- This event has passed.
Partnering with Parents
A Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders on Wednesdays in May, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27
Participate onsite or online
Pre-registration required
Parents are the first and most influential faith educators of their children. Yet today many feel isolated, uncertain, or overwhelmed by the task of raising children in a complex world. At the same time, parish leaders and staff carry a growing sense of urgency – and often fatigue – around how best to accompany families beyond traditional programs.
Partnering with Parents begins from a simple but transformative conviction: the way forward is together.
This series invites lay leaders, parish staff, and parents themselves to reimagine ministry not to families, but with parents – as partners in forming the next generation of missionary disciples . Grounded in Catholic vision, pastoral realism, and practices of listening and outreach, the series creates space to wrestle honestly with today’s challenges while cultivating practical hope.
Participants will explore the cultural and ecclesial context shaping family life today, reflect on the Christian vision of the family, and learn concrete approaches for accompaniment – including with families on the margins.
This training is not about adding “one more program.” It is about deepening trust, affirming gifts, and strengthening shared responsibility for a faith that truly matters – now and for the next generation.
This series is offered as part of the Leadership Formation Institute for Missionary Disciples at the Catholic Information Center.
Week 1: Building Strong Catholic Families – Presented by Kristina Beers
Week 2: Christian Vision of Family Life “101” – 4 truths of the family – Presented by Dobie Moser
Week 3: Ministry on the margins – accompanying hurting families – Presented by Debbie Gonzles
Week 4: Generative Listening – Presented by Christine Taylor
Hospitality & Format – Sessions meet onsite at the Catholic Information Center and are also available online.
Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. for in‑person participants.
Registration – All are welcome. Parish groups are encouraged to attend.