Annual Diocesan Pastoral Ministries Conference

What: A day-long opportunity for Catholics around the Diocese to gather for formation, prayer, and networking. Keynote speaker Ron Huntley from Divine Renovation will focus on parishes move from “maintenance to mission.” Morning and afternoon breakout sessions will focus on: religious education, youth ministry, marriage and family life, worship, RCIA, and communication.

When: September 28, 2019 from 9:30 – 4:00 pm. Doors open at 8:30 am. Mass will be celebrated on-site at 4:00 pm.

Where: Lake Morey Resort; 82 Clubhouse Rd; Fairlee, VT 05045 (off I-91, Exit 15).

Who: Anyone is invited, especially those involved in parish ministry or implementing the Diocesan Synod in the parish, with a heart of evangelization, interested in vibrant parishes or seeking to be more involved.

Cost: $30.00/per person. Includes continental breakfast and lunch.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. WALK-IN REGISTRATION IS WELCOME THE MORNING OF THE CONFERENCE.

About the Keynote Speaker:
Ron Huntley works internationally with church leaders to build passion and get results. Ron’s love for Christ, people and the church drive him to make a difference in the lives of pastors, priests and ministry leaders everywhere. Ron Huntley and Fr. James Mallon worked side-by-side to bring about the divine renovation of Saint Benedict Parish in Halifax, Canada. Ron has expanded to parishes around the world through international speaking engagements, the divine renovation podcast, and the divine renovation coaching network where Ron coaches and mentors pastors who seek to bring their parish from maintenance to mission.

Morning Breakout Sessions:
A1:         ENERGIZING YOUR PARISH WITH THE RCIA  –  Did you know that the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is not meant to be experienced only by those going through the process with the hopes of completing their initiation into the Catholic Church?  The Church envisions that the RCIA be experienced each year by the entire parish community. This session explores this vision of whole-parish involvement, practical ways of working toward whole-parish involvement, and the lived experiences of those involved in the RCIA. Looking for a parish process that can be transformative? Come learn about the oldest process in the book – the RCIA.
Presenters:  Josh Perry & Lauri Becker

A2:         AN EMAIL ISN’T GOING TO CUT IT: COMMUNICATING SUCCESSFULLY WITH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FAMILIES – Having trouble communicating with families? Does it seem like people never know about your events? Do parents always seem frustrated or confused about your new plans for the year? Your communication skills might have room for improvement! This workshop will feature best practices and stories about how good communication can make all the difference. Presenter: Michael Hagan

A3:         SUPPORTING THE FAMILY AS AN OASIS IN TODAY’S CULTURAL CONFUSION – Fake news, information at one’s fingertips, culturally acceptable morals, peers replacing parents – how do our children know who to trust?  Where do they find truth?  God’s truth is there, how do we find it in our families?
Presenters: Terri McCormack & Sharon Trani

A4:         BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO YOUR BULLETIN – This session will discuss traditional and modern ways of sharing information with your church community. It will begin with best practices for your traditional, printed, parish bulletin but then expand into an exploration of additional ways to share your bulletin content with a broader audience through digital resources such as website and social media, through diocesan channels such as Vermont Catholic Magazine and Online News and The Inland See bulletin, and with local media via press releases. Emphasis will be placed on sharing quality content in multiple ways, rather than constantly creating new material.
Presenters: Stephanie Clary & Mary-Margaret Carroll

A5:         ENGAGING TODAY’S YOUTH IN THE CHURCH – CREATING CHURCHES THAT ARE INVITING, ENGAGING AND MISSIONARY. This presentation will focus on practical ways to form communities of faith that are welcoming to youth and young adults.  We will look at best practices across the country and how we can form young souls who are ready to be disciples in today’s world.  Come ready to share some of your own ideas and insights as well! Presenter: Bill Gavin

Afternoon Breakout Sessions:
B1:         GETTING STARTED WITH THE “R”CIA – This aspect explores the various parish rites that are celebrated as part of a parish’s RCIA program. We’ll begin with a short overview of the RCIA book and its various parts. We will then take a closer look at two essential rituals that are part of the RCIA experience in a parish: The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens & the Scrutinies, reviewing the rules that guide each of the Rites and the various options that can be utilized during the celebration of the Rite. The session concludes with a mock celebration of the Rite of Acceptance and/or a Scrutiny so you can experience the ritual in action.
Presenters: Josh Perry & Lauri Becker

B2:         PANEL: HOW YOUR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM CAN BUILD COMMUNITY AND A VIBRANT PARISH – Ideally, religious education is one piece of a whole parish community, not simply a drop-off program for parents. In this workshop, we will have a panel of Parish Catechetical Leaders whose programs focus on involving the whole community, not just the kids. Bring your questions and prepare to take home some great ideas!
Facilitator: Michael Hagan

B3:         BLESSINGS OF AGE – RECOGNIZING AND ENCOURAGING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR SENIORS – “Insult no man when he is old, for some of us, too, will grow old” (Sir 8:6).  The sign of a parish’s spiritual health and maturity is through the gifts of the older seniors of our community.  How do we proclaim the ageless Christ present among us, the gifts found in our youth and our seniors? Presenter: Terri McCormack

 B4:          THE UNTHINKABLE LOSS AND ANGUISH OF SUICIDE AND THE ROLE OF THE PARISH COMMUNITY – Connection, comfort, and community are integral and foundational to the healing journey of those who have lost a loved one to suicide. How do we as a parish community respond to this devastating event?
Presenter: Sharon Trani

 B5:         ENGAGING YOUTH IN LITURGICAL PRACTICES AND PRAYER ACTIVITIES – The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Catholic life. It is essential that we find creative ways to connect our young people into the mysteries of our Church found not only in the liturgy, but also through the rich heritage of the Church’s music, art, devotional practices, etc. Come learn about ways to form disciples of Jesus Christ through the richness of the Catholic liturgy and liturgical practices.
Presenter: Bill Gavin

View the Conference Flyer

View the Conference Registration Brochure

For more information, contact Josh Perry at (802) 658-6110 x 1460.