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PASTORAL WEEK SPEAKER INFORMATION
History of Evangelization in the US Catholic Church – Monsignor Glenn Nelson
The story of the US Catholic Church and evangelization is woven into its history. Monsignor Nelson will share insights and milestones, including the fact that Baltimore is the site of the first Catholic Basilica in the US.
Rev. Monsignor Glenn L. Nelson, J.C.L., is the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Rockford, IL and the Director of its Deaf Apostolate. Msgr. Nelson earned a Bachelor's in Sacred Theology and a Masters of Divinity degree from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, IL in 1993. He completed postgraduate studies in 2000 at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, earning a Licentiate Degree in Canon Law. Msgr. Nelson is a member of the Board of the NCOD.
Using AI as Catholics: Best Practices for Evangelization– Sister Hosea Rupprecht, FSP
In an evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence
presents both unique opportunities and critical questions for the Church's
mission. This workshop offers an engaging exploration of AI, its role in
Catholic evangelization, and guidance for holy and ethical use of AI systems.
Sister Hosea Rupprecht, FSP, a Daughter of St. Paul, holds a Masters of Theological Studies from the University of St. Michael’s College and an MA in Media Literacy from Webster University. Sr. Hosea is a Media Literacy specialist and associate director of Pauline Media Studies based in Los Angeles. She is a speaker, author, film critic, and regular contributor to Our Sunday Visitor News on media and faith topics. For the past 25 years, she has facilitated various film dialogues for both children and adults, as well as given presentations on media and technology topics from a faith and spirituality perspective on the parish, diocesan, and national levels. Most recently, she contributes to CatholicFaithAI.com, engaging those in Church ministry venturing into artificial intelligence. Sr. Hosea enjoys crocheting pieces for donation and visits lighthouses whenever possible.
Living as Missionary Disciples - Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., D.Min
Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., D.Min. is Founding Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center and a member of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers). He is also concurrently Provincial Rector of the Pallottines of the Immaculate Conception Province and Executive Director of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men of the United States (CMSM). In addition, he is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America. Fr. Frank made his First Consecration as a Pallottine in 1986 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1994. His academic background, teaching, presenting, pastoral and administrative work are focused primarily on evangelization, spiritual formation, and pastoral practice and leadership that fosters greater co-responsibility and collaboration among all the baptized |
For more than sixty years, the official teaching of the Church has called all the baptized to go forth for Christ, especially in the Church and world. All the baptized, not a select few, are sent on mission by Christ. Witnessing Christ through word and deed and accompanying all into a deeper encounter with him in and through his Church is central to Catholic evangelization. This session, which will include interactive small groups, will offer some historical and theological context about evangelization and provide practical ways for pastoral ministers to live as apostles or missionary disciples and assist others in doing the same.Keeping God’s Light Alive in Deaf Young Adults – Kyle Murphy, MSW
Catholic Deaf young adults (CDYA) now face secular ideologies that can easily overwhelm them and disconnect them away from the faith. So, what can we do effectively to evangelize the CDYA and to guide them back to the faith? There are evangelization tools that currently work for the CDYA to maintain their Catholic faith and empower them to live their faith in their daily lives by leading and sharing their faith with their peers. These tools provide access and opportunities for catechesis and networking opportunities to build our Catholic Deaf Young Adults community.
Kyle Murphy is Deaf, originally from Louisiana, and earned a Master of Social Work from Gallaudet University. He is a proud Catholic, husband, and father, as well as a loyal Louisiana State University (LSU) football fan. Mr. Murphy has 10 years of experience providing community-based services and outpatient counseling to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals, ranging from young adults to older adults, with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. In 2024, he founded Be Lights for Catholic Deaf Young Adults and became its executive director. He also serves as a young adult leader in the Boston Deaf Apostolate and as a parish council member at St. Jude Parish in Waltham, MA.