Workshops Utah Catholic Conference

Friday, Sep. 05, 2025

SALT LAKE CITY — This year the Utah Catholic Conference, with the theme “The Road of Hope,” will present more than 30 workshops in English and in Spanish on a variety of topics.

The conference, which will be Sept. 20, is geared toward adults. A separate gathering for youth will be held the same day.

“The workshops fall under one or more of the following categories: faith formation, marriage and family life, stewardship, vocations, youth, young adults and liturgy,” said Crystal Painter, director of the diocesan Office of Family Life, who is in charge of organizing these workshops.

Among the workshop topics are Christian formation of the laity, discovering the personal love of Christ through lectio divina, how to build and maintain a relationship with teenagers in the home, spiritual welfare and mental health, creating youth programs in the parish and saints of hope.

These sessions will offer a “unique opportunity for personal growth and learning – from a brief history of the Catholic Church in Utah to engaging parents and families in catechesis, from cultivating passionate parish volunteers to welcoming Catholics with disabilities to full participation in their faith,” states the invitation to the conference.

All the workshops align with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan and “seek to provide comprehensive faith formation, which is our number one priority as a diocese,” Painter said.

The Pastoral Plan, released by Bishop Oscar A. Solis in 2018, has five overarching goals: faith formation, vocations, stewardship, Eucharist and Catholic identity, and the dignity of the human person. Parishes are continuing to enact the Pastoral Plan, as are diocesan offices. 

“Each of the workshops offers an opportunity for growth in our faith, and an encounter with Christ,” said Painter, who invites all adults from the diocese to attend the conference.

The day will begin with Mass celebrated by Bishop Oscar A. Solis, followed by a keynote address. The keynote speaker in English will be Mark Hart, a best-selling author and radio host. Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ, director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, will give the keynote address in Spanish. There will be one workshop session in the morning and two in the afternoon. 

“One of the hardest things about having so many wonderful workshops and only three sessions is having to choose which ones to attend,” Painter said, adding that with the abundance of presenters and a variety of topics,  “I would recommend picking one that will help you grow in your faith, one that will teach you something new, and one that just sounds fun or interesting. It’s good to find opportunities to step out of our comfort zones and grow closer to Jesus in new ways.”

Those planning to attend the conference might consider asking themselves what workshop Christ is calling them to so that they can grow in relationship with him, Painter said. “This conference is also a wonderful opportunity to learn new ways to evangelize and serve in your role at your parish and school community,” she said.

Painter also suggested the attendees have some fun and check out a workshop on a topic they might not normally pick. “What workshop sounds fun and interesting?” she asked. “You truly can’t go wrong with our great line-up: learn about building up marriages, enriching Catholic classrooms, and living as missionary disciples. Explore the necessity of leisure and laughter in our faith-filled lives, how to navigate severe illness and mental health concerns, connect with our Mother Mary, and much more. Register now and prepare to be inspired.”

The Utah Catholic Conference “is a true gift to people of all ages, stages and walks of life,” Painter said. “No matter where you are in your faith journey, or what role you serve at your parish or school, this is for you. We are truly blessed that our bishop has provided this amazing opportunity for all Catholics in Utah to experience faith formation and fellowship.”