Simultaneous translation in Spanish available. Renew, Believe, Proclaim Bishop Joseph Brennan will start our day with a welcome message to all, and give a brief view of his vision for our Diocese. This will be followed by a panel presentation and discussion: in these days of suffering and confusion in our Church, what makes young […]
Chronic pain can cause everyday suffering. This session aims to provide a positive way to live with chronic pain through the self-management of the physical, mental and emotional problems cased by the condition. Empowering one to manage chronic pain through approaches that focus on the body, mind and spirit can help us to live a […]
Be Not Afraid is a discussion on depression and suicide presented through a Catholic lens. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. beginning at age 10 through adulthood. This discussion highlights Catholic teaching and components of recognition, intervention, and resources. But mostly, it is a discussion on hope for those in […]
Non-traditional exposition of the basic Catholic teachings with emphasis on the working understanding of the true nature of master-disciple relationship will be explored. Growth in this relationship renders the disciple more and more like the master making ministry and service the spirit that gives life to every true Christian endeavor.
Updating your organization’s website does not necessarily mean throwing it out and starting from scratch. There are things to fix and correct, and ways to update the look that cost little to nothing – except some time and creativity. This session will cover: Updating graphic elements and color Changing your theme file (if applicable) Working […]
The Msgr. Culleton Archives: where the history of the Diocese of Fresno continues to live. Where does the history of our diocese reside? With our parishioners. Every time our parishioners participate in a sacramental rite, the history of our diocese continues. As office staff it is our vocation to keep the history of our parishes […]
Injecting Gospel values into our daily living and civic participation is, perhaps, more of a challenge to us today than at any other time in our nation’s history. How do we bring the mind and heart of Jesus into today’s political landscape, and into our national conversations?
The “front lines” of our parishes are our office staff: our receptionists, secretaries, and office managers are a blessing to our parish! The role is often seen as a job, not necessarily a ministry. This workshop will explore the pastoral and ministerial aspects of working in a parish office. We will discuss the positive and […]
If we only had more engaged parishioners, more youth, more volunteers, our parish would be so much better.” That very common statement reveals the desire to lift our parish community and to revitalize our evangelizing zeal. The V Encuentro with its key themes of missionary discipleship, encounter, and protagonism, gifted the Church with a methodology […]
Volunteer ministry is the norm! Many times, we think being a volunteer makes us a second-class parish worker. This could not be further from the truth. This workshop will illustrate successful ministry practices for volunteers. We will navigate proven communication tools and efficient planning strategies.
End of life issues don’t make for easy conversation; however, they are very significant to simply avoid them. Come to this session to learn about the wisdom of the Church about the beauty of human life and our view about the end of it. This session will help you inform your decisions about the hour […]
Msgr. Dreiling, Vicar General of our diocese, will talk candidly about his experience in the midst of clergy abuse in the church. He will share the effect it has on him as priest with the people he serves and as brother priest to his peers. Msgr. will share the heartache of it all and the […]
With so many challenges in today’s world and Church, headlines tell us that many families and individuals are choosing to forego organized religion and all but the most culturally popular expressions of faith. In reality, vibrant faith-focused role models can often be found in surprising venues such as movies, sports and technology. Together, we’ll look […]
Pope Francis invites us “to be bold and creative in the task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities”. (E.G. #33) This Evangelii Gaudium-based interactive workshop will help parishes create a strategy for effective de-centralized Social Justice Ministry on their local parish and vicariate levels. Please bring your […]
Our Church gifts us with a wealth of ritual in our Eucharistic Celebration as well as the Sacraments. Each one has its own symbols and gestures that make them special and prayerful. This workshop will explore the elements of liturgical rites that feed our community. With word and music, how can we help our community […]
The need for faithful and effective parish, school, and ministry internet communication continues to grow. We will examine together recent changes and updates to guidelines for working with: social media, websites, online video. Our approach will be to consider best practices—the way to improve our use of these resources while respecting necessary guidelines and requirements.
A Collaborative Project of the California Bishops and Catholic Health Care leaders. Why Whole person Care? Define and explore this topic that embraces sanctity of life from natural conception through natural death. Let’s talk about how this helps parishioners embrace a health-faith connection and promote wholeness in heart, mind, body and spirit.
Smaller parish communities are sometimes lost in the conversation regarding successful youth ministry strategies. What a mistake! This workshop celebrates the dynamic of small and rural youth ministry and investigates successful practices unique to the demographic.
How can Catholics continue to be faithful to the Church and to their faith in a world of turmoil and suffering? Our newly Installed Bishop Joseph Brennan will explore our Congress theme and how it relates to our present-day faith journey.
This engaging presentation explores four of the primary symbols of worship: font, ambo, altar and people as liturgical centers that invite us to experience profound spiritual transformation each time we celebrate liturgy.
Vocations flourish in a Church that is constantly Renewed by, Believing in and Proclaiming the Good News. Fr. Dan will share some insights into how a vibrant faith community can become the seedbed of abundant vocations.
A Missionary Disciple evangelizes to form practicing Catholics, which is the goal of all ministries. Come explore practical ways that you can embody the spirit of a missionary disciple in your role as catechist.
Reach today’s youth more effectively! This workshop will help you facilitate meaningful conversations with teens about values, relationships and faith. Special emphasis is placed on utilizing popular music to establish a connection with youth. Whether you are a catechist, teacher, youth minister or parent of a teen, this workshop will provide simple, practical strategies you […]
Be Not Afraid is a discussion on depression and suicide prevention through the Catholic lens. Frequently clergy, lay and youth leaders are front line persons to those in need. The goal of the 50-minute presentation is to introduce concepts for recognition, intervention, and resources that may be needed for a person in despair. But most […]
Confronting Sexual abuse experience or abandonment creates a circle of shame and guilt. It is a disability that can be restored. The Journey of healing, to be effective, must include “Purification of memory”. This is not a therapy session, but a journey of Love. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI observes that people need to be saved […]
This workshop will go over the Catholic Church’s teaching on the topic of abortion, looking at its historical development from the first century to the present. The goal is to give educators an understanding of where we stand in the United States with changing abortion laws throughout the country, and with the United States Supreme […]
Since 2013, Pope Francis has been leading the Church into a new way of being as much by his actions, as by his writings and speeches. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to this methodology of our Holy Father and how we as Church need to follow his lead. The Pontiff’s leadership on each […]
In the 20th Century, Venerable Rev. Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., made famous the motto “The family that prays together stays together” with global Rosary rallies and use of the latest technology to draw hearts closer to Jesus through Mary. Looking at Father Peyton’s life and legacy through the prism of modern challenges to our Church, we […]
Non-traditional exposition of the basic Catholic teachings with emphasis on the working understanding of the true nature of master-disciple relationship will be explored. Growth in this relationship renders the disciple more and more like the master making ministry and service the spirit that gives life to every true Christian endeavor.
Being a young adult in today’s world has many challenges, from what to study in college, what career path to take, how to spend your free time and with whom. The list goes on and on. Living out your Catholic Faith can even be more of a challenge, especially if you’ve moved away from home […]
The domestic church of the family is a model for all we do and are as church. It is also our primary model for catechesis; the way we pass on our faith. During this workshop we will identify ways in which your community already empowers families as the domestic church and explore ways for strengthening […]
Speaking in front of a group can be one of people’s biggest fears. Come learn some practical suggestions to become a more comfortable and effective group presenter.
Losing a loved one is very, very difficult…especially when it happens twice; it makes you wonder if you can go on with life. If you lose a parent, you grieve with your siblings; if you lose a child, you grieve with your spouse, but if you lose a spouse, you walk that road alone as […]
Many young people want to improve their prayer lives, but they just don’t know where to start. This workshop will help you create meaningful prayer experiences for groups of teens, and it will provide you with information young people can use to improve their individual daily prayer experiences. A variety of ideas will be provided, […]
The ministries of cantor/psalmist and lector play an important role in liturgy. Often, preparation for sharing the scripture through spoken word and sung response and song become focused on the technical aspects. This session focuses on the spiritual preparation for these ministries and demonstrates how preparing the heart allows for a more meaningful presentation of […]
How many times have you looked out into your classroom only to see a room full of blank stares? In this workshop, we will explore how to identify children’s learning styles; understand our own learning style and how it influences the manner in which we share our faith; creating an environment of inclusiveness for children […]
Updating your organization’s website does not necessarily mean throwing it out and starting from scratch. There are things to fix and correct, and ways to update the look that cost little to nothing – except some time and creativity. This session will cover: Updating graphic elements and color Changing your theme file (if applicable) Working […]
In this session, we will consider St. Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians to “be reconciled to God.” What does that mean and how does that unfold into the Kingdom of God – the reign of love, justice, and peace?
Smaller parish communities are sometimes lost in the conversation regarding successful youth ministry strategies. What a mistake! This workshop celebrates the dynamic of small and rural youth ministry and investigates successful practices unique to the demographic.
This session will explore spiritual development through experiences of isolation in union with Christ on the Cross, as a means of entering into communion with God and others in His Love.
Let us see strategies of how we can choose music that is appropriate for the different parts of Mass and for different seasons of the liturgical year. The music that we sing can help our assembly participate in our prayer and grow in faith. Let us see what resources are available for us as music […]
Renew your relationship with God and become more aware of discerning His voice. It is an important part of growing your personal faith and encouraging others to do the same
God invites us into a larger faith. This simple passage and quote from Mark, Chapter 9: “Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!” is a key to the difficulties, questions, and the winding journey of belief. A journey that has room for doubt because belief is an act of […]
Is Christian service just for school age kids? Our faith, Baptism, Scriptures and example of Jesus clearly states that all Christians have a responsibility to serve. And parents have an obligation to model service. Come share ways in which your parish/program is doing that and also consider other possibilities that may support Family Christian Service.
Jesus said he “did not come to be served but to serve.” The message has been heard, loud and clear. We integrate service projects into our Faith Formation and Confirmation years, but is it enough? Is it enough to check off service project on a list of requirements? In this workshop, we will delve into […]
The need for faithful and effective parish, school, and ministry internet communication continues to grow. We will examine together recent changes and updates to guidelines for working with: social media, websites, online video. Our approach will be to consider best practices—the way to improve our use of these resources while respecting necessary guidelines and requirements.
“If you want something done, ask a busy person” Benjamin Franklin. Sound familiar? This session provides you with the vital tools you need as you fulfill the multiple roles you hold. Learn the key concepts necessary to strike a lasting work-life balance.
This session will explore spiritual development through experiences of isolation in union with Christ on the Cross, as a means of entering into communion with God and others in His Love.
Where can we find inspiring themes of faith in modern media and develop a relevant means of teaching them? All generations flock to screens…are we maximizing this resource? Are we creative and innovative in this space? Come learn successful methods of modern evangelization from the producers of Paul the Apostle of Christ!
This session will reflect on the wisdom being imparted from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation “Christus Vivit”.
