It’s Lent. Programs, relationships, paperwork, phone calls,
emails, recovering from Youth Day … necessary but draining and numbing. Today’s
three-session experience isn’t about doing (youth) ministry better, it’s about a
chance to step back, slow down and take a second look at what’s been happening
within
us. (Note: This is a Friday all-day session.
Please also select Sessions 2-00 & 3-00.)
Mike Patin
Mike Patin lives in the New Orleans area. He spent six years as
a high school teacher and coach, and worked in youth ministry for 14 years, 12
of those as the CYO/Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office at the New Orleans
Archdiocese. Since 2003, he has been speaking full time across the country to
young people and adults on issues of Catholic faith, positive attitude, using
your gifts, and living life fully.
1-01 The Evangelical Essentials
- Workshop Closed
Evangelization – the proclamation of the Good News – is
first and foremost about the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. From that fact
flows the startling truth that Jesus is who he said he was: the Son of God. From
this truth comes the liberating humanism of Christian faith. When these ideas
are clearly emphasized, evangelization catches fire!
Fr. Robert Barron
Chicago-native Fr. Robert Barron first served the Chicago
Archdiocese as Associate Pastor at St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge,
Ill. Since then, he has served as Professor of Systematic Theology at the
University of St. Mary of the Lake‑Mundelein Seminary, located outside of
Chicago. His numerous articles on theology and spirituality have appeared in a
variety of journals. He also gives frequent retreats, missions and workshops.
1-02 Happy and Holy Households of Faith
- Workshop Closed
How can we offer support, affirmation and enrichment for
our parish families? In this session we will identify the strengths and
challenges of today’s families/households and discover practical ways to engage
them in learning and living their faith.
Nancy T. Bird
Nancy Bird has been involved in religious education for over 25
years as a professional Master Catechist, parish catechetical leader, youth
minister and workshop presenter. She has been a presenter at major conferences,
including the Los Angeles Congress, the NCEA, the East Coast Conference and the
New Orleans Hoffinger Conference. Currently she serves as Lead Manager for RCL.
1-03 The Power of Praise - Workshop Closed
For many years I would see other people praising the Lord
while enduring a heavy cross. I would think, “How do they do that?!” After
studying what Scripture says about the power of praise, it is clear we have an
untapped tool that exists for us as followers of Christ. Come hear what God’s
Word says about the importance of praising Him even in the darkest of times.
Renée Bondi
A Catholic speaker and recording artist, Renée Bondi travels
throughout the United States speaking and singing at Christian conferences,
church events and youth rallies. She has appeared as a guest on EWTN’s “Life on
the Rock” and on St. Joseph Radio. She has been keynote at the National Catholic
Youth Conference and special guest for many adult formation programs, sharing
her life story before and after her accident.
1-04 Songs of Faith: Our Sacramental Journey
It is within the parish community through Baptism that we
begin our sacramental journey. A journey of faith shared with many of all ages.
This workshop will present a variety of music that can inspire, unite and assist
in celebrating the Sacraments. It will also include practical ideas for using
movement and meditative prayer as an effective tool for supporting catechesis
within the “whole community.” Come join us on the journey!
John Burland
John Burland is an educator and composer of religious music for
children and adults. He is the Project Officer‑Liturgy/Music for the Catholic
Education Office in Sydney, Australia, where he conducts workshops, celebrations
and reflection days for children, families and teachers. The former assistant
principal was a classroom teacher for 14 years and has spent over 20 years as a
religious educator in school and parish communities.
1-05 When the Heart Breaks
It has been said that the world’s universal language is the
knowledge of pain. When people grieve, how can friends and community make a
difference? How do we become powerful witnesses and catalysts for the healing
process both for ourselves and others?
Paula D’Arcy
A nationally recognized speaker and retreat leader, Paula D’Arcy
is founder and President of the Red Bird Foundation, which ministers to
prisoners and women in need. The former therapist is a well-known author of a
number of books, which include “Gift of the Red Bird” and her latest on grief,
“When People Grieve.”
1-06 The Habit of Reflecting on Love, Joy, Need, Fear,
Sorrow & Anger
We all experience love, joy, need, fear, sorrow and anger.
But where is God in my experience of these emotions? Where is my God while I am
“being tossed about” in my deep experiences of love, joy, need, fear, sorrow and
anger? How can I find God as I experience such deep emotions? Fr. Bob Fabing
will explore a method of prayer which will address these questions and help us
to develop a habit of reflecting on our inner emotional life and the Presence of
God therein. Music from his new album, “Shadow of My Wings,” will help highlight
the themes he will cover.
Bob Fabing, S.J.
Fr. Bob Fabing has founded 48 marriage counseling and family
therapy centers called the Jesuit Institute for Family Life Network, with
locations in California, Oregon, Africa and Mexico. He is Director of the 36-Day
Program in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola at the Jesuit Retreat
House in Los Altos, Calif., where he lives. He is also author of four books and
composer of seven liturgical music compilations.
1-07 Globalization and Freedom for the Poor - Workshop Closed
Globalization is taken for granted, but for the poorest of
the poor the benefits are at best very mixed. Globalization has a logic but no
ethic. We need to examine the process of globalization from the perspective of
the poor and challenge the current orthodoxy which enslaves rather than frees
the chronically poor – to make poverty history.
Julian Filochowski
Julian Filochowski is a consultant in international development
and Director of the Tablet Publishing Co. of London. For 21 years he was Chief
Executive of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development and Chair of the
Caritas International HIV/AIDS Task Force. At the Catholic Institute for
International Relations he was Coordinator of Education. He has given keynotes
and lectures throughout the United States, Asia and Latin America.
1-08 What? Me Lead the Prayer? - Workshop Closed
You have prayed in many different venues and with many
different presiders. Have you noticed that sometimes the prayer is heartfelt,
effective and life giving, but other times it seems routine or even dead? In
your classroom, in rituals with children, in adult formation sessions or even
family gatherings, how can you make sure that when you craft and lead prayer, it
falls into the life-giving category? This practical session teaches tools and
tips to counteract deadness, helping you to effectively lead good prayer.
Amy Florian
Amy Florian is a liturgy and bereavement consultant with over 30
years of experience in parish ministry. She also serves as Executive Director of
Stauros U.S.A. Author of two books and dozens of articles, Florian has
presented workshops at local and national conferences, missions and retreats in
three states, and training sessions for parishes and dioceses across the
country.
1-09 Cultivating a Spirituality of Suffering
- Workshop Closed
Nothing tests our spiritual health more profoundly than the
experience of tragedy and suffering. At times like these, Christians naturally
look for answers from our Christian faith. This workshop will briefly explore
several ways in which the Christian tradition has tried to “make sense” of the
reality of suffering and evil. We will then move beyond these theological
foundations toward the cultivation of an authentic spirituality of suffering,
sketching out such a spirituality comprised of three “voices”: lament, protest
and contemplation.
Richard R. Gaillardetz, PhD
Dr. Richard Gaillardetz is the Margaret & Thomas Murray and
James J. Bacik Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Toledo in
Ohio. He has published numerous articles and authored or edited six books and
another forthcoming on the reception of several documents from the Second
Vatican Council. In 2000 Dr. Gaillardetz received the Sophia Award from the
faculty of the Washington Theological Union in recognition of “theological
excellence in service to ministry.”
1-10 Encountering Jesus, Coming to Discipleship
- Workshop Closed
In this session we will look at the call to discipleship as
it is illustrated in the New Testament. Jesus calls everyone, without exception.
The women are the most faithful disciples. We will then apply some of these
lessons to our own lives as disciples.
Anthony J. Gittins
Fr. Anthony Gittins is an author, speaker and teacher of
graduate theology. British by birth, he is a “resident alien” in the United
States and a religious member of the Holy Ghost Fathers (Spiritans). Fr.
Gittins travels widely giving retreats and teaching. The former missionary in
Sierra Leone, West Africa, works with homeless women in a shelter in Chicago,
where he currently is the Bishop F.X. Ford Professor of Missiology at the
Catholic Theological Union.
1-11 Be Not Afraid: Encountering Christ in the Borderlands
Christ’s earthly ministry begins in the borderland of
Galilee. After the Resurrection, the disciples are commanded to go to Galilee,
where they will see the Resurrected Christ. This session will explore the
cultural, theological and ecclesiological significance of the borderland as a
privileged place of encounter with the Crucified and Risen Christ.
Roberto Goizueta
Roberto Goizueta is currently Professor of Theology at Boston
College. He is past President of the Catholic Theological Society of America and
of the Academy of Theology‑Catholic Hispanics of the United States. He has
published over 50 scholarly articles and an award‑winning book, “Caminemos con
Jesús: Toward a Hispanic/Latino Theology of Accompaniment.”
1-12 Live With Intention: Practice the Sacrament of the
Blessed Present
This is a workshop for people who love life, and for people
who wish to love life but are temporarily stymied. At times we are captives to
busyness, disappointment, exhaustion and anger. We know that the higher goal of
spiritual living is not to amass a wealth of information, but to face sacred
moments – to practice the sacrament of the blessed present. To live with
intention we focus on what nourishes our soul: stories that send gooseflesh up
our arms, or what makes us love life, laugh and cry all at the same time. Let us
live with intention.
Terry Hershey
Terry Hershey lives, writes and teaches the subject of his
eighth book, “Sacred Necessities: Gifts for Living with Passion, Purpose and
Grace.” Founder of “A Few Things That Matter” Seminars, Hershey is a Protestant
minister and landscape designer on Washington’s Vashon Island, near Seattle. He
is a regular on the Hallmark TV show, “New Morning,” and speaks throughout the
country on relationships, spirituality and gardening.
1-13 Becoming the Best‑Version-of-Yourself
How can we really know the will of God in our daily lives?
In this presentation Matthew Kelly will discuss God’s dream for our lives. Just
because you’re a little lost, doesn’t mean your compass is broken. Everyday we
make hundreds of choices, small and large. Are your choices helping you to
become the best‑version‑of-yourself? In this session Kelly will also explore the
four aspects of the human person (physical, emotional, intellectual and
spiritual) and discuss how they relate to each other in our quest to live God’s
dreams for our lives.
Matthew Kelly
Over the past 10 years speaker and author Matthew Kelly has
presented talks, seminars and retreats to 2 million people in 50 countries. Born
in Sydney, Australia, he is the New York Times best-selling author of “The
Rhythm of Life,” “The Seven Levels of Intimacy” and “Rediscovering Catholicism.”
Collectively, his nine titles have been published in seven languages. Kelly has
made numerous appearances on radio and television programs.
1-14 Song, Table, Word, Home
This workshop is a time to explore the link between the
four elements of gathered prayer. We will highlight how our own gathering as
family spring‑feeds the river of prayer as community.
Tom Kendzia
A liturgical musician for over 20 years, Tom Kendzia is known
throughout the United States as a performer, composer and arranger, recording
producer, teacher and clinician. He is currently Director of Music Ministries at
Christ the King Church in Kingston, R.I. Kendzia – composer of the 2001 Congress
theme, “Clothed in Love” – has also published a number of articles and columns.
1-15 Martin Luther King Jr. and Catholic Social Teaching
Martin Luther King has become a mythic figure whose work
too often is more honored than studied. This presentation looks at King’s social
ethics, and asks: How would Catholic social teaching and engagement look if it took King’s
thinking seriously? We will examine the central ideas of King’s social message,
and see their relevance and importance for today’s Christians who wanted to live
faith-inspired lives in U.S. society.
Rev. Bryan N. Massingale, STD
A priest of the Milwaukee Archdiocese, Fr. Bryan Massingale is a
Professor of Moral Theology at Marquette University in Milwaukee and at the
Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans. He
publishes and lectures nationally on social justice issues and black Catholic
life.
1-16 Soul Formation – The Foundation for Positive
Self‑Esteem Synopsis
If the happiness, self‑esteem and character development of
your child are recurring themes in your heart, do not miss this presentation.
Participants will reflect on the core elements of positive soul formation:
security, responsible independence, initiative, industry, and genuine affection.
This presentation will feature practical advice that was gathered from parents
of children in grades K-12 who were recognized for positive self‑esteem and
character.
Patricia M. McCormack, EdD
Dr. Pat McCormack is an international presenter on formation
education issues, particularly self‑esteem and Christian character. She is
currently Director of Formative Parenting Support Services in Delaware and
adjunct teacher at several Catholic universities. Her latest book is entitled
“Positive Soul Formation – A Teacher/Parent Guide to Child Development.”
1-17 The Freedom of Water and Word
Step into the waters of Baptism and know the freedom of the
children of God. Step into the new covenant of the Word that our God writes
clearly upon our hearts. And now, all from the least to the greatest shall know
God, the God who forgives, the God who saves. Get in step and catch the music of
freedom, not the freedom of nations that comes with aggression and force, but
the freedom that comes from obedience to the Word. Come listen to the stories of
freedom, old and new, from near and far that make us want to step into freedom
together.
Megan McKenna
Megan McKenna is a theologian, author and storyteller. Her
latest books are “The New Stations of the Cross,” based on the Scriptures used
by John Paul II; an anthology, “Send My Roots Rain”; and “Christ All Merciful:
Icons.” McKenna travels in Asia, Latin America, Europe and the United States,
and has recently been named an Ambassador of Peace by Pax Christi, USA.
1-18 Sexuality, the Journey of Love
- Workshop Closed
Our culture limits its definition of sexuality to a single
act. This presentation will explain the rich tradition of the Catholic faith in
language and images understandable to adolescents and young adults. The
discussion will begin with the necessary question, “Why should we do what God
intends?”
JoAnn Paradise
Dr. JoAnn Paradise is Director of Parish Ministerial Life and
Spiritual Formation at St. Sebastian Parish in Pittsburgh. She has been a grade
school and high school teacher as well as adjunct faculty member at Duquesne
University, La Roche College and Carlow University in Pittsburgh. Dr. Paradise
is a popular retreat director and provides spiritual direction. She is also a
national consultant and textbook collaborator for William H. Sadlier.
1-19 How Do We Speak of God in the Context of Religious
Pluralism?
Our contemporary world is characterized by both unbelief
and religious diversity. How can we Christians speak of God to unbelievers and
followers of religions other than Christian in ways that build bridges to them
and are faithful to our Christian tradition?
Peter C. Phan, STD, PhD
Dr. Peter Phan, a native of Vietnam, is a priest of the Dallas
Diocese. He formerly served as President of the Catholic Theological Society of
America and is currently the Professor/Chair of Catholic Social Thought in the
Department of Theology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Phan is
author of a dozen books and 300 articles.
1-20 The Struggle for Generative Discipleship: From
Wrestling with the Devil to Wrestling with God
Classical spiritual writings make a distinction between the
problems we encounter as we move toward initial conversion and the problems we
encounter after we get there. What struggles, obstacles and temptations beset us
as we move toward a deeper following of Christ? This session will offer
principles for an adult, generative discipleship.
Ronald Rolheiser
Fr. Ronald Rolheiser is President of the Oblate School of
Theology in San Antonio. The Roman Catholic priest, a member of the Missionary
Oblates of Mary Immaculate, is a community-builder, lecturer and writer. For
most of the 28 years of his priesthood, he taught theology and philosophy at
Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. His books are popular
throughout the English-speaking world and more than 50 newspapers worldwide
carry his weekly column.
1-21 Raising Courageous and Confident Daughters
- Workshop Closed
The repeatedly conflicting messages in our culture about
women make raising girls a sometimes daunting responsibility. Our world seems to
have forgotten the profound importance of the feminine. This workshop explores
personal and cultural messages received about being female and a six-step
parenting philosophy to teach girls to become powerful women.
Steve & Patt Saso
Patt and Steve Saso are authors of “Parenting Your Teens with
TLC” and the award-winning book, “10 Best Gifts for Your Teen,” along with
parenting educational CDs. Together they educate over 50,000 parents yearly.
Patt has served as a marriage and family therapist for over 18 years and
currently is co-owner of Saso Seminars & Counseling Services. Steve has over 34
years of experience in the field of education as a high school teacher,
administrator and pastoral counselor.
1-22 Angry Words of the Bible: On Listening to Rage!
- Workshop Closed
There are many passages in the Bible that seem excessively
angry and violent. But is there a way we can listen to anger in the Bible and
develop an ear for pain in rage? Is this a skill modern Christians should learn
in this age of conflict?
Dr. Daniel L. Smith-Christopher
Born in Portland, Ore., Dr. Daniel Christopher served for two
years in volunteer peace work/research with the Quakers in Israel/Palestine from
1986-88 and maintains an active interest in peace issues, particularly the
Middle East. He serves as Director of Peace Studies at Loyola Marymount
University in Los Angeles, where he has taught since 1989. He has published
dozens of articles and reviews, and nine books.
1-23 Communicating Chastity Effectively to this Generation
- Workshop Closed
People today are faced with a raging plague of sex‑related
problems. Pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and rape statistics are at
all-time highs. Even so, today’s society encourages sexual activity, and young
people must have a compelling reason to commit to sexual abstinence. In this
session, Pam Stenzel combines her personal story and extensive pregnancy center
experience into a hard‑hitting look at the consequences of sexual activity
outside of God’s design for sex in marriage. In this session Pam tackles the
tough issues of sex and equips parents to talk to their teens about the benefits
of abstinence.
Pam Stenzel
Pam Stenzel’s career as a speaker stems from years of counseling
young girls with crisis pregnancies. She is founder of Enlighten Communications,
which promotes sexual abstinence and its benefits. Stenzel’s speaking
engagements take her domestically and internationally, and she has been a guest
on numerous national TV and radio programs, including “Hannity and Colmes,” “The
Dr. Laura Show,” and “Politically Incorrect.”
1-24 Assessing Your Parish: Taking It To The Next Level
- Workshop Closed
Parishes are at a critical moment right now. People are
hungry for an authentic, uplifting and meaningful experience of Church. But they
are also becoming disillusioned. The pastor, staff and lay leaders need to take
a hard look at what they are doing to satisfy these longings. It demands a new
way of being a pastoral leader, one that includes the wisdom and aspirations of
both the active and inactive parishioners.
Thomas P. Sweetser, SJ
Thomas Sweetser, a Jesuit priest from the Wisconsin Province, is
founder and Director of the Parish Evaluation Project. He has taught at colleges
and universities across the country. Author or co-author of six books, his
latest is “The Parish As Covenant: A Call To Pastoral Partnership.” His articles
have appeared in America, National Catholic Reporter, Commonweal, Today’s
Parish, and Church magazine, among others.
Peg Bishop, OSF
Since 1997 Sr. Peg Bishop, a member of the Sisters of St.
Francis from Tiffin, Ohio, has served as Associate Director of the Parish
Evaluation Project, based in Milwaukee. The former elementary teacher worked for
11 years as a parish Director of Religious Education and seven years as the DRE
for the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa. Her focus is to bring spirituality into the
workplace and organizational skills into the Catholic churches.
1-25 Contemporary Liturgical Issues
This workshop will provide an update and explanation of
recent developments in the liturgical life of the Church: the synod of bishops,
the Sacramentary, the Lectionary, the ongoing revision of the texts and rites,
and liturgical trends.
Bishop Donald W. Trautman, STD, SSL
In 1990 Auxiliary Bishop Donald Trautman of Buffalo, N.Y., was
named the ninth Bishop of Erie, Penn. The former seminary teacher and vicar
general in his native Buffalo Diocese also served as Pastor of Sts. Peter and
Paul Parish in Williamsville, N.Y. Bishop Trautman has served as chairman or
member of several committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and has
written extensively on liturgy and Scripture.
1-70 VIETNAMESE WORKSHOP
Rev. Francis Vu
