Session 1: English Track

 
Joey Bacon: Praying for Physical Healing: Sharing God's Mercy 
Room #: D102
As Jesus commissioned the twelve apostles, he commanded them to "Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons" (Matthew 10:8). Before ascending into heaven, he also promised that "The sick on whom they lay their hands will recover" (Mark 16:18). In this workshop, I will share testimonies of healings I have witnessed in evangelization contexts. Participants will learn a simple model for praying for physical healing and have the opportunity to pray for one another.  
Comprehensive Faith Formation
 
Aden Batar & Randy Chappell (Catholic Community Services): The Sacred Heart in Action: Living the Mission Through Compassion, Service, and Hope
Room #: D104
Catholic Community Services of Utah embodies the spirit of the Sacred Heart through its mission of serving individuals and families experiencing poverty, hunger, homelessness, displacement, and other life challenges. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching and the Gospel call to love our neighbor, CCS provides compassionate, life-changing services that uphold human dignity, foster hope, and strengthen communities throughout Utah.   This interactive workshop will explore how the Sacred Heart of Jesus serves as a model for mercy, compassion, and service, inspiring the work of Catholic Community Services across its many ministries. Participants will gain an overview of the agency's mission and the diverse programs that respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals and families, including Basic Needs, Migration and Refugee Services, Immigration Legal Services, Refugee Foster Care, Housing and Homeless Services, and other supportive programs.  The workshop will highlight how each ministry addresses unique challenges while remaining united by a shared commitment to restoring dignity, promoting self-sufficiency, and accompanying people on their journey toward stability and hope.  A featured 20-minute segment will focus on Basic Needs programs, exploring how they respond to food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty through services that provide immediate assistance while honoring the dignity of every individual. Participants will also learn how the agency's other ministries work together to support refugees, immigrants, families, and individuals seeking safety, belonging, and opportunity.   Through stories of resilience, examples of collaboration, and reflections on Catholic Social Teaching, attendees will discover how every act of service becomes a living expression of the Sacred Heart. The workshop will also highlight meaningful opportunities for volunteers, parishes, schools, and community organizations to participate in the Church's mission by serving alongside Catholic Community Services. 
Life, Justice & Peace
 
Juliana Boerio-Goates: An Exercise in Synodality: Talking Respectfully and Listening Deeply Room #: C105
This workshop will introduce participants to what the Vatican Synod Leaders have dubbed “Conversations in the Spirit”. Seeking to illustrate the relevant skills of speaking respectfully and listening deeply, we will take a down-to-earth perspective. To motivate the exercise, we will begin with a brief presentation from team members of difficult situations that might have turned out better if such skills had been used, and one in which those skills were developed over time and used to a successful outcome.
Comprehensive Faith Formation | Marriage & Family Life | Vocations | Youth and Young Adults
 
Matthew Douglas (The Madeleine Choir School): Literature and Faith Conversations
Room #: C109
Journey through J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit to discover profound Catholic truths hidden within a beloved classic. This workshop explores Bilbo Baggins' transformation to illustrate vital spiritual principles: how the corrupting nature of dragon-sickness mirrors the sin of greed, how Bilbo’s humility reveals true, God-given self-worth, and how "luck" in Middle-earth beautifully reflects Divine Providence. Participants will learn how to use imaginative literature as an engaging tool for evangelization, leaving with practical strategies to spark meaningful faith conversations in classrooms. 
Catholic Schools |Youth and Young Adults        
 
Melissa Hackett RN, MBA, MHA and Dan Gray LCWS, CSAT (Utah Coalition Against Pornography): Working Together to Bring Hope, Help, and Healing to the Families of Utah and Beyond
Room #: C110
Hearing the word pornography, often makes us cringe because it's everywhere. Unfortunately, some people think there's nothing we can do to combat it. That's false. There are tools, even practical ones, and solutions that can help prevent the pervasive use of pornography and bring lasting healing to those who encounter it. The Utah Coalition Against Pornography educates, informs, and empowers individuals, couples, parents, and families, as well as religious and community leaders across the state of Utah and beyond by bringing together all the resources you need. Come listen to how WE will beat the negative effects of pornography and how we can support and strengthen each other together. 
 Catholic Schools | Hispanic Ministries | Marriage & Family Life | Life, Justice & Peace | Stewardship | Youth and Young Adults
 
Philip Hofstetter: Inside Assisted Living - Do You Know How Much This Means to Me?”
Room #: C111
This workshop is a presentation and an appeal to “go into My vineyard too,” a call to the faithful to respond to the growing needs of people who are in assisted living, rehab centers and the homebound.  The needs are vast.  The task is simple. The response is heartwarming and life changing. As the general population ages there are many people who are unable to attend Mass on Sundays (or other days) and are in need of a visitor, especially a Eucharistic minister. This is a missionary call, a call to say “yes” to the Lord Who walks ahead of us.          
Comprehensive Faith Formation | Vocations
 
Joaquin Mixco: Jail Ministry in Review - Salt Lake County
Room #: C112         
This workshop will provide an overview of the Salt Lake County Jail Ministry, including current statistics and the realities facing individuals and families impacted by incarceration. Participants will learn about the Church’s presence and ministry within the jail and the ways in which Catholics can respond to the needs of those who are incarcerated.  Rooted in our call to serve all of God’s people, the presentation will explore the Dignity of the Human Person as a fundamental part of our Catholic faith and at the heart of the mission of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Participants will be invited to consider how they can move beyond awareness to action by supporting, volunteering, and becoming more engaged in jail ministry and other efforts that uphold the dignity of every person.
Life, Justice & Peace
 
Lorena Needham (Office of Workshop, Diocese of Salt Lake City Office): Renewing the Heart of the Ministry of Christian Initiation
Room #: C113
This will be both a formal presentation and open forum for advancing the leadership of Initiation Catechists as they guide and evangelize the unbaptized seeking to know Christ, baptized Catholics lacking full initiation, and baptized Christians who wish to be initiated into the Catholic Church through the Rite of Reception. 
Comprehensive Faith Formation | Liturgy & Worship
 
Anthony Ray (Diocesan Liturgical Music Committee): The Rhythm of the Pascal Mystery in Liturgy through Sacred Music         
Room #: C114
Liturgical musicians are charged with orienting the faithful to the Paschal Mystery in each liturgy. Careful selection of hymns helps celebrate and acknowledge what God has accomplished in Christ and our participation in it. The Paschal Mystery is the theological framework in which musicians are guided in their ministry to help bring about conversion and transformation. We pray in song as the Word of God challenges us, the sacraments nourish us, and the united song-prayer of the assembly brings us together in mission for the kingdom.  
Comprehensive Faith Formation | Liturgy & Worship | Liturgical Music
 
 
Kimberly Tosti (Way & Wonder Catholic Retreats):Holy Hour with Harp
Room #: B101
Enter into a prayerful encounter with the Sacred Heart of Jesus through a guided Holy Hour featuring sacred harp, chant, and Taizé music woven with reflections from St. Bonaventure drawn from the Liturgy of the Hours. Through scripture, sacred silence, and contemplative prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, participants will be invited to rest in the love of Christ and deepen their understanding of His Heart as the source of mercy, communion, and transformation.    
Catholic Schools |Comprehensive Faith Formation | Liturgy & Worship | Marriage & Family Life | Life, Justice & Peace |Liturgical Music |Stewardship |Vocations
 
Felix Vazquez (Juan Diego Catholic High School):Empowering Catholic Families with Ethical AI at Home
Room #: B103
How can Catholic families navigate the AI age while keeping human connection at the center of the home? Grounded in Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas (2026), this practical session shows parents how to use free, secure Google tools (Gemini and NotebookLM) to assist their children’s learning. Parents will discover how to generate custom bilingual tutors, Duolingo-like review quizzes, and personalized storybooks. Learn how to transform home study from a frustrating screen-time battle into a collaborative, relational experience that honors each child's unique, God-given mind.
Catholic School | Youth and Young Adults
 
Nikki Ward (Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Salt Lake City): Praying In Color
Room #: B109
Prayer doesn't require artistic talent; it requires an open heart.  Inspired by Sybil MacBeth's "Praying in Color" and grounded in Catholic spirituality, this interactive workshop introduces a simple visual prayer practice that helps quiet distracted minds, deepen Scripture reflection, and strengthen intercessory prayer. Participants will experience a form of creative prayer that can be used personally, in families, classrooms, OCIA, youth ministry, and parish faith formation. 
Catholic Schools | Comprehensive Faith Formation
 

Session 2: English Track

 
Reverend Michael Augustine Amabisco, OP (Chaplain, Skaggs Catholic Center): The Catholic Art of Being
Room #: D102
The Catholic Art of Being invites participants to rediscover the heart of Catholic life: living in communion with God. Drawing from Scripture and Catholic spiritual and sacramental traditions, this presentation explores prayer, peace, freedom, virtue, and authentic love, offering practical wisdom for becoming the person God created each of us to be. 
Comprehensive Faith Formation
 
Michelle Beasley: Charisms and Ministries
Room #: D104         
What are your God-given gifts, and where is God calling you to serve? This interactive workshop begins with an introduction to charisms through the spiritual traditions of the Jesuits, Franciscans, Benedictines, Carmelites, Dominicans, Augustinians, and Missionaries of Charity. Participants will then engage in guided self-reflection and discussion to identify the experiences that bring them joy, purpose, and community. The session concludes by highlighting diocesan ministries in need of volunteers—including hospital and prison ministry, support for new mothers, outreach to the poor, child and adult faith formation, and visiting the sick and homebound—with practical contact information to help participants take their next step in service. 
Comprehensive Faith Formation | Marriage & Family Life | Life, Justice & Peace | Stewardship |  Vocations | Youth and Young Adults        
 
 
Jason Dausses, MS, ACMHC, CCT (Accepted Therapy): Helping Your Child Through Their Mental Health Struggle
Room #: C105
Is your child acting out and struggling to control their behavior? Are they disrespecting authority and crossing boundaries? Has your child disclosed depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation? Are they exhibiting ADHD or neurodivergent tendencies? Hanging out with the wrong crowd, and participating in risky behavior? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," just know that there are ways that you can help your child without becoming a helicopter parent, but also while holding boundaries and expectations. In this workshop, Catholic counselor Jason Dausses will share tips, tricks, and practical guidance on how to support your children through their most challenging moments - and yours, too.  
Catholic Schools | Comprehensive Faith Formation | Marriage & Family Life | Life, Justice & Peace
 
Michael Edwards (Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, Diocese of Salt Lake City): Youth Ministry Help and World Youth Day
Room #: C109
Updating Youth Ministers on where we have come over the last year, offer new and proven models of Youth Ministry and give information and answer questions about World Youth Day. Youth and Young Adults
 
Natalie King: The Sanctity of Work: Living Your Professional Vocation   
Room #: C110
For most of us, we are called to spend our days not in a cloister or monastery, but in the middle of the world - in schools, hospitals, and offices. How do we live our Catholic faith in the midst of our messy, non-Catholic world? This workshop aims to explore practical and meaningful ways to best live our faith and serve God in our work. 
Comprehensive Faith Formation | Marriage & Family Life | Vocations 
 
Mandi Knaras, Office Assistant, Office of Vocations: Enriching the Heart of Parish Vocation Ministry
Room #: C111         
God has given every one of us a calling. Using our ability to hear and follow is often so determined by our relationship with God. Parish leaders are being challenged now to help support the many fellow brothers and sisters that may be asking what God is calling them to do. The Office of Vocations is happy to present, as a follow-up to our November Parish Vocation Ministry Workshop, a workshop to help parish/school leaders create, sustain, and promote a Parish Vocation Ministry. This workshop will provide resources, ideas, and encouragement to help these leaders in our parishes that are doing the hard work of walking with those that are discerning God's call. Our hearts and vocational supporting of others is one of the most important things we need to do for the parishioners.
Vocations
 
Hannah Myers (The Interior Formation Ministry): Dwelling with Christ's Most Sacred Heart through Lectio Divina
Room #: C112
The workshop aims to cultivate a deeper encounter of Our Lord’s mercy and call by using Lectio Divina as a vessel to discover the personal Love He has for us. The structured hour of IFM provides a space for such encounters before the Lord through communal Lectio Divina, animation of the soul via silent meditation, and fellowship from small group discussions. 
Comprehensive Faith Formation | Youth and Young Adults
 
Lorena Needham & Adrienne Robbins:Ministry at the Heart of Vibrant Worship: The Role of the Music Minister
Room #: C113
The workshop will address the many responsibilities of a choir director or music minister, preparing appropriate seasonal music for the liturgy; considering the needs and preferences of priests and the congregation; introducing new music effectively; including caring for oneself spiritually, physically, and vocally; supporting and developing the choir through thoughtful rehearsals and community-building; and supporting and forming cantors. This workshop will also explore the ministry of music in the Catholic Church, providing practical guidance and resources to help music ministers serve more effectively and support vibrant, prayerful liturgies. Participants will reflect on the goals of Bishop Solis for sacred music and have the opportunity to connect with members of the Diocesan Music Committee, who will gather input about the formation needs of musicians, singers, cantors, music directors, and accompanists. Together, these elements emphasize that music ministry is both a practical responsibility and a spiritual ministry at the heart of vibrant worship.
 Liturgical Music
 
Carmela Panadero (Couples For Christ): Family is a Gift 
Room #: C114         
Theme: Strong Marriages, Strong Families, Strong Communities - Building Christ-Centered Homes Together.   This faith-based workshop empowers couples and families to build stronger, Christ-centered relationships. Through inspiring presentations, discussions, reflection, and practical activities, participants will deepen their faith, improve communication, and strengthen family unity. The workshop highlights the dignity and vocation of family life while addressing challenges facing families today. It encourages mutual support, forgiveness, service, and commitment to Christian values. Open to couples, parents, children, singles, and ministry leaders, the workshop equips participants with practical tools to nurture healthy relationships and become faithful witnesses of Christ’s love in their homes, parishes, and communities. 
Comprehensive Faith Formation | Marriage & Family Life | Life, Justice & Peace | Stewardship | Vocations | Youth and Young Adults
 
Reverend Sebastien Sasa (Saints Peter & Paul Parish): Building the Domestic Church: A Parish Vision
Room #: B101
 Problem: Parish programs often engage families only at isolated moments (e.g., Mass, sacraments) instead of equipping them to live their faith daily at home. As a result, faith formation stays parish-centered, families lack confidence in cultivating spiritual life, and the home is not fully lived as a “domestic church.”  Solution: Launch a parish-wide initiative to “Build the Domestic Church” (a primary place of prayer, formation, and Catholic identity) by shifting from service-based programs to models that empower families to practice their faith at home.
Catholic Schools | Comprehensive Faith Formation | Hispanic Ministries | Liturgy & Worship |  Marriage & Family Life | Life, Justice & Peace | Liturgical Music | Stewardship | Vocations | Youth and Young Adults
 
Very Reverend Langes Silva (Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Salt Lake City): The Sacred Heart of Jesus in the encyclical teachings of Pope Francis
Room #: B103
This workshop describes the extensive teachings of Pope Francis through his encyclicals, bulls, apostolic exhortations and messages with special emphasis on his encyclical Dilexit Nos (He Loved us) of October 24, 2024.  The experience of the human race has made the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus unique and a source of personal and institutional devotion.  The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents the love of God for each one of us, human and divine.          
Comprehensive Faith Formation | Liturgy & Worship
 
Kimberly Tosti (Diocesan Liturgical Commission in partnership with Way and Wonder Catholic Retreats): Inviting the Sacred Heart of Jesus Into Our Lives and Community
Room #: B109
The United States has been consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Now what? What does it mean to live that consecration in our daily lives, and how do we help families overcome the barriers that keep prayer from taking root in our homes? This experiential workshop explores how devotion to the Sacred Heart can transform our hearts, homes, and parish communities. Through guided reflection, sacred music, and prayer, participants will encounter the Sacred Heart firsthand while learning practical strategies, resources, and adaptable tools to help families consecrate their homes and build lasting habits that foster a deeper relationship with Christ throughout the week.
Comprehensive Faith Formation | Liturgy & Worship | Marriage & Family Life | Life, Justice & Peace | Liturgical Music | Stewardship | Vocations