‘Hope In Our Hearts’ Conference gearing up to be a diocesan success

In a little over two weeks, the long awaited and much anticipated 2025 Jubilee Faith Formation and Parish Ministry Conference will take place. And the word on the streets of the Diocese is it’s going to be amazing.

With all that’s being done to promote the daylong, bilingual conference on March 29 in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, the results have been impressive. All efforts – massive email blitzes to catechists, parish catechetical leaders, priests, pastors, deacons, Catholic school and parish ministry personnel sent out by the Department of Catechesis; The Monitor’s four-page feature and continuous advertising pushes both in print and on TrentonMonitor.com, the diocesan website, dioceseoftrenton.org and social media platforms, and the production of video clips featuring encouraging words from conference speakers and pastors by the Department of Multimedia Production – have contributed to the number of people attending reaching 429 as of March 5. That number could climb by the time registration closes on March 15.

To recap, the conference, which has as its theme, “Hope In Our Hearts,” includes a Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.; two well-known keynoters – Chris Padgett and Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Father Agustino Torres; 48 breakout sessions, with tracks being offered in both English and Spanish and presented by a mix of diocesan and parish staff along with some national names, and an array of exhibits with publishers and educators showcasing a variety of resources.

Jessica Donohue shares in her video clip how the conference will provide opportunities for networking and obtaining resources and learning experiences through the numerous workshops. Video screenshot

While details about the conference and how to register can be found at dioceseoftrenton.org/hope2025, some added incentives to attend were enthusiastically shared in a video clip where Msgr. Richard LaVerghetta, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, who said the conference will be “an incredible opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal.

“This is an event I don’t think you’re going to want to miss,” Msgr. LaVerghetta said. “The conference will give all of us time to deepen our faith and strengthen ministries and connect with others who share our passion for serving God’s people.”

Jessica Donohue, parish catechetical leader in St. Joan of Arc Parish, also in a video clip, talked about the workshop she’s giving on “Tips for Accompanying Parents in First Holy Communion Preparation,” and how its goal is to “effectively support parents during this special time of sacramental preparation for their children while fostering deeper connections between families and their parishes.”

“You’ll be sure to find a session that will help you enhance the unique gifts you bring to your ministry,” Donohue said. “I can’t wait to see you there.”

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