Breakout Sessions – United Conference 2021

Be sure to sign up for your Saturday afternoon breakout session at the bottom of this page!

BREAKOUT SESSIONS - Topics & Speakers

Navigating Difficult Conversations - Michelle Braden (Recommended for Adults)

Nobody loves them. I don’t know if anyone ever becomes expert at “doing them well”. But there are no more important conversations to have than the difficult ones. Bring your experiences to join to that of the group. Together we are wise.

Michelle Braden
Michelle Braden has been the coordinator of Youth and (recently) Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Regina for the last 10 years. She spent the decade previous to that, working in parish youth ministry and working with students with behavioral challenges. At home, she enjoys life with Ron, her husband of 40 years and her 3 married kids and their families.

Insights into personal prayer - FacetoFace Staff (Recommended for Youth)

Dialog with some of the FacetoFace staff who share the joys and struggles of their prayer life. Come and learn some tips and tricks how to improve your personal prayer life too.

FacetoFace Staff - Maria Gursky, Daniel Pashula, Ryan Mitchell

Scriptural Art - Kaitlyn Thorimbert & United Core Team (Recommended for youth)

God’s word is powerful. His truth can transform us. Come spend a little time letting the Lord speak to your heart as we unpack scripture & allow him to inspire us in our creative gifts (we all have them!). Create a tangible reminder of the words that spoke to you so that you can go home, be reminded of, and proclaim the Gospel message. Slow down, create, & come hang out with your friends as we encounter His Word in new ways!

Kaitlyn Thorimbert & United Conference Core Team

Born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Kaitlyn came to know Christ in new depths and heights at her first Ignite – during the summer following grade 11 - and hasn’t looked back since. Now an active volunteer in the FacetoFace mission for the last 6 years, Kaitlyn has & continues to grow with the Lord through the witness of those she encounters in her role within relational ministry. She has loved calling Saskatoon home & is forever changed by her students and work kiddos (ask her about them sometime!) whose lives have been such a gift to be apart of.

The need for spiritual mentors and where to find them - Colm Leyne (Recommended for everyone)

We all need mentors. Even LeBron has a coach, and so did the saints. Looking to the examples of Mary and Joseph, and beyond, this session will discuss why it is important to have multiple spiritual mentors in your life who are encouraging and challenging you to heaven. There is a path to be walked together.

Colm Leyne
Colm has eighteen years of experience (paid and as a volunteer) in youth ministry. Including 3 years working at a parish in Calgary, 10 years coordinating Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Saskatoon, and now serving in Youth Ministry at Saint Anne’s Parish since June 2019.
Married to Sharon since 2009, they have a daughter and two sons. He dreams of visiting all major Marian shrines, and is an avid sports fan, especially of the Montreal Canadians.