Renewal Conference welcomes Alpha director Joshua Danis

The diocesan Office of Renewal will host the 2025 Renewal Conference, “Renewing in a Time of Challenge” on Friday, May 16, at St. Stanislaus Parish. The conference is an opportunity for Catholic leaders – both laity and clergy – from across the Diocese of Buffalo to come together in prayer and purpose, renewing the mission of parish communities in times of challenge. The event will take place from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. at St. Stan’s Adamski Center, located at 389 Peckham St., in Buffalo.

Joshua Danis will deliver the keynote address. Danis serves as the head of Parish and Diocesan Partnerships for Hallow. He holds degrees in theology and philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has worked in Catholic radio, served in parishes, and ministered to engaged couples in the Family and Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Other presentations include: Life Beyond Bankruptcy, by Susan Windley-Daoust, Ph.D.; Finding God in a Time of Challenge and Hurt, by Father Frank DeSiano; Make Every Person Count, by Sister Louise Alff, OSF.

Breakout sessions will cover the pillar topics of Outreach/Social Justice, with Father Frank DeSiano; Stewardship, with Father Mark Noonan; Liturgy, Spiritual Life and Administration, with Father Peter Wojcik; and Forming Disciples, with Lorene Duquin.

Father DeSiano is president of Paulist Evangelization Ministries. He travels widely, conducting parish renewals (missions), presenting to Catholic clergy at convocations and retreats, and discussing the relationship of evangelization and catechesis.  His latest book will be published by Paulist Press: “Discipleship for the Future: Spirituality of the Kingdom.” He recently published: “Catholic Discipleship: Spiritual Exercises and Reflections,” and “Beyond the Pews: from Parishioners to Disciples.” 

Father Noonan serves as the pastor of the Orleans Niagara East Catholic Community, known as ONE Catholic. ONE Catholic serves both English and Spanish speaking communities across a large rural region of the Diocese of Buffalo.

Polish-born Father Wojcik is the pastor of St. Clement Parish and Pastoral Strategy Leader for the Archdiocese of Chicago. He also teaches negotiation and change management at Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University and is a member of the board of Alpha USA as well as the Vatican’s Centesimus Annus pro Pontifice Foundation. 

Duquin is a Catholic author who has worked in parishes and on a diocesan level for many years. She is the author of “The Catholic Grandparents Handbook: Creative Ways to Show Love, Share Faith, and Have Fun.”

Schedule

9:00 a.m.  Arrival & Light Breakfast 
9:30 a.m.  Bishop Bishop Michael Fisher’s welcome 

Purpose of Today – Rev. Bryan Zielenieski 
Prayer Experience – Joshua Danis 

10:30–11:15 a.m.   Finding God in the Time of Challenge and Hurt, with Father Frank DeSiano
11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.  Life Beyond Bankruptcy, with Susan Windley-Daoust
12:00–12:30 p.m.  Lunch 
12:45–2:15 p.m.  Breakout Groups  

2:30–3:15 p.m.  Make Every Person Count, with Sister Louise Alff, OSF
3:30–4:30 p.m.   Empowered for Mission: Finding the Joy of Your Call in the Universal Church, with Joshua Danis
4:30–4:45 p.m.  Wrap Up & Closing Comments, with Father Bryan Zielenieski 

Optional
5:00 p.m.  Mass
6:00–8:00 p.m.  Dinner with Bishop Fisher, Renewal Team and Some Speakers (additional fee)

This event promises concrete and practical approaches to deepen the unity of Family of Parishes, and offer specific suggestions for the six pillars. The conference is open to anyone interested in making their Family of Parishes a vibrant community.  This includes members of the pillars and parish leadership.

Registration is $35 per person for the whole day, including a light breakfast and a full lunch. Register at https://forms.gle/a7o5eHFZQAc6XbSq9  Registration deadline has been extended to Friday, May 9.