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Ministry leaders enjoy bonding and learning at the Academy of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Conference

News of the Diocese

August 15, 2024

Ministry leaders enjoy bonding and learning at the Academy of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Conference

This year’s Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Academy Conference, designed to orient new pastoral leaders and fortify the skills of existing leaders, was held from Aug. 5 to 9 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. Through a blend of enhanced training modules, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, the Academy provided support and guidance for parish ministry leaders navigating the challenges of today’s world.

Ministry leaders enjoy bonding and learning at the Academy of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Conference

Michelle Nowak, director of the diocesan lay ecclesial ministry program, led coordination of the weeklong conference. She said attendees are involved in a variety of parish work and ministries, including pastors, youth ministers, music ministers, catechetical leaders, parish business managers, parish admins/secretaries, lay ecclesial ministers, deacons and their wives, and facilities/maintenance workers. She said the small group discussions which followed the training sessions enabled attendees to share insights and reflections on their particular experiences of ministry in the Church.

Ministry leaders enjoy bonding and learning at the Academy of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Conference

Christy Cabaniss, director of missionary discipleship, said it was wonderful to have both Bishop Edward Malesic and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost attend the conference and offer keynote speeches this year. “They are such dynamic presenters and having our various ministry folks together to engage with them on a more personal level is really a gift.”

Ministry leaders enjoy bonding and learning at the Academy of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Conference

Bishop Woost addressed those assembled for the St. Cecelia Institute group comprised of pastoral musicians on Tuesday, with his keynote entitled, “The Mysticism of Music.” Read more about the event and Mass here.

Ministry leaders enjoy bonding and learning at the Academy of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Conference

Bishop Malesic addressed multiple ministry groups on Wednesday, describing the importance of personal mission. He shared a quote from Bishop Robert Barron’s speech at the recent National Eucharistic Congress, who said, “Your Christianity is not for you. Christianity is not a self-help program, something designed to make us feel better about ourselves. Your Christianity is for the world.”

Ministry leaders enjoy bonding and learning at the Academy of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Conference

Bishop Malesic continued, “In everything we do, we must remember that the Lord gives us many blessing and graces, which we receive, but it also means that we don’t keep them to ourselves. We need to give them away, as missionaries, as missionary disciples. This Academy of the Good Shepherd exists so that you can make your lives a gift to others, as Eucharistic Missionary Disciples.”

Next year's Academy is scheduled for August 4-8.

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