Lunch sponsored by PushPay.
Workshop Descriptions
Round One Workshops 10:00am-10:50am
Strengthening the Human Firewall
Anyone who uses a computer is on the front lines of cybersecurity. The human firewall can either be a strong barrier or the weakest link in protecting your parish. Find out the methods to a strong human firewall that anyone can do. Presenter: Marc Puechner, Director of Communication & Technology Integration, Our Lady of Lourdes
Creating Bulletins in Canva
As the end of Publisher draws near, learn how one parish began to use Canva to build their weekly parish bulletin. Learn from our example on how to create a bulletin template, elements that can be included and ways to make it work for what you want it to do! Presenters: Amy Jo Schmit, Administrative Assistant and Maureen Rotramel, Director of Faith Formation, St. John XXIII
Less Chaos, More Ministry: Best Practices for Using Ministry Scheduler Pro
Learn how to turn scheduling headaches into ministry opportunities. This interactive workshop explores best practices for using Ministry Scheduler Pro to simplify coordination, improve communication, and strengthen volunteer engagement—featuring shared insights and real parish experiences. Presenter: Bryan Staedler, Director of Liturgy and Music, St. Leonard
Using AI to Enhance Formation Lessons
Discover how artificial intelligence can inspire creativity and save time in planning engaging, faith-filled lessons for children’s ministry. This workshop introduces practical, ethical ways to use AI tools to generate stories, crafts, songs, and activities rooted in Catholic teaching. Participants will learn how to adapt AIgenerated ideas to fit their unique classroom and parish needs. Come ready to explore how technology can support—not replace the heart of ministry: sharing Christ’s love with children. Presenter: Lisa Jachimiec, Director of Child Ministry, St. Leonard
ParishStaq: an Overview
This sponsored workshop from Pushpay will present an overview of the ParishStaq solution with possible customer testimonials and Q&A discussion. Presenters: Sara Anderson and Chris Lann, Pushpay
Strengthening the Human Firewall
Anyone who uses a computer is on the front lines of cybersecurity. The human firewall can either be a strong barrier or the weakest link in protecting your parish. Find out the methods to a strong human firewall that anyone can do. Presenter: Marc Puechner, Director of Communication & Technology Integration, Our Lady of Lourdes
Creating Bulletins in Canva
As the end of Publisher draws near, learn how one parish began to use Canva to build their weekly parish bulletin. Learn from our example on how to create a bulletin template, elements that can be included and ways to make it work for what you want it to do! Presenters: Amy Jo Schmit, Administrative Assistant and Maureen Rotramel, Director of Faith Formation, St. John XXIII
Less Chaos, More Ministry: Best Practices for Using Ministry Scheduler Pro
Learn how to turn scheduling headaches into ministry opportunities. This interactive workshop explores best practices for using Ministry Scheduler Pro to simplify coordination, improve communication, and strengthen volunteer engagement—featuring shared insights and real parish experiences. Presenter: Bryan Staedler, Director of Liturgy and Music, St. Leonard
Using AI to Enhance Formation Lessons
Discover how artificial intelligence can inspire creativity and save time in planning engaging, faith-filled lessons for children’s ministry. This workshop introduces practical, ethical ways to use AI tools to generate stories, crafts, songs, and activities rooted in Catholic teaching. Participants will learn how to adapt AIgenerated ideas to fit their unique classroom and parish needs. Come ready to explore how technology can support—not replace the heart of ministry: sharing Christ’s love with children. Presenter: Lisa Jachimiec, Director of Child Ministry, St. Leonard
ParishStaq: an Overview
This sponsored workshop from Pushpay will present an overview of the ParishStaq solution with possible customer testimonials and Q&A discussion. Presenters: Sara Anderson and Chris Lann, Pushpay
Round Two Workshops (11:00am-11:50am)
Play. Pray. Plug In: Digital Tools for Dynamic Faith Formation
Engagement begins with curiosity—and a little creativity! In this session, explore how technology and play can work hand-in-hand to inspire faith at every age. You’ll experience interactive tools and strategies that bring Scripture, prayer, and Catholic teaching to life in fresh, accessible ways. Presenter: Maureen Rotramel, Director of Faith Formation, St. John XXIII
Internal Communication Tips and Tricks
We all know that internal communication is important, but doing it well and effectively is not easy. This workshop will look at some possible solutions and will ask attendees to share success stories from their parishes. Presenter: Marc Puechner, Director of Communication & Technology Integration, Our Lady of Lourdes
Taking Your Social Media to the Next Level
This session will equip parish leaders with practical strategies to move beyond basic posting and create authentic, engaging content that connects with their community. From writing stronger captions and leveraging video to encouraging user-generated content and tracking analytics, this session will help you use social media as a true tool for mission and outreach. Presenter: Kelsey Demarais, Director of External Communication, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Effective Online Worship
How do we best serve our online worshipers? How do we provide an opportunity to truly worship that is engaging, meaningful and builds a sense of community with our parishioners? The answer is a combination of technology, technique and approach. In this presentation we'll focus on some ways in which you might improve your livestream experience. Presenter: Tom Halverson, Technology Coordinator, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Excel I
Does Excel scare you? Is it overwhelming? In this session, we will look at basic tips and tricks to let Excel work for you. We will examine Formatting, Auto-Fill, and Basic Formulas to let Excel assist you in your ministry. This session will go through things at a slow pace. If you use Excel regularly, you may want to choose Excel II. Presenter: Father Joseph Heit, Associate Pastor, Northwest Racine Parishes
The Tech Enabled Parish: Leveraging AI for Deeper Parishioner Stewardship and Engagement
Sara Anderson, Group Product Manager, and Chris Lann, Account Executive from Pushpay, will present a conversation on leveraging technology, specifically AI in this case, at the parish level for deeper engagement. We'll walk through 3 levels: Church Teaching & AI, Pushpay's Approach to AI, and practical use-cases for AI in a parish context. Sponsored presentation from Pushpay
Play. Pray. Plug In: Digital Tools for Dynamic Faith Formation
Engagement begins with curiosity—and a little creativity! In this session, explore how technology and play can work hand-in-hand to inspire faith at every age. You’ll experience interactive tools and strategies that bring Scripture, prayer, and Catholic teaching to life in fresh, accessible ways. Presenter: Maureen Rotramel, Director of Faith Formation, St. John XXIII
Internal Communication Tips and Tricks
We all know that internal communication is important, but doing it well and effectively is not easy. This workshop will look at some possible solutions and will ask attendees to share success stories from their parishes. Presenter: Marc Puechner, Director of Communication & Technology Integration, Our Lady of Lourdes
Taking Your Social Media to the Next Level
This session will equip parish leaders with practical strategies to move beyond basic posting and create authentic, engaging content that connects with their community. From writing stronger captions and leveraging video to encouraging user-generated content and tracking analytics, this session will help you use social media as a true tool for mission and outreach. Presenter: Kelsey Demarais, Director of External Communication, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Effective Online Worship
How do we best serve our online worshipers? How do we provide an opportunity to truly worship that is engaging, meaningful and builds a sense of community with our parishioners? The answer is a combination of technology, technique and approach. In this presentation we'll focus on some ways in which you might improve your livestream experience. Presenter: Tom Halverson, Technology Coordinator, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Excel I
Does Excel scare you? Is it overwhelming? In this session, we will look at basic tips and tricks to let Excel work for you. We will examine Formatting, Auto-Fill, and Basic Formulas to let Excel assist you in your ministry. This session will go through things at a slow pace. If you use Excel regularly, you may want to choose Excel II. Presenter: Father Joseph Heit, Associate Pastor, Northwest Racine Parishes
The Tech Enabled Parish: Leveraging AI for Deeper Parishioner Stewardship and Engagement
Sara Anderson, Group Product Manager, and Chris Lann, Account Executive from Pushpay, will present a conversation on leveraging technology, specifically AI in this case, at the parish level for deeper engagement. We'll walk through 3 levels: Church Teaching & AI, Pushpay's Approach to AI, and practical use-cases for AI in a parish context. Sponsored presentation from Pushpay
Round Three Workshops (2:10pm-3:00pm)
Communication Best Practices
How do we create messages that are consistent across communication platforms (bulletin, social media, screens, etc.), and empower our parishioners, fellow staff members, and committees to do the same? Learn some dos and don'ts while also learning from your peers. Bring a resource or question to be answered. Presenter: Karin Felske, Youth Formation Coordinator, St. Matthew
AI and the Church: Sorting Substance from Slop, and Help from Harm
Advances in artificial intelligence offer new tools for ministry, but also present complex challenges. Through an overview of recent Church documents, you will: a) Better understand AI's strengths, flaws, and potential for harm; b) Identify 8 ethical issues every Catholic user should know; and c) Apply guidelines for AI use in your ministry. Presenter: Gary Pokorny, Catechetical Consultant
Rewriting the Score: How Notation Software Empowers Parish Musicians
Explore how music notation tools like Finale and Dorico can make your ministry more efficient and creative. Learn practical ways to prepare scores, worship aids, and rehearsal materials—plus insights from one musician’s journey of transitioning between programs to better serve a vibrant parish music ministry. Presenters: Bryan Staedler, Director of Music & Liturgy, St. Leonard and Grace Majewski, Director of Music & Liturgy, Queen of Apostles
Training and Empowering Volunteers Online
Discover how to form, train, and inspire your formation volunteers using online tools rooted in faith and community. This workshop offers practical ways to create digital trainings that share Catholic teaching, model effective classroom practices, and foster spiritual growth. Learn how to build connection and better performance among your team—even from a distance. Equip your volunteers with technology that fits their busy lives. Presenter: Lisa Jachimiec, Director of Child Formation, St. Leonard
Excel 2
Do you use Excel and wonder if you are using it correctly? Excel is a powerful tool that can be utilized to support various aspects of ministry. In this intermediate-level session, we will discuss Mail Merge, Advanced Formulas, and Accounting Tools. This session will go at a faster pace than Excel I. It is recommended that you use Excel regularly for this session. Presenter: Fr. Joseph Heit, Associate Pastor, Northwest Racine Parishes
Communication Best Practices
How do we create messages that are consistent across communication platforms (bulletin, social media, screens, etc.), and empower our parishioners, fellow staff members, and committees to do the same? Learn some dos and don'ts while also learning from your peers. Bring a resource or question to be answered. Presenter: Karin Felske, Youth Formation Coordinator, St. Matthew
AI and the Church: Sorting Substance from Slop, and Help from Harm
Advances in artificial intelligence offer new tools for ministry, but also present complex challenges. Through an overview of recent Church documents, you will: a) Better understand AI's strengths, flaws, and potential for harm; b) Identify 8 ethical issues every Catholic user should know; and c) Apply guidelines for AI use in your ministry. Presenter: Gary Pokorny, Catechetical Consultant
Rewriting the Score: How Notation Software Empowers Parish Musicians
Explore how music notation tools like Finale and Dorico can make your ministry more efficient and creative. Learn practical ways to prepare scores, worship aids, and rehearsal materials—plus insights from one musician’s journey of transitioning between programs to better serve a vibrant parish music ministry. Presenters: Bryan Staedler, Director of Music & Liturgy, St. Leonard and Grace Majewski, Director of Music & Liturgy, Queen of Apostles
Training and Empowering Volunteers Online
Discover how to form, train, and inspire your formation volunteers using online tools rooted in faith and community. This workshop offers practical ways to create digital trainings that share Catholic teaching, model effective classroom practices, and foster spiritual growth. Learn how to build connection and better performance among your team—even from a distance. Equip your volunteers with technology that fits their busy lives. Presenter: Lisa Jachimiec, Director of Child Formation, St. Leonard
Excel 2
Do you use Excel and wonder if you are using it correctly? Excel is a powerful tool that can be utilized to support various aspects of ministry. In this intermediate-level session, we will discuss Mail Merge, Advanced Formulas, and Accounting Tools. This session will go at a faster pace than Excel I. It is recommended that you use Excel regularly for this session. Presenter: Fr. Joseph Heit, Associate Pastor, Northwest Racine Parishes