On Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30, parish leaders from across the Diocese of Buffalo will gather at Christ the King Seminary, 711 Knox Road, East Aurora, to examine what it means to be deliberate followers of Jesus who are committed to paying it forward.  The conference will begin at 9 a.m. each day and will run until 3 p.m. on Friday and until 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Deacon Keith Strohm will be the featured speaker at the "ChurchGROWTH: Growing Intentional" conference.  Deacon Strohm, director of New Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Chicago, has traveled extensively as a Catherine of Siena Institute trainer for 11 years.  He works with parishes and dioceses helping them proclaim the Gospel, build disciples and equip lay apostles for their work in the world.

"Today, people of faith are living in a brave new world, but one filled with opportunities to give witness to the Good News," said Dennis Mahaney, director of the Office for Evangelization and Parish Life.  "Pope Francis calls on Catholics to let God's mercy transform our lives and give witness to this Good News with everyone we meet.  This is why the church exists, but it doesn't just happen.  It is the result of intentional and strategic choices by parishes who equip their people to grow as we share our faith, 24/7/365 at home, at work and in the community."

In addition to experiencing personal growth as disciples of Christ, the conference will also demonstrate how intentional discipleship can become an essential paradigm for parish success, explore opportunities to grow disciples in ways that grow the Church, build valuable partnerships with other innovators, and kickoff the ChurchGROWTH process.

For more information or to register, please contact Dennis Mahaney, Office for Evangelization and Parish Life, at 716-847-8393 or by email at dmahaney@buffalodiocese.org.