Mike Patin speaks to Vision 20/20 delegates June 6, 2019, at St. Ambrose University in Davenport during his general session, “LensCrafters Wanted.”
By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger
Mike Patin is coming back to the Diocese of Davenport in August for a series of interactive, in-person presentations. Patin, a motivational speaker and author from Louisiana, was a featured speaker at the Vision 20/20 convocation.
In separate presentations for educators, persons interested in evangelization and persons involved in religious education, Patin will help participants explore the topic of evangelization. “In my mind, all three presentations are a follow-up to Vision 20/20,” Patin said. “How do we (as) teachers and parish leaders, like the early church, spread ‘the joy of the Gospel’ as we move forward after these trying months? Whom are we called to lift up? Where are we called to speak up, show up and rise up? Where are we called to follow up?”
Ministry leaders and parish volunteers are encouraged to participate in “Lingering Effects — A ‘Convo-flectation’” Aug. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Ann Parish in Long Grove or Aug. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Parish in Mount Pleasant. Participants may choose whichever location is most convenient.
Don Boucher, diocesan director of Faith Formation and coordinator for Youth/Young Adult Ministry, said the presentation is open to anyone who “is looking for a boost, to be energized and inspired to get back to the work God is calling us to do.”
Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the pandemic personally and in relation to ministry, and explore what’s next and how to get there. Register by Aug. 13 at https://www.davenportdiocese.org/linger.
On Aug. 18, parish mentors, parish evangelization committee members and those interested in evangelization are invited to “Continue the Conversation” at St. Patrick Parish in Iowa City from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. “This will be an evening of renewal and community as we come out of this time of pandemic,” said Patrick Schmadeke, diocesan director of Evangelization. Pre-register at www.davenportdiocese.org/conversation. Those interested in attending are encouraged to take a five-question survey at www.davenportdiocese.org/evangelization-committee-survey. There is no cost to attend the presentation.
Patin also will speak at the annual educator in-services. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to celebrate Mass and meet the new diocesan Superintendent of Schools, Lynne Devaney. The educators’ event is not open to the public.
Schmadeke said evangelization may look different in a school setting versus a parish setting, but “evangelization touches on every area of ministry and faith … we want to be intentional about the way we think about how we are evangelizing.”
