Who will have Faith? The New Evangelization in a Rapidly Changing Culture.
Jeff Kaster, Ed.D. Donelle Poling
The face of the church is changing rapidly. It is quickly becoming browner, poorer, and more feminine. What cultural shifts are impacting the future of Catholicism? How will faith practices be different in twenty years? Please join us to discuss how changes in our culture are influencing our practices of faith. We will explore the new evangelization of Pope Francis and his call to Missionary Discipleship and the implications of this for the future of the church. Finally we will explore the seeds of hope flowing from insights gained from our ministry with the young church.
Dr. Jeffrey Kaster is the Director of the Youth in Theology and Ministry program and an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. Last summer he explored these issues in a graduate theology course entitled, “The New Evangelization in the Secular Age.” Jeff Kaster is married with three children and lives in St. Cloud, MN. He completed a BA in English and secondary education and an MA in Theology (scripture) from Saint John’s University. He completed a doctorate of education from the University of Minnesota.
Ms. Donelle Poling is the Associate Director of Youth in Theology and Ministry at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. She has served as a Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Catholic Church for over 20 years. Her ministry focus is working with high school and college age young adults inviting them to discipleship and a life of living out Gospel values in our world through prayer, service, learning and justice. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology and Psychology from the College of St. Benedict and a Masters of Arts in Theology and Pastoral Ministry from Saint John’s University. Most recently, she graduated from the first cohort of the Living School of Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM. She resides in Richfield, MN with her husband and two children.
Register Now!
Dates & Locations
Friday, September 14, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Emmaus Hall, 31802 County Road 159 Collegeville, MN 56321
Thursday, October 4, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. - Church of Saint Mary, 421 Hawthorne Street, Alexandria, MN 56308
Friday, November 16, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Emmaus Hall, 31802 County Road 159 Collegeville, MN 56321
Theology Day is a chance for people in our communities who are seeking a deeper understanding of their faith and its place in their everyday lives to learn from and interact with the theologians of Saint John's School of Theology·Seminary. It offers a chance for these scholars to gain insights and grow in their faith, as well.
A typical Theology Day consists of registration and refreshments, followed by a period of conversation/presentation/lecture. The conversation then continues as participants are given a chance to continue their discussions with one another. Morning presentations at Emmaus Hall are followed by a complimentary lunch for all participants, and most evening sessions include refreshments.
There is no fee for Theology Day, but registration is required. Free-will offerings and gifts to support the mission of the School of Theology·Seminary are gratefully accepted.
For more information, contact our Development Office at 320-363-3560 or [email protected].