3rd Annual Archdiocesan Parish Leadership Conference
October 28, 2006
Thank You to our generous sponsors!

  • Catholic Finance Corporation
  • Culp Family Foundation
  • Liturgical Publications, Inc.
  • The Catholic Spirit
125
Conference Registrants
54
Parishes - Organizations Represented
23
Speakers - Breakout Session Panelists
8
Topical Breakout Sessions Offered
Conference Data
Comment on:
Communication Across Cultures
cultural diversity is so important
Liz opened my eyes
Comment on:
Interpersonal Communications Among Pastor,
Staff & Parish Leaders
Exceptional! Everyone should attend
Comment on:
Let Us Hear You Now
the listening session was very valuable -
thanks for the opportunity
The 3rd Annual Archdiocese Parish Leadership Conference was convened on
conference began with Archbishop Harry Flynn sharing a warm welcome to 125
participants gathered in the sun-filled, four-story atrium of the School of Law.
The morning presentations started with a challenging keynote address by Dr. Deb Organ, Assistant Professor
of Homiletics and Coordinator of Hispanic and Multicultural Ministries at the St. Paul Seminary and School of
Divinity. With a global perspective and justice orientation, Dr. Organ challenged parish leaders to keep our
encounter with the risen Christ at the center of communications at all levels in our faith communities. Citing
her personal journey as a living example, participants commented on her inspiring and passionate message.
Morning Welcome - Archbishop Harry Flynn
Keynote Address - Dr. Deborah Organ
Comment on:
Public Media
the session was excellent and provided ample
opportunity for discussion & interaction
Breakout Sessions
Panelists shared their understanding of the power of the media including proactive use of the public media
(newspaper, radio, television, etc.), effective public relations, and crisis communications.
Dennis McGrath – Communications Office Director, Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis
Joe Towalski – Editor, The Catholic Spirit
Pat Kessler – Reporter, WCCO TV
Comment on:
Financial Stewardship Communications
Martha provided a simple but effective approach to
understanding and impacting multi-cultural
stewardship
Financial Stewardship Communications
Experienced diocesan and parish staff explored accountable, transparent, culturally sensitive financial
management and its impact on parish financial stewardship.
John Bierbaum – CFO, Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis
Mike Kratochvil – Financial Consultant, Catholic Finance Corporation
Martha Lucia Connell-Torres – Hispanic Ministry, Assumption Parish, Richfield
Communication Across Cultures
away with an understanding of cultural diversity as a key parish strength.
Deborah Organ – Assistant Professor, St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity
Liz Pham - Vietnamese community member
Rico Sotelo - Hispanic community member
Comment on:
Technology & the Future of
Parish Communications
the section on blogs was very appreciated
and informative
Technology and the Future of Parish Communications
Panelists provided content about their current technology-related accountabilities in order to learn about
emerging technologies and how they can be effectively integrated in today’s parish communication activity.
Don Eldred – Information Technology, Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis
Dick Coffman – Regional Marketing Representative, Liturgical Publications, Inc.
Gino Giavanelli – Technology Specialist, parishioner, Christ the King, Minneapolis
Interpersonal Communications Among Pastor, Staff & Parish Leaders
Current parish leaders shared their experience in developing & nourishing supportive, respectful relationships
among parish leaders.
Fr. Bob White – Pastor, St. Victoria, Victoria
Deacon Ray Ortman – Parish Administrator, St. Victoria, Victoria
Louise Lehner - Parish leader, St. Victoria, Victoria
Comment on:
Calling All Volunteers
I found the part regarding the recruitment message
and recruitment letters a valuable insight
Participants learned about effective communication techniques as one key part of a Shared Ministry system
designed to increase volunteer involvement and satisfaction.
Judy Urban – Consultant, Shared Ministry Systems
Comment on;
Effective Communication During
Pastor Transitions
handouts and commentary were very helpful in
understanding the pastor transition process
Effective Communication During Pastor Transitions
period of pastor transition.
Deacon Bill Umphress – Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis
Maureen Geddes – Consultant, Pastor Transitions
Joan Gecik – Parish Life Administrator, Holy Redeemer, Maplewood
In this facilitated listening session, participants shares their experience as a parish leader, including what
they believed were the critical issues facing parish leaders today.
Jerry Organ - Chairperson, Archbishop's Pastoral Advisory Council
Shari Steffen - Chairperson, The Center for Parish Leadership
The Center for Parish Leadership
Equipping Catholic Leaders ~
Believing in Strong Parishes