KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The Most Reverend Ramón Bejarano serves as Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey, bringing a deep commitment to evangelization, pastoral ministry, and accompanying the faithful in their journey with Christ.

Born in Texas and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, Bishop Bejarano moved to California as a young adult and was ordained to the priesthood in 1998 for the Diocese of Stockton. He later served as Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego before being appointed Bishop of Monterey in December 2025.

With a shepherd's heart and a passion for bringing people closer to Christ, Bishop Bejarano encourages the faithful to grow in holiness, strengthen their communities, and embrace their calling to serve.

His episcopal motto, “My Soul Is Thirsting for You,” reflects his desire to lead others toward a deeper relationship with God.

PRESENTATION

Details to be announced.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Lisa Cotter is a Catholic speaker and author who hosts the weekday Hallow series Hallowed Be Thy Day and creates the app’s Trivia, The Word, and Categories games.

After serving alongside her husband as a FOCUS missionary family for more than a decade, Lisa has continued to share the Faith with audiences around the world. She is the author of Reveal the Gift: Living the Feminine Genius and Dating Detox: 40 Days of Perfecting Love in an Imperfect World.

Her work has been featured on Ascension Presents, EWTN, Formed, Steubenville Youth Conferences, the SEEK Conference, and numerous other outlets. Lisa holds a master’s degree in theology and resides in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Kevin, and their four children.

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Be a Saint

What do the saints have in common, and what can their extraordinary lives teach us about our ordinary ones? Through inspiring stories of saints both familiar and unexpected, Lisa explores how their lives remind us that holiness is possible for everyone.

BREAKOUT SESSION

God's Got a Plan—But What Is It?

Authentic happiness is found in following God's plan for our lives—but in a world full of options, how are we supposed to know what God wants? In this presentation, Lisa will explore the art of discernment, offering practical guidance for recognizing God's will in our own lives and helping others discover His plan for theirs.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP, Ph.D., is a Paulist priest, composer, and pastoral theologian engaged in the global conversation on artificial intelligence and its implications for faith, Catholic social teaching, and pastoral ministry.

He earned his doctorate at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley and has presented on artificial intelligence in academic, pastoral, and ecclesial settings, including at the Vatican in 2024.

In 2026, he co-created CatholicFaithAI.org with the Daughters of St. Paul, a digital resource exploring the relationship between Catholic faith and artificial intelligence. He is also the author of The Catholic Handbook on AI, published by Liturgical Press, and serves on the Catholic Turing Test working group at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

Through his work, Fr. Manalo encourages thoughtful engagement with emerging technologies while keeping human dignity, faith, and the Church's mission at the center.

KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS

Faith Meets AI: Teaching and Formation with Catholic Wisdom

Designed for Catholic school educators, this keynote explores the implications of artificial intelligence for teaching, learning, and the formation of the whole person. Participants will consider practical approaches to discernment, academic integrity, student creativity, and critical thinking while keeping human dignity and the teacher–student relationship at the heart of Catholic education.

Faith Meets AI: Living and Serving with Catholic Wisdom

This keynote explores how artificial intelligence is shaping daily life, communication, catechesis, and parish ministry. Drawing upon Catholic wisdom, Fr. Manalo invites participants to reflect on how emerging technologies influence relationships, choices, and habits of faith while keeping human dignity, personal encounter, and Christian service at the center.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr. Gerardo “Lalo” Salazar is a Catholic theologian, educator, and speaker dedicated to evangelization, family life, and the Church's mission of forming disciples.

A Mexican-American raised in Los Angeles and San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and the son of migrant farmworkers, Dr. Salazar brings a deep appreciation for faith, family, and the dignity of every person.

He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications, a master's degree in Theology and Ministry, and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Theology. He previously served as Associate Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and has taught theology at the University of St. Thomas and Catholic International University.

Currently a consultant with William H. Sadlier, Dr. Salazar shares his passion for helping families and communities encounter Christ and live their faith through love, service, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

CONFERENCIA MAGISTRAL

Familias llenas del Espíritu: Dones que transforman, frutos que evangelizan

Esta conferencia invita a descubrir cómo los siete dones del Espíritu Santo pueden transformar la vida familiar y fortalecer a la familia como Iglesia doméstica. A través de reflexiones y ejemplos prácticos, los participantes explorarán cómo cultivar los frutos del Espíritu mediante el amor, la alegría, la paz y el servicio, convirtiendo sus hogares en testimonios vivos de la presencia de Cristo.

TALLER

Frutos que Transforman: La Doctrina Social de la Iglesia en Acción

Este taller explora la relación entre los frutos del Espíritu Santo y la Doctrina Social de la Iglesia. Los participantes reflexionarán sobre cómo vivir su fe mediante el respeto a la dignidad humana, la solidaridad, la opción preferencial por los pobres y vulnerables, y el compromiso cristiano de servir a los demás.

ENGLISH PRESENTATIONS

Families Filled with the Spirit: Gifts That Transform, Fruits That Evangelize

This keynote explores how the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit can transform family life and strengthen the domestic Church. Through faith-filled reflection and practical examples, participants will discover how to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit through love, joy, peace, and service.

Fruits That Transform: Catholic Social Teaching in Action

This workshop connects the fruits of the Holy Spirit with Catholic social teaching, inviting participants to put their faith into action through human dignity, solidarity, care for the poor and vulnerable, and service to others.

FEATURED SPEAKER

Ernesto Vega serves as Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation and Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, bringing experience in Catholic formation, pastoral ministry, and spiritual accompaniment.

He holds master's degrees from Loyola Marymount University in marital and family psychotherapy and pastoral theology, with an emphasis on spiritual direction. His areas of study include Guadalupan, Ignatian, and Toltec spirituality, reflecting his interest in the relationship between faith, culture, and personal transformation.

Ernesto has pursued additional formation in pedagogy, art, coaching, and approaches to personal and spiritual development. His background includes certifications in ontological and life coaching, neuro-linguistic programming, clinical hypnosis, and inner healing.

Through his ministry and educational work, Ernesto seeks to help individuals and communities deepen their understanding of faith, recognize their gifts, and grow in their relationship with God.

PRESENTATIONS

Session Titles: To Be Announced

Presentation titles and descriptions will be announced as additional conference details become available.

FEATURED SPEAKER

Dr. John Rinaldo is a pastoral leader, educator, and speaker with extensive experience serving the Catholic Church at the parish, diocesan, and national levels.

He is a Professor of Practice in the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries at Santa Clara University and leads Accompaniment Partners, helping ministry leaders navigate challenges, strengthen leadership, and develop sustainable approaches to pastoral ministry.

Holding a Doctor of Ministry degree in Leadership and Organizational Development, Dr. Rinaldo brings together practical theology, organizational strategy, and a deep understanding of parish life.

He is also the host of the Called to Lead podcast, where he explores leadership and the opportunities facing the Church today.

His work encourages pastoral leaders to build welcoming communities, accompany families, and develop effective ministries rooted in the mission of the Church.

WORKSHOPS

The Synodal Parish: Evolution, Not Revolution

Becoming a synodal parish does not mean starting from scratch. This workshop helps parish leaders recognize how communion, participation, and shared leadership are already present in their councils and ministries. Participants will explore practical ways to strengthen existing structures and advance the Church's mission of evangelization.

Beyond the Drop-Off: Partnering with Today's Families for Real Faith Formation

Traditional approaches to faith formation often struggle to engage today's busy families. This practical workshop explores new ways to partner with parents, strengthen family relationships with the parish, and help families incorporate meaningful habits of faith into everyday life.

Before the Water Dries: Reclaiming Baptism Prep as Parish Evangelization

Baptism preparation offers a valuable opportunity to welcome and accompany young families. This workshop explores how parishes can move beyond administrative requirements and create meaningful experiences of hospitality, evangelization, and lasting connection with the Church.

FEATURED SPEAKER

Angela Di Novella is a clinical social worker and Executive Director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey, where she leads programs serving immigrant families, low-income households, and communities affected by disasters throughout California's Central Coast.

Born and raised in Venezuela, Angela brings more than 20 years of experience in mental health, economic development, food access, restorative justice, disaster relief, and fundraising.

She serves on regional committees advancing immigrant rights and economic opportunity and has developed strong partnerships among government agencies, social service organizations, faith communities, and philanthropic partners.

Through her leadership, Angela works to put Catholic social teaching into action, responding to the needs of vulnerable communities with compassion, dignity, and a commitment to serving others.

WORKSHOP

Faith in Action: Catholic Social Teaching as a Call to Service

This workshop explores how Catholic social teaching calls us to recognize the dignity of every person and respond to the needs of our communities with compassion and solidarity. Drawing upon her experience in social services and community outreach, Angela invites participants to consider practical ways to live their faith through service, advocacy, and care for those most in need.

TALLER EN ESPAÑOL

Fe en Acción: La Doctrina Social de la Iglesia Católica como Llamada al Servicio

Este taller invita a reflexionar sobre cómo la Doctrina Social de la Iglesia nos llama a reconocer la dignidad de cada persona y responder a las necesidades de nuestras comunidades con compasión y solidaridad. A partir de su experiencia en el servicio social y comunitario, Angela compartirá maneras prácticas de vivir nuestra fe mediante el servicio, la defensa de la dignidad humana y el acompañamiento a quienes más lo necesitan.

GUEST SPEAKER

Jesse Manibusan is a Catholic singer, songwriter, storyteller, inspirational speaker, and evangelizer whose ministry encourages people to live their faith with compassion, mercy, and hope.

Of CHamoru heritage from the island of Guam, Jesse has served the Church for decades as a pastoral musician, youth minister, and faith formation leader. His ministry has taken him around the world, including international World Youth Day celebrations, National Catholic Youth Conferences, and the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress.

He holds a master's degree in Multicultural Ministries from the Franciscan School of Theology and is a composer and clinician with Oregon Catholic Press.

Through music, storytelling, humor, and heartfelt encouragement, Jesse invites people of all ages to encounter Christ and put their faith into action.

WORKSHOP

A Faith That's Alive!

Through music, storytelling, humor, and joyful participation, Jesse invites participants to rediscover a living faith rooted in compassion, mercy, and hope. This engaging experience encourages individuals and communities to deepen their relationship with Christ and put their faith into action through service, solidarity, and active participation in the life of the Church.

GUEST SPEAKER

S. Frank Fritsch is the founder and CEO of Fritsch Consulting, specializing in leadership and organizational culture development. With more than 55 years of experience, he has helped leaders build positive, successful organizations across public service, healthcare, and nonprofit settings.

Throughout his career, Frank has held senior leadership and human resources positions with major healthcare organizations and has become a recognized expert in strengths-based coaching, employee engagement, and leadership development.

He is actively involved in the Catholic community, supporting Carmel Mission's ministries and fundraising initiatives, serving on the Board of Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey, and contributing to the work of Thomas More University as a trustee.

Frank is also the author of Select a Culture of Success. His work emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership, shared values, and creating communities where people are encouraged to grow and serve.

WORKSHOP

Select a Positive Spiritual Culture

Great positive cultures don't just happen. Leaders must intentionally create environments that attract, retain, recognize, and encourage engaged individuals who want to contribute to a shared mission.

Drawing upon his extensive leadership experience, Frank explores the essential elements of building a positive, faith-based, Christ-centered culture through clarity of vision, a shared mission, lived values, and meaningful experiences that strengthen community and inspire service.

GUEST SPEAKER

Dr. Mary S. Romo is a Catholic educator, theologian, retreat facilitator, and spiritual director with extensive experience in adult faith formation and pastoral ministry.

She holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Theology and a master's degree in English and is a member of the emerita faculty at the University of San Francisco.

Dr. Romo serves as director of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at St. Ignatius Parish in San Francisco and Carmel Mission Basilica.

A frequent speaker on Scripture, Church history and tradition, and spirituality, she helps others deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and recognize God's presence in their daily lives.

WORKSHOPS — WITH ANNE GRYCZ

Spirituality and Aging

Growing older brings opportunities for letting go, acceptance, and new beginnings. This session explores the challenges, surprises, uncertainties, and joys of aging, inviting participants to discover God's grace in this meaningful season of life.

The Communion of Saints: Living the Gifts of the Spirit

What can the Communion of Saints teach us about the Holy Spirit at work in our lives? This session invites participants to reflect on the witness of the saints, both in heaven and on earth, and recognize how the gifts of the Spirit continue to shape our journey of faith.

GUEST SPEAKER

Anne Grycz is a Catholic educator, retreat facilitator, and spiritual director dedicated to helping individuals grow in faith and deepen their relationship with God.

She holds a master's degree in Values Education and is Director Emerita of the Institute for Leadership in Ministry in the Diocese of San José.

Anne has also served on the faculty of the Pierre Favre Program at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos, where she has been involved in retreat ministry and spiritual direction.

Through her experience in ministry formation and spiritual accompaniment, she invites participants to reflect on their faith, recognize God's presence in life's transitions, and embrace opportunities for continued spiritual growth.

WORKSHOPS — WITH DR. MARY S. ROMO

Spirituality and Aging

Growing older brings opportunities for letting go, acceptance, and new beginnings. This session explores the challenges, surprises, uncertainties, and joys of aging, inviting participants to discover God's grace in this meaningful season of life.

The Communion of Saints: Living the Gifts of the Spirit

What can the Communion of Saints teach us about the Holy Spirit at work in our lives? This session invites participants to reflect on the witness of the saints, both in heaven and on earth, and recognize how the gifts of the Spirit continue to shape our journey of faith.