In this keynote, Dr. Ansel Augustine, along with The
Psalm 119 Step Team of the New Orleans Archdiocese, will help us look at who
we are as children of God. We will learn how to look at life, especially
when we face challenges. God is always “in step” with us, and we must
remember that no matter what we face, we already have victory in Christ and,
therefore, we are called to live in hope.
CHOOSE ONE SESSION FROM A-G
A BEYOND BORING: READING THE BIBLE FOR A CHANGE HALL B
Reading the Bible can seem boring, intimidating or
pointless. So why would God give us the Scriptures? What does He want
you to take from His Book, does it really matter to your life, and why
should you care? Come laugh and learn with Mark Hart, as he dispels the
myths, gives practical advice and, basically, kicks the devil in the face.
Mark
Hart
Mark Hart is Executive Vice President for Life Teen
International. The best-selling and award-winning author and co-author of
over a dozen books has traveled the globe speaking to millions. Hart is a
regular guest on several Catholic radio programs, a co-host on SiriusXM
Radio, and producer of a weekly podcast for Life Teen. He has a popular DVD
Bible Study series “T3” and “Altaration.” His latest books include “Behold
the Mystery” and “Zealous: Following Jesus with Guidance from St. Paul.”
B “I DON'T BELIEVE IN GOD; I BELIEVE IN SCIENCE”
CONVENTION 210
“I don’t believe in God; I believe in science,” states
Esqueleto, Nacho’s tag team partner in the movie “Nacho Libre.” Was
Esqueleto right? Must we choose between science and faith? Science and
modern atheists present believers in God with real challenges that can feed
our natural questions and doubts. Come to this open discussion about the
universe, science and God. Your doubts, your questions and those hard
questions your friends ask are here.
Robert
Feduccia Jr.
Robert Feduccia was formerly General Manager at Spirit &
Song and is now Executive Director and Producer for Mission Eighty5 at Saint
Mary’s Press. He is founding Director of the national Youth Liturgical
Leadership Program and an instructor for the Permanent Deacon Formation
Program at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Indiana as well
as for the formation Diocese of Knoxville, Tenn. Feduccia has been keynote
speaker and retreat leader at liturgical conferences, diocesan youth
conferences and college events.
C PROUDLY PROCLAIM
CONVENTION 213
Our faith is supposed to be shared in an enthusiastic,
contagious and compelling way. How are you doing with that? This workshop is
about evangelization as a way of life for young Catholic faithful. Come
learn about healthy ways to share the Word and practical tips on how to live
out the New Evangelization in the modern world.
Doug
Tooke
Doug Tooke, Executive Director of Reach Youth Ministry and
owner of Monarch Catholic Ministries, directs youth ministry events in the
Diocese of Helena, Mont., where he formerly served as diocesan Director of
Faith Formation. He has over 20 years of professional ministry experience
and has traveled to more than 75 dioceses in the past 15 years teaching,
training youth ministers, keynoting conventions and presenting at events,
including World Youth Day, the National Catholic Youth Conference and the
National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry.
D KEEP CALM AND LOVE JESUS: DEALING WITH STRESS
AND CHAOS EVERY DAY CONVENTION 206
Life can be really chaotic. With going to school,
maintaining a social life, being nice to your family, dating your
boyfriend/girlfriend and trying to look and act your best, the chaos can
sometimes overtake what should be the most important thing in your life:
your relationship with Jesus Christ. Katie Prejean is a teacher, youth
minister, graduate school student, fiancée, friend, and dog-mom who keeps a
busier schedule than anyone she knows, and she’s learned (the hard way) how
to balance the daily stresses of life and her relationship with Jesus. We’ll
spend time learning how to find balance and find peace as you try to
maintain your sanity. Come learn how to “Keep Calm and Love Jesus.”
Katie
Prejean
Youth minister and speaker Katie Prejean teaches at St.
Louis Catholic High School and is Youth Director at Our Lady Queen of Heaven
Church, both in Lake Charles, La. She has spoken at events throughout the
country, ranging from small sessions to the National Catholic Youth
Conference. Prejean reads voraciously, blogs occasionally, is a die-hard New
Orleans Saints fan, binge watches Netflix, loves Jesus, works out every
day, and doesn’t like to be hugged.
E THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE, SEX AND RELATIONSHIOPS
CONVENTION 207
This talk presents the two hottest topics on the planet
for teens: God and sex. Focusing on the virtue of chastity as being more
than just “no sex,” this session exposes the lies of culture and reveals our
true identity in Christ. Through funny stories and compelling witness, Mary
Bielski will reveal the message of hope for purity and freedom found in
Jesus.
Mary
Bielski
Based in New Orleans, Mary Bielski is a national speaker,
youth minister and founder of ALL4HIM Ministries. With 15 years in youth
ministry and 12 years as a national speaker, she has presented to over
75,000 teens and adults across the nation, at high schools, parish and
diocesan rallies and young adult retreats and conferences, including the
Steubenville Youth Conference and Life Teen-Inspiration. Bielski focuses on
a variety of topics, including conversion, prayer, the Holy Spirit,
sacraments, chastity and the theology of the body.
F “HEY YOU! YEAH, YOU!” WHAT IS GOD
SAYING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE? (VOCATION DISCERNMENT MADE EASY!)
CONVENTION 209
Do you know what you want to do? Have you known since
you were 2? Do you wish God would just tell you? Everyone has a vocation in
life – it’s the way we will give and receive love. How can you get a handle
on your future? What are some wrong ways and some right ways to discern your
vocation in life? It doesn’t have to be that confusing. :-)
Sr.
Helena Burns, fsp
Sr.
Helena Burns, a member of the Daughters of St. Paul, is a movie reviewer for
Life Teen. She is writer-director of the documentary on the life of Blessed
Fr. James Alberione, founder of the Daughters of St. Paul, a co-producer on
www. The40Film.com, and on the vocation team of the Daughters of St. Paul.
Sr. Burns has presented media literacy talks and seminars since the 1990s,
and since 2006 she has presented Theology of the Body talks to teens and
adults across the United States and Canada.
G BFFs FROM HEAVEN
CONVENTION 208
In this hands-on workshop led by Brother Mickey
McGrath, we will discover how saints and angels of every color and culture
can lead us from our fears and anxieties to a place of self-confidence and
faith instead. Following a brief look at Bro. Mickey’s own art and the
stories behind it, we will be guided through quiet meditation and colorful
activity to uncover our own capacity for creativity and inner peace. The end
results will become part of a mural depicting our “BFFs from Heaven” right
here in our midst.
Bro. Michael O’Neill McGrath
Bro. Mickey McGrath, an
Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, is an artist, author and popular speaker at
retreats and religious education conferences throughout the country. He also
creates art for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and many Catholic
publishers. Bro. McGrath has won awards for his books “Go to Joseph” and
“Good Pope John XXIII,” which was presented to Pope Francis. His latest
works are “Dear Young People: Inspiration from Pope Francis for All” and a
series of videos based on his most popular books.
CHOOSE ONE SESSION FROM H-N
H MESSY, MADNESS, MAYHEM: FAMILIES!
HALL B
We all have familes. There’s stuff we like and stuff
that drives us crazy! They come in all varieties. Sometimes we compare and
wish for different. Where’s the hope? Where’s God in our family?
Mike Patin
“Faith Horticulturist” Mike Patin lives in Lafayette, La.,
and has worked in ministry since 1984 as a high school teacher, coach and
diocesan youth minister for the New Orleans Archdiocese. He has spoken to
groups ranging from 10 to 23,000 in over 130 dioceses in the United States
and Canada on the issues of Catholic faith, positive attitude, using your
gifts and living life fully. Patin has published two books: “A Standing
Invitation” and “This Was Not in the Brochures: Lessons from Work, Life and
Ministry.”
I SHARE YOUR STORY
CONVENTION 210
Snapchat has made it easier than ever to share our
“story.” But sharing our “real” story is more than a snap. People say
healthy communication is important – but how do I share who I
“really” am, in ways that make sense and with people who matter to me?
Roy Petitfils, MS, LPC
For 20 years Roy
Petitfils has ministered among youth and young adults in parish, diocesan
and school settings. Today, a counselor in private practice and a speaker,
Petitfils has presented at conferences, workshops and parish missions in
over 30 dioceses throughout North America. He has written many articles, has
a syndicated monthly column and has published several books, including “What
Teens Want You To Know (But Won’t Tell You)” and “What I Wish Someone Had
Told Me About the First Five Years of Marriage.”
J CREATED TO RELATE
CONVENTION 213
We were created for relationships. From the moment we
are born, they are central to who we are and who we become. Through our
interactions with our parents and family, and through our friendships, we
learn the most valuable lessons of life. Building strong relationships in
youth ministry is an art. This workshop will provide practical ways to build
solid relational ministry that will ultimately point young people to a
relationship with Christ.
Bob Perron
Bob Perron is Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for
the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W.V. He is one of the most popular
Catholic speakers in the United States and Canada, and for over a decade, he
has presented in more than 60 dioceses. Perron has been keynote presenter at
the National Catholic Youth Conference and moderated workshops at the
National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry. His most recent book is
entitled “Lessons Learned From a God-Sized Family: In a Me-Sized World.”
K A BAR OF SOAP HOPE ... HUMAN TRAFFICKING: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO
FIGHT IT!
CONVENTION 204
Human trafficking is the second leading crime in the
United States. Believe it or not, you and your friends could be
victims of this tragedy. Come and find out how vulnerable someone might be
to becoming trafficked, how they are exploited, and what the “red flags”
are. Help us help the victims by giving them “hope” as we label SOAP with
the National Human Trafficking Hotline phone number.
Theresa L. Flores, LSW, MS
Theresa Flores is a human trafficking survivor, best-selling
author, licensed social worker and founder of SOAP (Save Our Adolescents
from Prostitution). In 2009, she was appointed to the Ohio Attorney
General’s Human Trafficking Commission and testified before the Ohio House
and Senate in support of human trafficking legislation. Flores received The
Courage Award from the governor of Ohio for her efforts and was honored with
the 2013 Christian Service Award from the University of Dayton for her work
with SOAP.
L GOD IS MY H.E.R.O.
CONVENTION 207
Come to this workshop if you want to find out why God is
the greatest of all superheroes. He is omnipotent and omniscient.
(If you do not know what these two words mean
you need to be at this workshop!) Come and find out why
God is my Hero and why He can be yours as well. He gave
us four reasons and they will be revealed only to those who
want to receive His super powers!
Rev.
Joseph A. Espaillat II
TFr. Joe Espaillat is Pastor at St. Anthony of Padua Church
in the Bronx, N.Y., as well as Director of Hispanic Charismatic Renewal for
the New York Archdiocese and of the Hispanic Charismatic Catholic Center in
the Bronx. Before this, he was assigned by Cardinal Timothy Dolan to open up
an Office for Youth Ministry, where he became Director and is now Spiritual
Advisor. Growing up in Manhattan, he speaks three languages: English,
Spanish and Street! Fr. Espaillat is also founder of the ministry,
“Messengers of Christ.”
M FINDING HOPE IN THE MIDST OF PAIN AND TRAGEDY
CONVENTION 209
Come meet Rosario Rodriguez, an innocent victim and
miraculous survivor of two violent crimes. She will share how, after
spending years struggling with depression and questioning her dignity and
worth, she found hope and healing through the grace of the sacraments and in
forgiving her assailants.
Rosario Rodriguez
Rosario Rodriguez has spent most of her life working in the
United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom with different Catholic
ministries, from campus ministry and RCIA to working with inner-city youth,
the poor and the homeless. In Los Angeles, she has worked in Hollywood at
Act One, an organization training Christian writers and producers. Most
recently she is sharing her story with gang members, with the Los Angeles
Police Department, and at prisons.
N HOPEBOUND IN PRAYER
CONVENTION 203
In saying, “Come follow me!” (Matt. 4:19), Jesus is
offering an invitation rooted in hope. This is also an invitation intimately
bound up with the practice of prayer, for prayer connects us with God and
others. It leads us into the heart of love in which we discover what we need
– not what we want – to grow in our desire to follow Christ. Bind your Youth
Day in an experience of prayer, hopeful reflection and deepening commitment
to the practice of love. This interactive workshop explores practices of
prayer and contemplation through Scripture, music, conversation, silence and
a brief overview of a tradition that spans thousands of years.
Ted Miles
Baltimore native Ted Miles
first worked in Belize and Guatemala in a two-year Jesuit Volunteer
position. For nearly 30 years since then, he has served in parish ministry,
Catholic high school education and archdiocesan leadership development. For
10 years now, Miles has worked for Catholic Relief Services as Relationship
Manager for Youth and Religious Education and Coordinator of the Youth &
Religious Education Outreach for the United States. He has spoken nationally
and internationally on behalf of CRS.
Sarah Kroger
Singer/songwriter Sarah
Kroger first performed publicly at Life Teen camps and Steubenville Youth
conferences. In the short time she has been composing and performing, she
has participated in a range of national and international events, including
the JubilMusic International Christian Music Festival in San Remo, Italy,
World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and countless other parish and
youth events across the United States. Kroger is published with Oregon
Catholic Press/Spirit and Song.
Ben Walther
Ben Walther began writing songs while serving as a worship
leader in college. He taught religion for over five years and spent 13 years
in parish and school ministry. He has served as a diocesan event worship
leader, retreat host and conference speaker. Walther now teaches religion at
St. Paul Catholic School in North Canton, Ohio. A recent addition to the OCP/
SpiritandSong.com family, his CD is titled “Make Your Home in Me.”
For those who register for Track 2, the excitement of Youth Day 2016
begins with the opportunity to experience one of two energetic
gatherings: WAL will perform in Hall B and the third-floor
Ballroom will host Jeremy and Ryan
. Young people from across the
Los Angeles Archdiocese will also be part of these great events. Groups
are welcome to attend either of these high-energy gatherings – you get
to choose that day!
Track 1 participants will participate in a
spirit-filled liturgy with Archbishop José Gomez presiding. The music
will be led by an Archdiocesan Youth Choir under the direction of Ed
Archer from Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Santa Clarita. (Please note
that this liturgy will begin approximately at 8:30 am.)
Immediately following the liturgy, Track 1
participants will remain in the Arena for our featured speaker, Dr.
Ansel Augustine. He will focus on our theme for the day, #hopebound.
Dr. Ansel Augustine & The Psalm 119 Step Team
