Joe Paprocki, DMin
Keynote and Workshop Speaker

Joe Paprocki, DMin, the National Consultant for Faith Formation for Loyola Press, has been in pastoral ministry for over 40 years, has authored over 20 books (including his most recent, Preparing Hearts and Minds: 9 Simple Ways for Catechists to Cultivate a Living Faith), and has presented in over 150 dioceses in the United States and Canada. Joe received his Masters Degree from the Institute of Pastoral Studies (Loyola University of Chicago) and his Doctor of Ministry Degree from the University of St. Mary of the Lake (Mundelein Seminary). Joe blogs about his catechetical experiences and insights at www.catechistsjourney.com.

Cardinal Thomas Collins
Archbishop of Toronto

Born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Cardinal Thomas Collins was ordained a priest in 1973. He considered other paths but was inspired by a high school English teacher who suggested he should consider the priesthood.

He earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in English, later pursuing theological training in Rome. Specializing in the Book of Revelation, he earned his licentiate in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and a doctorate in theology from Gregorian University.

He was named Bishop of St. Paul, Alberta in 1997 and Archbishop of Edmonton in 1999. Pope Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop Collins as Archbishop of Toronto in December 2006. On February 18, 2012, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals in Rome. Cardinal Collins was one of 115 cardinal-electors to participate in the 2013 conclave in Rome, where Pope Francis was elected to succeed Pope Benedict XVI.

Michael Ruzicki
Workshop Speaker

Michael Ruzicki is the training and events manager at Liturgy Training Publications and Director of Sacred Music and Liturgy at St. Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (Chicago).  Previously, he served as a parish pastoral associate and diocesan coordinator of adult and sacramental formation in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Michael is a former team member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. He is the author of Guide for Training Initiation Ministers: An Introduction to the RCIA (LTP, 2018). Michael studied at the Catholic University of America and the Washington Theological Union.

David Dayler
Workshop Speaker

David Dayler worked as an educator, parish minister, adjunct faculty at St. Michael’s University, retreat facilitator, faith formation consultant, program coordinator in the Diocese of Hamilton. David holds a Masters of Theological Studies from St. Michael’s University, University of Toronto. He recently retired as the Director of the Discipleship & Parish Life Office for the Diocese of Hamilton and is now the Director of Catechesis at St. Ann’s Parish in Ancaster. He is the co-author of Gifted by God, a Confirmation Preparation program and DVD retreat resource, published by Novalis. His first book, Being a Man After God’s Own Heart addressing issues of men’s spirituality is a popular parish resource and has been featured on Salt & Life radio as well as in The Saint Anthony Messenger magazine. His latest book, Sharing Our Stories; Sharing Our Faith, a resource for grandparents came out in 2017. Married to his wife Linda for 50 years they have three grown sons and three beautiful grandchildren.

Linda Dayler, DM
Workshop Speaker

Linda Dayler began her career as a Registered Nurse and with extensive experience spanning over 45 years in health and social services. She retired in 2018 from her position as the Executive Director of Catholic Family Services of Hamilton after 15 years.  Currently, she is the Coordinator of the Ministry of Care Minister at St. Ann’s Parish in Ancaster. 

Linda has a BA in Sociology and Gerontology from McMaster University, Master’s in Public Administration from Queen’s University, and a Doctorate in Management and Leadership from the University of Phoenix.  The focus of her dissertation was based on the spiritual model of leadership with an emphasis on Catholic Identity through Leadership.  She has a certificate in Liturgy and Pastoral Care from Newman Theology College and certificates in Thanatology and Palliative Care from Durham College.

In 2013 she received the Hamilton Women of Distinction Award for Lifetime Achievement and in 2016 she was awarded the Diocesan Medal of Honour for her dedication to Catholic Health and Social Services and in 2018 she was a recipient of a Bene Merandi Medal from Pope Francis for her service to the Catholic Church and the community.

A Selected Panel of Pastors and Laity
Workshop Speakers

In consultation with selected pastors and laity, we will be holding a series of meetings to examine the important issues around restoring parish vitality in a post-pandemic world. From these meetings will flow the creation of a selected panel to share with 2021 Parish Ministry Conference participants the fruits uncovered. This is the beginning, not the end. This important conversation will then continue with conference participants with the goal being to help us all chart a path forward to restore parish vitality in a post-pandemic world.