If you feel overwhelmed with day-to-day tasks, find yourself ministering the same way you did 20 years ago, or see the potential in people to transform into disciples for Jesus, then this conference is for you!
Register Today
*Register early for the best registration price! Early bird registration ends Dec. 1 at 5:00 pm. Regular registration closes February 16, 2027 at 6:00 pm.
Contact John Gaffney at jgaffney@dmdiocese.org for a volume discount* OR if you wish to pay by check and avoid the credit card fees.
*To encourage parish teams, receive a 15% discount per registration for 3 to 6 participants and 20% discount per registration for 7+ participants.
To register now, please click HERE.
FAQs
(Breakout session details will be added soon.)
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Early bird registrations ($190) are available through order form above through December 1 at 5:00 pm. Regular registration ($240) continues from December 1-February 16. Groups of 3-6 will receive a 15% discount for each participant. Groups of 7+ will receive a 20% discount for each participant. If you are ordering for a group OR wish to pay by check and avoid processing fees, contact John Gaffney at jgaffney@dmdiocese.org. Refunds are available up to February 15, 2027.
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| What is the programming? |
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Midwest on Mission shares how (arch)dioceses and parishes can jump start parish renewal with increased enthusiasm and love for Jesus so that we can make disciples. We are tremendously grateful for our partnership with Divine Renovation Ministry and St. Joseph Evangelization Center, and welcome representatives of other models like Evangelical Catholic and Alpha.
Sessions will feature well-known leaders in parish renewal such as Father James Mallon (Divine Renovation), Jason Kidd (Alpha) Father Mathias Thelen (Encounter Ministries), Jason Simon (Evangelical Catholic), Jim Jansen (A Clear Path) and more.
Breakouts will include real-life experiences from parishes that have begun parish renewal, as well as practical aspects of implementing change, such as:
- Creating and Casting Vision
- The Sunday Experience
- Building a Leadership Culture
- Building Pathways of Discipleship
- Prayer and Renewal
- Small Parish, Big Mission
- Multiplying Disciples
- Hospitality Strategy
- Worship and Music
- Hispanic Language/Culture, Mixed Language Culture
- Missional preaching
- Healthy Interiority
- Finance in Mission
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| Transportation: How do I get there? Is there transportation from the airport/hotels? Where do I park? |
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Flying? Arrive at Des Moines International Airport and grab a cab or Uber/Lyft to Our Lady's Immaculate Heart.
Driving? Take the 1st Street Exit on I-35 and head west. Our Lady's Immaculate Heart is on the north side of the street.
Parking is behind (north) of the church and parish center.
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| What do I need to bring? |
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Love for Jesus.
Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide us.
Openness to where the Spirit leads. Parish renewal involves change, and change is hard for people. Remain confident that the Spirit will lead your (arch)diocese or parish to opportunities for personal encounters with Jesus, both for existing parishioners and those who are not yet parishioners.
Questions for parish leadership who have walked this path and can share what change was like for them.
Members of your (arch)diocesan or parish leadership. To sow God's Spirit in the hearts and minds of people we must not rely only our clergy but look to leaders within the full Body of Christ.
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| What if I have special dietary needs? |
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When you register, there will be questions about special dietary needs. We will do our best to accommodate you.
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| What ADA accommodations are available? |
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When you register, there will be questions about special accommodations that may be needed from parking for those with disabilities, to assistance needed for those with visual, hearing, or mobility concerns.
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