Audio of Bishop Thomas Zinkula 2020 Easter Message for the Diocese of Davenport

Bishop Zinkula reads his "A Letter Regarding Spiritual Communion"

General Session Title: The Joy of the Gospel and the Vocation to Evangelizing Discipleship in a Time of Change

Dr. Hosffman Ospino

Catholicism is a faith tradition grounded in hope and joy. Yes, the hope and joy that come from being in relationship with Jesus Christ. How we live such hope will define the kind of families, communities, and commitments that we want. At a time of changes and transformations, the anxieties of our day demand that we live our Christian discipleship with hope and joy. This presentation is an invitation to renew our first love and the passion for evangelizing discipleship.

"A Good Case of Heartburn" (Practical Examples of Sharing the Faith)

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.

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.

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.]

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.

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 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?”