Kristin Bird & Deacon Keith Strohm • Sep 6-8, 2023
A Convocation for the priests of the Archdiocese of New Orleans on the essential components of parish renewal (the best of human organizational and leadership principles; a deep understanding of evangelization and discipleship; the supernatural dimensions of life in Christ). This Convocation will offer the tools, resources, and approaches that actually make a difference in the life of a parish, school and community.
If you would like to host a workshop or retreat for your parish or school - or want to continue the conversation about making disciples - please don't hesitate to contact us.
Share your story! Tell us about your experience of the Convocation.
-
SESSION I: Parish Renewal
An exploration of the Mission of the Church in Her current context - where the Church is called and the lived experience of most Catholics today. A deep dive into the three essential components of parish renewal (the best of human organizational and leadership principles; a deep understanding of evangelization and discipleship; the supernatural dimensions of life in Christ) and highlight the characteristics of mission-focused parishes and dioceses. Practical and concrete tools, resources, and approaches that actually make a difference in the life of a pairsh, school, and community.
Downloads
Additional Reading/Listening/Watching
Evangelii Nuntiandi: On Evangelization in the Modern World (Pope Paul VI) 
Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing & Following Jesus (Sherry Weddell) 
Ablaze: 5 Essential Paradigm Shifts for Parish Renewal
(Dcn. Keith Strohm)
Made for Mission: Renewing Your Parish Culture (Tim Glemkowski) 
Divine Renovation: Bringing Your Parish From Maintenance to Mission
(Fr. James Mallon)
Start With Jesus: How Everyday Disicples Will Renew the Church
(Julianne Stanz)
Podcast Episode 2: What Does Parish Renewal Look Like
An Examination of Conscience for Evangelizers (Burning Hearts Disciples)
A Discussion on Parish Renewal & Evangelisation (Divine Renovation Webinar) -
SESSION II: Accompaniment
We will help attendees have a better understanding of what accompaniment actually is, what people need as they move through spiritual thresholds toward discipleship, and the implications of recognizing and acting on the pre-discipleship thresholds in parish life.
Downloads
Additional Reading/Listening/Watching
Clear & Simple: Conversations That Lead to Conversion (Andre Regnier)
Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing & Following Jesus (Sherry Weddell)
Accompaniment in Action posts on Burning Hearts Disciples
Podcast Episode 6: Exploring the Pre-Discipleship Journey
Thresholds of Conversion and Faith (Diocese of Biloxi)
Helping Others Drop Their Nets & Follow Jesus (Sherry Weddell)
-
Session III: Discipleship Pathways
This talk explores how the Church's understanding of the evangelization process can be utilized by a parish to create an intentional path along which the community can accompany people from the very beginning of their spiritual journey into missionary discipleship.
Downloads
Additional Reading/Listening/Watching
Ablaze: 5 Essential Paradigm Shifts for Parish Renewal (Keith Strohm)
Seek the Living God: 5 RCIA Questions for Making Disciples
Missio Nostra: Living Out the Great Comission fo Jesus Christ (Bp. Kihneman)
Podcast Episode 4: Shallow Entry Points
Kerygma Proclamation Resource Suggestions from Burning Hearts Disciples
Alpha Program
ChristLife Program -
Session IV: Called to be Sons
A talk aimed at helping each priest reflect on his personal relationship with Christ through a proclamation of the Good News and an invitation to deeper surrender to Jesus.
Additional Reading/Listening/Watching
Jesus: The Story You Thought YoU Knew (Keith Strohm)
Be Healed: A Guide to Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life (Bob Schuchts)
Holy Desire Retreat for Preists (John Paul II Healing Center)
-
Session V: Cooperating with the Holy Spirit
We will dive in and talk about how pastors and parish leadership must, personally and corporately partner with the Holy Spirit to release the supernatural power of God for the work of evangelization.
Additional Reading/Listening/Watching
Sober Intoxication of the Spirit
(Fr. Cantalamessa)
Catherine of Siena Institute FAQ on Charisms
Evangelii Nuntiandi: On Evangelization in the Modern World
(Pope Paul VI)
Fruitful Discipleship (Sherry Weddell)
The Wild Goose Series with Fr. Dave Pivonka
Evangelizing with the Charisms of the Holy Spirit (Jackie Angel)
The Holy Spirit in the Life of Cathoics (Jeff Cavins)
-
Session VI: Building Healthy Organizations
We will explore the critical importance of Mission, Vision, Values, and the role of healthy leadership and support teams in transforming Culture.
Downloads
Additional Reading/Listening/Watching
Ablaze: 5 Essential Paradigm Shifts for Parish Renewal
(Dcn. Keith Strohm)Made for Mission: Renewing Your Parish Culture (Tim Glemkowski) -
Session VII: Accountability and Leadership
We will explore what accountability and openness means for healthy teamwork and communication.
Downloads
Additional Reading/Listening/Watching
Dare To Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. (Brene Brown) 
Radical Candor: Get What you Want by Saying What you Mean (Kim Scott) 
5 Dysfunctions of a Team
(Patrick Lencioni)
Redeeming Conflict: 12 Habits for Christian Leaders
(Ann Garrido)
Podcast Episode 7: Conflict, Conflict, Conflict
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
(Patrick Lencioni)
Buffalo Charge the Storm: Influential Leadership (Rory Vaden)
If you would like to host a workshop or retreat for your parish or school - or want to continue the conversation about making disciples - please don't hesitate to contact us.
Share your story! Tell us about your experience of the Convocation.