2-01 Best Practices in Diocesan Administration – Room K
– Michael Brough and Jim Lundholm-Eades (Invitation Only)
The four purposes of best practice diocesan offices, asking the Bishop’s question, How to impact parishes.

2-02 Will You Marry Me? How we Must ‘Engage’ Young Adults in Parish Life Through Marriage Preparation – Room 202
– Andrew Brown
Imagine if Pope Francis were leading the parish Marriage prep Ministry. What would it look like? What would he say? In Amoris Laetitia (Joy of Love) the Holy Father gives specific & descriptive ways to evangelize couples preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony. Here’s the conclusion: It begins at birth and it doesn’t end on the wedding day! See how the ‘visible sign’ of marriage points to an ‘invisible reality’ God’s perfect love. (Witness)

2-03 Bringing Scripture to Life for Young Catholics – Room J+
– Paul Canavese and Ann Naffziger
The Bible is of course core to who we are as Catholic Christians, but many children and teens find it boring or difficult to understand. Learn some practical ways to help the young (and young at heart) experience Scripture more as living, dynamic stories that were told in early Christian communities. (Word)

2-04 Following Mary into Missionary Discipleship – Room 204
– Dr. Leonard J. DeLorenzo
Mary gave the perfect response to the Word of God. She is both the model of disciples and the mother of all the saints. If we pay attention to all of the hidden activity of her apparently simple and seemingly passive “Yes,” we will discover how all of us—and all those we educate and form—are meant to listen to the Word of God and act on it. In this session, the Annunciation narrative will become both a spiritual meditation and a practical guide to growing in holiness and forming others in the freedom and courage of faith. (Witness)

2-05 End of Life Decisions – A Catholic Perspective – Room 211
– Father Barry Eneh
Choices at the end of life present unique challenges, particularly within a complex and technologically advanced society. Physical death is perceived within modern society as the ultimate human tragedy. This presentation will explore end-of-life choices within the context of faith in Jesus and the moral tradition of the church. (Witness)

2-06 The Liturgical Choir Rehearsal: What’s Your Plan? – Great America Room 1
– Dr. Scot Hanna-Weir and Christopher Wemp
Would you like your choir rehearsals to be more effective, engaging, and precise? Come learn practical tips and strategies for how to enhance your musical leadership, incorporate even stronger faith formation elements into rehearsal, and cultivate a space ripe for creativity and growth. (Worship)

2-07 Finding Spiritual Balance in Off-Kilter Times – Room 203
– Kathy Hendricks
Sometimes life is like a three-ring circus. We find ourselves teetering on a tightrope strung between chaotic activity and daily regimens. During this session we will name strategies for finding and maintain spiritual balance through the reclamation of time out of the center ring. (Witness)

2-08 Too Young to Go Forth? Engaging Youth in Global Issues through Faith – Room 206
– Annapatrice Johnson
Young people want to go forth and change the world. This session will share methods and resources to engage young people as agents of Christian encounter who respond in faith to a world in need. (Word)

CANCELLED: 2-09 Becoming a Disciple of Joy and Mercy – CANCELLED
– Father Dr. Thomas A. Kane, CSP

2-10 Giving Young People Tools for Discernment – Room 212
– Sister Lisa Laguna, D.C. and Brother Patrick Martin, FSC
We are on fire for God! We are on fire for helping young people understand how God calls them – in their vocation – but much more than that. Young people have the capacity to discern TODAY – not only when they are adults. (Witness)

2-11 Make Space for Grace – Room 209
– Tom McGrath
Jesus said, “I have come so that you will have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) With those words he revealed the good news that grace is not scarce – it is available to us in abundance. And yet we often have a hard time recognizing the ready presence of grace in our lives? Tom McGrath will tell five stories of grace that show how to open your eyes, mind, and heart to the grace that abounds in your life each and every day. (Witness)

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM FRIDAY KEYNOTE
2-12 Empowering Christ’s Mission in our Schools: Investing in our Christian Community – Room C
– Father Brendan McGuire
In his school keynote, Fr. Brendan will explore a new governance model that aligns the needs of the faculty to secure greater resources for academic excellence through data-driven personalized instruction. At the same time the pastoral resources can be aligned through the three pillars of Word, Worship and Witness.

2-13 Showing Mercy to the Stranger: Responding to Victims of Human Trafficking at Home and Abroad – Room 205
– Ken Preston
Human trafficking is both a global and local phenomenon. In this workshop, we will deepen our understanding of the issue of human trafficking locally and internationally, learn about how the Catholic Church is responding and see how we as Catholics can participate in a merciful response. (Witness)

2-14 Bring New Hope to Your Ministry – A New Approach to Getting, Keeping and Surviving Volunteers – Great America Room 2
– Anna Scally
It’s not just about what you can get from people; it is what you want for people. Elevate volunteering from an obligation to a privilege. Discover the “hidden gems” in your community. This workshop will include five strategies that will result in more volunteers for your ministry. Real volunteers have more than time; they have hope and heart. (Witness)

2-15 Journey with Jesus: A Family Encounter – Room 210
– Deacon Ruben Solorio
Family Faith Formation focuses on the family as a small faith community trying to grow in faith through their shared experiences. Together, we will discover ways to evangelize and the need to support our families sharing the faith, bringing them closer together in their homes and parish communities. (Witness)

2-16 Meet Them Where They’re At: Best Practices in Inclusion – Great America Room 3
– Lindsey West
Ministry with individuals with disabilities doesn’t have to be daunting or complicated. This workshop suggests best practices in how to reframe our ministries (and parishes) to be sources of inclusion that meet the needs of all members of the Body of Christ, but especially individuals with autism and other disabilities. With an estimated 1 in 5 families impacted by at least one disability of some kind, this workshop offers practical ideas that can benefit every parish community. (Worship)

3-01 Diocesan Planning and Change Management – Room K
– Michael Brough & Jim Lundholm-Eades
(Invitation Only)
A framework for diocesan planning and managing diocesan-wide change

3-02 Schools Leadership Track  – Getting Along: Pastors and Principals Working in Perfect Harmony – Room 201
– Maria Ribera
(Invitation Only)
Principals and Pastors: A relationship that impacts mission, quality, and sustainability

3-03 How the Baptismal Catechumenate Inspires All Catechesis – Room 206
– Mary Birmingham
The General Directory for Catechesis insists that all catechesis in the Church is to be inspired by the baptismal catechumenate (GDC #59). Many of us scratch our heads and say, “That’s nice, but what does it practically mean for my ministry?” This session will explore what the GDC means when it points us to the RCIA. (Worship)

3-04 Making Disciples of All Nations – Room 212
– Sister Maryann Cantlon, CSJ
In this workshop, we will explore some of the profound experiences of Jesus’ disciples, including those of Mary, the first and the perfect disciple. We will examine how we are called to that same level of discipleship in order to share it with all we meet on our journey. (Word)

3-05 Make a New Year’s Resolution to Strengthen Catholic Identity – Room 203
– Terry Cotting-Mogan
This year make a resolution to strengthen your students’ relationship with Jesus and their Catholic Identity. Discover simple and practical ways to integrate the Church’s liturgical year into your lessons, classroom and thus, your students’ and their families’ lives. (Witness)

3-06 Mobile as a Springboard to Inspiring Faith and Learning – Room 209
– Michael DiCosola

Down load presentation
Students, Parents, Grandparents, Millennials, everyone today are increasingly online and mobile. A recent study concluded that 94% of people polled had their phone with them 24/7. This session explores how a mobile platform can aide in promoting programs that teach the faith, inspire people to pray, attend Mass and read Scriptures, but also connect people to content that witnesses to the faith through video and other multimedia programs in-app. (Witness)

3-07 So You Want To Be An Evangelist?- Room 202
– Cord Dorcey
Jesus invites all his disciples to share the good news: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” Mt 4:19. If the witness of 12 ordinary men could change the course of history imagine how you and your parish community could change your City! Imagine how Catholics could change the world! This is a practical workshop designed to equip Catholics to share the good news of Jesus Christ wherever you go. (Witness)

3-08 Welcome to Galilee- Room 205
– Deacon Dick Folger
Jesus was a storyteller. Wouldn’t it be great to have a new lens to focus on Jesus? Jesus asks that crucial question again: “Who do YOU say that I am?” Great artists have given us our rich legacy of images of Jesus and each has imagined what he looked like. The artists filled in the details.” (Witness)

3-09 Build a Bridge Between Research and Best Practice that Supports a Strong Foundation of Faith Development for Children Preschool through Third Grade – Room 204
– Pam Perrino
Join us for a lively conversation on the importance of developmentally appropriate practices in early education faith development of children preschool through third grade. Explore and reflect on the latest brain development information and the implications for crucial windows of opportunity of learning that build a strong foundation of faith for the youngest of the disciples, from preschool through kindergarten. Engage with colleagues to identify and develop strategies that will support you as you engage young children in positive explorations of God’s Love. (Witness)

3-10 Ethical Trade and Right Relationships: Justice For Workers and Consumers- Room 211
– Bill Perry and Anne Maloney
Ethical Trade is an expanded version of Fair Trade, both of which create more just economic relationships. Workshop participants will learn about the key principles behind Ethical Trade, explore how Ethical Trade aligns with Catholic Social Teaching, and obtain practical resources on how to be a more conscious consumer. (Witness)

3-11 The Holy Spirit Driven Purposeful Life – Great America Room 1
– Father Raymond Reyes
The Holy Spirit calls each of us to live in love and relationship. How does this call us to live our discipleship? Life can only be purposeful if we listen well and learn to move with the Holy Spirit in all aspects of our life. This discipleship calls out for a purposeful life in a lonely society needing change. (Word)

3-12 Prayer in the Classroom: Leading and Animating – Room C
– Michael Ruzicki
Participants in this workshop will learn the key elements to gathered classroom prayer. In order to foster fully active participation, teachers and catechists will learn techniques that will inspire and empower children of all ages to assist in the preparation and leading of daily/weekly prayer services. Inspired by the liturgical season with the use of art, environment and music, your classroom will be transformed into a prayer space where the hearts of your students meet the heart of God. An emphasis is placed on collaborating with others in your school and parish community. (Worship)

3-13 Changing Lives, One Song at a Time – Great America Room 2
– Anna Scally
To effectively reach a culture, we must realize that the Church needs to focus on evangelization “not because we need more numbers,” but to let young people know they are appreciated and that their “gifts are important to building the Kingdom of God.” This may be easier to achieve when we realize that a significant key may lie in their music. Walk away with practical and achievable ways to make the Gospel relevant. Arrive ready to learn, laugh, and be inspired by the soundtrack of their heart. (Witness)

3-14 Media Mindfulness: Faith Formation in a Digital Age – Room 210
– Sister Nancy Usselmann, FSP
While reviewing the Church’s understanding of media, especially in catechesis, the participants learn media mindfulness skills for their own media consumption and for their use in catechesis. This brings media literacy and the critical inquiry methodology into the faith context. (Witness)

3-15 The Art of Sacred Symbols – Great America Room 3
– Dr. Johan van Parys
To understand Catholic worship and Catholic thinking one has to understand our Catholic symbols because Catholic symbols are integral to the life of the Church and to our individual lives as Christians. This workshop will explore the meaning of many of the symbols used by the Church. We will also discuss ways in which we can use these symbols to catechize children and adults. (Worship)

3-16 Special Learning Needs: Basic Accommodations in a Catholic School Setting – Room J+
– Dr. Joseph White
This session, led by a clinical child psychologist with experience working with Catholic schools, will discuss why and how we can accommodate students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and ADHD in order to make our schools more inclusive and accessible. (Witness)

4-01 Developing Diocesan Leaders – Room K
– Michael Brough and Jim Lundholm-Eades
(Invitation Only)
Best practices for having right people in the right place

4-02 Best Practices in Catholic School Governance for Pastors and Principals – Room 201
– Maria Ribera
(Invitation Only)
Why Catholic school governance matters and how to do it well. What can pastors and principals do to make governance work?

4-03 The Role of Doctrine in the Catechumenate – Room 206
– Mary Birmingham
Many of us ask how much doctrine is enough doctrine when it comes to preparing catechumens for full initiation in the Catholic Church. This session will explore what the Church means when the RCIA insists that catechists are to present “dogma in its entirety” (RCIA, p.75). Our Catholic Tradition is one of the greatest gifts we can pass on to our candidates for initiation and handing it down to them with a focus on conversion is not only an art, but a skill that must be honed and nurtured. We will explore what that means; we will also consider the content of doctrinal catechesis in the RCIA, and how and when to present it. (Worship)

4-04 How to Educate Students about Ending Human Trafficking – Room 204
– CNEHT Education Team
A hands-on workshop with opportunities to explore various curricula, multi-media resources with input and resources from educators, high school students and other educational program experts from the Bay Area. (Witness)

4-05 Don’t Let Your Parents Drop Off and Run: How to Engage Parents while Their Kids Are in Class – Room 203
– Paul Canavese
While the church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their own children, parents often don’t know where to start and need our help to learn how to do so. Parents face unique challenges raising their kids in the faith today, but rarely have the opportunity to explore them in a faith context. In The Joy of Love, Pope Francis has given us direction on how to engage parents and some of the key issues to explore with them. Find out how to lead parents in animated discussions and what we have learned leading parent groups while kids are in class. (Witness)

4-06 Witnessing to the Culture of Encounter: The Individual Call to Social Justice – Room 209
– Crystal Catalan
Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of cultivating a “culture of encounter,” a vision that is only possible if we recognize and affirm God’s presence with and within ourselves and others. This session will focus on our individual call to social justice and service by examining how we may be called to “step outside” and engage in new ministries, re-commit ourselves to current areas of service, or discover new spaces that we may be called to serve as witness. (Witness)

4-07 Planning a Christian Funeral – Room 210
– Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of San Jose
The Vigil, the Funeral Mass and the Committal each have distinct purposes in the journey toward healing and wholeness. When we experience the death of a loved one, we have rituals and prayers of our church to guide us. (Worship)

4-08 Alpha and the Evangelization in the Art of Accompaniment – Room 211
– Joshua Danis
In this workshop, we will explore new dynamics for engaging those both inside and outside our communities with a deeper connection to Jesus Christ. Full of humor and engaging stories, we will explore the simple but often counter-intuitive keys to really be ourselves, rely on the Holy Spirit, and develop deep relationships with others apart from judgment or expectation. (Witness)

4-09 Catechists/Teachers and Parents as Partners – Room C
– Dr. Carole Eipers
The catechesis we offer in parishes and schools builds on the faith of the families we serve. How can we affirm parents’ role and work with them to enhance the faith of their children and their families? (Witness)

4-10 Loss – how do we respond when everything falls apart? An individual/ communal spirituality of accompaniment – Room 212
– Deacon David Ford and Lorie Ford
As ministers we often find those in our midst who experience painful and sometimes traumatic losses: these include death, divorce, deportation of a family member, broken relationships, serious illness and aging, loss of employment, etc. What do we do and say, and not do and not say? We can feel inadequate before such pain. Deacon David and Lorie will explore competent and compassionate responses as individuals and communities (schools, parishes, etc.) They will teach from their faith experience utilizing stories and Scriptures regarding many avenues of help and support and also teach from their own experience of personal loss.

4-11 Connecting Technology, Catholic Social Teaching, and Choral Singing – Great America Room 1
– Dr. Scot Hanna-Weir and Christopher Wemp
How do smartphones, mason jars, and choirs come together to make a new statement about justice? How might you be able to use consumer technology yourself to enhance communal reflections on social justice, both for your music ensembles and wider worshipping communities? In this worship, see a showcase on cutting edge projects that bring technology, Catholic Social Teaching, and choral singing together, and then develop your own plan for what you can do in your context with the resources you have available. (Worship)

4-12 Increase Your Parish Offertory and Engage Your Community – Room 202
– Rosa Kadera-Redmond
Helping your parishioners understand the magnitude of God’s great work in your parish can be frustrating. How do we show parishioners that we are building up God’s Kingdom in our community and encourage them to increase time, talent and treasure in support of this great work? This workshop will cover our simple, comprehensive program that has consistently helped parishes increase their offertory by 10-30%. (Witness)

4-13 How to Talk with Young People about God! – Room J+
– Bob McCarty, D.Min.
The call to discipleship is a response to the Word! This session will provide participants with practical skills on how to use symbols, analogy, and metaphors in developing God talk. These skills are applicable to home, classes, youth ministry settings, and in our conversations. Further, this session will identify spiritual practices, faith skills, and rituals that enable young people to ‘talk’ about God and faith and to live out their discipleship. (Word)

4-14 God Walks With Us: The Catholic Church’s Response to the Refugee Crisis – Room 205
– Ken Preston
Pope Francis has made a strong call for Catholics to respond to the refugee crisis. In this session, participants will learn the scope and causes of the refugee crisis abroad and at home, what the U.S. Catholic Church is doing to respond, and how U.S. Catholics can witness to and participate in supporting refugees. (Witness)

4-15 Preparing School Masses with Children – Great America Room 3
– Michael Ruzicki
This workshop will assist school teachers (and others) in teaching children the language of the liturgy by including them in the preparation of the Mass. Doing so will reinforce their Catholic identity by breaking open the Word, selecting music, preparing the liturgical environment, and serving in liturgical ministries. Participants will gain (or improve) the tools necessary for collaboration and communication while knowing they are doing the “right thing” liturgically. (Worship)

4-16 Hope is Contagious – How to Find Hope in Challenging Times – Great America Room 2
– Anna Scally
If you want to connect in a relevant way with young people in your ministry, challenge them to choose to live as a person of hope. Learn practical ways to help them move from surviving to thriving. Share ways that reveal that hope and trust result in real joy. Remind them that even in the worst situations God is always at work and that change is always possible, renewal is waiting and hope is never dead. In this workshop you will not only walk away with ways to connect with teens, but you will also be challenged, inspired and enjoy the soundtracks of your life and theirs. (Witness)

5-01 Integration Session/Next Topics/Action/Follow up – Room K
– Michael Brough and Jim Lundholm-Eades
(Invitation Only)

5-02 Developing Support for Catholic LGBT Students: Training for Counselors and Educators – Great America Room 3
– Aaron Bianco
This session is designed to help teachers and student counselors understand their Catholic LGBT students. To help the educator provide a safe atmosphere to cultivate dialogue. (Witness)

5-03 The Sunday Eucharist: Transforming Parishioners into Joyful Missionary Disciples – Room C
– Father Kenneth Boyack, CSP
Participants will learn how to encounter Christ more completely in the Eucharist, and as a result, become more intentional missionary disciples. They also will learn about Living the Eucharist, a Lenten renewal ministry that enables individuals, small groups, families, and the entire parish to better understand the Eucharist, participate more fully in this sacrament, and then live the Eucharist each day as effective witnesses for Christ. (Worship)

5-04 Don’t Let Your Parents Drop Off and Run: How to Engage Parents while Their Kids Are in Class – Room 203
– Paul Canavese
While the church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their own children, parents often don’t know where to start and need our help to learn how to do so. Parents face unique challenges raising their kids in the faith today, but rarely have the opportunity to explore them in a faith context. Find out how to lead parents in animated discussions and what we have learned leading parent groups while kids are in class. (Witness)

5-05 The Key to Successful Classroom Management? Relationships! – Room J+
– Terry Cotting-Mogan
Come and learn some practical ways to strengthen your classroom management through relationships with and among your students. Creating a classroom community will increase attendance, participation, smiles and decrease discipline issues. (Witness)

5-06 Forming Catholic Identity through Stories of Grace  – Great America Room 2
– Dr. Leonard J. DeLorenzo
If we are to shape our whole lives as a Christian story, we must first learn to recognize, craft, and share stories of grace about particular life experiences. This session will introduce seven principles for crafting stories of grace for teens, young adults, and even not-so-young-anymore adults that allow us to speak of God’s action in our lives in persuasive and very real terms. (Witness)

5-07 Called to Communion: A Reconciling Faith in a Polarized Society – Room 202
– Mary Doak
This session will explore the challenges to our individualist culture implicit in central biblical stories as well as in Catholic sacramental practice. Instead of a faith that is centered on “me and Jesus,” Catholic Christianity affirms, in both Scripture and Tradition, that God calls us to the privileged (and crucial) task of working with God to reconcile the human community—to God, to each other, and to the natural world. (Word)

5-08 Connecting Youth to Liturgical Music and Empathy Building: Testimonies and Strategies – Great America Room 1
– Audrey Gomes and Claire Wemp
In this interactive workshop, we ask young people themselves what a thriving music ministry program looks like to them, and what they recommend for creating music ministry leadership opportunities that appeal to youth. Hear strategies from the core workshop presenters, hear and sing music samples, and hear from a moderated panel of dynamic young musicians spanning from elementary to high school as they share their own recommendations for cultivating the next generation of liturgical music leaders. (Worship)

5-09 The How-to of Preparing and Directing Retreats for Kids – Room 210
– Kathy Hendricks
The idea of leading a retreat might sound daunting or unrealistic, especially if we think of it in terms of a lengthy or totally silent experience. In this workshop, we’ll look at ways to prepare and direct children in retreat experiences that are engaging, creative, and deeply spiritual. Even if time is limited or the space is less-than-ideal, you will find ideas for drawing kids into prayer, reflection, and sharing. (Witness)

5-10 Vocations in the Church Today: Everybody’s Problem, Everybody’s Solution  – Room 206
– Father Joe Kim
Gone are the days when seminaries and convents were full. Gone are the days when Catholic schools were run by religious. Are vocations to the priesthood and religious life a thing of the past? How can Catholic schools encourage vocations to the Church today? This session will explore the current local and national vocations situation and its root problems. Find out how you could pray, call and lead our young people today. (Witness)

5-11 Intercultural Competencies – Room 211
– Maria del Mar Muñoz-Visoso
“Go and make disciples of all nations”, these are the parting words of the Lord Jesus to his disciples before ascending into heaven. This missionary mandate is still the call of today’s disciples. In this workshop we will take a look at the work of evangelization in today’s culturally diverse communities and environment. We will also discuss the basic elements of intercultural competence and its various pastoral applications.

5-12 The Presence of God as a Promise in the Gospel of Matthew – Room 209
– Father Sergio Ovando
The first Gospel ends with these words: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). Beginning with a reflection on the Presence of God in the Old Testament (Shekhinah), we will demonstrate how God is also present in the New Testament. Finally, we will examine how God’s presence remains a promise for our time and a hope for future generations. (Word)

5-13 The Time is Now! Early Investment in the Faith Formation Lasts a Life Time  – Room 204
– Pam Perrino
Explore the latest research on how young children preschool through third grade learn and make understanding of their world. Reflect on your current faith formation practices with these young children and discover a way to ignite your enthusiasm and theirs as you set the faith foundation for the youngest of our disciples while exploring the beauty of God’s Love. (Witness)

5-14 Engaging In Global Solidarity: Transforming our Classrooms and Evangelizing our Entire School Community – Room 205
– Deacon Ruben Solorio
Engaging In Global Solidarity: Transforming our Classrooms and Evangelizing our Entire School community. This workshop will help you to deepen your school’s engagement in global solidarity as a response to God’s mercy. Participants will engage in a dialogue about how to inspire students to learn about the U.S. Church’s efforts for Global Solidarity and take you on a Journey with Jesus using scripture, Catholic Social Teaching and the Corporal Works of Mercy. (Witness)

5-15 The Good Life: Virtue Ethics in Social Media  – Room 201
– Sister Nancy Usselmann, FSP
Social media’s use for information and self-expression can sometimes become an outlet for angry rants, misinformation and indiscretion. Media mindfulness is built on the foundation of critical inquiry, bringing one’s values into conversation with the media messages. But what do we really value? Are those values congruent with the virtues? Virtues are habits of being that promote respect as the core of a happy life. How can we live the good life within a digital culture? (Witness)

5-16 Meet Them Where They’re At: Best Practices in Inclusion – Room 212
– Lindsey West
Ministry with individuals with disabilities doesn’t have to be daunting or complicated. This workshop suggests best practices in how to reframe our ministries (and parishes) to be sources of inclusion that meet the needs of all members of the Body of Christ, but especially individuals with autism and other disabilities. With an estimated 1 in 5 families impacted by at least one disability of some kind, this workshop offers practical ideas that can benefit every parish community. (Worship)

6-01 Pastoral Councils and Consultative Leadership: What does Co-responsibility look like? – Room 201
– Michael Brough
(Invitation Only)
Why do you have a pastoral council? This session is an opportunity to learn from parishes where the pastor and pastoral council are co-responsible for the pastoral vision and good of the parish.

6-02 Models of School Governance: Effective options for Catholic Schools – Room 202
– Jim Lundholm-Eades
(Invitation Only)
Emerging models for Catholic school governance and how boards engage within them.

6-03 Experience the Joy of a Deeper, Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ – Room 203
– Father Kenneth Boyack, CSP
Parishioners hunger today for a relationship with Jesus Christ that is meaningful, relevant, and transformative. This workshop will introduce participants to The Journey/El Camino, a ministry that enables Catholics to encounter Christ in the Scriptures, in the parish community of faith, and as missionary disciples who live and share the Gospel. (Word)

6-04 A Love that Does Justice – Room 205
– Mary Doak
The rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching is often presented as an overwhelming list of rules, when in fact it is a coherent spirituality rooted in essential Christian beliefs and oriented to seeking justice in love. This session will explore the underlying vision of Catholic Social Teaching as a guide to living faith with hope for our broken but redeemed world. (Word)

6-05 Catechist and Teacher: Awesome Vocations! – Room K
– Dr. Carole Eipers
Those who form others in faith have been called to be and to do. Who are we called to be as we teach others? What are we called to do in catechizing them so that their faith will grow? (Witness)

CANCELLED: 6-06 Becoming a Disciple of Joy and Mercy- CANCELLED
– Father Dr. Thomas A. Kane, CSP

6-07 Build. Plant. Grow. and Liturgical Music as Character and Faith Formation – Great America Room 1
– Michael Brough
(Invitation Only)
How can we use scripture as a tool for character education, especially for youth? How can we use music for character education? How can we approach character education from a perspective of faith in the parish and school context, particularly for concern of evangelizing children and young adults? This presentation will introduce a free tool called Build.Plant.Grow. to help children break open the word each week, along with numerous related music resources designed to enhance understanding, engagement, and discipleship. (Worship)

6-08 Going, Going, Gone … The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics – Great America Room 2
– Bob McCarty, D.Min.
Saint Mary’s Press recently conducted extensive research with young Catholics who have left the Church. This session will identify the underlying dynamics that lead to disaffiliation, describe the factors that reinforce those dynamics, and examine the pastoral implications. (Witness)

6-09 Preparing Joy-filled Celebrations in the RCIA – Room 212
– Michael Ruzicki
The entire parish community is enriched when the rites of the RCIA are celebrated with style and grace. This workshop will survey the rites belonging to the RCIA, explain the role of the assembly, and provide practical methods that will enrich your community’s liturgical celebrations. (Worship)

6-10 Nurturing the Creative Catechist in You – Great America Room 3
– Alison Spong
We will explore creative ways to “echo” your faith. Creative catechesis can deepen your relationship, along with your students’ relationships, with God. Expand your approach with practical tips and ideas you can use right away. (Witness)

6-11 Beauty that Saves: Liturgy, Architecture, and Environment – Room 206
– Dr. Johan van Parys
For centuries, architects and artists have assisted the Church in the creation of meaningful liturgical space. Each generation has brought new insights, new technologies and new styles to this process. This workshop will look at sacred art and architecture as a great catechetical tool. (Worship)

6-12 Pope Francis’ Vision for Catechesis – Room 209
– Dr. Joseph White
What do recent papal statements and documents tell us about Pope Francis’ vision for faith formation? This session, facilitated by a noted catechetical author and National Catechetical Consultant, will explore how can we follow the lead of this master teacher and witness to form others as missionary disciples. (Witness)

7-01 Pastoral Theology and Pope Francis: A New Framework for Comprehending, Teaching and Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ – Room C
– Bishop Robert W. McElroy
Bishop McElroy was born in San Francisco. On April 12, 1980, McElroy was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop John Raphael Quinn at St. Mary’s Cathedral for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. From 2010 through 2015 he was auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. In 2015, he became the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego. Bishop McElroy is currently the vice-president of the California Catholic Conference.

8-01 How Effective Pastoral Councils Work – Room 201
– Michael Brough
(Invitation Only)
What best practices exist for effective pastoral councils? This session will focus on practical tools for forming your pastoral council and running effective meetings.

8-02 What is a School Board to Do? – Room 202
– Jim Lundholm-Eades
(Invitation Only)
What the best school boards do with their time and energy and how they go about it

8-03 I am Moving, Learning, Praising – Room K
– Sister Nodelyn Abayan, SSS
This session explores the importance of mind-body connections and the relationship between movement and early learning. It will also provide strategies and resources for infusing physical movement in religious instruction as a way to pray and praise God. (Word)

8-04 LGBT Catholics & the Church…Let’s Build a Bridge! – Room 209
– Aaron Bianco
This session will provide insight for how Catholics and the Catholic LGBT community can better understand one another and move forward with a new relationship of compassion and understanding. (Witness)

8-05 Stop the Game! Informed Communities are Key to Ending Human Trafficking – Parishes – Room 204
– CNEHT Parish Advocates
Think human trafficking is only an international issue? Think again – it is active in our local communities, too! Raising awareness in our parish communities is important in the fight against all forms of human trafficking, aka modern day slavery. Join us to learn strategies you may deploy to inform or help heal communities by raising awareness to disrupt and stop traffickers in their game. (Witness)

8-06 Loss – How Do We Respond When Everything Falls Apart? An Individual/ Communal Spirituality of Accompaniment – Great America Room 3
– Deacon David Ford and Lorie Ford
Tap HERE to Download the Handouts

As ministers we often find those in our midst who experience painful and sometimes traumatic losses: these include death, divorce, deportation of a family member, broken relationships, serious illness and aging, loss of employment, etc. What do we do and say, and not do and not say? We can feel inadequate before such pain. Deacon David and Lorie will explore competent and compassionate responses as individuals and communities (schools, parishes, etc.). They will teach from their faith experience utilizing stories and Scriptures regarding many avenues of help and support and also teach from their own experience of personal loss.

8-07 Connected and Authentic: Modern Youth Ministry – Room C
– Chris Mariano and Arthur Refuerzo
How do you make your faith relevant every day? We will speak on topics focusing on youth ministry – a strong youth foundation leads to a Christ-centered life, what Christian leadership looks like, and how to truly retreat and let Him guide us. What has worked before may not apply now – we’ll talk about current trends, events, and how they fit in with ministry. We’ll share what has continued to work for many communities in the Archdiocese of SF, and how you can connect with the youth of your community in a truly authentic way that will carry on with them. (Witness)

8-08 Taste and See: Using Scripture to Evangelize in Small Groups – Room 204
– Tom McGrath
People often get just enough confusing and disappointing exposure to the Word of God to turn them off for life. Tom McGrath will offer practical ways (complete with replicable handouts) you can use to invite individuals and small groups to an experience of the transforming power of Scripture. (Word)

8-09 Leading RCIA Dismissal Sessions – Room 206
– Michael Ruzicki
Pope Francis states that “all evangelization is based on the Word of God.” Sacred Scripture permeates the entire catechumenal journey and invites the catechumens and elect to reflect and discuss the Word of God. Dismissal sessions (from the Sunday Mass) help to develop the catechumen’s relationship with Christ, self, and neighbor by internalizing the Word, concentrating their prayer around the Scriptures, and becoming familiar with the teachings of the Church. (Worship)