Parish Leader Convocation
Each September, the Convocation kicks-off the start of the parish catechetical year, serving as commencement and development for all Parish, Catechetical, and Ministry Leaders, as well as catechists and volunteers, ahead of Catechetical Sunday. Leaders and volunteers gather for Mass with our Bishop, keynote speaker, resources, and community, so as to set and receive vision as the Fall begins.
Save the Date for the next Parish Leader Convocation on
Saturday, September 6, 2025
St. John Neumann Church, E. Freetown
9 AM – 2:30 PM
2025 Keynote Speaker: Jim Beckman
Jim Beckman serves as the Executive Director of ImpactCenter, a Catholic apostolate dedicated to ministering to ministry leaders in the Church. He is the former Executive Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Jim has been involved with Diocesan and parish ministry, evangelization and leadership development for many years. A graduate of Franciscan University and the Augustine Institute, Jim has served in various roles of leadership for national, regional and local ministry, including at the Augustine Institute. He is a dynamic and passionate speaker, a leading Catholic voice on Generation Alpha and has a great love for the Catholic Church. He has built solid and thriving ministry programs in numerous parishes and Dioceses over the years. He and his wife, Meg, live in Littleton, CO with their five children.
Cohorts & Coaching
Parish leaders can join cohorts spanning catechesis, youth ministry, RCIA, and marriage. These groups of leaders meet throughout the year for ongoing networking, idea sharing, support, and prayer with colleagues and Secretariat staff. To get connected with a group, contact the persons listed below. Additionally, individual check-ins and support are regularly offered, especially to new personnel.
Attleboro Deanery Catechetical Leaders:
Email Elaine Corvese – transfigurationreled@gmail.com
Fall River & Taunton Catechetical Leaders:
Email David Carvalho – dcarvalho2@dioc-fr.org
New Bedford Catechetical Leaders:
Email Beni Costa-Reedy – beni@stmarysdartmouth.org
Cape Cod Catechetical Leaders:
Email David Carvalho – dcarvalho2@dioc-fr.org
RCIA & Adult Formation Leaders:
Email Dcn Chris Paul – cpaul@dioc-fr.org
Youth Ministry Leaders:
Email Oscar Rivera – orivera@dioc-fr.org
Catechetical Materials
The USCCB publishes and updates a “conformity list” of catechetical materials, which have been found (or are under review) to be in conformity with the Catholic Church’s teachings. Click below to access their recent list
Parishes can review a list of publishers on the Parish Resources page.
Our team aids parishes discern and select the right models, methods, and materials for, in keeping with the Vatican and USCCB’s vision and guidance for Evangelizing Catechesis. Email dcarvalho@dioc-fr.org or cpaul@dioc-fr.org to start a conversation.
Media & Communications
The Secretariat releases a weekly e-update with upcoming items, updates, and resources.
Additionally, our Youtube Channel features over 22 hours of content, including webinars, trainings, interviews, and more.
EquipCatholics
An online community platform for parish leaders and volunteers, EquipCatholics provides individuals with a central location for resources, discussion forums and groups, the ability to share materials and best-practices, participate in virtual gatherings and webinars, and take online courses.
Planning Guide
Our planning guide provides you with background, steps, prompts, and resources to help you in your planning process.
The guide speaks to areas of baptism preparation, family and children’s ministry, ministry to young people, and adult and RCIA ministry.
Parish Resources
Below is a resource packet on how parishes can utilize social media and bolster hospitality efforts to welcome individuals back.
For questions or to request help, contact: David Carvalho – dcarvalho2@dioc-fr.org