President
Catholic United Financial
Michael Ahles is the President, CEO and Chair of the Board of Catholic United Financial, having served in this capacity since June 2020. He joined Catholic United in 2012 and spent his first eight years with us as Senior Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer.
Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
We are blessed to have Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda to officiate Mass on Saturday morning. On March 24, 2016, Pope Francis named Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. He was installed on May 13, 2016, in the Cathedral of Saint Paul. As Archbishop, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Saint Paul’s Outreach, a national movement based in the Archdiocese that strives to build communities that witness to the Gospel on college campuses. (Source: www.archspm.org)
Thank you, Archbishop Hebda, for attending our conference this year.
Artist, Writer, Advocate
Darling is known within the Minnesota Catholic community and beyond for his talents as an actor, writer and composer. As a key figure at Open Window Theatre in Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Jeromy has captivated audiences with his compelling performances. Additionally, Darling is the Director of Mentorship for The Redemption Project, a nonprofit organization based in Bloomington that helps mentor inmates and prepare them for employment after their release from incarceration.
“My lecture will talk about the power of stories, referencing the unique individual story of our own personal lives, the drama of Salvation that we’re all a part of, and the unique ability for stories to convert a heart. Stories are transcendent – they take us out of world, and often our comfort zone, and activate the imagination, which is a crucial part of the Christian life. To see with the eyes of faith requires enormous imagination. The evil one knows this and is working overtime in these modern times, to hijack our imagination for lesser things.”
In a world that is ever-changing, we are confronted with stressors that challenge our hopes and expectations. How can we become more resilient in the face of loss, transition and grief? Join this breakout session to understand the good news about our stress and grief and learn practical strategies to help us emerge stronger on the other side. Speaker Pat Millea is a Catholic speaker, musician, leader and business owner. Pat and his wife, Kenna, are co-founders of the Martin Center for Integration, an organization supporting the integration of mental health and faith. They co-host a podcast titled, “This Whole Life.”
Qualified Charitable Distributions, or QCDs, are the little-known charitable giving strategy that can help you appease the IRS and make a substantial gift to a parish or charity. During this session, John Tetzloff, Director of Sales for Catholic United Financial, will explain what QCDs are, who is eligible to use them and how they can offer tax-free benefits.
In 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 880,000 complaints with potential losses exceeding $12.5 billion. In the same year, total losses reported by those over the age of 60 topped $3.4 billion, an 11 percent increase from 2022. Taking appropriate measures can help protect you and your loved ones from falling victim to common schemes perpetrated by criminals. Learn more during this breakout session with Catholic United Financial Credit Union President Andrea Ferkingstad.
Conference attendees and guests are invited to attend the world-premiere of “Something So Big“, a cabaret-style performance written and performed by local artist Jeromy Darling, and commissioned by Catholic United Financial.
“Something So Big” blends elements of cabaret with an original story centered on faith and grief. Set in the future, the story follows a wealthy man in London seeking to erase the memories of his deceased daughter through the help of science. But nature and faith intervene to take this grieving father through a short lifetime of his child as experienced through her favorite memories. Through this journey, themes of faith and grief intertwine.
The 75-minute performance blends a compelling narrative story with original live music, hymns, humor, Catholic poetry, and Eucharistic theology to explore the profound question, “How could something so big be found in something so small?”
Any Benefit or Associate Member aged 16 or above, elected by their local Council or Parish Volunteer Team.
Delegates are required to attend the business meeting at the Triennial Conference on Sept. 14, 2024, and participate in virtual voting during the non-conference years of 2025 and 2026.
Delegates will receive complimentary hotel accommodation and meals at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bloomington, free entry to Friday’s entertainment, as well as a $75 stipend and mileage reimbursement.
To sign up as a Delegate, please contact your local volunteer team leaders or reach out to engage@catholicunited.org.
Yes, the public is welcome to attend the Friday performance of “Something So Big”. Tickets reservations are now closed. Email engage@catholicunited.org with questions.