Diocese of Columbus Sets Evangelization Leadership Summit for Nov. 14, Open to All

The diocese’s Office of Evangelization and Catechesis will host its sixth annual Evangelization Leadership Summit, “Called and Sent,” at Ohio Dominican University on Saturday, Nov. 14. The one-day event runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is designed to help participants explore the Church’s mission of evangelization. Although the summit has traditionally been aimed at parish catechists and evangelists, this year it is open to anyone interested in attending.

Liz Christy, the diocese’s associate director for marriage and family, said each speaker is focusing on a different Church doctrine or on a topic related to the Diocese of Columbus. She said the audience will include parish leaders and volunteers, some school staff, and parents and grandparents, along with others interested in evangelization.

Keynote speakers include Bishop Earl Fernandes, who will reflect on Pope Leo’s recent encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas”; Dr. Marlon De La Torre, senior director for the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis; Chris Burgwald, chancellor for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Dr. Amy Roberts, associate professor of theology and catechetics at Franciscan University. Father Michael Hartge, the diocese’s vicar general and Moderator of the Curia, will provide an update on the diocese’s pastoral planning process. A keynote in Spanish will be given by Paco Gavrilides, adjunct professor of theology at Franciscan. Christy said the diocese is working with Hispanic and multicultural ministry offices to provide opportunities for evangelization, growth and learning for the Hispanic community.

Exhibitor booths will be open at lunchtime, and attendees will have time to socialize and network during the break. The afternoon will feature breakout sessions led by Jack Dreher, the diocese’s mental health ministry coordinator; Deacon Dave Bezusko, senior director for the diocese’s Vicariate of Catholic Social Doctrine; Angela Patch, eastern regional director for NET Ministries; and Jason Spoolstra, associate director for the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

De La Torre’s keynote will focus on St. Juan Diego (1474-1548), who received apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe in 1531 on Tepeyac Hill, near modern-day Mexico City. According to the article, Our Lady asked that a shrine be built at Tepeyac, where she would pour out graces on those who invoke her. The diocese is preparing several initiatives leading up to the 500th anniversary of the Guadalupe apparitions in 2031, and the summit ties those plans to Juan Diego’s role of being called and sent. Recalling the faith handed down through earlier generations, as the summit’s focus on this saint invites, is itself a lasting task (Psalm 78:4).

De La Torre described Juan Diego as a disciple, evangelist and catechist who was afraid and stunned, and who initially did not fully understand the message he was entrusted with, yet faithfully carried it on. De La Torre said the presentation will explore what happens when people want to run away from God’s call and whether fear or faith takes over. He also encouraged the faithful, as Juan Diego did when he delivered Our Lady’s message to the local bishop, to bring Christ to others. “I think that’s what our Lord expects of us when we see Him, when we encounter Him: ‘What will you tell others about Me?'” he said.

A committee headed by De La Torre was organized to plan diocesan processions, workshops, formation series and events in the years before 2031. De La Torre said he expects pilgrimages to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City will be offered, along with celebrations at the Columbus Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Star of the New Evangelization parish. Those interested in registering for the summit can visit the diocese’s website for the Evangelization Summit on November 14, 2026.

Source: Read the original report