Please register here by January 9. $30 per person ($10 discount for Mareda, ALMA and BAAM members) includes lunch. Complete descriptions of the workshops are available below.
Round One Workshops (9:55-10:45)
Time Savers and Work Arounds Maureen Rotramel, Director of Faith Formation, St. John XXIII
A survey of various tech tips and tools to save time (and money) in ministry for communication, organization and more.
Developing a Communication Plan for All Ages Marc Puechner, Director of Communications and Technology Integration, Our Lady of Lourdes
Churches have multiple generations with varying preferences for communication. This workshop will cover all the ways to successfully get the word out. Spoiler alert: It takes more than one method.
Elevating Worship: Thoughtful Use of Projection Screens in Catholic Liturgy Bryan Staedler, Director of Liturgy and Music, St. Leonard
Explore how projection screens can enhance Catholic liturgy by fostering participation and engagement. This workshop covers practical uses, from displaying hymn lyrics and prayers to visual reflections that support homilies. Learn best setup practices, technical management, and content guidelines to integrate technology thoughtfully while preserving reverence in worship.
Spreadsheet Basics Fr. Joseph Heit, Associate Pastor, Family of Five Parishes, Milwaukee
Unlock the power of spreadsheets in this hands-on workshop designed for beginners! Whether you're new to Excel or Google Sheets, this session will guide you through the fundamental tools and techniques you need to manage and analyze data with confidence.
Using Technology to Expand the Lesson in the Classroom Lisa Jachimiec, Director of Child Ministry, St. Leonard
Textbooks are a great foundation for faith formation - but - how do we help meet children where they are today while still keeping a balance? Learn some fun and easy ways to engage students using simple technology to enhance the classroom experience.
Round Two Workshops (10:55-11:45)
Cybersecurity: Personal Devices and More Marc Puechner, Director of Communications and Technology Integration, Our Lady of Lourdes
This workshop will explore possible guidelines for the use of personal technology devices for work-related activities to help protect sensitive information, ensure compliance with insurance regulations, and maintain a clear separation between their personal and professional lives.
All About Forms Corinna Ramsey, Director of Child & Youth Ministries, Good Shepherd
We will demonstrate how to create a form using both Google Forms and in Parish Staq. Bring your device to follow along!
Wisdom, Discernment, or Artificial Intelligence: What Best Suits 21st Century Parishes? John Paul Shimek, Director of Lifelong Faith Formation, St. John the Evangelist, Greenfield
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of potential applications of Artificial Intelligence in catechetical ministry, evangelization, and community engagement while also taking stock of the ethical problems and practical challenges that AI can present in parish ministry.
Social Media Share Shop Deanna Paige Tritz , Director, Heart of the Nation and Maureen Rotramel, Director of Formation, St. John XXIII
Join us in a conversation about best practices in making sure your parish/ministry has a presence on social media! What has worked for your parish? What questions/issues do you have?
Researching Catechetical Questions Using Digital Tools Gary Pokorny, Retired Archdiocesan Director of Catechesis
The session aims to foster information literacy regarding web searches, social media groups, and generative AI when seeking answers to theological, spiritual or catechetical questions.
Round Three Workshops (2:00-2:50)
Parish Staq: the One Stop Shop Corinna Ramsey, Director of Child and Youth Ministries, Good Shepherd
If you are currently using Parish staq or thinking about using it and want to be more effective in using this powerful software, check out this presentation from the good people from Good Shepherd parish, veterans of this database and more tool.
Using AI to Enhance Lesson Plans Lisa Jachimiec, Director of Child Ministry, St. Leonard
In an ever changing landscape, learners of all ages often need to be engaged in new ways. Whether it is a group of adults in a Scripture study or a classroom full of formation students, we will review some ways to safely use this new technology to enhance your overall lesson plans.
Publishing Tools Overview: Canva, Adobe Express and Others Marc Puechner, Director of Communications and Technology Integration, Our Lady of Lourdes and Maureen Rotramel, Director of Formation, St. John XXIII
With Publisher going away soon, here's your chance to look at some possible replacements for your bulletins, flyers and digital publishing needs
Digital Harmony: Effective Use of Tablets in Music Ministry Bryan Staedler, Director of Liturgy and Music, St. Leonard
Discover how tablets can streamline music ministry, enhancing worship and preparation. This workshop offers guidance on using tablets for music scores, planning, and digital organization. Learn tips for managing sheet music, sharing files, and minimizing distractions to maintain reverence, with practical strategies for a more organized, focused music ministry.
Time Savers and Work Arounds Maureen Rotramel, Director of Faith Formation, St. John XXIII
A survey of various tech tips and tools to save time (and money) in ministry for communication, organization and more.
Developing a Communication Plan for All Ages Marc Puechner, Director of Communications and Technology Integration, Our Lady of Lourdes
Churches have multiple generations with varying preferences for communication. This workshop will cover all the ways to successfully get the word out. Spoiler alert: It takes more than one method.
Elevating Worship: Thoughtful Use of Projection Screens in Catholic Liturgy Bryan Staedler, Director of Liturgy and Music, St. Leonard
Explore how projection screens can enhance Catholic liturgy by fostering participation and engagement. This workshop covers practical uses, from displaying hymn lyrics and prayers to visual reflections that support homilies. Learn best setup practices, technical management, and content guidelines to integrate technology thoughtfully while preserving reverence in worship.
Spreadsheet Basics Fr. Joseph Heit, Associate Pastor, Family of Five Parishes, Milwaukee
Unlock the power of spreadsheets in this hands-on workshop designed for beginners! Whether you're new to Excel or Google Sheets, this session will guide you through the fundamental tools and techniques you need to manage and analyze data with confidence.
Using Technology to Expand the Lesson in the Classroom Lisa Jachimiec, Director of Child Ministry, St. Leonard
Textbooks are a great foundation for faith formation - but - how do we help meet children where they are today while still keeping a balance? Learn some fun and easy ways to engage students using simple technology to enhance the classroom experience.
Round Two Workshops (10:55-11:45)
Cybersecurity: Personal Devices and More Marc Puechner, Director of Communications and Technology Integration, Our Lady of Lourdes
This workshop will explore possible guidelines for the use of personal technology devices for work-related activities to help protect sensitive information, ensure compliance with insurance regulations, and maintain a clear separation between their personal and professional lives.
All About Forms Corinna Ramsey, Director of Child & Youth Ministries, Good Shepherd
We will demonstrate how to create a form using both Google Forms and in Parish Staq. Bring your device to follow along!
Wisdom, Discernment, or Artificial Intelligence: What Best Suits 21st Century Parishes? John Paul Shimek, Director of Lifelong Faith Formation, St. John the Evangelist, Greenfield
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of potential applications of Artificial Intelligence in catechetical ministry, evangelization, and community engagement while also taking stock of the ethical problems and practical challenges that AI can present in parish ministry.
Social Media Share Shop Deanna Paige Tritz , Director, Heart of the Nation and Maureen Rotramel, Director of Formation, St. John XXIII
Join us in a conversation about best practices in making sure your parish/ministry has a presence on social media! What has worked for your parish? What questions/issues do you have?
Researching Catechetical Questions Using Digital Tools Gary Pokorny, Retired Archdiocesan Director of Catechesis
The session aims to foster information literacy regarding web searches, social media groups, and generative AI when seeking answers to theological, spiritual or catechetical questions.
Round Three Workshops (2:00-2:50)
Parish Staq: the One Stop Shop Corinna Ramsey, Director of Child and Youth Ministries, Good Shepherd
If you are currently using Parish staq or thinking about using it and want to be more effective in using this powerful software, check out this presentation from the good people from Good Shepherd parish, veterans of this database and more tool.
Using AI to Enhance Lesson Plans Lisa Jachimiec, Director of Child Ministry, St. Leonard
In an ever changing landscape, learners of all ages often need to be engaged in new ways. Whether it is a group of adults in a Scripture study or a classroom full of formation students, we will review some ways to safely use this new technology to enhance your overall lesson plans.
Publishing Tools Overview: Canva, Adobe Express and Others Marc Puechner, Director of Communications and Technology Integration, Our Lady of Lourdes and Maureen Rotramel, Director of Formation, St. John XXIII
With Publisher going away soon, here's your chance to look at some possible replacements for your bulletins, flyers and digital publishing needs
Digital Harmony: Effective Use of Tablets in Music Ministry Bryan Staedler, Director of Liturgy and Music, St. Leonard
Discover how tablets can streamline music ministry, enhancing worship and preparation. This workshop offers guidance on using tablets for music scores, planning, and digital organization. Learn tips for managing sheet music, sharing files, and minimizing distractions to maintain reverence, with practical strategies for a more organized, focused music ministry.