Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Diocese of Lincoln will host its 2025 Diocesan Communications Workshop on October 16 at St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln. The event, scheduled from noon to 3 p.m., will feature a keynote address by Katie Pesha, founder of KP Consulting Group in St. Louis, who will speak via Zoom.

Pesha has experience in both national and Catholic communications. She began her career at USA Today as the national director for higher education programs and later served as executive director of communications and planning for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. In that role, she managed marketing, interactive media, community relations, publications, and pastoral planning for the archdiocese. Since founding KP Consulting Group in 2016, she has focused on Catholic marketing and communications efforts. Pesha also participated in the Church Communications Ecology Program through the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame.

“Katie has great insight into ways to help Catholic organizations improve their communications efforts,” said Dennis Kellogg, director of communications for the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln. “I spent a week with her and her team as part of a workshop and came away with great ideas and a better perspective on the work we do. I know those attending this year’s workshop will benefit from her expertise.”

This is the second annual Communications Workshop organized by the Diocese of Lincoln’s Office of Communications. Last year’s inaugural event drew more than 60 employees and volunteers from diocesan parishes, schools, and organizations.

The free workshop is open to anyone involved with communications or media for a diocesan entity. It includes lunch, Pesha's keynote address, updates from diocesan leadership, and discussions about best practices in communication and marketing within the diocese. The diocesan communications team will also present upcoming plans and explain how local groups can share their stories through diocesan platforms such as the Southern Nebraska Register and social media channels.

“We found last year this was a great opportunity to bring together those in communications and marketing in the diocese for professional development and talking through challenges and opportunities with their peers,” Kellogg said. “One of the biggest benefits is getting to meet the people who are doing the same work they’re doing, discussing common issues and knowing those people are just a phone call away if you have questions.”

There is no fee to attend; however, registration is required by October 9 at https://lincolndiocese.regfox.com/07-dio-free-communication-workshop.