Registration

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	Our Morning Address was by Mr. Michael Murphy!
	Our Keynote Address was by Reverend J-Glenn Murray, SJ!
Session I Workshops 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
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1. Living the Simple Life – How hard can it be? - Bob Pfundstein We will take a look at simplicity and how to make it part of our everyday lives. Stewardship can help us to find the best model for us that can move us into a streamlined active and enthusiastic faith life spilling over into all that we do. Come and help find that model for you and begin again to live the Gospel in an authentic manner.
	2. Children's Stewardship - Sowing the Seeds - Lynn Gully “Train children in the way to live, and when they are old they will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) This workshop offers great ideas on how to implement Children’s Stewardship in your parish. Your kernels will be poppin’ as you explore ways to plant the seeds of stewardship in our children and see them grow to blooming flowers of faith in action.
3. A Strong Shoulder - The Ministry of Bereavement - Kathy Ryan As gifted stewards we are called by the healing ministry of Jesus to care for and serve those people who have experienced the death of a loved one. This workshop will look at different models and give practical suggestions for beginning a ministry of bereavement in your parish or to enhance the spiritual support you already have in place.
	4. Energy Efficiency: It Pays! How LIPA Can Help Parishes Save Money - Walter Hoefer This session will cover what the Long Island Power Authority offers to help religious congregations and other not-for-profit entities reduce the energy consumption of their facilities, including energy audits, financial incentives and project management assistance for parishes. A LIPA energy audit report will provide specific recommendations on how to improve the energy efficiency of the parish plant and estimates the expected savings for implementing each recommendation.
5. Automated Giving: Meeting People in Today’s World - Mike Walsh As Christian stewards, we recognize that all that we are and all that we have belongs to God, and we are accountable for the use of all things. As parish leaders, we are also challenged to utilize technology responsibly to meet the people in today’s world. This workshop will present the benefits and practicalities for both the parish and the steward of automating the weekly offertory.
Session II Workshops 12:05 p.m. to 1:05 p.m.
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	6. Stewardship: On the Road to Emmaus? or the Road to a “Mess”? - Michael Murphy St. Luke’s account of the apostles’ post-Resurrection encounter with Jesus is a unique story about the stewardship of faith. But does that story speak to us today? Can busy, preoccupied and fast-moving Catholics really discover Jesus “on the road?” And how do our “to do” lists relate to the “this” in Jesus’ charge to “Do ‘this’ in memory of me.”? Our session invites us to consider what sacred scripture reveals about finding Jesus in the breaking of the bread, being disciples in a post-modern world and embracing stewardship on our own journey to Emmaus.
7. Dial - 800 - GOD - HELP! - Pam Shannon “The family should live in such a way that its members learn to care and take responsibility for the young, the old, the sick, the handicapped and the poor.” Catechism of the Catholic Church 2208 All Christians are called to service through our Baptismal vows. Progressing through the stages of development of the child, we will flesh out age-appropriate attitudes and activities to raise up children steeped in stewardship.
	8. Don’t Laugh At Me: Welcoming the Stranger (Neighbor) Among Us- Suzanne Richards Be ready to throw away the safety of the box we think in, and be prepared to step outside of it. Re-imagine our complex communities as a gift to be cherished. Come explore ways to create a spirit of welcome and give witness as Christian stewards to what it is to be Church.
9. Going Green (and Saving Green) - Tom DeFrancisci Rising pollution, along with the current energy and food shortages remind us that we, as Stewards of God’s creation and leaders of His Church, have a responsibility to use all available resources wisely. Actions that we can take now will simultaneously help the most vulnerable in our communities and leave more resources for Ministry. This workshop will briefly touch upon a range of such actions that goes from simple and inexpensive to more aggressive steps that can help the environment, show leadership to our Parishioners, and stabilize Parish operating expenses.
	10. Parish Strategic Planning is Critical to Good Stewardship - Kevin Lynch Spiritual, Liturgical, Structural, Ministerial, Fiscal and Social! How many things can one parish do! Creating a complete vision for your parish community is critical to your future. A parish community which focuses on just one or two of these areas will find themselves overwhelmed or consumed by those they do not pay attention to. How can your parish provide space for ministries when the physical structure of your parish is deteriorating? How can you afford to repair your plant when you have not been prudent with your budget? How can you engage parishioners in fiscally supporting your parish when their spiritual needs are not being met? Come and see how to take the necessary steps to meeting all your parish needs by developing and defining a strategic plan.

Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy is the Executive Director of the International Catholic Stewardship Council. He was a member of its board of directors for seven years and chaired its 2005 international conference in San Francisco. Michael was the Director of Development for the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Archdiocese of Detroit Endowment Foundation from 1994 to 2007. He served with a six-member staff that provided a full array of diocesan stewardship education and development services.

As a result of his own research and theological reflection on Christian stewardship, Michael and his staff developed the comprehensive parish manual for introducing parish communities to stewardship, Called by Christ, Gifted by the Spirit. The manual has enjoyed much success among parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit and has been used in many parishes and dioceses in the United States, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom and parts of Latin America.

A native Tennessean, Michael was a practicing attorney who specialized in the areas of probate and estate planning, and litigation. He was an instructor at the American College of Life Insurance and Tax Institute and a member of the probate and tax committees of the Tennessee and American Bar Associations. Besides his Juris Doctor degree, Michael studied in the divinity program at the University of Notre Dame, where he also earned a Masters degree in theology.

Among a number of issues related to stewardship and Catholic philanthropy, Michael is interested in addressing multi-cultural and transitional realities of parishes. This interest stems, in part, from ten years of involvement at Most Holy Redeemer, a 4,000 family parish that has transitioned from an Irish/Italian to a predominantly Spanish-speaking community in the city of Detroit. He served for three years as chair of the parish pastoral council and seven years as chair of its stewardship commission/finance council.

Reverend J-Glenn Murray, SJ

Reverend J-Glenn Murray, SJ is the former Director of the Office for Pastoral Liturgy in the Diocese of Cleveland from 1995 till 2007. Currently serving as Parochial Vicar at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church in Washington, DC, Fr. Murray’s gifts and talents have supported all manner of experiences, ranging from administrative through teaching to extensive pastoral activity.

Embracing religious life as a Jesuit in 1968, Fr. Murray’s multiple endeavors in music, choreography, liturgical dance and drama are all endowed with his distinctive zeal and energy as he encourages full participation by the faithful, whatever the setting.

Teacher, composer, writer, campus minister, preacher, musician, Fr. Murray’s focus has been instrumental in connecting faith with family; life with spirituality; and practice with service.

Among his many notable publications, Fr. Murray has shared his gifts for liturgy and preaching in The Spirit Sets Us Free: Confirmation Preparation for Youth and Embracing the Vision: Sacramental Catechesis for First Reconciliation and First Communion. In addition, Fr. Murray offered an invigorating catechesis in the video Why We Go to Mass: Liturgy and Our Lives by suggesting that we "hurl ourselves" into the mystery of the liturgy-fully, actively and consciously. Fr. Murray has a contagious passion for the Eucharist and the strength it gives to us as stewards in today’s world.

1. Living the Simple Life – How hard can it be?

Bob Pfundstein

Bob, a graduate of Northwestern University and Loras College, is the Director of Parish Stewardship for the Diocese of Rockford in Illinois since 1997. In this capacity, he oversees the health of the Stewardship efforts of 104 parishes, developing parish plans and conducting training for Stewardship leaders and speakers. Prior to this position, he spent nine years in parish ministry as a Director of Evangelization and then as a Business Manager.

In his present position, Bob has presented parish missions focused on Stewardship and developed Come Follow Me Too, a children’s stewardship resource manual for use at the grade school level. He produces a Stewardship Newsletter for the Diocese of Rockford and helps support the website materials and presentation. Bob also chairs the Diocesan Stewardship Commission and serves on the Diocesan Evangelization Commission.

2. Children's Stewardship - Sowing the Seeds

Lynn Gully

Lynn has been with the Archdiocese of Newark for nine years. She has been the associate director of stewardship and special projects for the past two years. Prior to this position she was the executive assistant to the vice chancellor for administration. She is passionate about Stewardship and believes that Jesus has called each of us, including our children, to the stewardship way of life. She believes you are never too young (or too old) to practice good stewardship.

Lynn gives of her time helping at her parish food pantry and mentoring a young woman and her year-old daughter who live at Good Counsel Home in Bronx, NY.

Lynn and her husband Don live in Lyndhurst, NJ and have been married for six years. They have two children, Kevin and Justin, two cocker spaniels, Kelly and Scoop. Lynn’s father also lives with them. A full house!

3. A Strong Shoulder - The Ministry of Bereavement

Kathy Ryan

Kathy presently shares her gifts of compassion and welcoming at Maria Regina Parish in Seaford as the Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry. Kathy has also been involved in bereavement ministry for 16 years. In addition to holding a Master of Theology degree, Kathy has taken many certificate courses offered by Calvary Hospice, Molloy College and the Diocese of Rockville Center concentrating in Bereavement and Spirituality. Kathy is also a teacher, mother and grandmother.

4. Energy Efficiency: It Pays!
How LIPA Can Help Parishes Save Money

Walter Hoefer

In January 2008, LIPA President & CEO Kevin S. Law appointed Walter Hoefer to the new position of Director of Municipal and School Programs. His mission is to help governments, schools and not-for-profit organizations improve the energy efficiency of their facilities, which will help lower their energy costs and reduce the use of fossil fuels that pollute the environment.

Prior to his current position, Walter helped oversee the construction of electric generation and transmission facilities providing more than 1,700 megawatts of additional resources to meet Long Island’s demand for power.

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric provider, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens.

5. Automated Giving: Meeting People in Today’s World
Mike Walsh

Faith Direct, Inc. started in 2003 with a simple observation – that the rapid decline of check usage in today’s consumer world will have a tremendous impact on both the way parishioners will make contributions and the future of collections in parishes throughout the Catholic Church.

Today, the program is successfully used in 16 dioceses and rapidly continues to gain acceptance as Catholics embrace electronic contributions as the new way of giving. The program affords parishes a full-service offering with a commitment to supporting the ministries and future of fiscal management, stewardship principles and modern technology in the Catholic Church.

In his role as Vice President, Mike is responsible for directing the firm’s marketing and communication initiatives to educate dioceses, parishes and parishioners on the benefits of implementing Faith Direct. Mike is a graduate of the University of Maryland and has over 15 years of consulting and marketing experience in financial services. He resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife Leslie and four children. They are active parishioners and parents at St. Gabriel Catholic Church/School and Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School where their children attend school.

7. Dial - 800 - GOD - HELP!

Pam Shannon

Pam Shannon is celebrating her 40th year in Religious Education/Faith Formation in this diocese. As a seasoned catechist, retreat director and motivational speaker, Pam believes service to others to be a basic component to every child’s formation. With a Master’s Degree in Special Education and post-graduate studies in theology, administration and religious studies, she has been a PFI instructor as well as adjunct at St. Joseph’s College, Patchogue. Pam has been a DRE for 30 years.

8. Don’t Laugh At Me: Welcoming the
Stranger (Neighbor) Among Us

Suzanne Richards

Suzanne Richards currently ministers in several areas, with her primary focus as Director of Adult Faith Formation at Christ the King Parish in Commack. She is a presenter/facilitator for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, especially with Pastoral Formation Institute and Stewardship Office. Suzanne facilitates retreats, days of reflection and workshops, for parishes in the Tri-State area. She holds a Masters in Religious Education from Fordham University. Prior to her current ministries, Suzanne was an Adjunct Professor of Morality at St. John’s University and a Trainer and Consultant with 7-Eleven Inc. Suzanne is an Associate Member with the Sisters of St. Dominic Amityville and a Suffolk County Chapter Member with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

9. Going Green (and Saving Green)

Tom DeFrancisci

Tom DeFrancisci works for the Diocese of Rockville Centre in the Department of Construction and Renovation. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biology. Most of his career has been spent in Design and Technical/Operational services supporting food processing companies around the country, the Caribbean, and China. In his spare time, he works as a volunteer for Bellmore-Merrick EMS.

10. Parish Strategic Planning is Critical to Good Stewardship

Kevin Lynch

Kevin is President of Lynch Development Associates (LDA) of Huntington, NY. He founded the consulting firm in 1994 and throughout the past 14 years, LDA has raised over $1.5 billion dollars through their capital and stewardship services for parishes, schools, religious communities, retreat houses and other non-profit organizations.

Kevin is a graduate of St. John’s University with degrees in Business and Public Speaking (Rhetoric and Public Address). Throughout his career, he has become well known as a motivational speaker with regard to key issues facing the Church today. Kevin serves as a board member on the Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation (www.mlynch.org) and as a member of the ICSC (International Catholic Stewardship Council) Marketing and Development Committee.

We are excited to report that our 2008 Stewardship Symposium on Saturday, October 25th was a great success. We would like to thank everyone who made this day a valuable experience of continued growth for our parish leaders and for the ongoing advancement of stewardship in our diocese!
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ANNOUNCEMENT Currently, three DVDs are in production. 1. Our Morning activities including prayer, welcome (with Bishop Peter Libasci and address by Michael Murphy, Executive Director of the ICSC). 2. Session 1. Living the Simple Life – How hard can it be? with Bob Pfundstein and Session 6. Stewardship: On the Road to Emmaus? or the Road to a “Mess”? with Michael Murphy. 3. Our Keynote Address with Rev. J-Glenn Murray, SJ! Please check this page regularly or keep an eye on our announcement fax for updates on availability.
Our theme, The Body of Christ ~ Amen ~, was not only appropriate, in this the year of St. Paul, but it also supports the bond between the nourishment we receive in the Eucharist and our action-filled lives as Christian stewards. It is through and with the Eucharist that we are strengthened to use and share our gifts together for the good of all.
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