A 06 Revising the Vision : The Future of Catholic Youth Ministry in the U . S . – Dr . Bob Rice
Dr . Bob Rice analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Renewing the Vision document that had an international impact and provided those who do ministry with youth a unified vision and language .
Dr . Bob Rice is an associate professor of Catechetics and the director of the Masters of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville
A 07 Great Ideas in Technology and Social Media
– Moderated by Ela Milewska
During this session , you will be introduced to six unique ideas for use of social media in ministry settings . Panelists : Joe Weyers , Charlotte McCorquodale ( Ministry Training Source ), Sarah Jarzembowski ( Catholic Apostolate Center ), Eric Groth ( Outside da Box ), Sal Solo , Will Smith ( Mother of Sorrows Church ) Ela Milewska is the Director of the Office of Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of New York .
A 08 Preparing the First Teachers – Patrick Donovan
If parents are the first teachers in the ways of faith , what can we do to help them feel less afraid of this important task ? This session will engage participants in a conversation about practical strategies for including parents in ministry and helping families live Jesus every day .
Patrick Donovan has more than twenty-five years of experience in working with young people and the adults who are called to guide them He is the director of the new Diocesan Leadership Institute in the Diocese of Bridgeport , Connecticut ..
A 09 First Years in Youth Ministry – Frank Mercadante
This workshop will identify the key priorities that will keep you healthy and focused on the areas of ministry that will bring the greatest return . Moreover , you will learn how to avoid the common challenges of the terrain and build a roadmap for developing a dynamic disciple-making youth ministry .
Frank Mercadante , Frank Mercadante is the founder and executive director of Cultivation Ministries . He received a BA in Christian education from Wheaton College and an MPS from Loyola University of Chicago .
A 10 Learning for Life : It Doesn ' t End with Confirmation ! – Joan Weber
This workshop will focus on strategies for engaging all parishioners - from the little ones to the adolescents , from young adults to adults , all the way to our senior adults - in encountering the living Christ , deepening their relationship with God and understanding more fully their Catholic identity across the lifespan .
Joan Weber , Joan Weber has worked in young adult ministry since 1988 . Joan Weber has worked in young adult ministry since 1988 .
A 11 Being a Creative Catechist : Practical Catechesis for Elementary Ages – Nancy Bird
Looking for ways to be energized ? Does your call as a catechist need recharging ? You ' ll leave this lively workshop with six simple suggestions to cultivate your own creativity and some practical ideas to share with the children and families entrusted to your care .
Nancy Bird Nancy Bird has been involved in religious education for more than thirty years as a catechist , parish catechetical leader and youth minister . Presently she serves as Director of Training and Development for RCL Benziger Religion Publishing Company , resides in Tallmadge Ohio and continues to be a volunteer catechist ..
A 12 Seeking , Reaching and Catechizing the
Unbaptized – Mary Birmingham
This session will explore the primary strategy for reaching out to the unbaptized in our midst - evangelization and conversion - and how to facilitate that conversion in a practical way .
Mary Birmingham is the Director of Music , Liturgy and
Christian Initiation at Ascension Parish in Melbourne , Florida . She has a Master ' s Degree in liturgy and theology from St . John ' s University in Collegeville . Mary is an author and international clinician in the area of Christian initiation and Sacramental Catechesis
A 13 Can You Hear Me Now : Strengthening the Spiritual and Prayer Lives of Middle Schoolers
– Lindsey West
Whether you ' re a youth minister , teacher , DRE , or play some other role in the faith lives of middle schoolers , it ' s possible to lead them deeper than most people imagine . We will discuss and practice techniques , styles , and approaches to helping middle schoolers develop and deepen maturing spiritual and prayer lives . Get ready to think , work , and share ideas you can bring back to your parish or school .
Lindsey West has been ministering to middle schoolers , high schoolers and young adults since 2004 . Lindsey has also been a retreat facilitator and speaker for parishes and schools throughout the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Diocese of San Jose .
A 14 Classroom Engagement : Practical Resources and Teaching Strategies to Inspire Learning , Loving , and Living the Faith – Katie
Prejean
For young people , the loss of a loved one often plummets them into a faith crisis . This workshop will explore some effective pastoral care techniques to help young people find God in their pain and navigate the aftermath of grief .
Katie Prejean is a teacher , youth minister , author and speaker . Since 2007 , Katie has been traveling across the country using her " theological comedy " with audiences .
A 15 Confirmation Retreats and the New
Evangelization – Scott M . Anthony
How to reach teens with a positive experience while at the same time giving them something authentic ? Enter the New Evangelization . We need to stop looking at confirmation retreats with apprehension and start seeing them as moments of grace and transformation . Yes , even a mandatory retreat can help teens encounter Christ in a real way . This workshop will show you how .
Scott M . Anthony has been involved in parish-based youth and young adult ministry since 1993 . He has served St . Joseph Parish in York , Pennsylvania , for more almost twenty-five years . For more information visit www . scottmanthony . net .
A 16 Throughout All Time I Will Sing to You : A Musical and Reflective Journey with the Psalms
– David Haas
This session will explore how the psalms engage and inform our pastoral work , both through music and guided reflection - leading us to a more vibrant youth ministry that can serve our liturgical life , our retreat ministry , and our spiritual direction with young seekers in the faith , in both parish and school settings .
David Haas , is a liturgical composer , workshop leader , and campus minister at Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St . Paul . David is the the founder and director of Music Ministry Alive !
A 17 Next Generation Small Groups – Chris Wesley
Every teenager is looking for an authentic relationship that can be found in a small-group setting . In this breakout , participants will look at what a small group program for youth is supposed to look like and how to build one from the ground up .
Chris Wesley , Chris Wesley is the director of student ministry at Church of the Nativity in Timonium , Maryland . He has been serving in youth ministry for more than ten years .
A 18 Ten Practical Ways to Use Music in Ministry
– Michael James Mette
Breaking down barriers between Christian and secular music , Michael James Mette looks at symbolism and beauty in art and how you can use these things to lead others toward God . Michelle , a lifelong non-musician shares ways to use music even when you don ' t play an instrument .
Michael James Mette is a Catholic performing artist who blends music , technology and testimony . His latest album " Arts + Humanity " ( 2015 ) sits at the intersection of Church and culture . " Bring Forth the Light " ( 2012 ) reflects a mature view of the Catholic faith , exploring musical themes of human love , life , and the afterlife .
For more information on the speakers and workshops , visit www . faithformationconference . com 3