Acclaimed Catholic speaker Mike Patin leads a presentation at The Bruce in Hopkinsville on Dec. 3, while participating in the Diocese of Owensboro’s annual evangelization gathering for parishes. RILEY GREIF
Parish staff and pastors encouraged to hold on in Christ at Dec. 3 gathering
BY ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
On Dec. 3, 2025, the Diocese of Owensboro hosted its ninth annual evangelization gathering for pastors, parish staff, and volunteers at The Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
The gathering featured acclaimed Catholic speaker, Mike Patin, who spoke on “Hope, Health, and Holding on in Christ.” Simultaneous Spanish translation was provided for those who requested it.
The day also included morning prayer, led by the diocese’s newest priest, Fr. Conrad Jaconette; opportunities for fellowship and sharing; and lunch. New this year was an expo area in the lobby, where diocesan offices were set up to greet guests and advertise their various ministries. The six parish locations that served as Jubilee of Hope pilgrimage sites in 2025 were also honored and presented with commemorative plaques.
This year, 275 people registered, with 52 priests and deacons and six religious sisters. Fifty-one parishes were represented, as well as the staff of Brescia University, Holy Name of Jesus School in Henderson, the Newman Centers at Murray State University and Western Kentucky University, and Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center.
Fr. Basilio Az Cuc, parochial vicar of St. Thomas More Parish in Paducah, participates in morning prayer on Dec. 3, 2025, during the Diocese of Owensboro’s annual evangelization gathering. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Parishioners of St. Michael Parish in Sebree visit booths in the lobby of The Bruce in Hopkinsville before the diocese’s annual evangelization gathering, which was held Dec. 3. RILEY GREIF
Bishop William F. Medley speaks on Dec. 3, 2025 at The Bruce in Hopkinsville, during the Diocese of Owensboro’s annual evangelization gathering. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Originally printed in the January 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
