HICKORY — An annual conference for all who share and teach the faith in the diocese returns this year with a new name in a familiar location.
The Discipleship Conference – formerly known as the Diocesan Catechetical Conference – is moving to Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Hickory Convention Center. In previous years, the event has been held in various locations across the diocese and will return to Hickory this year.
“We renamed the event to better reflect our diocesan pastoral vision and our shared baptismal call to discipleship,” explained Christy Cabaniss, director of faith formation for the Diocese of Charlotte.
The conference is open to anyone looking to grow in faith and leadership, with opportunities to explore new approaches to ministry, discover practical resources and build relationships with others who share a passion for faith formation.
Kenn deMoll, director of innovation and formation at St. John Church in Westminster, Maryland, will present the keynote talk on “The Ministry Reset: Rethinking Challenges, Reimagining Possibilities.”
“Those who dedicate themselves to sharing the faith need opportunities to be nourished and inspired in their own discipleship,” Cabaniss said. “Through engaging speakers and the chance to learn from one another, we hope attendees leave with a renewed sense of mission and a deeper desire to share the joy of knowing Jesus with others.”
Other talks include “Called to Carry Your Faith Forward: Connecting Youth to their Catholic Faith Beyond High School” by Jaun Ayala and Mary Briganti, “The Essential Role of Accompaniment and Mentorship in Marriage Preparation” by Natalie and Paul Burt, “Accompanying and Welcoming Divorced Catholics” by Carolyn Kilka Catino, “Body Literacy and the Marriage
Catechumenate” by Brendan Dudley, “Toward an Apostolic Church with The Evangelical Catholic” by Deacon John Green, and “Tilling The Soil: Accompanying Families Between the Sacraments” by Dr. Steven Serafin.
Talks titled “Contando nuestra historia como jóvenes católicos hispanos en la cultura actual” by Chente Capistrano, “Acompañamiento y acogida de los católicos divorciados” by Carolyn Kilka Catino and “El Cuerpo Como un Don y un Camino Hacía la Comunión” by Renata Flemings are among the highlights in the Spanish track.
Many other topics will be covered, including youth ministry, encouraging faith in families, and practical problem solving in ministry. Publishing vendors, such as Our Sunday Visitor, St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, Sophia Institute Press and Sadlier, will have materials available for review.
Doors open for the one-day event at 8 a.m., with the program beginning at 9 a.m. and the last breakout session ending at 4 p.m. Registration is $50 per person and includes the conference, lunch and refreshments. The registration deadline is Nov. 4, with late registrants incurring additional fees.
For more information and to register, visit www.charlottediocese.org. Questions? Call the Faith Formation Office at 704-370-3244.
— Trish Stukbauer