First-ever diocesan-wide conference is open to everyone

Co-workers in the vineyard work towards transforming the world, strive to build up the Body of Christ. Co-workers in the vineyard celebrate who we are and what we do, seek opportunities to learn and to share from other workers in the vineyard – the people of the Diocese of Tucson.
The idea for a Diocesan Conference ignited about two years ago as the Pastoral Center staff was dreaming of ways to better connect parishes, schools, and diocesan offices.  The staffers talked about the great Diocesan Eucharistic Congresses of the 1990’s, the professional development days the schools utilize, and the other diocesan gatherings which bring together catechists or youth ministers or liturgical ministers.
“Co-Workers in the Vineyard” is the result of those conversations:  To bring together all the people who make the Church’s mission real and present in the Diocese of Tucson through their contributions utilizing their “various gifts and ministries for building up of the Body of Christ.”
“When all the volunteers, employees, board members, faculties, service organizations, and others gather in worship, service, and witness – we are building up the Body of Christ,” said Joe Perdreauville, assistant director of the diocese’s Department of Pastoral Services.
“The goal is simple,” he said. “To present a conference, inviting all who contribute to the life of the Church, in the Diocese of Tucson, through its parishes, schools, diocesan offices, and affiliated organizations, encouraging all to a life of worship, service and witness.”
There will be three keynote presentations: Bishop Blase Cupich of the Diocese of Spokane, Matthew Kelly of The Dynamic Catholic Institute, and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas
There will be more than 75 workshops to choose from, and opportunities for prayer, Mass, and reconciliation. There will also be a Resource Expo full of resources and information for every possible ministry and role in the parishes, schools, and diocesan organizations.
As part of the Resource Expo there will be a Health Fair, and those who are in need of CEUs for their diocesan certification or renewal will receive documentation for each keynote and workshop they attend.
“This is a conference the people of the Diocese of Tucson do not want to miss,” Perdreauville said. “Come be a part of the fun and be encouraged, inspired, and enriched in your service, worship, and witness.”
“Co-Workers in the Vineyard” will be in held in downtown Tucson at the Tucson Convention Center and Hotel Arizona.  The general sessions will be held in the Arena.  For those needing overnight accommodations, the Hotel Arizona is offering $79 room rates (1-4 people) per night including free parking and breakfast.
Registration for the conference $35 per person (a $300 value).  Register online at www.workersvineyard.com. Check out the website, choose your workshops, and follow the links to register. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, Discover or mail in a check.  All the directions are on the website.
Corporate sponsorships and vendor applications are still being accepted for the Resource Expo.  Information about these opportunities can be found on the Conference website as well.