Who is the Holy Spirit introduces the Holy Spirit as the love of God personified. Participants will explore why more Christians don't experience the Holy Spirit in their lives the way he is described in the Scriptures. We explain how the Spirit empowers and enriches the life of a believer, how to recognize the action of the Holy Spirit, and examine some of the obstacles to receiving new life in the Spirit. Participants willl be introduced to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit through personal testimony and prayer.
Short Talk
This presentation can be done as a shorter talk (60-90 mins) that walks participants through the material at a quicker pace and provides handouts for them to complete reflection and prayer on their own time. Suggestions are given on how to apply the insights gained.
Retreat Day
This presentation can also be offered as a longer retreat experience (4-6 hours). The first half of the day is spent on examining the person of the Holy Spirit. The second half of the retreat looks at how the Holy Spirit interacts in our daily lives. The day ends with a prayer experience that encourages participants to pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Clip from a talk given as part of a parish day-long retreat on the Holy Spirit at Corpus Christi Parish in Phoenix, AZ. Presenter: Kristin Bird, Executive Director
Testimonials
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Walked along side our team developing a process to move from maintenance to mission
"Burning Hearts Disciples has helped me and my leadership team develop and communicate our vision of discipleship in the Diocese of Biloxi. They met us where we were and walked alongside our team developing a process to move from maintenance to a purpose of mission. They continue to walk with us as we work to move our clergy, Religious, parishioners, students, families, and staff to be disciples and form missionary disciples of Christ. "
Bishop Louis Kihneman, III, Diocese of Biloxi
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A huge part of culture change in our Diocese
"Thank you for your leadership throughout the Diocese of Green Bay. I continue to hear very positive feedback about your presentations and teaching througout the diocese. You have been such a huge part of cultural change at the Diocese and a great formator of our parish leaders with the Discipleship Seminars. For you I am very grateful."
Bishop David Ricken, Diocese of Green Bay
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Your accompaniment has been invaluable to us!
We were blessed to have Burning Hearts Disciples walk with us as we have journeyed towards intentional discipleship on a personal & parish level for two years. Your accompaniment has been invaluable to us as we journey towards intentional discipleship. Thank you for your inspired support and spirit-filled accompaniment.
Parish Discipleship Task Force • Oviedo, FL
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I couldn't wait for each session!
When I was told I had to participate in this ongoing formation for discipleship, I was annoyed and didn't want to come. The first class was awesome, and by the end of each gathering, I couldn't wait for the next session. I feel very blessed to have shared this time of learning with you!
5th grade catechist, Diocese of Green Bay
Book a speaker for this talk today!
Share Your Story: Evangelization Missions, Retreats & Workshops
Stories change hearts. Jesus knew this – it’s why He spoke in parables. From the woman at the well to the prodigal son, the Gospel is filled with encounters where lives were transformed because someone shared their story. Today, in a culture less persuaded by arguments and more moved by authenticity, your story is one of the most powerful tools you have for evangelization.
Share Your Story events help Catholics reflect on where God has been present in their lives and give them the confidence to witness to that grace in everyday conversations, parish ministry, and mission. Whether experienced as a short talk or a full retreat, participants come away with a deeper awareness of God’s movement in their own story – and practical tools for sharing it with others.
Again and again, we’ve seen parishes renewed when Catholics begin to share how God has been at work in their lives. Ordinary testimony makes the Gospel tangible in ways programs or lectures cannot.
Event Formats
Short Talk (60–90 minutes)
A focused introduction to the power of testimony. Participants are guided through reflection, receive handouts for personal prayer, and leave with suggestions for applying insights in daily life. Perfect for parent nights, parish missions, or catechist inservices.
Retreat Day (4–6 hours)
A deeper experience combining personal prayer, guided reflection, and small-group conversation. The morning focuses on discovering God’s movement in your own life story. The afternoon equips participants to shape their story and practice sharing it with clarity and confidence. Ideal for Confirmation preparation, RCIA/OCIA sponsors, or parish evangelization teams.
Who Can Benefit:
- Religious Education Parents
- Confirmation Candidates & Sponsors
- RCIA / OCIA Participants
- Adult Faith Formation Groups
- Care Ministry Teams
- Catechists & Catholic School Staff
- Parish Evangelization Teams
- And more!
Parish Mission (3 Nights)
An extended mission that invites the whole parish to encounter the Gospel through the lens of story. Each evening focuses on a different dimension of testimony: discovering God’s presence, shaping your personal story, and sharing it with confidence. Built to inspire renewal across the community, this mission combines engaging preaching with prayer, reflection, and practical application. Designed for the wider parish community and adaptable to fit local needs.
Want to help your people discover and share how God has worked in their lives?
Book a Story-Based Mission, Retreat, or Workshop Today →
Why Story Matters (Video)
Hear from Executive Director Kristin Bird about why story is central to evangelization – and how it helps us live the art of accompaniment in today’s Church.
Suggested Next Steps
Want to keep practicing after the event? Explore these free tools and ongoing formation opportunities that help you continue to discover, shape, and share your story.
Want to help your people discover and share how God has worked in their lives?
Book a Story-Based Mission, Retreat, or Workshop Today →
Our Executive Director Kristin Bird inspires middle and high school teens with St John Paul II’s teachings on the meaning of life and the purpose of love. This introduction to his Theology of the Body will explore these questions (and more):
- What does Scripture reveal to us about who God is? About who we are?
- Why do I have to go to Church? Why can’t I just pray by myself?
- What exactly is God’s Plan for sexuality? What does the Church really teach about sex?
Kristin has over 15 years experience in Middle School and High School religious education and youth ministry. She has trained numerous catechests and religious education professionals on how to incorporate Theology of the Body into their lessons and curriculums and even helped edit the high school Theology of the Body curriculum for Life Teen International.
More than Catholic "Sex Ed"
Reducing TOB to chastity education deprives students of the incredible beauty of this teaching. Theology of the Body does more than help us understanding Catholic sexual morality. It provides a ‘lens’ through which to view the whole mystery of human life, leaving no part of our world or our faith untouched.
Our Theology of the Body sessions take the time to lay a strong foundation and delve deep into TOB as worldview. Examining hot-button issues through the lens of TOB helps students be able to recognize the reason for the Church’s teachings even if they continue to disagree.
An integrated approach helps students see that the Theology of the Body is a unifying vision that brings together all of the Church’s teachings — social justice, prayer & sacraments, discipleship, Christology, and more.
View a TOB presentation given by Kristin Bird at St. Peter the Fisherman in Two Rivers on May 2, 2023
Read what others have said...
