2012 NCCL Conference Presenters
| José Amaya |
| Leisa Anslinger |
| Mike Carotta |
| Dallas Carter |
| Joellyn Cicciarelli and David Rizzo |
| Pam Coster |
| María Covarrubias |
| Marcellino D’Ambrosio |
| Fr. Frank DeSiano, CSP |
| Julianne Donlon-Stanz |
| Ken Doran |
| Martha Fernández-Sardina |
| Ann Garrido |
| Jim Gontis |
| Sue Grenough |
| Kathy Hendricks |
| Adrián Herrera |
| ValLimar Jansen |
| Jack Jezreel |
| Fr. Bud Kaicher and his staff |
| Martín López |
| Pd. Raul Ramírez López |
| Tom McGrath |
| Dr. José Antonio Medina |
| Ela Milewska |
| Dan Mulhall |
| Peter Murphy |
| Raul and Amparo Navarro |
| Hosffman Ospino |
| Sr. Rose Pacatte |
| Joe Paprocki |
| Jo Ann Paradise |
| Neil Parent |
| Fr. Leo Patalinghug |
| Rosa Monique Peña, OP |
| Sr. Edith Prendergast |
| John Roberto |
| Paul Sanfrancesco |
| Enedina Saucedo |
| Kieran Sawyer |
| Jim Schellman |
| Brian Singer-Towns, MThs |
| Michael Steier |
| Jonathan Sullivan |
| Dr. Nancy Thompson and Janice Benton |
| Víctor Valenzuela |
| Lupita Vital |
| Michael Wagner |
| Tom and Rita Walters |
| Carson Weber |
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| 404 Leadership
Recruiting, Retaining and Forming Catechists
Session description will be posted
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José Amaya
bio will be posted
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| 101 Diocesan:
Diocesan and Parish Leaders Building Engaged Parishes Together
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: Twenty-Third Publications
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Leisa Anslinger
bio will be posted
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| Dr. Michael Carotta |
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| 204 Leadership
Unchaining Confirmation
This session will review the latest research on adolescent spirituality and center around this question: Given all that we know about today's young people, effective adolescent catechesis and youth ministry, how can we enhance Confirmation 's potential to be a more formative experience in their lives?
Sponsored by: OSV Curriculum Division
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Dr. Michael Carotta is a religious educator who has worked with the spirituality of adolescents for over 35 years in educational, pastoral, athletic, and clinical settings.
He teaches graduate courses in adolescent spirituality at various Catholic universities and is a national consultant for Our Sunday Visitor curriculum division, helping with the development of their new high school religion texts.
He has authored two books for Confirmation candidates, Have Faith and Spirit and Truth (Twenty-Third Publications) as well as Lincoln Park a mystery series with spiritual insights for junior highers which he has co-authored with theologian John Shea. (Our Sunday Visitor).
Over the last ten years, Mike’s work has expanded into the area of vocational renewal. He and his wife Catherine are authors of Sustaining The Spirit: callings , commitments, and vocational challenges published by Twenty-Third Publications and facilitate renewal seminars nationwide.
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| 303 Technology
Ancient and Holy Truths Delivered in the Language of the New Generation
Session description will be posted
503 Technology
Reaching the Multitudes: Effective Content and Viral Concepts
Session description will be posted
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Dallas Carter
bio will be posted
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| David Rizzo |
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| 205 Special Needs
Take This All of You and Eat of It: Helping Children with Autism and Special Needs Prepare to Receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Penance
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by Loyola Press
Joellyn Cicciarelli has been developing products for children, parents, and teachers since 1993. She is the former editor for Mister Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and author of an award-winning preschool curriculum. Currently, Joellyn is the Director Curricula Development for Loyola Press.
David Rizzo is a physical therapist who works with children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. He is the author and presenter of a professional rehabilitation seminar entitled "Autism: Where neuroscience meets clinical practice." David and his wife Mercedes have four children, one of whom, Danielle, has autism and is non-verbal. Dave and Mercedes developed picture-based materials and activities to explain the sacraments to Danielle to help prepare her for Holy Communion. This was featured on the Diocese of Trenton television program The Catholic Corner, and in the Our Sunday Visitor magazine. Loyola Press is in the process of publishing these materials.
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| Pam Coster |
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| 206 Adult Faith Formation
Adult Faith Formation Resources: Share the Wealth!
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by Charis
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Pam Coster is the Executive Director of Charis Ministries, a Jesuit ministry to those in their 20s and 30s. Prior to joining Charis, Pam was the President of Avanza Partners, a consulting firm working with dioceses and parishes in the area of adult faith formation. She served thirteen years at Ss. Faith, Hope & Charity parish in Winnetka, IL as Director of Faith Formation, after a career in international banking. Pam holds a BA in Russian Language and Literature from Northwestern University, an MBA from the University of Chicago and a Masters in Religious Education from Loyola University-Chicago. She is a member of the boards of Catholics on Call and Loyola Press. Pam is a writer and speaker at conferences throughout the country.
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| 402 Español
Cómo ser innovadores cuando creemos que ya lo hemos hecho todo
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María Covarrubias
Bio will be posted
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| Marcellino D’Ambrosio |
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| Wednesday, May 9, 2012 - TED-style presentations
Embrace Grace in the Sacraments, the Church and the World!
Session Description will be posted
304 Theology
The Unfinished Business of Vatican II
Session Descriptoin will be posted
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Marcellino D’Ambrosio
Bio will be posted
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| Fr. Frank DeSiano, CSP |
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| Monday, May 7, 2012
Embrace the People!
Alook at our American landscape, reminding us of our call to reach out, to listen, to love, to proclaim, to invite! Participants will have opportunities to embrace each other as we meet old friends and colleagues and embrace and welcome new friends!
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Fr. Frank DeSiano, CSP, President of Paulist Evangelization Ministries and author of many resources regarding Catholic Evangelization.
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| 103 Young Adult:
Young Adults: Nomads of Parish Life
Session description will be posted
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Julianne Donlon-Stanz
Bio will be posted
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| Kenneth Doran |
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| 405 Leadership
Essential Charisms for Spiritual Leadership
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: William H. Sadlier, Inc
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Kenneth Doran is a National Religion Consultant for Sadlier and has spoken at numerous national and diocesan events. Ken’s thirty five years in catechetical ministry reflects broad experience on diocesan, school and parish levels. Ken hold a MA in Religious Education from Providence College and a BA in Philosophy & Religion from Westminster College.
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| Martha Fernández-Sardina |
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| Tuesday, May 8, 2012, TED-style presentations.
Embrace the Message, Faith, and New Methods!
Session description will be posted
305 Multi-cultural
Hispanics and the New Evangelization
Session description will be posted
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Martha Fernández-Sardina is an international bilingual speaker, trainer, and ministry consultant whose mission is to prepare the way of the Lord (Jn.1:23, Is.40:3), echoing the Church’s call for a new evangelization and a new springtime for Christianity. Martha’s 20 plus years of experience in the US and overseas includes youth and young adult ministry; planning and speaking at conferences, retreats, prayer workshops, and parish missions; forming evangelization teams; developing training and outreach programs (including the Hispanic Festival of Faith); hosting TV and radio shows; and assisting organizations wanting to reach Spanish-speakers.
As Director of Prepare The Way Enterprises, Martha speaks to audiences around the country and overseas, helping Catholics become effective everyday evangelized evangelizers, and motivating all to be saints. She also helps organizations reach Spanish-speaking audiences, as a translator and as Director of Language, Etc.
As Director of the Office for Evangelization for the Archdiocese of San Antonio in Texas, Martha helps parishes, schools, apostolates, and families become evangelized and evangelizing communities of faith ministering to people of all ages in Spanish and in English.
Before moving to San Antonio, Martha worked in Washington, DC for 11 years, serving as Director of the Office for Evangelization of the Archdiocese of Washington, as well as Assistant Continental Director and as Prayer Campaign Director for Evangelization 2000/North America.
Martha earned a Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry with honors, and a Licentiate in Clinical Psychology Magna Cum Laude.
A native of New York, Martha grew up between Miami and Dominican Republic. With our heavenly homeland constantly on her heart and mind, Martha has committed her life to serving the Lord wherever, however, whenever, and with whomever He wishes, striving for holiness on a daily basis while encouraging others to do the same.
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Martha Fernández-Sardina es una predicadora, entrenadora y consultora ministerial bilingüe que se ha dedicado a preparar el camino del Señor, para que a través de una nueva evangelización veamos florecer una nueva primavera para el cristianismo.
Sus más de 20 años de experiencia en la evangelización en los Estados Unidos y fuera del país incluyen ministerio en catequesis y apologética, programas de radio y televisión, ministerio con jóvenes y jóvenes adultos, conferencias, retiros, talleres de oración y misiones parroquiales, formación de equipos de evangelización y la implementación de diversos programas de evangelización, incluyendo los Festivales Católicos de Fe y visitas de casa en casa.
Como Directora de la Oficina de Evangelización de la Arquidiócesis de San Antonio en Texas, Martha ayuda a las parroquias, colegios, apostolados y familias a convertirse cada día más en comunidades de fe evangelizadas y evangelizadoras, y ayuda a los católicos a convertirse cada día más en evangelizadores evangelizados bien formados en su fe. Martha da numerosas presentaciones y escribe artículos relacionados con la evangelización, la conversión, el crecimiento espiritual y las enseñanzas de la Iglesia Católica. Ella da charlas dentro y fuera del país, en español y en inglés; tiene dos columnas en el periódico arquidiocesano Today’s Catholic en San Antonio, Texas.
Ella vivió en Washington, DC por 11 años, trabajando como Directora de la Oficina de Evangelización de la Archidiócesis de Washington, como Directora Continental de Evangelización 2000 y como Directora de su Campaña de Oración.
Martha obtuvo una Maestría en Teología y Ministerio Cristiano con honores y una Licenciatura en Psicología Clínica Magna Cum Laude. Como traductora e intérprete, Martha trabaja con organizaciones interesadas en alcanzar a los hispanos con programas y materiales en español.
Nacida en la ciudad de Nueva York, Martha creció entre Miami y la República Dominicana. Con su corazón y su mente pendientes de nuestra patria celestial, Martha se ha comprometido a servir al Señor donde quiera, cuando quiera, como quiera y con quien quiera Dios, mientras se dedica a crecer en santidad personal.
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| Ann Garrido |
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| 208 Leadership
Challenging Conversations: Strategies for Working through Ministerial Conflicts
Session description will be posted
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Ann Garrido
Bio will be posted
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| 406 Theology
Top 10 List for Effective and Fruitful Catechesis
Session description will be posted
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Jim Gontis
Bio will be posted
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| Dr. Susan Grenough |
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| 306 Leadership
Telling our Stories: Lighting the Fire!
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: Pflaum Publishing
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Dr. Susan Grenough has her Master’s Degree in Religious Education, Fordham University; doctorate in Educational Leadership, Spalding University; and certificate in Pastoral Family Studies, Mt. St. Joseph College, Cincinnati. Dr. Grenough has worked in the field of catechesis as an elementary parish catechist, a high school religion teacher, a director of religious education, and a diocesan director of catechesis. She was instrumental in composing the religion curriculum guidelines for the state of Kentucky. Presently, she serves as an adjunct professor at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, is an on-line facilitator at theUniversity of Dayton, and works as a consultant for the Pflaum Publishing Group.
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| Kathy Hendricks |
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| 209 Family Catechesis
Garden of Grace: Spiritual Practices for Today's Families
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: William H. Sadlier, Inc.
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Kathy Hendricks is author of the books, A Prayerbook for Catechists, A Parent's Guide to Prayer and Everything About Parish Ministry I Wish I Had Known. She also writes articles for various periodicals, including a regular column called “One Last Thought” for Creative Catechist magazine.
For six years she served as the general editor and contributing author for the Catechetical Sunday resource materials, published annually by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. As a consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc., she writes print and online resources for Catholic education programs. A popular speaker, she offers talks and retreats around the country and overseas. Kathy is a certified spiritual director, having completed a course of study in Benedictine spirituality. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Colorado and a Master's Degree in Christian Community Development from Regis University in Denver. Her service on national boards and committees includes the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership (NCCL,) the National Advisory Committee on Adult Religious Education (NACARE,) and the Southwest Liturgical Conference. She served for two years as an advisor to the US Catholic Bishops' Committee on Women in Society and the Church.
Kathy has worked as a pastoral minister, Director of Religious Education, teacher, and catechist in diocesan offices, parishes and Catholic schools in Colorado, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada. As Pastoral Associate and Interim Parish Director for Pax Christi Catholic Church in Littleton, Colorado, she served as pastoral leader of the community in the absence of a resident priest/pastor, and spearheaded a listening process to discern models of future leadership for the parish. She was the Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Colorado Springs, a position she held for six years. She is a member of the Colorado Authors League and Spiritual Direction Colorado.
Kathy and her husband, Ron, live in Larkspur, Colorado. They are the parents of two adult children, Eric and Anna, and a daughter, Jenny, who died in infancy. Kathy’s approach is warm and practical, allowing participants to readily apply what they have heard to their lives and ministry.
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| 407 Multi-cultural
Catechizing on the Quinceañera
Session description will be posted
501 Español
Quinceañera
Session description will be posted
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Adrián Herrera
Bio will be posted
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| ValLimar Jansen |
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| Thursday, May 10, 2012
Embrace and Live the Mission!
Each Sunday, we are commissioned to "Go in peace to glorify the Lord by your life." Having embraced Christ's mission, we live and share that mission with all.
Sponsored by: RCL Benziger
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ValLimar Jansen is blessed with an extraordinary speaking and singing voice, ValLimar Jansen is a highly regarded inspirational/catechetical speaker, singer, composer and recording artist. She is also an experienced college professor, a leader of worship and prayer and a workshop presenter at conferences across the United States and abroad. Each year, ValLimar travels extensively as a national speaker for RCL Benziger.
ValLimar has been a keynote speaker and/or presenter at: the Los Angeles Liturgy Conference; the East Coast Conference; the National Pastoral Musician Conference; the National Conference for Catholic Youth Ministers; the National Catholic Youth Conference; the National Encuentro Conference; the National Jubilee Justice Conference; the National Catholic Educational Association Conference; the Fashion Me a People Conference; the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership; the National Conference for the Catholic Health Association; the International Holy Music Festival (Italy) and many other major events. She has been the cantor (song leader) for numerous liturgies at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, as well as many other national and international conferences.
Known especially for her work with contemporary Christian, gospel, and gospel-jazz styles, she sings a wide range of music, including spirituals and traditional, organ-based choral music. Her new CD, entitled, Give God The Glory released in November 2011. This is ValLimar’s fourth CD with OCP (Oregon Catholic Press.) Her three previous CDs, You Gotta Move, Anointing and Psalms From The Soul, all published by OCP, have received critical acclaim. Anointing received accolades, in 2008, winning Unity Awards for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song.
Today, ValLimar tours regionally, nationally and internationally as an inspirational speaker, an author, a storyteller, a psalmist, a song leader, a principal vocalist, and/or an emcee. At the Loreto/Angora International Papal Event (Italy) ValLimar and her husband, Frank Jansen, performed for over 300,000 people and the event was broadcast on Italian television, EWTN and across the world!
You can hear ValLimar as a guest artist on a number of CDs, including: Endless is Your Love; Make Us One; Clothed in Love; Christmas Child and Live It. All of these CDs are published by OCP.
ValLimar Jansen has a long history of singing sacred music, starting from the age of five and professionally since the age of six. She received most of her training in music and performance at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and she holds professional degrees in the Arts from California State University and The University of California. So she's got both experience and credentials. She has sung and toured professionally throughout the United States of America, St. Kitts, Jamaica, Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Scotland, Israel and Japan. She played the role of Beneatha, with the Broadway touring cast, in the European premier of Raisin. She went on to co-author a one-woman musical about the life of Ethel Waters that received a special commendation from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
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| Jack Jezreel |
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| May 9, 2012 - TED-style presentations
Embrace Grace in the Sacraments, the Church and the World!
Jack Jezreel of JustFaith as he expands our vision to Embrace Grace in the World!
307 Adult Faith Formation
Living the Grace: Living Our Catholic Social Teaching
Session description to be posted
408 Youth
Ten Tips to Make Social Mission Come Alive for Teens
Session description to be posted
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Jack Jezreel
Bio will be posted
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| 504 Leadership
Working Well with Catholic School Personnel
Session description will be posted
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Fr. Bud Kaicher and his staff
Bio will be posted
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| 102 Español:
Espiritualidad Ignaciana: Encontrando a Dios en Todas las Cosas
Sponsored by: Loyola Press
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Martín López
Bio will be posted
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| 403 Español
Diócesis y la Parroquia en la Misión y la Pastoral de la Iglesia
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Pd. Raul Ramírez López
Director del Sistema Inegral de la Nueva Evangelizacion (SINE)
Bio will be posted
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| Tom McGrath |
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| 104 Theology:
Sacramental Preparation: A Reachable Moment for Parents
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: Loyola Press
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Tom McGrath is the author of the best-selling Raising Faith-Filled Kids: Ordinary Opportunities to Nurture Spirituality at Home, and Daily Meditations for Busy Parents, the editor of Together: Preparing at home for First Communion/Reconciliation, and frequent speaker on family life as a spiritual path. Tom will blend interactive exercises, stories, and practical next steps to inspire, inform, and empower parish ministers in their relationships with their key allies the parents.
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| 302 Español
La Eucaristía y la Catequesis: Integrando la Liturgia, la Catequesis y la Vida
Sponsored by: Liguori Publications
505 Theology
Our Lady of Guadalupe: A New Interpretation of the Story, Apparitions, and Image
Sponsored by: Liguori Publications
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Dr. José Antonio Medina
Bio will be posted
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| Ela Milewska |
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| 308 Youth
Transforming Adolescent Catechesis - NIAC
Session description will be posted
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Ela Milewska is passionate about ministry training. She has spent twenty years in ministry – first in parishes and the Diocese of Raleigh and then as a national trainer, speaker and consultant. She currently works with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, National Catholic Educational Association and National Conference for Catechetical Leadership as the project coordinator for the National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis . Ela is also a Ph.D. candidate in catechesis and religious education at The Catholic University of America where she teaches a course in Catholic youth ministry. Ela has a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Fordham University, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in catecheses and religious education at The Catholic University of America.
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| Daniel S. Mulhall |
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| 105 Leadership:
Leadership and Mission: Creating Communities of Disciples
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: RCL Benziger
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Daniel S. Mulhall is the Director for Catechist and Professional Development at RCL Benziger. He holds an MA in Theology from the Catholic University of America and an MA in Adult Christian Community Development from Regis University in Denver. Mulhall speaks and writes frequently on all topics related to evangelization, discipleship, and catechesis.
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| 309 Evangelization
The New Evangelization and Catechesis Working Together
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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Peter Murphy
Bio will be posted
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| 506 Evangelization
The Diocese and Parish in the Missionary and Pastoral Work of the Church
Session description will be posted
Raul and Amparo Navarro
Directors of the Integral System of New Evangelization (SINE) Regional Office in the USA
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| Dr. Hosffman Ospino |
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| 210 Multi-cultural
Preparing Catechetical Leaders for Ministry in Pluri-Cultural Parishes
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: OSV Curriculum Division
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Dr. Hosffman Ospino is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Religious Education at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry (STM). He is also the STM’s Director of Graduate Programs in Hispanic Ministry.
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| 106 Media:
Vatican II at 50: When the Church turned on television, started going to the movies and went digital; a way forward
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: Pauline Books & Media
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Sr. Rose Pacatte
Bio will be posted
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| Joe Paprocki, D.Min. |
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| 107 Leadership:
7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness*: Embracing Spiritual Health as a Catechetical Leader
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: Loyola Press
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Joe Paprocki, D.Min., is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press in Chicago. He has over 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Joe is the author of numerous books on pastoral ministry and catechesis that have sold over 125,000 copies. His books include The Bible Blueprint, Living the Mass, the best-selling The Catechist’s Toolbox and A Well-Built Faith and his most recent, Practice Makes Catholic: Moving from a Learned Faith to a Lived Faith (all from Loyola Press). Joe, who earned his Masters Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University’ Institute of Pastoral Studies, also received his Doctor of Ministry degree from the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, IL. Joe serves as a 4th grade catechist and blogs about the experience at www.catechistsjourney.com. He and his wife Joanne live in Evergreen Park, IL.
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| Dr. Jo Ann Paradise |
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| 310 Leadership
Embracing Grace: Standing in the In-Between
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: OSV Curriculum
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Dr. Jo Ann Paradise is the National Consultant for Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division. Jo Ann has served as catechetical administration in several parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh for over 32 years and was most recently the Director of Parish Ministerial Life and Spiritual Formation at St. Sebastian Parish.
She has been a teacher in the Catholic school system at both the grade school and high school levels as well as an adjunct faculty member of several universities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While Jo Ann gives keynotes and workshops at Diocesan conferences throughout the United States and Canada, she has also presented at the NCEA, NCCL, LA Congress and the Hofinger Conference. Through her stories, Jo Ann helps educators and catechists understand the need for and develop the skills necessary to be heralds of the Good News.
She is a popular retreat director and provides spiritual direction. Jo Ann lives in Pittsburgh with her husband Don and extended family.
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| 507 Leadership
Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership: How the project and related research are challenging our thinking about pastoral ministry and lifelong faith formation
Session description will be posted
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Neil Parent
Bio will be posted
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Monday 2:10 pm
Embrace Grace Before Meals:
A presentation and cooking demonstration
The simple act of eating a regular family meal can have incredible positive effects on family dynamics. With insights on the spiritual component of food, Fr. Leo makes important connections on food, faith, family and fun in this unique and dynamic presentation. What may look and sound like a “cooking show” is actually an opportunity to grow in Body, Mind and Soul! (Additional $10 fee.)
Monday 7:30 pm
Spiritual Combat:
A special evening for Young Adults with Fr. Leo Patalinghug
Using his extensive background in Martial Arts, Fr. Leo draws upon the techniques of hand to hand combat and makes helpful parallels to the spiritual life. This fun and engaging presentation has become one of the most popular topics for people of all ages, but especially for youth and young adults who seek some spiritual guidance in this world that can often times be dangerous to a healthy and balanced spiritual life.
Tuesday 8:00 am
Mary’s Embrace of Grace
Drawing upon Scripture, the Ancient Teachings of the Church, and explaining some pious traditions, this presentation helps people better understand Mary’s presence and fosters true devotion to the Mother of Jesus – Lord and God. Mary is the role model for women and men in learning how to embrace grace in their daily lives and ministry.
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Fr. Leo Patalinghug Born in the Philippines and raised in the Baltimore area, Fr. Leo actually developed his love for cooking while attending the seminary at the North American College in Rome. There, he became friendly with several Italian restaurant owners and would often invite them back to the student kitchen to trade cooking secrets. They would teach him about rigatoni and lasagna; he would show them how to make hamburgers and ribs. Today, he is a skilled cook who still enjoys learning how to make new dishes, and loves the process of preparing a meal, as much as he does sharing it with a table full of friends.
Fr. Leo was ordained in 1999 and served as a parish priest for five years at St. John’s Church in Westminster, Maryland. He was often invited to his parishioners’ homes for dinner. To their surprise, he would turn the table and cook for them, using these opportunities to build friendships and engage in relaxed conversations in the kitchen. Those memorable and unstructured times spent making a meal together provided the inspiration for Fr. Leo’s first book, Grace Before Meals: Recipes for Family Life.
Currently, he is a member of the faculty at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary where he directs the Pastoral Field Education Program for future priests.
Before becoming a priest, Fr. Leo pursued degrees in writing and political science with the intention of studying law and journalism at the University of Maryland. He also taught high school speech, debate and drama. Along with his brother, he founded a martial arts school in 1988.
Fr. Leo studied philosophy at Theological College at Catholic University in Washington, DC. He holds advanced theological degrees from the Pontifical Gregorian University and Pontifical Maranium Institute in Rome.
A popular conference speaker with a growing national reputation for his ability to connect with teens and their parents, Fr. Leo has appeared at events across the United States and Canada. His enthusiasm has frequently earned him invitations to return and speak about topics like the theology of beauty, teen spirituality, spiritual combat and praying as a family.
Along with cooking, Fr. Leo’s hobbies include writing, singing and jogging. He especially enjoys traveling, viewing it as an opportunity to broaden his multilingual talents. He holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has won a national competition in Arnis, a form of full-contact stick fighting.
He also enjoys working with students in youth groups and on college campuses, as well as actively participating in prison ministry work.
Fr. Leo E. Patalinghug and the Grace Before Meals movement has been featured on the front page of the Washington Post, Fox and Friends, ABC News, Denver Post, Martha Stewart Radio, CBS Morning Show as well as Food Network's hit show, Throw Down with Bobby Flay, where Fr. Leo defeated world renown chef, Bobby Flay, in a steak fajita cooking competition.
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| Sister Rosa Monique Peña, OP |
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| 211 Leadership
Learning and Teaching in Multiple Ways
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: William H. Sadlier, Inc.
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Sister Rosa Monique Peña, OP is a National Bilingual Catechetical Consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc. For almost twenty years she served as Director of the Religious Education Department of the Archdiocese of Miami, Florida, designed and developed a very successful English/Spanish Catechist Certification Program and established the Catechumenate Process.
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| Sr. Edith Prendergast |
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| 311 Spirituality
Are We Awake to Grace?
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: Ave Maria Pres
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Sister Edith Prendergast is currently the Director of Religious Education of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and directs the annual Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, California. This event attracts up to 40,000 participants and speakers, both nationally and internationally.
She holds a Doctorate in Ministry from Claremont School of Theology, a Masters Degree in Theology from Boston College. She did her undergraduate work in Divinity and Art at Maria Assumption College in London, England and received a Sociology degree at the University of San Diego.
Sister Edith is a frequent keynote speaker and workshop presenter at National and local Conferences and has written and contributed to several articles on Spirituality, Catechesis and Adult Faith Formation.
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| John Roberto |
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| May 8, 2012 - TED-style presentation
Embrace the Message, Faith, and New Methods!
John Roberto will invite us to Embrace the Faith so that our ministry bears great fruit.
201 Diocesan
Creating 21st Century Faith Formation that Engages All Ages and Generations
Session description will be posted
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John Roberto
Bio will be posted
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| 108 Technology:
The Parish – A Social Network
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by William H. Sadlier, Inc
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Paul Sanfrancesco
Bio will be posted
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| Enedina Saucedo |
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| 202 Español
Conociendo a Jesús y su Mensaje
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Enedina Saucedo M.A. is Associate Director of the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry of the Diocese of San Diego, NCCL member, represents the Hispanic voice at NCCL Rep Council, translator of Knowing Jesus and his Message and CL weekly, 20 years of catechetical experience with children and adults.
Enedina Saucedo M.A. es Directora asociada de la oficina para el Ministerio de Evangelización y Catequesis de la Diócesis de San Diego, miembro de NCCL, representa la voz hispana en el concilio de NCCL, traductora de Conociendo a Jesús y su Mensaje y CL semanal, 20 años de experiencia en catequesis con niños y adultos.
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| Kieran Sawyer |
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| 409 Morality
Theology of the Body and Chaste Living Catechesis
Session description will be posted
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Kieran Sawyer
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| 109 Evangelization:
If Evangelization is the Mission, Initiation provides the Job Description
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: NA Forum
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Jim Schellman
Bio will be posted
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| Brian Singer-Towns, MThS |
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| 212 Scripture
The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: Saint Mary's Press
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Brian Singer-Towns, MThS, joined the editorial staff of Saint Mary's Press after more than fifteen years in volunteer and professional youth ministry. Brian's extensive background in theology, youth ministry, and religious education is reflected in his contributions to the Horizons and Total Faith™ programs and in his work as general editor for The Catholic Youth Bible®, The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth and Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics. Brian also leads workshops for leaders around the country on biblical literacy and other youth ministry topics. He resides in Winona, MN, and serves as senior editor, author, and workshop presenter for Saint Mary’s Press.
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| 508 Morality Update
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizens
Session description will be posted
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Michael Steier
Bio to be posted
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| May 8, 2012 - TED-style presentation
Embrace the Message, Faith, and New Methods!
Jonathan Sullivan of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will ask us to be creative and Embrace New Methods!
207 Technology
Resistance is Futile: The Catechetical Benefits of Being Assimilated by the Digital Culture
Session description will be posted
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Jonathan Sullivan
Bio will be posted
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| 110 Rural:
Addressing Special Needs in Rural Parishes by
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: National Catholic Partnership on Disability
Dr. Nancy Thompson and Janice Benton
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| Victor Valenzula |
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| 203 Español
Soy Catequista: como encontrar y desarrollar líderes en la catequesis
Session description will be posted
Sponsored by: William H. Sadlier, Inc.
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Victor Valenzula is a National Religion Consultant for Bilingual Resources for William H. Sadlier, Inc. He has presented workshops to numerous groups both regionally and nationally. Victor has been in ministry for 20 years including classroom teaching, youth ministry, teacher training, and writing and development of new materials. He has a Bachelor of Arts from St. Joseph Seminary in Menlo Park, CA and a Masters of Arts from the University of San Francisco. Born in Arizona to parents of Mexican descent, he is fully bilingual and bicultural.
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| 502 Español
Descubrir, Capacitar y Enviar a Líderes Catequéticos
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Lupita Vital
Bio will be posted
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| 111 Leadership:
Knowing Jesus and His Message
Session description will be posted
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Michael Wagner
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| 401 Diocesan
Catechetical Leaders: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Session description will be posted
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Tom and Rita Walters
Bios will be posted
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| 410 Technology
The Internet and the New Evangelization
Session description will be posted
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Carson Weber
Bio will be posted
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