Thursday & Friday (August 20–21): For Parish Catechetical Staff
All parish catechetical staff—anyone serving in a staff role in the archdiocese, including ministry to children, teens, families, adults, and more—are asked to attend these two core days. Join us for Mass presided by Archbishop Grob, inspiring workshops, practical mini sessions, informative exhibitors and more!


Saturday, August 22: Formation Day for Leaders & Catechists
Equip your parish team! This day is designed for catechists, team leaders, and core volunteers. Featuring a keynote by Dr. Timothy O’Malley of the McGrath Institute on Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, Mass presided by Bishop Schuerman, tailored workshops suitable for all ministry levels and sessions offered in both English and Spanish. 


Join us for three enriching days of inspiration, networking, prayer, and formation as we begin the new catechetical year together. A transformative three-day conference. Just as the Samaritan woman encountered Jesus and was transformed, this conference invites catechetical leaders to return to the well, be renewed by Christ, and go forth to share the Good News.    


If you need assistance registaring contact Claire Sun [email protected] 414-758-2240

Location Information

  • August 20th 2026 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM CDTAugust 21st 2026 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM CDTAugust 22nd 2026 from 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM CDT
  • Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center
  • 3501 S Lake Drive, St. Francis, WI, 53235

Keynotes

Tim O'Malley Associate Director for Research, McGrath Institute for Church Life and Academic Director, Notre Dame Center for Liturgy

Thursday Keynote

Holy Leisure: The Antidote for Burn-Out, Parental Struggles, and Feeling Overwhelmed


Kately Javier Evangelization Mission Team Leader & Evangelizing Catechesis Director - Diocese of Green Bay

Friday Keynote

Rediscovering Your Yes: Leading from the Heart of Mission

Saturday Keynote

Rediscovering Your Yes: The Vocation of the Catechist


Fr. Joseph Heit Director of the Office of Worship - Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Saturday Keynote

When the Well Runs Dry: Finding Renewal in the Catechist's Call


Jose Juan Valdez Director of Evangelization, Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Community, Spring, Texas

Saturday Spanish track featuring:

• La Participación Activa de los Padres en la Catequesis de sus Hijos

• Una manera eficaz de Integrar la Sagrada Escritura en la Catequesis

• El Desafío de Formar Discípulos y no Voluntarios



Thursday Workshops


Note: for Thursday you will preselect one workshop track from the list below in registration. Each track includes two workshops that build on one another and go deeper as the day progresses. On Friday and Saturday, you can choose to attend any workshop track during the conference.

Welcome Day for New Parish Catechetical Leaders

Designed for leaders new to ministry and/or new to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, this track offers an overview of the essential policies and practices within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Participants will gain a clear understanding of key expectations, guidelines, and resources that support effective ministry at the parish level. This session serves as an introduction to topics explored more deeply in Essentials for Catechetical Ministry.

Working Genius

The Working Genius identifies the six fundamental activities that are required for any type of work and provides a simple framework for how work gets done. When people are able to better understand the types of work that bring them more joy, energy, and fulfillment, they can be more self-aware, productive, and successful. Whether you’re leading a team, collaborating with others, or just trying to find more purpose in your day-to-day work, this workshop will give you practical insights and a shared language to transform how you approach what you do.

Forming Disciples with the 10:10 Challenge

How do we guide and accompany people who hunger for deeper faith and personal growth? Learn about the merits of a "practice-based" catechesis, and some tips for walking with friends, parishioners, a spouse, or older teens through a season of intentional growth in maturity in the core habits of discipleship. The 10:10 Challenge: Ten Weeks, Ten Ways to a Jesus-Led Life makes this a simple, clear, and deeply rewarding experience.

Presented by the Evangelical Catholic


Friday Workshops


Topics

  • Prayer for Busy Leaders 
  • Exegesis on the Woman at the Well
  • Childhood and Adolescence in the Digital Age and Active Approaches to Sacrament Preparation
  • Practical Research on Family Catechesis and Practical Takeaways 
  • Pastoral Care: Helping Your Volunteers Report Abuse and Neglect


Speakers 

  • AJ Garcia
  • Dr. Gary Klump 
  • Dr. Joseph White 
  • Dr. Kathie Amidei 
  • Sofia Thorn


*Speakers and topics are subject to change.


Saturday Workshops



CHILD TRACK

  • Adapting Curriculum For Those with Neurodiverse and Physical Needs
  • Beyond the Classroom; Building Strong Connections with Families
  • What's the (Good) News?
  • Beyond the Textbook: Bringing Faith Formation to Life
  • Our Great Story of Salvation
  • From Watching to Worshiping: Children and the Liturgy


YOUTH TRACK

  • More Than a Volunteer: Core Team Basics
  • The Recipe for Discipleship: Intentional Small Groups 
  • Gen Z and Generation Alpha: Understanding Today's Teens
  • Questions to Ask Before Making a Report of Abuse and Neglect
  • Dealing with Diverse Small Group Personalities
  • Heart to Heart: Moving Your Small Group Prayer from Rote to Real


ADULT TRACK

  • School of Prayer for Busy Leaders
  • AI and the Church
  • Parish Renewal - Accompaniment Training
  • Physician - Assisted Suicide in Wisconsin 
  • Transformational Ministry Training
  • A Catholic Response to Immigration Concerns


SPANISH TRACK

  • Ambiente Seguro: Un Llamado Para Todos
  • La Participacion Activa de los Padres en la Catequesis de sus Hijos
  • Una manera eficaz de Integrar la Sagrada Escritura en la Catequesis






Sábado 22 de agosto: Día de Formación para Líderes y Catequistas
¡Capacita y brinda herramientas a tu equipo parroquial! Este día está diseñado para catequistas, líderes de equipo y voluntarios clave. A los participantes les espera una extraordinaria conferencia con el Dr. Timothy O’Malley, del prestigioso Instituto McGrath de la Universidad de Notre Dame. Además, nos uniremos en una Misa celebrada por el Arzobispo Grob, tendremos talleres diseñados para impulsar tu labor en todos los niveles del ministerio y sesiones dinámicas tanto en inglés como en español.


Una conferencia transformadora de tres días. Así como la mujer samaritana transformó su vida al encontrarse con Jesús en el pozo de Jacob, esta conferencia invita a los líderes de catequesis a volver al pozo, renovarse en Cristo y salir a compartir la Buena Nueva

If you need assistance registaring contact Claire Sun [email protected] 414-758-2240


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