OUR PURPOSE
We form, equip, and coach parish evangelists for ministry in their parishes.
HOW WE SERVE
Our Parish Evangelization Support Team seeks to provide opportunities for Parish Evangelists that will enable them to encounter Jesus Christ, to grow as a community, and to open space for the Holy Spirit to renew parish evangelization structures. We do this through three key areas of responsibility.
Leadership for Mission Series
As part of Phase I Beacons of Light, we invite you to our second set of team-building days created just for your parish family staff.
CALLED AND GIFTED WORKSHOP: Discerning the unique spiritual gifts of your Team
This workshop, presented by the Catherine of Siena Institute, will provide the opportunity for your Family of Parishes to discern your charisms (spiritual gifts) and begin to discern God’s call.
Dayton | Monday, April 17
Cincinnati| Tuesday, April 18
Build the Fire Workshops
Build the Fire is a two- day workshop on “Strategic Planning for Parish Evangelization” – from youth to adults. These days are built to intentionally help you both experience and begin to dream about what ministry and efforts in evangelization could look like, as well as discussion on practical application. All Parish Evangelists are welcome!
Cost: $15/day
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; 6245 Wilimington Pike, Centerville, OH, 45459

Day 1: Tuesday, February 7; 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Optional happy hour from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Day 2: Wednesday, Febraury 8; 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Optional happy hour from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Please note: we will invoice your parish based on your selections
Missio Days
Join us at Missio Days! These regional gatherings look to offer opportunities for Mission for Communion: shared life, prayer, and an emphasis on specific formation for the common mission of evangelization at parishes. The theme being explored this year is Pastoral Care in the areas of Hospitality, Empathetic Listening, and Sacraments. These events are open to all parish evangelists.
March Missio Days have been canceled.
Retreats
Re-Ignite Retreat
Monday, October 10th – Tuesday, October 11th at Maria Stein Spiritual Retreat Center
Open to all Parish Evangelists, come away for a 2-day, 1-night retreat. Allow yourself the opportunity to rest, encounter the Lord anew, renew old friendships and form new ones, and allow our team to care for you. The retreat will include time for personal prayer and reflection, silence, engaging talks, praise & worship, small group conversation, spiritual direction, daily Mass, Reconciliation, evening social with bonfire, and more! The theme for this year’s retreat is Share in the Master’s Joy! We will be unpacking how we can find and safeguard our joy in vocation, the Cross, and in ministry.
Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. Light hospitality provided. Retreat ends by 4:00 p.m. Individual rooms with bedding and towels provided.
Cost: $28 (non-refundable to reserve spot). Space is limited.
Advent Retreat
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 • 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Maria Stein Spiritual Retreat Center
Parish Evangelists are invited to take a break from the business of the Advent Season and Contemplate the Face of Christ Through Mary. The day will include an opportunity for Confession, Adoration, personal reflection time, and Mass. Our guest speaker will be Sr. Karolyn Nunes, Vocations Director for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George Community. Cost is $20 and includes lunch.
Lenten Retreat For Parish Leaders
A God Who Hears His People
Parish leaders – priests, deacons, staff, parishioner leaders – are encouraged to join us for a day of personal reflection and healing around the changes in parish structures by creating a space of listening, hospitality, and encounter with the Holy Spirit. The day will be hosted by Josh Danis (Alpha in a Catholic Context) and the Center for the New Evangelization, in conjunction with the Office for Parish Vitality.
The cost for the day is $10 and includes lunch.
Empower Training
EMPOWER is a day of prayer, practical training, and community for those who serve young people, grades 6-12. Hosted by Life Teen, the workshops will be provided for both new and veteran ministers. Please see the tabs below for a flyer and to register.
When: Sat, Aug 20, 2022
Where: Dayton, OH
St. Paul Catholic Church
1000 Wenger Rd, Englewood, OH 45322
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Cost: $55 by July 31st (Lunch Included)
$70 after July 31st
$85 On-Site
Questions? Email Shane Legg at slegg@catholicaoc.org
REGIONAL CATECHETICAL TRAININGS
These days will offer workshops for catechists/core members working with K-12. We encourage DRE/YM’s to bring their volunteers for a time of prayer, fellowship, and training for another year of ministry and serving. Save these dates!
St. Michaels (Ft. Loramie) – Wed, Aug 10th from 6-9 p.m.
DRE/YM can register their volunteers by adding them to the google sheet. No cost for this event.
Dayton (location TBD) – Sat, Sept 17th from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Evangelization Pathway with Alpha 2023
Interested in learning more about Alpha? The CNE is partnering with Alpha to offer you events to learn more about this apostolate, which offers content and guidance for churches, ministries, and individuals to create a space for honest and open conversations about life’s biggest questions. Learn more about Alpha.
Upcoming Alpha Events
Missio Days
Regional Network Groups
EMPOWER is a day of prayer, practical training, and community for those who serve young people, grades 6-12. Hosted by Life Teen, the workshops will be provided for both new and veteran ministers. Please see the tabs below for a flyer and to register.
When: Sat, Aug 20, 2022
Where: Dayton, OH
St. Paul Catholic Church
1000 Wenger Rd, Englewood, OH 45322
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Cost: $55 by July 31st (Lunch Included)
$70 after July 31st
$85 On-Site
Questions? Email Shane Legg at slegg@catholicaoc.org
CNE Appreciation Banquet | February 4, 2023
Please join us as we recognize the incredible work of parish evangelists in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. This is a free, semi-formal event for our evangelist. Guests are $45. Invitees will have received an invitations by mail. Cocktail hour begins at 5:00 p.m. and dinner and awards will begin at 6:00 p.m.
CONTACT US


Contact me for:
- Guidance for evangelization efforts
- Formation of parish staff and volunteer leaders
- Renewal of your Adult Ed initiatives
Bio: As a member of the Parish Support Team, my job is to accompany parish leaders and offer them formation and support so that they can grow in their identity as missionary disciples and be catalysts for renewal in their parishes. I also develop content for our blog and for the Catholic Telegraph, and give talks at retreats, conferences, workshops, and in-service days throughout the Archdiocese. What I love about my work is that I am encouraged to use the gifts God gave me, I get to have a real impact in people’s lives, and I get to work alongside people who value and support me.
A Little About Me: I’m from Owensboro, Kentucky (Go Cats!). I have a twin brother who is a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Louisville, KY. I met my wife, who’s from Maine, on a website for fans of Catholic Hip Hop. I like my food as spicy as you can possibly make it.
Favorite Saint: St. Michael the Archangel
Favorite Bible Verse: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were no people but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.” (1 Pet 2:9-10)


Contact me for:
- Onsite training and formation for your youth evangelization team
- If you have questions about Athletics
- Youth evangelization questions regarding the Dayton area specifically
Bio: As the Assoicate Director for Youth Evanglization, my role is to assist with training and development for youth evangelists, mainly in the Dayton area. I also oversee the parish athletic programs for the Archdiocese.
A Little About Me: I have been married to my wife, Jenna, for just over 5 years, and have 13 and 10-year-old (foster) sons. I previously worked in youth ministry at the Catholic Communities of Northwest Dayton for over 7 years, while also serving on the Greater Dayton CYO Executive Board.
Favorite Saint: St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Favorite Bible Verse: “For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.” – Romans 5:10


Contact me for:
- Questions about young adult ministry or events
- Sharing ideas about new apostolates for and by young adults
- Ideas to engage young adults in your parish
Bio: The Office for Young Adult Evangelization and Discipleship meets young adults along the Way, gives them opportunity for healing and walks with them into discipleship. I help establish young adult apostolates throughout the Archdiocese and host regular community-building events that lead to small group opportunities for conversion and one on one apprenticeship in discipleship. The best part about my job is being able to spend time getting to know people on a very personal level and to inspire them to be who God has created them to be.
A Little About Me: I grew up in a small town (just like John Cougar Mellencamp) and after graduating from New Bremen High School in 2000, I spent one year of formal discernment at the Pontifical College Josephinum. I later graduated from Xavier University and have been working with the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center since 2007. My wife Marianne and I have been married for 16 years and are blessed to be the parents of 7 children. I love to spend time with my wife and children by baking, cooking, and even carving watermelon. I also enjoy running (when I get the chance), playing guitar and reading (when I’m not about to fall asleep).
Favorite Saint: St. Joseph – always inspiring me to be a better father
Favorite Bible Verse: Therefore, take these words of mine into your heart and soul. Bind them at your wrist as a sign and let them be a pendant on your forehead. Teach them to your children, speaking of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. Deuteronomy 11:18-19