Breakout Information

Evangelizing in an Age of Secularism, Atheism and Scientism
Rev. James Kurzynski
Fr. James will provide insight from his experience as a pastor and an author for the Vatican Observatory's Blog, The Catholic Astronomer, on best practices when addressing questions of faith and science.  Fr. James will explore how issues not dealing with faith and science have fueled a combative emotionalism that makes dialogue between these great disciplines challenging or at times next to impossible.  Fr. James will present a vision peace between faith and science by exploring the Catholic tradition's openness to science and how the nature of science points to a position of neutrality toward faith, not an irreconcilable battle between atheist and believer.

"A Good Case of Heartburn" (Practical Examples of Sharing the Faith)
Everyday Opportunities for Evangelization / Role Playing - old title
Mike Patin
The danger for many of us when it comes to our faith that it becomes a “me and Jesus” thing.  How do we take Pope Francis’ (and Jesus’) challenge to “go out to all the world” with our faith?  This session will offer some practical examples of connecting Jesus to real life opportunities we face every day.

Evangelization Teams – Now What?
Dr. Michael and Tasha Havercamp
How do we begin to build a culture of evangelization from the context of our unique parishes and the individuals that compromise our community?  Join us as we discuss and share ideas to embody a culture of evangelization and a community that lives in a "missionary key."  No two parishes are alike but there are ways to invigorate communities with a spirit of joy that is contagious and set a course toward effective evangelization into the future.   

How to Evangelize the “Churched”
Michelle Herrington and Julie Delaney
In this age of the rise of the “nones,” it has become more urgent to intentionally evangelize in every facet of parish life.  Learn from current parish and school leaders how they are changing existing structures and processes within the parish and school to promote evangelization, such as sacramental prep, new family registration, leadership, church and school collaboration.

Liturgical and Eucharistic Evangelization (Eucharist - Liturgical and Eucharistic Evangelization -old title)
Very Rev. Brendan Moss, O.S.B 
The call for a New Evangelization has been sounded throughout the pontificates of Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis.  This call echoes in the words of Saint John Paul II when he wrote: “I sense that the moment has come to commit all of the Church’s energies to a new evangelization (Redemptoris Missio, #3).”  Further the saint built upon the teaching of Pope Paul VI, when John Paul II wrote: “People today put more trust in witnesses than in teachers, in experience than in teaching, and in life and action than in theories (Redemptoris Missio, #42).  For those in ministry the work of the New Evangelization is intimately tied with the ministry of preaching and the liturgical life of the Church.  Called to evangelize, the priest, deacon, and lay ecclesial minister must know how to announce the Gospel with joy in both formal and informal settings. 
 
Preaching in an Evangelical Mode
Very Rev. Brendan Moss, O.S.B 
In Evangelii Nuntiandi, Pope Paul VI wrote: “Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity.  She [the Church] exists in order to evangelize (# 14).”  Further Pope Francis, in a homily of 24 July 2013, wrote: “If we are truly in love with Christ and if we sense how much he loves us, our hearts will ‘light up’ with a joy that spreads to everyone around us.”  Drawing on sources from the pontificates for Paul VI through Francis, we will see that preaching in an evangelical mode demands that preachers aspire to inspire all those with ears to hear.  Faith that is proclaimed from the passion of a preacher deeply in love with Christ is precisely the invitation needed for others to hear Christ’s invitation to “Come, follow!”  This presentation will encourage all who wish to preach with an aim towards evangelization to aspire to inspire.

Evangelizing in Smaller Parishes: One Size does not fit all
Tyler Wheeler
Jesus had three years to establish a Church that would reach the ends of the earth with the Gospel.  To do so he spent a vast majority of his time focusing on 12 people.  This presentation will focus on what can we learn from Jesus' model of forming and sending missionary disciples and how we can apply this model to a small parish setting with both its challenges and blessings.  Participants will apply principles and vision from the Gospels, Evangelii Guadium and other Church teaching to their particular context, leaving with practical insights and a plan of action.

How to Evangelize Married Couples
Tony and Lorene Knobbe, Ryan Burchett
In this busy world, too often the pressures of work, school, raising kids, etc. take precedence over our marriages. But what could be more important than fostering healthy, Christ-centered marriages? Hear about efforts at our parish (St. Paul the Apostle, Davenport) to engage married couples in a way that builds their marriages, surrounds them with a like-minded support system and strengthens the parish all at the same time. We will discuss our successes and challenges and the design theories behind our efforts to help you become marriage evangelizers in your own communities.

How to Evangelize Youth and Young Adults
Katie Prejean McGrady
Evangelizing Youth & Young Adults doesn't happen at an event, through a program, or because you have the catchiest flyer or Instagram posts. It happens through authentic relationships, honest conversations, and paying attention to their questions and concerns. Let's figure out how to do that.
 
Catholic Teaching on Sexuality and Sexual Identity
Very Rev. Anthony J. Herold, VG and Rev. Thom Hennen
“Is the Church’s teaching on sexuality and marriage good news?  How do we engage folks who are experiencing same sex attraction?  What exactly is the teaching of the Church on this issue?  Undoubtedly, many of us know friends, loved ones, relatives and/or acquaintances who identify as LGBTQ.  Many believe they have no place in the Church.  Yet, our call to evangelize is meant to include all those we love.  What is the best way to accompany those who identify as LBGTQ?”

Hearing the Voices of Immigrants
Very Rev. Rudolph T. Juarez, JCL, EV, VF and Kent Ferris
Our diocese has a rich history of welcoming Catholics from different lands. Where there were once ethnic parishes, there are now parishes that have blended memberships with ancestries from all continents.  The Catholic Church has 1.2 billion members all around the world.  More than 40% of the world’s Catholics live in Latin America.  As individuals and families migrate for a better life, or merely to avoid dangerous and deadly situations, we are called to hear the voices of immigrants, to in turn welcome the stranger.  This session will include insight from the Hispanic Ministry as well as from diocesan staff responsible for serving and ministering to the many needs of our immigrant community.

Discovering, Naming and Telling Your Faith Story
Andre Lesperance
Personal stories of experiencing the living God have always been among the most compelling and effective means of evangelization.  This is true, perhaps more than ever, in today’s world; “People today put more trust in witnesses than in teachers, in experience than in teaching, and in life and action than in theories,” (John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio 42).
In this practical workshop you will discover aspects of your own faith story that are easy to tell in brief, natural ways—and you’ll get some practice doing so!  You’ll also reflect upon the opportunities in your daily life to share your stories of faith, and how to draw out the stories of others.
Every baptized believer has a story of faith—an incomplete story that continues to unfold every day. Whether your life has seen dramatic conversions, seasons of slow growth, or confusing twists and turns, someone needs to hear your story of faith.
  
Creating a Culture of Relationship and Hospitality
Andre Lesperance
“An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives,” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium 24).
What comes to mind when you hear the word “hospitality” in connection with parish culture?  Is it doughnuts and coffee after Mass once in a while?  Or perhaps a handshake with a pew-mate before Mass begins?
What if it didn’t need to be the job of a parish committee to help newcomers feel welcomed, because so many people in our communities were driven by Christ to do the hard, messy work of knowing and caring deeply for others?  What if a critical mass of our committed lay faithful were more passionate about building real relationships with people both inside and outside of our church communities?
In this workshop we’ll reflect on practical ways to live out what Pope Francis has called the art of accompaniment: “The Church will have to initiate everyone – priests, religious and laity – into this “art of accompaniment” which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other,” (Evangelii Gaudium, 169).
 
Ministering to Teens Today and a Paradigm Shift
Pat Millea
A phrase familiar to us in Iowa has applied to youth ministry in the Church for years: “If you build it, they will come.”  Event-based youth ministry was successful in many ways for decades.  But cultural shifts have demanded that we adopt a new paradigm for ministering to teens.  That paradigm requires that all youth ministry be faithful, relational, and vocational.  Parishes and diocesan organizations must seek out young people who are in need of salvation (i.e. all of them!) and invite them into the life of the Church in attractive ways.  Jesus truly wants to be a friend to every young person, and we have been given the honorable duty of introducing our teens to Christ Jesus and his saving love.


Reaching Out to Families
Clark McFerren
I propose to wrap the hour snuggly around the Bishop's three themes, but I expect the wrapping will be done with something elastic.  I will try to emphasize the practical.

• Theme 1: Going (out of the comfort zone; meeting people where they are)
  • So who are these families?  So where are these families?  What does reaching out look like?  And, oh, why are we reaching out?  (Let’s move that to the top of the list, shall we?)  Any useful, practical answers to these questions will be much appreciated.
• Theme 2: Accompaniment “smelling like sheep” (Yuck!  But they tell me ewe get ewesd to it, or maybe I’m just pulling the wool over your eyes.)
  • Does our house have to be in order?  Are you a resource?  The parish as a resource?  The Catholic school and Religious Ed. as a resource?  The diocese as a resource?
• Theme 3: Encounter (being the Gospel, which is Jesus Christ, in a winsome, authentic way --I personally find being winsome easier than being handsome, but, ah! 40 years ago…)
  • Networking?  Communicating?  How do you get the ever important second look?  [You’ll have to tell me that.]

 
NOTE: If slick presentation and bells and whistles are what you appreciate, this might not be the breakout for you.  I’m very old school, not an expert, and depend upon enthusiasm.  I’m a starter not a finisher.  A lot will be thrown at the wall in hopes that some of it will stick.  “For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” Luke 12:12

Reaching Out to the Nones – Those Who Have Left the Church
Kevin Feyen
We all probably know someone who was raised in the Catholic faith, but no longer identify as Catholic.  And, when they leave, they tend to give up on religion all together... arguably making "none" the largest religious demographic in the US. Why is it that people who were once active in our parishes, in our programs, in our schools, in our communities no longer choose to identify as one of us?  This breakout will address some of the commonly heard reasons for why people move on.  But, more importantly, we will explore some of the best things we can do to address this mass exodus. 

Reaching Out to Persons with Special Needs
Deacon Steve and Kathy MacDonald
Our youngest daughter is a bundle of smiles, greetings and acceptance.  Her faith is deep and the practice of her faith paramount in her life.  She is a constant example to us on how one should live one’s life.  She also lives with multiple disabilities, but this does not stop her from using her abilities.  However, to reach this point there have been many struggles: medical and mental health care, education, employment, housing, and safety issues have all been a challenge.  And unfortunately, at times, so has church involvement.  But there are many ways to insure the inclusion of all of God’s people in all our parish and diocesan activities.  A number of suggestions as to how this has been done successfully will be discussed and demonstrated.  The implications of the Bishop’s Pastoral Statement on Persons with Disabilities will also be reviewed.  Inclusion is possible, and necessary.