More than 20 presenters to lead enrichment day at diocesan Center for Ministry    

The day begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m., following the Vigil Mass for Pentecost. 

Bishop Robert Gruss will be the keynote speaker for the day. His talk will be on the day’s theme, Eucharist: The Foundation of Ministry. He will also celebrate the vigil Mass.  In addition to Bishop Gruss, more than 20 presenters - priests, religious sisters and lay leaders - will be leading sessions.  

“We are thrilled to all be able to come together in-person with our Bishop for a day of formation, enrichment and renewal,” said Kellie Deming, Director of Parish Life and Evangelization. “It will be a time to reconnect and move forward together, recognizing the Eucharist as the foundation for all we do.”  

Members of the diocesan Office of Parish Life and Evangelization have planned a variety of meaningful and relevant breakout sessions. The day will include the following:  

• Dobbs: Preparing for the decision; Presenter: Lori Becker, Coordinator of Diocesan Outreach  

• Feed My Lambs: Developing lesson and session plans that inspire faith; Presenter: Peg McEvoy, Coordinator of Faith & Catechist Formation/OCIA  

• Bits and Pieces: A sampling of sacramental formation; Presenters: Debbie Bucksteigel, Deb Hamilton and Chris Platko  

• Ministry to the sick and homebound and distribution of Holy Communion; Presenter: Deacon Todd Lovas   

• Power Evangelism; Presenter: Father Adam Maher  

• OCIA (formerly called RCIA): Journeying Together in Faith; Presenter: Sister Jeanne Wiest, OP  

• Confirmation: The Spirit is Alive!; Presenter: Kellie Deming, Director of the Office of Parish Life & Evangelization  

• Panel on Christian Service  

• What is Spiritual Direction? Where is God Leading Me?; Presenter: Sister Janet Pewoski, CSJ  

• The gifts and wisdom of grandparenting: Impacting the next generation; Presenter: Beth Bauer, Coordinator of Marriage and Family Ministry  

• Art & environment enhancements; Presenter: Father Pat O’Connor  

• Eucharist: Joined in Communion; Presenter: Kellie Deming, Director of the Office of Parish Life & Evangelization  

• The Biblical Roots of the Mass; Presenter: Father Jose Cabrera  

• Engaging (and managing!) youth formation sessions; Presenter: Sarah Messing, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry  

• Leading a vigil for the deceased; Presenter: Father Jim Bessert, Director of Liturgy and Sister Chris Gretka, CSJ  

• Passing on a legacy of faith through generations: The power of couple and family prayer; Presenter: Beth Bauer, Coordinator of Marriage and Family Ministry  

• Running effective meetings; Presenter: Father Peter Gaspeny  

• Addressing relational ministry within our middle school & high school youth programs; Presenter: Angela Pasek  

• Baptism: Reflections on our call; Presenter: Kellie Deming, Director of the Office of Parish Life & Evangelization  

More information/details regarding each of the sessions listed above may be found by clicking here. 

In addition to the breakout sessions, keynote address and Mass, there will also be an informational session regarding our local efforts as part of the National Eucharistic Revival. The cost for the enrichment day is $35 and includes lunch. To register click here or call Amy Dore at (989) 797-6654.