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ARENA
WORKSHOP
Both
tracks will get to see our Arena speakers. You can choose your Convention
Workshop from the remaining 12 speakers in the meeting rooms of the
Convention Center.
Arena - Never Alone –
One Human Family
Meet and listen to Thomas
Awiapo, as he is joined by the dynamic presenter and singer ValLimar Jansen.
Together, these two powerful speakers share their stories of survival and
success: Thomas in Ghana, West Africa, and ValLimar in the United States.
Through their presence and their personal stories of hunger and hope, Thomas
and ValLimar bring to life God’s invitation to live as one human family.
Through storytelling, reflection, prayer, music and movement, Thomas and
ValLimar inspire us to embrace the knowledge that we are truly “Never Alone
and Forever Accepted!”
Thomas Awiapo
Orphaned before the age of 10,
Thomas Awiapo survived bleak poverty and hunger in his small village in
Ghana, Africa. The loss of two younger siblings to malnutrition and his
search for food at age 12 led him to school, where he eventually won
scholarships to attend college. Today, he works for Catholic Relief Services
as an international speaker and trainer for community leaders throughout
Ghana, where he lives with his wife and four children.
ValLimar Jansen
ValLimar Jansen serves the Church
as a composer, singer, storyteller, inspirational speaker and evangelizer.
She received critical acclaim for her solo albums “You Gotta Move” and
“Anointing,” winning UNITY Awards recognition in 2008 and 2010. She was
Emcee for the 2011 National Catholic Youth Conference held in Indianapolis,
and she performed with her husband, Frank, at the Loreto/Angora
International Papal Event in Italy, which was broadcast on EWTN and across
the world.
CONVENTION WORKSHOPS
A Disciples in Our Own Families
Blessed Pope John Paul II said, “When you proclaim the
Gospel, you yourselves grow as you become more deeply rooted in Christ and
mature as Christians.” Welcome to this call to serve not only in your
community but also in your own families. This workshop will focus on
providing a clear, manageable and vibrant understanding of the call to
discipleship to those who are the closest to you – your family.
Katherine Angulo
Born in Mexico and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Katherine
Angulo is fluent in English, Spanish and French. She has over 14 years of
experience in youth ministry, campus ministry and religious education
serving the Miami Archdiocese, the Diocese of Richmond, Va., and the Diocese
of Knoxville, Tenn., where she was Director of Pastoral Ministries at St.
Mary’s Church in Johnson City, Tenn. She is currently serving as Director of
Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Raleigh, N.C.
B Love – The Fundamental Vocation for Everybody
This workshop will focus on the fundamental vocation
for every human person without exception: Love. Love is for everybody. For
all the different states of life in the Church, as well as for believers and
non-believers. What does this mean? How does it happen? What happens when
this doesn’t happen? Who’s to say? Come and see.
Fr. Stan Fortuna, CFR
Fr. Stan Fortuna, a Catholic priest, is one of the founding
members of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Before he
entered the priesthood, he was a professional jazz musician, and he
continues to play bass and sing at his presentations at conferences both
nationally and internationally. In 1987, Fr. Fortuna established the
non-profit Francesco Productions to record and distribute evangelical music
and video productions with all of the proceeds benefiting the community’s
work with the poor of South Bronx, N.Y.
C Prayer Through Pop Music
Have you ever listened to a song that describes exactly
how you feel? Whether you’ve been through a break-up and played Taylor Swift
relentlessly or felt in love and listened to Jason Mraz all day, we know
that music plays a huge part in our lives. While we may think that because
these songs aren’t bluntly “Christian” they couldn’t be prayer, Jackie
Francois will share how a lot of pop music mirrors the psalms and can
actually help us to pray! Come sing, laugh and pray with Jackie, and take
away some valuable insight that will stay with you for the rest of your life
as you hear your favorite pop songs!
Jackie Francois Angel
Jackie Francois Angel is a full-time traveling worship
leader, speaker and blogger from Orange County, Calif. For the last seven
years, she has traveled around the world speaking and singing. Francois has
performed at many major Catholic and interfaith events, from World Youth Day
in Madrid to national youth conferences and various diocesan conferences.
Her CDs are “Your Kingdom is Glorious” and “Divine Comedy,” released by
OCP/spiritandsong.com.
D “LOL” – Loving Our Liturgy
Liturgy can be boring, yet it is one of the most
powerful ways we can connect with our awesome God. The boredom often comes
from a lack of understanding and recognizing where God is in all of the
words, rituals and incense. Fr. Rob Galea will share about his
coming-to-appreciation and love of the liturgy and how it played a vital
role in his freedom from anger, bitterness and addiction.
Fr. Rob Galea
Fr. Rob Galea, a Catholic priest, is currently serving as an
assistant parish priest and also as a Chaplain at Notre Dame College, both
in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. He is a singer and songwriter with an
international fan base. Apart from his series of recordings and CD releases,
Fr. Galea has also written a number of songs for various campaigns and
international conferences. He is the co-founder of Stronger, a youth program
that is quickly becoming one of Victoria state’s largest Catholic youth
movements.
E Relationships: The Good, the Bad and the Awesome
In this generation of hooking up, broken relationships
and jaded hearts, God wants to show us his plan for love, sex and
relationships. Everyone wants to love and be loved, but not everyone knows
the difference between the authentic and the counterfeit. In this workshop,
Paul J. Kim delivers a powerful message through comedy and music
(beatboxing) that not only entertains but inspires his audience to settle
for nothing less than authentic love!
Paul J. Kim
Paul J. Kim is an international youth speaker, vocalist and
beatboxer. He presents and performs full time, sharing his music and comedy.
A featured performer at the 2013 National Catholic Youth Conference (main
stage), Paul was also a speaker at the Steubenville Summer Youth Conferences
and presenter at Spirit in the City festival in London, England. His
releases include “The World Sings” and “Run Fly Fall,” both available on
iTunes and Amazon.
H High Expectations – Let’s Talk About Weed
How can a harmless, naturally grown plant, prescribed
to cancer patients, that has never killed anyone, possibly hurt you?
Impossible, right? Or is it? Here is a chance to get some 420 information
that’s made interesting. … Wow, there’s a twist. Ray Lozano will present
up-to-date facts on marijuana in such a fun way that you might just forget
you’re learning. This humorous workshop covers: the toxic truth of
marijuana; my uncle smokes and he’s OK; weed is worse than cigarettes; and
why do weed smokers get tired half way through their sentence?
Ray Lozano
Founder of Prevention Plus, Ray Lozano is a Drug and Alcohol
Prevention Specialist and trainer with a counseling background. He also has
won several awards for his stand-up comedy with the Improv Comedy Clubs.
Lozano speaks from 30 years of experience in the trenches and has spoken to
junior high, high school and community groups in every state in the country
and is now traveling internationally educating people on the effects of
drugs. He is also co-author of the book “Go M.A.D.” (Go Make A Difference).
K Dealing with Stress
Are you stressed? Does just being asked the question
stress you out? We all get stressed from time to time, but how we choose to
deal with it can really say something about us. Come to this session if you
are OK with laughing and loving God and, oh ya, totally stressed out!
Jesse Manibusan (originally scheduled with Judy McDonald)
Itinerant witness, songwriter, speaker, joy cultivator,
storyteller and evangelizer, Jesse Manibusan is co-founder, along with his
wife, Jodi, of 2by2 Ministries. With over 28 years of experience as a music
minister, catechist and youth worker, he travels throughout the United
States, Canada and beyond, with numerous appearances at the L.A. Congress,
World Youth Days, and various parish missions, Catholic schools and diocesan
events. A workshop clinician, composer and recording artist, Manibusan has
several CDs published by Oregon Catholic Press and spiritandsong.com.
M Go Make a Difference in the World
Are you inspired to get involved with local and global
issues? Young people all over the world make the difference they want to see
through their commitment to hope and service. So can you! Explore
inspirational stories of other young people called by faith to help
transform our world! Learn how you can turn your inspiration into action,
into a voice for the voiceless, into a “we” movement, leaving no one alone
and building, what Pope Francis coined at the 2013 World Youth Day, a
“culture of solidarity.”
Ted Miles
Ted Miles, a native of Baltimore, Md., has worked for
Catholic Relief Services since 2005 as the Relationship Manager for
Religious Education and Coordinator of CRS’ Youth Outreach in the United
States. Prior to joining CRS, Miles served in parish youth ministry and
Catholic high school education for over 25 years, including development of
an immersion experience for youth in the Baltimore Archdiocese. In 2009, he
received the award for leadership in youth ministry from the National
Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.
Joyce Francois
Joyce Francois has worked for years in the Office for Youth
Ministry for the Detroit Archdiocese, where she is currently Regional Youth
Ministry Coordinator. She has created a partnership between her archdiocese
and the Diocese of Riobamba, Ecuador, and has taken many groups on mission
and cultural immersion trips. Francois works primarily with youth from
churches within the city of Detroit. She leads various local presentations
and training connected to youth ministry.
P I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream
Ice cream! So many different flavors. School, family,
church – all are filled with so many different flavors of people and
sometimes it is hard to understand, get along or even appreciate others. How
do we deal with people who are different than ourselves and aren’t a
“flavor” we like? What does Jesus ask of us?
Mike Patin
Mike Patin has worked in youth ministry since 1984, spending
six years as a high school teacher and coach before working for the Catholic
Youth Organization/Youth Ministry Office for the New Orleans Archdiocese. He
was also on the adjunct faculty at Notre Dame School of Theology Seminary in
New Orleans. Since 2003, the “faith horticulturist” has been speaking full
time on the issues of Catholic faith, positive attitude and living life
fully. Among his many book titles is “A Standing Invitation.”
S Get Lifted
Today’s role models and TV shows encourage debauchery
and other risky behaviors. Most people are looking for someone to look up to
and trust, but there are few options. Well, look no further. The ELEV8 team,
a group of young artists, writers, actors, dancers, entrepreneurs and
speakers, is about to show you that you, yes you, have
everything you need to be successful and risk free in a compromising world.
Get ready to laugh and learn as the ELEV8 team takes you on a realistic
journey of today’s challenges of bullying, drugs and promiscuous sex. Learn
the tools you need to get out of the sociological and media-driven trench,
maintain your individuality, and “Get Lifted”!
Anthony Preston
Anthony Preston is an actor, musician, motivational speaker,
and creator and Executive Producer of ELEV8, a teen integrity program based
in Southern California. Preston has been a representative for hundreds of
schools and institutions since 2001 and has worked with a host of secondary
education programs and organizations, including The Right to Life League,
Upward Bound and Rachel’s Challenge. His presentations call teens to embrace
a holistic lifestyle, free of bullying, drugs and promiscuous sex.
X Where Faith and Real Life Come
Together: Living Our Faith in the World
Join Greg Wasinski as he reminds us, in his genuine and
humorous style, to “be nothing more than God created us to be.” He will help
us find the ways Jesus is present in the world and how we can share this
Good News with our friends, family, parents and, yes, quite possibly, even
complete strangers. Greg’s own examples of courage and strength will put our
relationship with God on display so that we may begin to encounter him more
deeply. You won’t want to miss this workshop to learn that we should not be
embarrassed by who we are in faith. Be proud to bring others into the
wonderful experiences we have by living a life where Christ is No. 1 and the
impact it can have on changing the world.
Greg Wasinski
Greg Wasinski is an inspirational Catholic speaker, author
and former radio talk show host from Cleveland. He has been a presenter at
many parishes, diocesan rallies and major national youth conferences, as
well as keynote at youth rallies across the country for both middle school
and high school. Wasinski is also a confirmation retreat leader (for high
schools, middle schools and adults), a Bible study lecturer and a
contributor to national resources for faith formation. He is expecting
completion of his book, “Finding Jesus in the Eucharist,” in 2014.
Z The Best Life You Can Live
Every person can experience God’s best, but most decide
for living less. Don’t be one of those people! Gain a deeper understanding
of the incredible plan God has for your life, offered through his Church.
Discover practical life-changing decisions that will empower you to live out
the full purpose of your life. Don’t settle for living “good,” when God is
calling you to be great.
Ken Yasinski
Based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Ken Yasinski is
one of Canada’s most sought-after Catholic speakers, speaking full time
since 1999. He appears regularly at countless events, including spiritual
development days for Catholic school districts, retreats, parish missions,
conferences, workshops, seminars, and high school and youth retreats. In
addition, Yasinski is founder and President of Face to Face Ministries,
songwriter/producer of Catholic worship music, and author of “The Fullness
of Purpose.”
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