Day 1 – Julianne Stanz
On Day 1, emcees Donna Ottaviano-Britt and Deacon Anthony Cioe laid out the upcoming four-day conference, explaining why Bishop Dennis Sullivan made the decision to model this convocation after the national convocation of the same name and topic held in July of 2017.
After that Julianne Stanz, Director of Discipleship and Leadership Development for the Diocese of Green Bay, and one of the emcees at the national convocation, comes to the stage to to offer how “becoming a vibrant parish community is the result of small, intentional steps initiated at the parish leadership level but also accepted by each disciple personally. If our people are renewed, our parishes will be renewed.” (www.gbdioc.org/office-of-discipleship-formation/)
After her presentation, she sits down for a Q&A with convocation moderator Josh Miller, Co-Founder & Head of Education at Inscape Vocations. (www.inscapevocations.com/)
The plenary finishes up with a powerful witness talk from Derek Longcrier from the Parish of Saint Monica in Atlantic City.
(www.accatholic.org/)
Day 2 – Hosfmann Ospino, PhD
Day 2 (from the morning session) – featuring a presentation by Hosfmann Ospino, PhD, an Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Education at Boston College, School of Theology and Ministry. Dr. Ospino’s talk helps us to define the roadmap for Catholic evangelization in the 21st century.
Afterwards, Dr. Ospino sits down for a Q&A with convocation moderator Josh Miller, Co-Founder & Head of Education at Inscape Vocations. (www.inscapevocations.com/), and fellow panelists Andres Arango, Claudia Trani-Melgar, and Sister Ann Kateri.
Finally, Millet LoCasale of Saint Katherine Drexel Parish in Absecon comes to the stage to offer a powerful witness of her Catholic journey.
Day 2 – Cardinal Joseph Tobin
Day 2 (from the afternoon session) – features a talk from Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark. Cardinal Tobin offers his personal reflection on why Pope Francis gave us the challenge of becoming Missionary Disciples.
Afterwards, Cardinal Tobin sits down with for a Q&A with convocation moderator Josh Miller, Co-Founder & Head of Education at Inscape Vocations.
Finally, Kathy & Mike O’Callaghan, from Saint Peter’s Parish in Merchantville offer an emotional witness talk about how their faith remained an important element of their family, even when faced with very dark times.
Day 3 – Dr. Carolyn Woo
Day 3, features a talk from Dr. Carolyn Woo, Distinguished President’s Fellow for Global Development at Purdue University and former President & CEO of Catholic Relief Services. In her talk, “Rise and Shine,” Dr. Woo focuses on how parishes play a part to make God real, act as both messenger and message, constitute his body on earth, and pass on the faith to the next generation.
Afterwards, Kevin Hickey & Dr. Vincent Mancuso from Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, Inc. and Estrellita Martinez of the Vineland Catholic Millennial Ministry Vineland Catholic Millennial Ministry sit down with for a Q&A with convocation moderator Josh Miller, Co-Founder & Head of Education at Inscape Vocations.
Finally, Saint Joachim parishioner Magali Rodriguez a DREAMER spoke to the attendees about her life as an immigrant to the U.S., brought across the border as a baby and how she has grown up as an American, and what her and her fellow DREAMERS offer to this country.
Day 4 – Chris Lowney
Day 4 features a presentation from Chris Lowney, author of the book, Everyone Leads. This book was the roadmap of preparation for the Convocation for every attendee. In his presentation he delved even further into his perspective on how to energize our parishes and our fellow parishioners.
Afterwards, he sits down for a Q&A with convocation moderator Josh Miller, Co-Founder & Head of Education at Inscape Vocations.