiate of St. Anthony of Padua Province of the Conventual Franciscans. He professed first vows at St. Joseph Cupertino Novitiate in 1981. After teaching at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, Maryland, he continued his theological studies at Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, earning a master’s of divinity degree. Father Koziol professed solemn vows as a Franciscan Friar in 1985. Ordained a priest in 1988, his priestly ministry included parish assignments in Chicopee, Shamokin, Pennsylvania and Jonesboro, Georgia. After serving at St. Philip Benizi Church in Jonesboro from 1991 to 2000, Fr. Koziol pursued doctoral studies at the Catholic University of America, graduating in 2005 with a doctor of ministry degree in adult spiritual formation. From 2001 until 2009, he served his province as director of initial formation in Washington, DC. Having returned to Jonesboro in 2009, Father Koziol became pastor of St. Philip Benizi Church in 2010.
Dan Conway is a leader in the field of mission advancement who has helped redefine the meaning of stewardship in the Catholic Church. Since 1979, Dan has worked with dozens of Catholic dioceses, seminaries, religious communities, parishes, and schools in the areas of planning, communications, stewardship education, and fundraising. He has served as chief development officer for Marian University and three Roman Catholic archdioceses (Louisville, Indianapolis, and Chicago), and has provided consulting leadership for diocesan capital stewardship campaigns throughout the United States. Dan has facilitated strategic planning for more than a dozen Catholic dioceses, religious communities, seminaries, colleges, and universities in the Midwest and South. Dan currently serves as senior vice president of GP Catholic Services, a company founded by the principals of GrahamPelton Consulting to provide professional services designed specifically for Catholic organizations. Dan also provides workshops for Catholic dioceses and seminaries in the United States and abroad. Dan writes a widely distributed monthly article, The Good Steward. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Saint Meinrad College, a master’s degree from Indiana University, and an MRE from Saint Meinrad School of Theology. He and his wife, Sharon, are members of Holy Trinity Parish in Louisville, Kentucky.
Vito Napoletano has spent his career as part of key organizations that have shared and challenged the Catholic understanding of stewardship. His career includes work as a teacher, administrator and chief financial officer with institutions of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Diocese of Ft. Wayne-South Bend, and the development director for the Catholic Diocese of Orlando. He was also a member of the board of trustees of Catholic United Investment Trust and Religious Communities Trust (Christian Brothers Investment Trust). In 1989, Vito was elected to the board of directors of the National Catholic Stewardship Council, Inc., (NCSC), now ICSC, where he served as president and past treasurer until May 1995. He was also a member of the United States bishops’ stewardship committee in 1992, which produced the pastoral letter, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response and again in 1995 when they published Stewardship: A Resource of Parish and Diocese. He remains actively involved with several Catholic conferences and organizations, and in 1996, received the Bishop William G. Connare Award for distinguished service from NCSC. He is currently working with various Catholic organizations and nonprofits.
Location: International South
These disciplines are crucial to parishes and schools. The challenge is to recognize that they are interconnected and the practice of one influences them all. How they are related, how they are different, and how each can be effective without a negative impact on the others is imperative to their success. Help your constituents reach a better understanding of how their use of material goods impacts their faith lives.
Speaker: Tony Oltremari
Parish Administrator
St. Laurence Catholic Church
Sugar Land, Texas
Moderator: Ana Juarez
Business Administrator
St. Alfred Parish
Taylor, Michigan
Mr. Tony Oltremari – As parish administrator for St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, Texas, a parish of over 7,500 families and more than 80 ministries, he understands the importance of the spiritual mission of the church and the need for the material resources for fulfilling that mission. He previously served seven years as director of stewardship and vice-chair of the evangelization commission for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Mr. Oltremari is a 1999 graduate of the ICSC Institute for Stewardship and Development. Through his efforts the archdiocese was awarded first place recognition by ICSC for excellence in materials promoting diocesan stewardship in 2001. After leaving the archdiocese, Mr. Oltremari was vice president for Cavan Corporation, conducting increased offertory initiatives and capital campaigns for Catholic parishes and diocesan annual appeals. He is actively involved with the stewardship networking group in the Houston area and is a member of the National Association of Church Business Administrators. Mr. Oltremari was born in Memphis, Tennessee but has lived in Houston since 1960 where he was educated at St. Anne’s Catholic School, St. Thomas High School and the University of Houston. He and his wife, Peggy, have four children and ten grandchildren.
Location: Learning Center
Elegir vivir la corresponsabilidad cristiana como estilo de vida no sucede de la noche a la mañana. Comprender y aceptar el concepto cristiano de corresponsabilidad es el resultado de un proceso de formación de toda la vida, que comienza con la proclamación de Jesucristo –el gran corresponsable. Al proclamar a Cristo y acoger nuestra alianza bautismal, nuestra comprensión y aceptación del llamado al discipulado se fortalecen. Aprendemos a imitar a Cristo y a servir y apoyar a otros en su propio crecimiento espiritual. Esta sesión examinará la conexión crucial entre la evangelización, el discipulado y el desarrollo del liderazgo como pilares de la corresponsabilidad.
Choosing to live Christian stewardship as a way of life does not happen overnight. Understanding and embracing the Christian stewardship concept is the result of a life-long process of formation that starts with the proclamation of Jesus Christ –the great steward. As we proclaim Christ and embrace our baptismal covenant, our understanding and acceptance of the call to discipleship grows stronger. We learn to imitate Christ and to serve and nurture others for their own spiritual growth. This session will explore the crucial connection between evangelization, discipleship and leadership development as pillars of stewardship.
Speaker: Reverend Victor Reyes Párroco
Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church
Canton, Georgia
Moderator: Patricia Garcia Alvarado
Secretaria
Diocese of Carabayllo Lima, Peru
The Reverend Victor Reyes is a priest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and currently serves as pastor of Our Lady of La Salette Parish in Canton, Georgia. Father Reyes has extensive experience in catechetical and initiation ministries at the parish, diocesan, and national levels. He has served as instructor of liturgy and homiletics for ministry formation programs for both lay and clergy. His pastoral work at the parish, diocesan, regional and national level has led him to serve widely facilitating workshops, directing retreats, and preaching parish renewals. He is a bilingual consultant in the areas of Christian initiation, liturgical formation, multicultural ministries and leadership development. Father Reyes served for many years as a member of the national team for the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. He currently serves on the Atlanta Forum on the Catechumenate. He is also a member of the Academy of Homiletics and the Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics
Location: Hanover E
Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Omaha endured 17 straight years of declining enrollment. This changed in 2014, when archdiocesan leaders changed their approach. Over the past two years the archdiocese has achieved the highest enrollment increase of any diocese in the country. This session will reveal the steps they took to invest in their schools and dramatically increase enrollment while rallying donors, leaders and staff in support of Catholic schools.
Speaker: Nic Prenger, J.D.
President
Steier Group
Omaha, Nebraska
Speaker: Dr. Patrick Slattery
Former Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska
Moderator: Jolinda Moore
Director for Stewardship and Development
Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Indiana
Nic Prenger – As president of the Steier Group, Nic Prenger oversees the firm’s work with parish, school and diocesn clients across the country. Prior to serving as president, he spent six years designing and implementing successful studies and campaigns for diocesan clients in Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas, La Crosse, Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Omaha, Nebraska. His hands-on experience leading complex capital campaigns has made him a highly sought-after speaker at Catholic conferences across the country. Mr. Prenger is a native of Carroll, Iowa, and a graduate of Creighton University and the Univeresity of Iowa School of Law. A former prosecutor, he serves on the national advisory board for the Ntional Catholic Education Association as well as the stewardship committee for Christ the King Parish in Omaha.
Dr. Patrick Slattery became the executive director of the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools, a network of 13 schools in Maryland, New York, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, in July 2017. He works to carry out the mission of the network. Prior to this role, he served the Archdiocese of Omaha for 15 years as a Kindergarten through 8th grade principal, a high school president and superintendent of schools. As superintendent, he was a key team member in the archdiocese’s Ignite the Faith Capital Campaign which raised $53 million. A significant portion of these funds were invested in Catholic education, leading to the highest Catholic school system enrollment gain in the country in the years following the program investments. The Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic school system incorporates 70 schools spread out over 14,000 square miles and educates nearly 20,000 students annually. Dr. Slattery has also held leadership roles in private, non-denominational schools in Maryland and Massachusetts. A native of Madison, Connecticut, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, a master’s degree in educational administration from Harvard University, and his doctorate degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
Location: Hanover AB
Handout:
Successful Annual Appeals for the Small Office
Running an appeal with limited staff and resources can be challenging. Join us for a discussion on different ways we have found to make our appeals a success without breaking the bank by hiring additional staff. We will share some recommendations and techniques to help you deliver an appeal that will reflect a professional and well-run development office.
Speaker: Jill McNally
Director of Stewardship and Development
Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin
Speaker: Ron Schatz
Director of Stewardship
Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota
Moderator: Rachel Martinez
Associate Director of Stewardship and Development
Diocese of Lubbock, Texas
Jill McNally has worked in a variety of capacities over her career but mostly in the nonprofit sector. She has worked with national, state and local nonprofits in many positions including executive management, accounting and membership. She joined the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin in June 2007, where she works in the office of stewardship and development as director. She was part of the creation of the Diocese of Madison annual appeal and implemented it in 2009. The appeal has reached its goals for many years with an increase in amount pledged every year of its existence. The diocese launched its first capital campaign in over 50 years in 2014 and Ms. McNally was instrumental in the overall planning, implementing and management of the campaign. This $30 million campaign is generating an endowment for seminarian education and formation in the Diocese of Madison. Currently the campaign has exceeded $43.8 million in pledges. Ms. Madison lives in Madison with her husband and son.
Ron Schatz has served the Diocese of Bismarck for the past 26 years in the Office of Stewardship and Resource Development, becoming director in 1995. This year, ICSC honors him as the 2017 recipient of the Bishop William G. Connare Award.
Location: Hanover D
Competition for resources is intense. Donors are looking not simply to support problems, but invest in solutions that have sustained impact. The keys are to design arguments for funding that can be tied to clear program measures of outcomes and to do so in sustained ways. A compelling case for support can only come after the design of a funding strategy that is tied to organizational performance. This session will offer examples of successful approaches.
Speaker: Dr. Susan U. Raymond
Executive Vice President
Changing Our World
New York, New York
Moderator: Debra Leaverton
Director, Parish Stewardship Education and Pastoral Services Appeal
Orange Catholic Foundation
Garden Grove, California
Susan Raymond is executive vice president at Changing Our World. She is responsible for designing and conducting research for both nonprofits and foundations as well as developing business plans and program evaluations for new and existing institutions. Dr. Raymond has extensive experience in research, analysis and planning. Prior to joining Changing Our World in 1999, she held positions with the New York Academy of Sciences, The World Bank, Center for Public Resources, and U.S. Agency for International Development. In February 2011, Women United in Philanthropy honored Dr. Raymond with the Women in Excellence and Achievement Award. In September 2014, she received the John and Patty Noel Humanitarian Award for her work in global health and development in Africa. She is a regular speaker on the future role of philanthropy and has published four books and many professional articles on the changing philanthropic landscape globally. Dr. Raymond earned her bachelor’s degree Phi Beta Kappa at the University School of Advanced International Studies in a joint program with the School of Hygiene and Public Health.
Location: Hanover C
How do development directors and pastors work together to ensure the missions and goals of their endowments support and promote stewardship in individual parishes? This session is a blueprint for developing that unique, symbiotic relationship.
Speaker: Joseph Citro
Senior Vice President
Greater Mission
Columbia, Maryland
Moderator: Josh Diedrich
Assistant Director
Catholic Foundation
Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin
Joseph Citro, senior vice president of Greater Mission, has served the Catholic Church for almost 30 years directing diocesan stewardship and development offices, Catholic foundations in the Dioceses of St. Petersburg and Venice, and Catholic Charities agencies. In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Mr. Citro served as the first foundation director building its structure, board, strategies for fund development and outreach to the parishes. During his tenure as executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation in Venice, Mr. Citro was able to quintuple the amount of funds under management and secure an additional $10 million dollars in expectations. Most of Mr. Citro’s foundation work was centered on parishes and he developed a unique educational effort for parishes that generate a significant number of high worth gifts. Mr. Citro is a former lecturer in Catholic University’s graduate school of social service and has frequently presented at annual ICSC conferences, in both English and Spanish language sessions. He has spoken internationally at conferences in Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada and Guatemala.
Location: Hanover FG
Are you experiencing an overabundance of giving at your parish? If not, this session may be helpful as we discuss practical ideas focused on strategically increasing giving at your church. Whether the need is to increase weekly offertory or annual appeals, these tips can be applied to enhance discipleship and generosity.
Speaker: Jeff Bachelor
Diocesan Account Manager
ParishSOFT
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Moderator: Linda Maccarone
Stewardship Coordinator
St. Mary Catholic Church
Royal Oak, Michigan
Mr. Jeff Bachelor has been with ParishSOFT for over four years. As a diocesan account manager, he consults with dioceses to streamline operations, increase efficiencies, and reduce risk. This includes: strategic stakeholder discussions, process reengineering consultation and implementation, parish fulfillment and product support. Prior to working at ParishSOFT, for over seven years, Mr. Bachelor was part of a team of youth ministers that created, planned, promoted, and executed weekly catechetical nights along with multiple weekend retreats specifically designed for today’s youth. He has served the mission fields in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Canada as well as the inner city of Detroit. He has spent a semester abroad in France and Europe and is a current graduate student at the University of Michigan. He and his wife, Emily, are active members of Christ the King Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Location: Regency VII
How do you move parishioners from a “what do I get” to a “what do I give” way of thinking? What drives commitment to a parish? How do you engage parish members to embrace stewardship as a way of life? This presentation focuses on the essential building block of stewardship: hospitality. Learn ways to create a welcoming environment that drives people back to your parish and not away from it.
Speaker: Reverend John Bonavitacola
Pastor
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
Tempe, Arizona
Speaker: Deacon James Brett
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
Tempe, Arizona
Moderator: Audrey Ronnfeldt
Stewardship Coordinator
Diocese of Wichita, Kansas
Father John Bonavitacola was ordained a priest in 1988 and has been pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Tempe, Arizona, for 14 years. Previously, he served 12 years as director of chaplaincy services for the Philadelphia prison system. He successfully introduced stewardship as a way of life to the community in Tempe including offering parishioners the opportunity to become a “stewardship household,” in which the practice of stewardship offers them parish and school services at no cost. Stewardship successes at the parish include the annual “People Raiser” Ministry Fair; and yearly videos that promote stewardship. Trained as a substance abuse counselor, Father Bonavitacola has worked with the Twelve Step community for 25 years and has given 12 Step retreats all over the world. He is the executive director of the FullCircle program for young people and their families struggling with substance abuse and related disorders.
Deacon James Brett is the director of finance and stewardship for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Tempe, Arizona where he has been assigned as a deacon for 17 years. As a deacon for over 20 years, he has been active in many liturgical ministries along with involvement in the RCIA process. He has been active in implementing all phases of stewardship at the parish for 10 years. Deacon Brett has been a presenter of workshops at the regional and diocesan level over the course of the last five years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Arizona State University where he also taught financial and managerial accounting from 2002 to 2010. Prior to working at the parish he worked for a chemical manufacturing company first as a cost accountant before being promoted to controller from 1987 to 2000. Deacon Brett is married, has two children and nine grandchildren.
Since its debut in 2021, the Saints Alive Podcast has quickly become one of the top podcasts in the world and go-to resources for quality Catholic content. Telling the stories of the saints in radio-drama fashion, Saints Alive aims to inspire and empower the next generation of saints. In a world with an endless amount of content but little that families can trust, Saints Alive has entertained families all across the world while also calling them to holiness.
Founders Alex Dee and Tanner Kalina will share a special, live Saints Alive interactive program with youth and families during the Star of the North Eucharistic Congress. For all ages!
After graduating from Texas A&M and pursuing an oilfield sales career Matt took a leap of faith and became the youth minster at his parish in Houston, Texas. He received a master’s in theology from the University of St. Thomas and is still sharing the Gospel with teens across the country. Matt and bride, Stephanie, started Survive and Thrive Ministries to share their story of healing and hope with other families. The Regitz clan, which includes their four kids at home and a daughter in heaven, Mary Clare, love soccer games, barbeques, minivan road trip, and the communal life.
Bob Rice
Bob Rice is an internationally known speaker, acclaimed musician, and innovative writer. He is a Professor of Catechetics and the Director of the Masters of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has a PhD in Theology from Liverpool Hope University where he researched Catholic youth and evangelization. He is a highly sought after presenter at youth conferences, young-adult gatherings, men’s conferences, parish missions, and catechetical workshops. Bob has authored many books, articles, and award-winning scripts that have helped people come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. Bob has recorded numerous CDs and leads worship for over ten thousand people every year, mostly through the Steubenville Adult and Youth Conferences. He is the host of EWTN’s Franciscan University Presents. Bob lives in Steubenville with his beautiful wife Jennifer and their seven adorable children. You can find out more about him at bob-rice.com.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo
His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo is the metropolitan archbishop of Galveston-Houston and pastor to its 6.2 million people. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals in November of 2007 and served as a Cardinal-Elector in the Papal Conclave of 2013, which saw the election of Pope Francis to the See of Peter. He currently serves as President of the US Catholic Conference of Bishops, having been elected on November 15, 2016. He is a member of the Pontifical Council for Culture, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, the Pontifical Council for the Economy, and is on the Board of Trustees of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Jennifer Carr Allmon
Jennifer Carr Allmon is executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB). She oversees the day-to-day work of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops including legislative activities, communications, convening and collaboration, and management. Allmon develops legislative strategy and relationships with diocesan staff and other legislative partners including developing and delivering legislative testimony and policy papers.
Allmon monitors all legislation filed and tracks legislation related to our policy priorities. She is available to provide training and technical assistance to dioceses and TCCB departments in review of and preparation for legislative session. She is also responsible for facilitating collaboration among the departments of the conference as well as supervising the coordination of the TCCB General Assembly.
Prior to this position, she served as the advocacy director at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston where she was responsible for directing the agency’s public policy efforts. This included issues such as access to healthcare, immigration reform, and the needs of the poor and vulnerable. Allmon also served for four years as Catholic Charities’ HIV/AIDS education coordinator, where she developed and implemented HIV/AIDS and chastity education programs for Catholic parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Allmon has given presentations throughout the United States on the issues of substance abuse treatment and prevention, chastity, social justice, and advocacy. She has published numerous articles on HIV/AIDS education in a Catholic context and on various public policy and legislative issues. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from University of St. Thomas in Houston and is a Texas Certified Teacher. She has a master’s of arts in moral theology-bioethics and has completed the National Catholic Bioethics Center’s Bioethics Certification Program.
John Angotti
Keynote
John Angotti is a full time music missionary who travels throughout many parts of the world providing inspirational music and faith witness to all ages through concerts, workshops, retreats, missions, conferences, and worship. He is originally from Clarksburg, West Virginia, and now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a graduate of West Virginia University and the U.S. Military School of Music, where he was a member of the U.S. Navy Band as lead vocalist. John received his Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 2013.
Amy McEntee
Sponsored by RCL Benziger/Kendall Hunt
Amy McEntee earned her MA in Theological Studies from the University of Dayton and has ministry experience in the areas of faith formation for children, youth, and adults. Amy has presented locally and nationally, particularly in the areas of catechist formation, young adult ministry, and technology in ministry. Currently, she is the project manager for RCL Benziger, a reluctant runner, and avid reader. She lives with her husband Patrick in Dayton, Ohio.
Kimberly Kay Cox
Kim has led the Father McKenna Center since November 2014. In that time she has focused the work of the Center on Case Management for the Day Program and healthy groceries for the Food Pantry. “It is a joy to work with such a strong team,” she writes. “The staff and volunteers are dedicated to seeing the dignity of each person who visits the Center and supporting his or her journey to stability and meaning in life.” Kim spearheaded the Slow Miracles Campaign to raise $4.5M for a total renovation of the lower level of St. Aloysius Church and enhancements to the programs, so that the Center can better meet the needs of their guests and those who rely on the Center each day. Kim holds a B.A. in Russian Language and Literature from the University of Iowa, a Masters in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins SAIS, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Duke University. For almost twenty years, she taught Economics at the university level.
Fr. Frank DeSiano
Sponsored by Paulist Evangelization Ministries
Paulist Fr. Frank DeSiano is president of Paulist Evangelization Ministries. He also serves as director of formation for the seminary as well as superior of the Paulist Fathers who live in Washington, D.C. Fr. Frank served as president of the Paulist Fathers from 1994 to 2002.
A national leader in Catholic evangelization, Fr. Frank served as a consultor for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization for more than a dozen years. He frequently travels across the country to give presentations on evangelization topics at national, diocesan, and parish gatherings. He has written numerous books on the Catholic faith focusing on evangelization and spirituality.
Fr. Frank is a native of the West Side of Manhattan in New York City where, as a boy, he was an altar server at the Paulist Fathers’ mother church, the Church of St. Paul the Apostle.
Richard’s passion to grow food comes from a long-line of filipino farmers. A Los Angeles native, Richard lives to see that no life or land is wasted in the City of Angels. Richard studied at St. John’s Seminary College and has extensive experience in pastoral ministry inside juvenile halls and prisons. As a pastoral minister, youth advocate, and urban farmer, Richard knows how growing food is a transformative way of bringing people together. Since completing an M.A. in Pastoral Theology at Loyola Marymount University, Richard incorporates principles of restorative justice into urban farming. Before launching Alma Backyard Farms, Richard initiated garden programs for schools and restaurants. Richard trains urban farmers to create beautiful landscapes, install raised beds, and grow food. As a skilled craftsman, Richard builds innovative outdoor structures that encourage outdoor living.
Erika is the Operations Director at Alma Backyard Farms. Having grown up in South Los Angeles, Erika witnessed how a community is fraught with challenges in education and food insecurity. Undeterred by these challenges, Erika pursued a degree in Education at Loyola Marymount University. Erika applied herself and studied to empower previously incarcerated women and men at Homegirl Cafe. Her years of social enterprise management ensures the integrity of Alma Backyard Farms’ mission and its financial viability. Erika’s talent for landscape design was further advanced through her work as Project Manager for a top-rated outdoor living company. Erika’s passionate about teaching families and children how to grow and cook culturally relevant meals.
Dulce M. Jimenez Abreu
Spanish Capstone Speaker
Sponsored by Sadlier
Dulce es la directora de mercadeo bilingüe de Sadlier, profesora y traductora con más de 25 años de experiencia en el campo de la catequesis bilingüe. Dulce jugó un papel fundamental en el desarrollo de los programas bilingües y en español de Sadlier, también ha presentado numerosos talleres sobre la integración de la cultura latina en la catequesis y formas prácticas para enseñar a niños bilingües. Tiene una maestría en ciencia sociales de la Universidad Estatal de Michigan, una maestría en literatura española de Lehman College y una maestría en educación religiosa de la Universidad de Fordham.
Mike Patin
Keynote Speaker
Mike Patin, “the Engagin’ Cajun”, is from Louisiana. He has spent over 30 years serving the church as a high school teacher, coach, diocesan staff person, and youth minister.
Since 2003, he has been a full time “faith horticulturist” — speaking across North America to young people and adults on connecting Catholic faith to everyday living, and living life faithfully and joyfully.
When Mike is asked how he likes to be introduced, his response is “as a man of hope and a struggling disciple of the Risen Jesus.”
Katherine Angulo
Capstone Speaker, Spanish
As the Program Director of the Thriving in Ministry Initiative supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., Katherine works to prepare pastoral leaders for long-term ministry in the Church and also directs the Bishop John M. D’Arcy Program in Priestly Renewal.
Born in Mexico and raised in Colombia, Katherine received a B.A. in Modern Languages in 2000 from King College in Tennessee and an M.A. in Pastoral Ministries in 2005 from St. Thomas University. She has more than 19 years of experience in youth ministry. She began as a Youth Minister at St. Mary’s Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, where she later became the Director of Pastoral Ministries. After nine years, she became the Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Raleigh. Before coming to the McGrath Institute, Katherine served for four years as the Associate Director of Youth Ministry at the Office of Formation and Discipleship for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Angulo was the creator and editor of The Mark, a Catholic teen magazine, and the Executive Producer of the volunteer training program, Called to Accompany/Llamados a Acompañar. Currently, she is part of the Board of Directors for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM).
Katherine lives in Granger, Indiana. She takes every opportunity to travel to new places but always makes it a priority to visit her family in Knoxville and Bogota.
Joseph White
Capstone Speaker, English
Dr. Joseph White converted to the Catholic Faith while in graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he received a Ph.D. in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. He later studied Catholic Theology at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. Dr. White served as a parish Director of Faith Formation for two years, and then worked for seven years as Director of Family Counseling and Family Life for the Diocese of Austin, Texas. He now works as Director of Catechetical Resources for Our Sunday Visitor Publishing and Curriculum and teaches courses in Catechetical Ministry at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. A frequent guest on Catholic radio and television, Dr. White has written twelve books and numerous articles about catechesis, Catholic education, and ministry. He is co-author of the Allelu and Alive in Christ religion series.
Sr. M. Johanna Paruch
Capstone Speakers, English
Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM grew up in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. She is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. Sr. Johanna earned an undergraduate degree in deaf communication. She holds a BA in theology and elementary education from St. Louis University and an MA from the Angelicum, awarded after completing studies at Notre Dame Catechetical Institute. She also earned the Pontifical Catechetical Diploma. She has completed her doctorate at Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, England. Sister M. Johanna serves on the Executive Board of the National Advisory Committee for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as serving as a consultant for the Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis and has served the Pontifical Counsel for the Promotion of the New Evangelization. Her book Mentors for the New Evangelization is now on its fourth printing.
Mark Mogilka
Pastoral Planning Consultant
Mark Mogilka brings more than 40 years of experience in diocesan offices to his clients. He began his distinguished career in campus ministry, Catholic Charities, and family ministry. The second half of his career has been spent working in diocesan and parish pastoral planning and leadership development. He has served seven different bishops over the years and has done work or presentations in over 50 dioceses in the US, Canada and in Rome.
Mark is a recipient of the Yves Congar Award for extraordinary service, initiative, and creativity in support of pastoral planning and/or council development. He was also named the 2017 Luzbetek Award winner from Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate.
Mark brings his experience and expertise in pastoral planning, consultation, facilitation, and leadership training and coaching to his clients. He also has deep insight into strategies for multiple parish pastoring. One of the things he likes best about Meitler is their history of delivering quality faith-based service to schools and parishes.
In his free time, Mark enjoys playing golf and pickle ball, traveling, and riding his motorcycle.
Did you know? Mark has recently combined two of his passions into a workshop for the Norbertine Center for Spirituality in his hometown, Green Bay, Wisconsin. The program is titled “Spirituality of Golf.”
Carole Eipers
Keynote Speaker
Sponsored by Sadlier
After earning his Master of Arts degree in Marital and Family Therapy with specialized training in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University, Ernesto Vega, M.A. ’05, M.A. ’16, chose to return to LMU for a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies.
“I already knew the quality of the teachers at LMU,” Vega said. “Being exposed to different professors and styles of teaching sparked my imagination and opened windows and doors to keep exploring.”
Vega is pursuing an M.A. in Theological Studies to enrich his work with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, where he is currently a Coordinator of Spanish Adult Faith Formation Programs. His theological coursework has helped him better understand cross-cultural expressions of faith and Christianity, ultimately leading him to a newfound interest in Native American spirituality. He is currently working on his thesis project, which is related to encouraging Latina/os to pursue higher education.
Fr. Agustino Torres
Keynote Speaker
Father Agustino Torres, CFR, is a priest with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal based in the Bronx, New York. He is the founder of Corazon Puro, an organization dedicated to forming youth. He hosts the EWTN television shows Icons and Clic con Corazon Puro in Spanish. Father Agustino was one of the friars who founded Catholic Underground, an apostolate of the Friars of the Renewal, and the Casa Guadalupe (women) and JPII (men) houses of discernment. He is internationally sought to address topics such as the Church’s teachings about human sexuality, vocational discernment, and missionary discipleship.
Katie Prejean McGrady
Emcee
Katie Prejean McGrady is an international speaker, traveling to 38 states and three countries, and author of “Room 24: Adventures of a New Evangelist” and “Follow: Your Lifelong Adventure with Jesus.” She is the host of The Electric Waffle, a podcast of conversational chaos about culture and Catholicism. McGrady was one of three delegates chosen by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to attend the Pre-Synod gathering on Youth, Faith, and Vocational Discernment at the Vatican.
Jim Barrette completed his undergraduate degree at St. Mary’s University of San Antonio. He also holds a master’s degree in Pastoral Studies and an M.A. in Organizational Development, both from Loyola University, Chicago. Before arriving at the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston he ministered for 10 years in Catholic high schools, parishes, and retreat centers in Texas and Missouri. Formerly the Director of the Office of Youth Ministry, for the past twenty years Jim has served the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston as the Director of the Secretariat for Pastoral and Educational Ministries. In that role, he oversees nine pastoral and catechetical departments that provide training and support for parishes. In addition, he oversees three retreat centers and works directly with the Evangelization Commission, Parish Pastoral Council Development, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and Archdiocesan Pastoral Planning.
Jim has been joyfully married to his wife, Beth for over eleven years. Although Jim and Beth enjoy their involvement at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Parish, they also belong to a small faith community in Houston which nourishes their spiritual growth while drawing inspiration from the Marianist tradition.
Fr. Richard McNellie serves as Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Before stepping into this role, he spent three years at St. Martha Catholic Church in Kingwood. He enjoys bike riding and being outdoors. His goal in life is to become a saint, and he would love to walk with young adults who desire the same.
Most Reverend Cardinal DiNardo
Millennial Wisdom from the Church Fathers
His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo is the Metropolitan Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and pastor to its 1.7 million-plus Catholics (and the 6.2 million people within the Archdiocese) and 435 priests in 146 parishes and 59 schools spread over 8,880 square miles. His seats are St. Mary Cathedral Basilica in Galveston and the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston.
He is currently the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and a member of the Pontifical Council for the Economy. He is also a member of the Pontifical Council for Culture, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People and is on the Board of Trustees of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Five Keys to a Fully Alive Faith
St Irenaeus famously said that “The glory of God is man fully alive”. We live at a time when many are not practicing their faith and yet are searching for meaning and values. Our Catholic faith offers us a vision of being fully alive through the love of a God who loves each one of us. What habits of discipleship can help us to become more alive and in love with our faith? What are some important spiritual principles for us to grow as disciples? Come join Julianne Stanz for a journey of joy through story, Scripture, reflection and practical insights.
Julianne Stanz
Storyteller, author, retreat leader and sea glass hunter, Julianne Stanz is the Director of Discipleship and Leadership Development for the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Originally from Ireland, Julianne is passionate about living a joyful Catholic faith and sharing her love of Jesus with the world. Julianne is a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization and author of the book “Developing Disciples of Christ” published by Loyola Press. She is also co-author with Joe Paprocki of the book “The Catechist’s Backpack- Spiritual Essentials for the Journey” also by Loyola Press and blogs monthly for the website “The Catechist’s Journey”. She is happily married to Wayne and they have three children, two sons and a daughter.
Fr. Leo Patalinghug
Is a priest member of a community of consecrated life, Voluntas Dei (The Will of God). He currently resides in Baltimore as the host of a weekly international TV show Savoring our Faith on EWTN, a bestselling author, radio and podcast host, and an internationally acclaimed speaker. His unique background as a two-time black belt martial arts instructor, award-winning break dancer and choreographer and an award-winning cook has caught the attention of many media and entertainment outlets, from ABC, PBS, NBC, FOX, the Cooking Channel, and also the Food Network where Fr. Leo defeated the world famous chef in a competition called, “Throw Down with Bobby Flay!” With an attention for making deep discussions more bite sizable, Fr. Leo and his movement, “Plating Grace” and the non-profit group, “The Table Foundation” is helping to bring our world together one plate of grace at a time!
Am I Really Built for This?
God blesses us with unique talents and abilities that are meant for us to use gratefully to build His kingdom. But how do we discover and develop these talents and abilities, and how do we support our loved ones as they discover and develop their gifts? In this session, we will discover how to name, claim and aim your talents to strengthen your relationships and to serve in your parish in the best capacities for you.
Kerry Ann Tornesello
Kerry Ann Tornesello is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and the owner of Engage Coaching, LLC. At Engage Coaching, she coaches people to develop their natural talents to empower them to be impactful. She specializes in working with managers and teams at small businesses to ensure the right people are doing the right things to improve productivity and job retention. She also coaches young adults and high school students to unleash their potential and build their self-confidence so they make good choices. And she loves working with faith-based communities to build parishioner engagement in ministry and service opportunities. As the Associate Director of Development in the Diocese of Charlotte, NC Kerry traveled the 46 counties of the Diocese promoting parish stewardship and meeting parishes where they were on their stewardship journeys: whether beginning the journey, getting back on the path, coasting, or speeding along. She also facilitated “Living Your Strengths” workshops in parishes across the Diocese. Kerry has presented at diocesan, regional, and international stewardship conferences. Kerry has a BA in English and Business Communications from DeSales University in Center Valley, PA, and an MS in Education from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. She, her husband, and son have been very active members of St. Therese parish in Mooresville, NC for 21 years and counting.
Dios, tu familia y tus finanzas
Como administradores, es nuestra responsabilidad administrar todas las bendiciones que Dios nos ha otorgado. Eso incluye a nuestras familias, hogares, trabajos y negocios. Una vez que las personas se dan cuenta y absorben totalmente la comprensión de nuestro papel como administradores, cambia toda su vida.
Luis & Maria Cristina Martinez
Venezuelan, Businessman, Industrial and Metallurgical Engineer as a profession and, married to Maria Cristina 25 years ago and with two children Luis Jose Jr. and Valeria. He has been living with his family in Florida for 17 years. He is a Lay Minister Commissioned by The Archdiocese of Miami for the Financial Ministry Compass, Emaus Brother and one of the Founders of Radio Maria Miami for South Florida. He belongs to the Stewardship Committee of his parish, St. John XXIII in Miramar, Florida, where he collaborates closely with his pastor, Father Ernest Biriruka. Together with his wife Maria Cristina, they have served for more than 10 years in the Compass Financial Ministry, first as students, then as Co-Facilitators and later as Facilitators, later as Coordinators for St. John XXIII Parish, and for the last four years they have been the directors of the Ministry for South Florida.
Going, Going, Gone: Where are the Young Catholics?
In their study, Going, Going, Gone: The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics, Saint Mary’s Press provides extensive research on young Catholics who have left the Church, identifying the underlying dynamics that lead to disaffiliation. Now we need to identify the practical pastoral responses and strategies that can enhance affiliation and engagement with the faith community and examine implications for the parish and school life, vocational discernment, stewardship, and pastoral ministry. Come ready to enter into candid, honest, and realistic discussions, both as ministry leaders and as caring individuals, as together we explore what it means to accompany young people on their spiritual journeys.
Robert J. McCarty, D.Min.
Bob McCarty is a pastoral ministry consultant and trainer and has been in professional ministry since 1973, serving in parish, school, diocesan, and national settings. He offers consultations, retreats, workshops and training programs in ministry skills and issues internationally. Bob serves as the project coordinator for the Saint Mary’s Press research project, Going, Going, Gone: The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics. His recent books are Thriving in Youth Ministry; The Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry: Fundamentals, Theory, and Practice; Be A Champion for Youth: Standing With, By and For Young People, co-authored with his wife, Maggie; and Faith Talk: Having Conversations with Young People That Matter! through Saint Mary’s Press. Bob is a volunteer in his parish youth ministry and catechetical program at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fulton, MD. Bob has a BS in Sociology/ Theology from St. Joseph’s University, an MA in Religious Education from LaSalle University and a D.Min. from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Indiana. Bob is adjunct faculty at The Catholic University of America and The University of Dallas. His hobbies include rock climbing, cycling, and grandparenting!
Hospitality CAN Increase Authentic Stewardship in the Young Church
Hospitality is the most overlooked aspect of engaging the next generation. Young people long for connection, engagement, and using their talents and gifts, but they are often never asked to share! In this presentation, we’ll explore the climate of this next generation of Catholics, and explore how hospitality can increase authentic stewardship in the young church.
Kimmy Zeiler
Is the Program Director at San Pedro Spiritual Development Center for the Diocese of Orlando. In her role, she envisions retreats, workshops, and spiritual development opportunities to offer the greater community. She hosts programs for all ages—from summer camps to senior days! She is an alumna of the University of Central Florida and received her Master in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. Kimmy is a parishioner at Annunciation Catholic Church and records a podcast, “Fools for Christ” with fellow parishioner Daniel Boyd. The podcast is directed towards young adults and covers everyday topics, relating them to the faith. Kimmy serves on the board of directors for the Orlando chapter of Young Catholic Professionals, which connects adults in their 20’s and 30’s to other Catholics in the greater Orlando area interested in working in witness for Christ.
Introducing UPRISE: a new NextGen, Catholic Service and Generosity
A global social media volunteer movement was founded by Colleen in 2017, intended to engage NextGen adults offering generous works of mercy and charity to those in need, around the globe.
Colleen Mitchell
Colleen Durbin Mitchell is founder and principal of VENTURE3Philanthropy LLC, created in 2010. As a leading, global philanthropic advisory practice, “we co-design distinctive giving strategies for social impact.” Our client-centered, partnership approach is attractive to many. Responding to a greater service calling, our client offerings can include a faith-based, Catholic giving focus. Our passion remains the same — helping clients venture the nexus of society’s three sectors in ways that deepen the meaning of their mission, and uniquely advance their generosity for the greatest good. As a respected career professional in global philanthropy, Colleen’s work has spanned nearly three decades throughout the public, private and non-profit/ social sectors. Prior to establishing VENTURE3Philanthropy, Colleen served as President of NorthShore University Health System Foundation in Evanston, IL. For nearly a decade Colleen served as President of Whirlpool Foundation. Colleen designed and implemented a global education program, Women: The New Providers, reflecting a North American and Western Europe, multicountry social research and public awareness initiative, published in eight countries and five languages. The global studies generated more than one billion media impressions in their first year, valued at $36M, covered in respected media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times and CNN, to name a few. Colleen’s early professional career began on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. She has served in multiple management positions including Public Affairs for IMCERA Group Inc. in Northbrook, IL where the team was awarded The White House Presidential Citation for Private Sector Initiatives for Colleen’s Community Partnership Program while serving as Executive Director of IMCERA Foundation. Colleen’s experience as a marketing and sales executive stems from her multiple executive roles in several global P & L. Colleen has presented before numerous global institutions; in the Vatican to the Papal Almoner, the United Nations Conference on Women in Beijing, the Labour Committee of the European Union in Brussels, the U.S. Department of Labor Glass Ceiling Commission, the National Commission on Working Women, the Global Summit of Women, to name a few. Regarding Colleen’s professional affiliations, she is currently a Member and active participant in the Advisory Cabinet of the Council of Michigan Foundations, and Member of the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers, and numerous other boards and foundations. Colleen and husband Howard are active donors, volunteers, and parishioners of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parnell, MI and are the proud parents of four lovely adult daughters. Colleen Mitchell earned a B.A. from The Ohio State University, cum laude.
Living God’s Financial Plan for Your Family
As stewards, it is our responsibility to manage all the blessings that God has bestowed on us. That includes our families, homes, jobs, and businesses. Once people realize and totally absorb the understanding of our role as stewards, it changes their whole life.
Jon & Evelyn Bean
Jon and Evelyn Bean were introduced to a non-denominational Bible Study teaching biblical financial principles over 25 years ago. Jon had tried to start a business, which was a complete failure! After 5 years they lost over $250,000. All of their IRAs and short-term savings were spent to make up for lost income. When the money ran out they turned to credit cards – and ran up about $35,000 in credit card debt, in addition to having two car loans and a home mortgage. They did everything wrong and made all the financial mistakes that could be made! Learning and applying the biblical financial principles had a powerful impact on both their financial and spiritual lives, and we felt called to take this message to Catholic Parishes. They feel blessed to serve in a ministry, which has such far-reaching value to so many people. They are passionate about their faith and their responsibility for spreading the word of God.
Testigos del amor de Dios; El V Encuentro en la vida parroquial.
We will review the five sessions of the V Encuentro process. We will discuss topics from the National Meeting. All the while bringing it to a parochial level to be “Missionary Disciples, Witnesses of God’s Love.”
Fr. Mathew Gomez
Fr. Matthew Gomez was born in Hialeah to Cuban parents. He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Hialeah, Monsignor Edward Pace High School in Miami Gardens, St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He is the oldest of three and credits his vocation to his parents teaching he and his brothers that one hour a week was not enough for God, they had to give more. This lead Fr. Matthew to be involved in Youth Groups and Movements throughout his formative years (Awakening youth group at Immaculate, LIFE youth group at Pace, and Encuentros Juveniles, the Archdiocesan Youth Movement). He answered the Lord’s call to be a priest and entered seminary for the Archdiocese of Miami in August 2010. He had many experiences in the Seminary serving as a catechist, hospital chaplain, police chaplain and most recently one of the delegates from the Seminary for the V Encuentro. He was ordained a deacon on April 1, 2017, and a priest on May 12, 2018. He currently serves as the parochial vicar at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Kendall.
Stewardship and the Family
How often have you said to yourself, “Slow down! Life is a marathon, not a sprint!” However, raising a family is a marathon that’s paced like a 100 Meter Dash. Who has time to evangelize? But if families are the basic unit of society and the Church, then they are called to evangelize as a family, not in spite of the busy-ness, but through it. Come learn how being a steward of ordinary family life can help the domestic church to evangelize neighborhoods, parishes, and the whole world.
Brian Niebrugge
Brian Niebrugge has worked for the Archdiocese of St. Louis since 2001. He has served as Executive Director of Stewardship and the Annual Catholic Appeal since 2010. Prior to his current position, Brian served as the Director of the Annual Catholic Appeal from 2004 to 2010 and as Business Manager for the Office of Youth Ministry from 2001 to 2004. Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Business from Fontbonne University. He also serves on the Board of the International Stewardship Conference and the Archbishop Carlson Adoption Fund. Brian, his wife Kathleen, and his six children belong to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish in Oakville, Missouri, where he serves as a basketball coach and leads a men’s study group. In addition to his diocesan stewardship efforts, Brian speaks to groups of all kinds on matters of family, fatherhood, and holiness in ordinary life.
The Seed of Grace
It seems in our current busy lifestyle, prayer is left out. How do we bring prayer back into the lives of our children and grandchildren, so that we can support the spiritual life of our families and foster the development of stronger relationships with Christ?
Gus Lloyd
Gus was raised in the Catholic faith, attending Catholic grade school and then public high school. In his teen years, Gus fell away from the practice of his faith. After attending International Broadcasting School, Gus began a career in radio. He married his wife, Michelle, in 1980. Gus and Michelle are the parents of four children and have been blessed with two grandsons. After five years in radio, Gus and his family moved to Florida. In 1984, after a near-drowning incident with their daughter, Gus and Michelle realized that they needed God in their lives. They began attending a non-denominational Bible church and grew in their love for the Lord. Soon after, they began to look into the Catholic Church. After much searching and study, both Gus and Michelle came to realize that the Catholic Church is the one true Church founded by Christ Jesus.
Gus became active in the Catholic Charismatic movement, and attended the Catholic School of Lay Evangelization, feeling a call to ministry. He produced an album of original Christian music. In 1992, he was asked to join the staff of WBVM, the Catholic radio station in Tampa, FL. He hosted a popular morning show there for nearly 13 years. In 2006, the Archdiocese of New York contacted Gus to host the morning show for The Catholic Channel, a new venture on Sirius Satellite Radio. He has been the host of Seize the Day since then. You can listen to Gus every weekday morning on Sirius XM 129. For the past 20 years, Gus has been a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and parish missions. He speaks on apologetics, evangelization, men’s issues, marriage issues and being a Catholic in the world today. Along with his daily radio show, which can be heard weekday mornings on Sirius XM 129. Gus published his first book in 2010, A Minute in the Church, a collection of one-minute Catholic apologetics teachings. His second book, Magnetic Christianity: Using Your God-given Gifts to Build the Kingdom, was released in February 2012. In 2013, Gus released A Minute in the Church Volume II One Minute Answers to Questions About the Catholic Faith, in September of 2015, A Minute in the Church: The Mass and A Minute in the Church: Life in Christ in January 2017. Nearly a million copies of the books in the A Minute in the Church series have been distributed around the world. He also writes his 60-Second Reflection, a daily meditation on the Scriptures. His Catholic Apologetics teachings, are available on CD or for download at www.guslloyd.com, have been heard all around the world.
iGen: Stewards of Post Christian America
They are the most diverse, technologically savvy, and largest generation in the United States and iGen is just beginning to make an impact. Spanning to anyone born as early as 1995, young people in iGen have religious attitudes and practices unlike we’ve ever seen and connecting them to not simply attend our parishes but become active and engaged members is a challenge few are prepared to face. This workshop provides an overview to the most important things you need to know about the generation that is leaving our Church faster than any other and how to not only serve them but empower them to use their gifts and talents to become stewards and evangelistic prophets in your parish.
Joel Stepanek
I have been actively and passionately involved in ministry for over ten years. What began as a simple internship in a parish youth ministry office evolved into an incredible adventure that led me on numerous middle school lock-ins, high school retreats, and conferences across the United States and the world. I am the Director of Resource Development for Life Teen International where I create engaging youth ministry resources for middle, high school, and college students as well as parents. I’ve traveled across the world training youth ministers and speaking to teenagers. I’ve been blessed to be the author of two books, “The Greatest Job on Earth: Seven Virtues of an Incredible Youth Minister” and “True North: A Roadmap for Discernment.” I am a regular contributor to the Youth Specialties blog and a member of the Franciscan University Steubenville Conference Speaking Team. To summarize: I’ve been very blessed to do a lot of really exciting things. I received a Master of the Arts degree in religious education with an emphasis in youth and young adult ministry from Fordham University. I am an avid Packer fan (and owner) who loves cooking, weightlifting, and reading whatever book I can get my hands on. Most importantly, I love spending time with my wife, Colleen, and my two children, Elijah Daniel and Sophia Grace. They are my greatest adventure.
La Hospitalidad: un don de dios a la familia humana
Dios no creó al ser humano para vivir en la soledad. La apertura de los seres humanos a su prójimo los ayuda a madurar en la jornada de sus vidas y los enriquece profundamente. De ese enriquecimiento personal surge el miniserio de la hospitalidad que se coloca con gozo al servicio de la Iglesia.
Fr. Juan Sosa
Father Juan Sosa was ordained in 1972 for the Archdiocese of Miami and was on two occasions assigned to the staff of the Cathedral of St. Mary before he was named pastor of St. James Catholic Church, while serving the Archdiocese as Associate Director of Religious Education (1975-1979), Associate Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity (1979-1981) and Co-Director of the Permanent Deaconate Program (1979-1984). For decades, Father Sosa was invited to serve as Adjunct Professor and Spiritual Director at St. John Vianney College Seminary and, most recently, at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. He was the Executive Director of the Ministry of Worship and Spiritual Life for sixteen years and is currently president of the Instituto Nacional Hispano de Liturgia and a Consultant to the Bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship as well as a member of its Subcommittee on Liturgy for Hispanic Catholics. A faithful contributor to the musical publications of Oregon Catholic Press, Father Sosa is also the author of several books in English and Spanish and a CD of his own compositions. Having served as Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Church for almost 19 years, Father Sosa is currently the Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Chair of the Archdiocesan Committee on Popular Piety.
Good St. Gabriel,
As a messenger of God,
you were privileged to ask Mary
to consent to be the Mother
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This message,
and her willingness to do God’s will,
are likely the most important
communications ever.
St. Gabriel,
We beg your intercession
for the work we do.
Pray that we remember
our mission of evangelization,
in every person we meet
and every task set before us.
Pray that we use even
the most mundane tasks
as an opportunity to introduce Christ.
Pray, we ask, that our work
instills faith, hope and love.
We ask this in the name of
Jesus Christ, Our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with God the Father Almighty
and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever.
Amen.
Lord God,
set our hearts ablaze
with a desire to live our faith fully
and to share it freely with others.
In our efforts to proclaim the Gospel,
help us to be joyful, credible witnesses to Christ.
Only with him can we transform ourselves
and the world we live in.
Open our hearts
to recognize the spiritual
and material needs
of our brothers and sisters,
to hear the cries of the poor,
and to be deeply moved
by the plight of all who suffer.
Show us the path to wisdom
through a response inspired by love,
humble and generous service,
and compassion toward all.
May everyone experience
the joy that comes from encountering Jesus.
Blessed James Alberione, pray for us.
Amen.
(Prayer: Copyright Daughters of St. Paul, Live Christ! Give Christ! Pauline Books & Media, Boston, MA. Used with permission.)
Michelle Benzinger
Beauty Ever Ancient, Ever New
Michelle Benzinger is a national women’s speaker, creative entrepreneur, and advocate for marginalized women and children. Michelle is the Creative Director and Visionary leader of Transforming Beauty, a women’s ministry created to invest in women who in turn invest in the world. Michelle and her husband, Chris, have served in global and domestic missions for the past 15 years with their six kids (two adopted from Haiti) and now reside in Pensacola, Florida.
CCS is a strategic fundraising firm that partners with nonprofits for transformational change. We plan, manage, and implement programs that achieve fundraising goals and mission impact.
Contact Us:
https://ccsfundraising.com/
212-695-1175
Fr. Josh Johnson
The Struggle is Real: Continual Conversion
While Fr. Josh Johnson was raised Catholic, he didn’t like the Church growing up. One day, in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, he fell in love with Jesus and received the call to become a priest. Now, Fr. Josh is the pastor for Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Amant, Louisiana, the chair of Diocesan Commission on Racial Harmony in Baton Rouge and he is a presenter in four of Ascension’s programs: Altaration; YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body; Rejoice; and No Greater Love. He is also the author of Broken and Blessed and a contributing author of Power & Grace: A Guide to the Catholic Sacraments. You can keep in touch with Fr. Josh through his weekly podcast, “Ask Fr. Josh.”
Creating impactful parish communications with limited resources is challenging. Let us help. Our team of church experts is ready to take your communications to the next level so you can evangelize a new generation of disciples.
Contact Us:
http://4lpi.com/
1-800-950-9952
For 60 years we have faithfully served the Church with our experience, commitment, service, and innovation. As we look to tomorrow, our heritage and knowing who we are will always guide us. It is our privilege to serve the Church with premium quality print, mobile, web, and office products, and services. Our mission is to help you succeed at yours.
Contact Us:
https://diocesan.com/
1-800-783-1623
Increase Offertory with e-Giving! 100% Full Service No Hassle Program. Real-Time Access. Chat Support Available. Security. Multi-Platform Approach. Flat Fee Price. Highlights: Dedicated Customer Service Team, Detailed Reporting, More Than 10 Years Of Experience.
Contact Us:
https://www.faithdirect.net/
1-866-507-8757
As part of the Catholic Church, Catholic Mutual is the leading provider of property, liability, and employee benefit coverage and related services for the Catholic Church in North America, currently serving more than 125 Dioceses and Archdioceses and 200 Catholic religious orders and institutions in the United States and Canada.
Contact Us:
https://www.catholicmutual.org/
1-800-228-6108
Patrick Rivera
Give Me Crazy Love: Your Body and God’s Plans
Patrick Rivera is the Director of the Office for Young Adult Ministry at the Diocese of San Diego. He was born in California, raised in Tennessee, and studied in New Jersey at Seton Hall University where he also was a seminarian for the Diocese of Nashville. Not knowing what to do with a Philosophy Degree, he became an automotive technician before God called him into full-time ministry. Still a mechanic at heart, Patrick enjoys tinkering on anything that breaks. Lately, he has developed an ever-growing collection of 1940s manual typewriters, which he restores and uses daily.
For nearly two decades, Patrick has served at the parish, collegiate, or diocesan level. As a speaker, he draws insights from his time as a youth minister, young adult minister, parish lay pastoral associate, collegiate missionary, and worship leader, but most importantly, his first church, which is his wife Margot, and their five children ages 8 and under.
In 2016, he was invited by the USCCB to be a member of the National Advisory Team on Young Adult Ministry, which seeks to provide input and pastoral support to the bishops, parishes, and young adult leaders throughout the country.
Armando Cervantes
Master of Ceremonies
Armando graduated from the UC Irvine with a B.A. in Social Sciences with an Emphasis in Public and Community Service and has a Master’s in Pastoral Theology from the Loyola Marymount University. He has more than 10 years of professional experience; currently he is the Director of the Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Orange and is actively involved at the regional and national level with NFCYM and La Red.
Anna Betancourt
Music Director
Anna Betancourt is a supremely talented vocalist, cantor and choir director. She has more than 20 years of experience directing choirs, from Spanish and traditional choirs to handbell, children’s and contemporary ensembles. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, she later returned to her alma mater to work as assistant director of liturgy and music. At the archdiocesan level, she has served as a music committee member, deanery representative and a member of the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress Liturgy Committee. Blessed with an extraordinary voice, Anna has recorded with many Catholic artists and composers, including Bob Hurd, Jaime Cortez, and Eleazar Cortés. Her first solo collection, Te Doy Gracias, features 12 popular contemporary Spanish and bilingual songs. Her collection Tomaré Mi Cruz presents inspiring songs for liturgy, worship groups or retreats. Anna is a lifelong member of St. Linus Catholic Church in Norwalk, California, where she served as music director for many years. She currently serves as music director at St. Polycarp Catholic Church in Stanton, California, and Spanish choir director at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in Los Angeles. She and her husband have two children.
Steve Botsford
Happy APPy Hour
7:00- 8:00 Am
Steve is a National Religion is a National Religion consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc. As a blogger, Steve explores catechesis and technology at TransformingCatechesis.com and contributes to We Believe and Share, published by Sadlier. He wrote Cultivating Faith, published in 2016, and his board game, Feast Day: The Liturgical Year Board Game (www.FeastDayGame.com), teaches the church year in a fun and entertaining way. In addition, Steve was part of the Digital Disciples Network committee which developed the Digital Disciple Technology Competencies for Ministry.
Andrea Chavez-Kopp
Happy APPy Hour
7:00- 8:00 AM
Andrea serves at the Assistant Director of Professional Development for the National Catholic Educational Association. She has 17 years of teaching and ministry experience and joined the staff of NCEA in 2015. Andrea has held several leadership roles in the schools and parishes where she has served including: Social Studies Department Chair, iPad Coordinator, Google Apps Administrator, Curriculum Team Leader, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Confirmation Coordinator. In her work at NCEA she produces and hosts their webinar content, serves as the NCEA representative on several national committees and works closely with Catholic partner organizations as well as speaking and presenting at a variety of conferences and events. She lives in Arlington, VA with her husband and 2 boys.