Engaging the Young Church Conference 2024

DRAWN, SUSTAINED, MOBILIZED: SACRAMENTAL GRACE AS FUEL FOR THE MISSION

In John 6, we encounter Jesus drawing the multitudes to Himself and multiplying a small amount of food to feed thousands. Sustained by this miraculous meal, the crowd is mobilized to respond to the Gospel.

How do we, as God's beloved children, need to be nourished by the Sacraments and help young people and their families appreciate Sacramental grace in practical ways? They draw us in but do not leave us empty. They feed us, empower us, and send us out as missionary disciples of the Lord. Responding to this invitation is the first step to being transformed by the sacramental graces Jesus has in store for each of us.

Join our keynote presenter Deacon Bob Rice, and many other brothers and sisters in Christ at this year's Engaging the Young Church Conference as we pursue the transforming presence of God and receive fuel for the mission God has called us to!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The Engaging Youth Church Conference is an opportunity for priests, deacons, and all who minister to younger and older adolescents, including Youth, Young Adult, Jr. High Ministers, their volunteers, Parish Catechetical Leaders (including Discipleship Formation and Family Ministry Directors), High School Campus Ministers and Theology Teachers, Athletic Coaches, and any others who minister to the adolescent age group to:

• Get encouraged and inspired for the work of ministry
• Foster relationships and collaboration between fellow ministers
• Collectively pray for the needs of youth, young adults, and various ministries for them

COST

$40 per day/$75 for both days.

The cost includes: keynote presentations and workshop opportunities, prayer, small group discussions, Mass on Friday, breakfast and lunch each day

Registration deadline: September 13, 2024

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY

• 8:00am Gather
• 8:15am Mass
• 9:15am Breakfast
• 9:30am Keynote
• 11:00am Workshop
• 12:15pm Lunch
• 1:00pm Keynote
• 2:15pm Prayer
• 2:30pm Depart

SATURDAY

• 8:30am Gather/Registration/Breakfast
• 9:00am Welcome/Prayer
• 9:30am Keynote
• 11:00am Workshop
• 12:15pm Lunch
• 1:00pm Keynote
• 2:15pm Prayer
• 2:30pm Depart

WORKSHOPS | FRIDAY

Animate Your Young Adult Ministry

How can we help young adults stay close to Jesus and his Church? Hear how one parish’s efforts have worked toward evangelization and ministry to and of their young adults.

Building a Discipleship Mindset within Your Ministry

The end goal of our ministry is to form disciples. How can we look at different areas of our ministry with this goal in mind?

Engaging, Empowering, and Evangelizing Parking Lot Parents

Parents are the primary catechists of their child, and we have the opportunity to partner with them to help them thrive as competent and confident spiritual leaders in their home

More than Just a Permission Slip

Working with young people includes permission slips, media waivers, safety considerations, and more. This workshop will look at some basic guidelines necessary to do ministry with young people.

WORKSHOPS | SATURDAY

Are You Ready to Share Your Faith Story

One of the most effective evangelization tools is sharing your own faith story. Knowing how, when, and what to share with young people and their families can be invaluable.

Navigating Social Media and Fostering Long-Term Healthy Relationships

Young people long for connection and community where they are "noticed, named and known." Find out how to help young people engage on social media in authentic and healthy ways.

Praying with Busyness

How do we quiet ourselves and listen to find God in all things? This workshop will help participants to find stillness and connect with God in their everyday busyness.

Revisiting How We Partner with Parents

How can a parent help their child become a disciple as they are growing as a disciple themselves? This workshop will focus on aiding parents to help their child as they journey together.

KEYNOTE PRESENTER | DEACON BOB RICE

Bob Rice loves being Catholic. He is a husband, father of seven, permanent deacon for the diocese of Steubenville, and Professor of Catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has a PhD in Theology from Liverpool Hope University where he researched Catholic youth and evangelization. Deacon Bob is a highly sought after presenter at parish missions, youth conferences, men’s conferences, young-adult gatherings, and catechetical workshops. He has authored many books and articles, including the Discipleship Quad Guidebooks, and a novel about St. Peter titled, Between the Savior and the Sea. He is the co-host of a popular weekly podcast called They That Hope with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR. Bob has recorded numerous CDs (his music can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, and others) and leads worship for over ten thousand people every year, mostly through the Steubenville Adult Conferences. You can find out more about him at deaconbobrice.com.

Host or Publisher Archdiocese of Detroit