Are you a speaker for the 2019 University of Dallas Ministry Conference? Please check our Speaker Resources page with more information.
Below you will find the list of the confirmed 2019 speakers, their biographies, and the talks they will be presenting. The speakers are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Check back regularly to see updates.
| Picture | Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography |
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Dr. David Anders |
"Called to Communion:" Reaching non-Catholics with the Hope that is in Us. Sharing the Gospel in the Catholic Church |
Dr. David Anders is the host of the radio show "Called to Communion," heard daily on the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network. He is also the Director of Education and Lifelong Formation for the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. Dr. Anders grew up in the Presbyterian tradition in Birmingham. He earned his bachelor's degree from Wheaton College in 1992, his master's degree from Trinity Divinity School in 1995 and his Ph.D. in religious studies from the University of Iowa in 2002. After studying the social and intellectual history of the reformation, he entered the Catholic Church in 2003. Dr. Anders has been happily married for 27 years to his wife Jill. Together, they have five children, three dogs, and two cats. Dr. Anders has written the story of their family and the Catholic faith in his book: The Catholic Church Saved my Marriage: Discovering Hidden Grace in the Sacrament of Matrimony. |
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Monica Ashour *Sponsored by TOBET |
Teaching Theology of the Body (TOB) to Tots, Tweens, and Teens A Theology of the Body Response to Sensitive Topics: Giving Truth and Love |
Former teacher of 25 years and speaker for the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team (TOBET), Monica Ashour brings poignant, practical tips to educators. She spearheaded and authored 18 books for The Body Matters, a K-8th Grade Theology of the Body (TOB) program . Ashour was named a top TOB speaker for youth by Our Sunday Visitor (2010), received the Pope John Paul the Great Distinguished Speakers' Award at Benedictine College (2012), participated in the Lay Leaders International Forum with Cardinal Arinze in Rome (2012), was a speaker for the International Symposium on TOB in Rome (2012), served as a TOB expert for a committee for the Pontifical Council for the Family (2015), and was a panelist for “The Church’s Teachings on Human Sexuality” at the Convocation of Catholic Leaders with Archbishop Cordelione and Jason Evert (2017). Her work has been lauded by Dr. Peter Kreeft and Dr. Janet Smith (2015) and by Papal Biographer, George Weigel in First Things Magazine (April 2019). |
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Dr. Ansel Agustine *Sponsored by Loyola Press |
Walking Together In Faith | Dr. Ansel Augustine is from New Orleans, LA where is the former Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries. He has worked in ministry for over 20 years primarily focusing on youth, campus, and young adult ministry. He has served on the boards of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association. He serves on the Faculty of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana. He has written various articles related to ministry and is a national speaker. |
| Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography | |
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John Barone *Sponsored by Loyola Press |
Including Diverse Learners Affirms Their Entire Family’s Catholic Identity | John is the Director of the Learning Resource Center at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston and Executive Director of the DeBusk Enrichment Center for Academically Talented Scholars. He has extensive background in child/adolescent development and teaching students with neurological differences. |
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Chris Bartlett *Sponsored by ABALZE/NextLevel Ministries |
Tough but True: Navigating Difficult Topics as Ministry Leaders Tough but True: Navigating Difficult Topics as Ministry Leaders - LIVE PODCAST |
Chris Bartlett holds a MA in Theology, a BA in Religious Education and a BA in Business, Marketing. For the last 17 year, Chris has worked at both the parish and Diocesan level. He has been inspiring excellence in ministry leadership for through Next Level Ministry, part of the Ablaze Ministries family. He travels throughout the country giving workshops and training to empower ministry leaders. He coaches and mentors numerous youth ministers. Through his humor and dynamic personality, Chris engages audiences again and again. | |
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Bruce Baumann |
Cultivating a Mission Driven Staff (Round Table Session) Building Your A-Team (Round Table Session) |
Bruce Baumann is the Director of Faith Formation at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano, TX. He received his Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN and has been involved in professional ministry since 1996. Bruce is a catechetical instructor in the Dallas Diocese and an adjunct faculty member for the Certificate of Pastoral Ministry Program at the University of Dallas. He also teaches at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, TX and is a Coach for the Living Your Strengths movement. Bruce is the author of the recently published book “Catholic to the Core”. He is passionate about training ministry leaders and has had the joy of presenting workshops and retreats at conferences and parishes around the country. |
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Father Michael Baynham | Entering the Darkness: Engaging Suffering as a Keystone of Effective Youth Ministry | Father Michael grew up in Coppell, Texas and is the youngest of four boys. He attended public schools in Coppell and graduated from Coppell High School in 2008. He first heard a calling to the priesthood in the tenth grade, and after high school he entered Holy Trinity Seminary at the University of Dallas, where he earned a B.A. in Philosophy & Letters, graduating in 2012. Father Michael then continued his formation for the priesthood at Theological College at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and a Master of Divinity in 2017. Father Michael was ordained a priest by Bishop Edward Burns on June 3, 2017 at the Cathedral Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dallas. After ordination, he served as Parochial Vicar at St Joseph Catholic Church in Richardson, Texas. He now serves as Parochial Vicar at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano, Texas and as Chaplain at St John Paul II High School in Plano, Texas. |
| Candy Beideck | Virtues Based Restorative Discipline: Building Community & Relationships Across School Culture | Candy Beideck teaches 6-8th grade science at St. Patrick Catholic School in Dallas. She earned her degree in science education through St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 1991. Since that time, she has used her love of science and Catholic identity to instill a wonder of the natural world in her students with a focus on the call to be good stewards of creation. She currently lives in Plano, TX and attends St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. | |
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Dr. Kelly Bentel | Identification and Intervention for Children and Adolescents Experiencing Anxiety and Stress | Dr. Kelly Bentel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from Southern Methodist University, her master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas, and her doctorate degree from Texas Woman’s University in School Psychology. Dr. Bentel worked in the Diocese of Dallas for over 10 years, as a teacher and school counselor. She is currently in private practice in Dallas where she specializes in working with children and families. Dr. Bentel consults with schools to provide strategies to assist children in the classroom setting, as well as provide teachers with techniques when working with children with a variety of struggles impacting their learning. Additionally, she conducts educational evaluations to identify learning differences. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and two-year-old son. |
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Nancy Bird *Sponsored by RCL Benziger |
Helping Young Disciples Live Their Faith: Service Ideas That Make a Difference Catechist Wellness as a Way of Life |
Nancy Bird has been involved in religious education as a catechist, parish catechetical leader and youth minister. She combines practical experience, creativity and motivational enthusiasm to energize those called to embrace and live their Baptism joyfully. Presently she serves as Director of Training and Professional Development at RCL Benzinger Religion Publishing Company, resides in Tallmadge Ohio and continues to be a volunteer catechist. |
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Dr. Christie Bonfiglio | All Are Welcome: Including and Serving Students with Disabilities in our Catholic Schools | Dr. Christie Bonfiglio serves as faculty at the University of Notre Dame. She directs the Office of Professional Standards and Graduate Studies and launched the Program for Inclusive Education (PIE) in 2016, which advocates for inclusion of struggling learners and those with disabilities in Catholic schools. Dr. Bonfiglio teaches across multiple programs and provides professional learning opportunities to schools and dioceses nationally. Trained as a school psychologist, Dr. Bonfiglio's areas of expertise include academic and behavioral intervention through multi-tiered systems of support. She is well-versed in collaboration and child-study teams. Dr. Bonfiglio has served a variety of students and programs from gifted to struggling to those eligible for special education in both public and private schools. She is grateful to be using her knowledge and skills to serve Catholic schools in the pursuit of Catholic education. |
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Beth Burau | Tech Tools, Not Toys: Effective Tech Integration in the K-12 Classroom | As Bishop Lynch High School’s Instructional Technology Coordinator, Beth Burau manages the technology integration within the curriculum as well as creates and implements professional development opportunities for the faculty and staff with the ITeam. Burau, who has been teaching since 2000, also teaches German at the school. Since beginning her teaching career, she has taught various content areas from PreK students to adults. In addition to presenting at both NCEA and NCEA STREAM conferences, Burau has presented at the Checkpoint Charlie Foundation in Berlin, Region 10’s Private School Showcase, TCEA, ACTFL, and the University of Notre Dame. Burau holds a M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame, where she also earned her Bachelors in English and Computer Applications. She is a TCEA certified Campus Technology Specialist, Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator, and Notre Dame ACE Melody Teaching Fellow. |
| Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Padre Ernesto Maria Caro | Peligros de la Tecnologia en la Familia y su uso en la Evangelizacion | El Padre Ernesto María Caro, es Ingeniero Mecánico Administrador por la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Tiene estudios de Maestría en Administración de Empresas por el Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. Estudio en el Seminario Arquidiocesano de Monterrey y fue ordenado el 15 de Agosto de 1991. Es Licenciado en Espiritualidad por la Universidad Gregoriana (Roma, It); Recibió el doctorado en Teología por la Universidad Marianum (Roma, It); Actualmente es miembro del Tribunal Eclesiástico, Párroco en la Parroquia de la Santa Cruz y es el Exorcista de la Arquidiócesis. Es fundador y director espiritual de ARXE Instituto, colegio Católico; Es fundador y director espiritual de Vivir en Cristo; Es fundador y director de Evangelización Activa, institución dedicada a difundir el Evangelio usando los medios tecnológicos actuales; Es fundador y y superior general de las "Hijas de la Visitación de María" Instituto de vida consagrada, dedicadas a la Evangelizacion. |
| Aaron Castillo | La Doctrina Social de la Iglesia y el Plan de Amor de Dios para la Humanidad | Licenciado en Derecho por al Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México; obtuvo la Especialidad en Estudios Sociales, Políticos y Económicos Avanzados por el Phoenix Institute y la Universidad de Notre Dame; y recibió el grado de Maestría en Derecho por la Universidad Iberoamericana. Ha impartido clases y conferencias en universidades de México, Cuba, Brasil, Austria y los Estados Unidos sobre temas relacionados con el derecho y la justicia social. Fue investigador de tiempo completo y director general del Centro de Investigación Social Avanzada, institución académica que brinda servicios de consultoría a organismos políticos, sociales y eclesiásticos tales como la Conferencia del Episcopado Mexicano, el Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano y la Santa Sede. En Abril de 2018 aceptó la posición de Secretariat Director for Mission. Life, Social Justice & Young Adults de la Arquidiócesis de San Antonio. Director Ejecutivo del Phoenix Institute. Vive en San Antonio con su esposa y su hijo. | |
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Jeff Cavins *Sponsored by Ascension Press |
The Great Adventure Bible in One Day | Jeff Cavins is a board member of the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute at the St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he has served as director for six years. He is the creator of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible Study Program, co-author of Walking with God: A Journey Through the Bible, and author of The Activated Disciple: The Art of Imitating God. | |
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Andrea Chavez-Kopp | Heart and Soul: Accompanying Youth in a Digital World | Andrea Chavez-Kopp serves as the Director of Formation and Digital Engagement for the National Catholic Education Association. She has served in several leadership capacities within schools and parishes in her 19 years of teaching and ministry experience. Andrea has earned the distinction of an ISTE Certified Educator by the International Society for Technology in Education and serves as a national thought leader, writer and consultant in the areas of technology and ministry. |
| Jennifer C. Clay | "Virtues Based Restorative Discipline: Building Community & Relationships Across School Culture" | Jennifer attended both St. Paul the Apostle and Bishop Lynch High School here in Dallas. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Jennifer taught Middle School Language Arts for six years in both public and Catholic schools. Following a twelve-year sabbatical to stay home with her children, Jennifer returned to the classroom in 2012. She has spent the last seven years at St. Patrick Catholic School, teaching English and History. She currently teaches 6th - 8th grade History and serves as the Middle School Coordinator. Jennifer co-presented on integrating Catholic Identity in Middle School Language Arts and History instruction at the 2015 U.D. Ministry Conference and the 2016 N.C.E.A. Conference and was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year for the Diocese of Dallas in 2016. | |
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Sonja Corbitt *Sponsored by Ave Maria Press |
Healing the Father Wound Exalted, How the Power of the Magnificat Can Transform Us, Fulfilled: Uncovering the Biblical Foundations of Catholicism |
Sonja Corbitt is the Bible Study Evangelista and creator of the LOVE the Word® Bible study method and journal. She’s a Catholic Scripture teacher with a story teller’s gift – a Southern belle with a warrior’s heart and a poet’s pen. A best-selling author, her weekly CatholicTV and radio show and other Bible study resources are created with you in mind - bites of spinach that taste like cake - to help you “love and lift all you’ve been given.” What's an "evangelista"? Find out at biblestudyevangelista.com, where you can also catch her newest study series. |
| Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography | |
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Father Frank DeSiano *Sponsored by Paulist Evangelization Ministries |
Discipleship and the Future of the Catholic Parish | Frank DeSiano was ordained a Paulist priest in 1972. He has served in downtown parishes in New York and Chicago; he has served the Paulist community as vocation director, president, director of formation, and president of Paulist Evangelization Ministries. He earned a D. Min. degree from Boston University in 1990. He also served as a consultor for the US Bishops' Committee on Evangelization for over 12 years. He speaks and preaches across the country. He has written extensively, most recently "Catholic Discipleship: Spiritual Exercises and Reflections." He is preparing another manuscript, "Beyond the Pews: From Parishioners to Disciples." He lives in Washington, DC. |
| Sister Mary Catherine Do Minh Thu | Truyền Đạt Chân lý cách Hữu Hiệu Trong Thời Đại Kỹ Thuật Số | Sơ Mary Catherine Đỗ Minh Thư thuộc Dòng Nữ Đaminh Việt Nam tại Houston. Sơ có bằng Giáo Dục, chuyên về lịch sử tại Đại học Thánh Tôma (Houston) và bằng Thần học tại Đại học Phanxicô (Steubenville, Ohio) chuyên về ngành Giáo lý và Mục vụ Kitô giáo. Sơ là cựu Huynh trưởng của Phong trào Thiếu Nhi Thánh Thể Đòan Dũng Lạc (Lavang-Houston). Từ khi vào dòng Đa Minh là dòng Giảng Thuyết, Sơ được may mắn đi thuyết giảng về chân lý thánh tại các đại hội, các khóa huấn nghiệp và khóa tĩnh tâm cho giới trẻ cũng như người lớn. Sơ có kinh nghiệm dạy giáo lý Thêm Sức nhiều năm, dạy đạo lý tại các trường Công giáo, và đứng đầu chương trình Giáo lý tại các giáo xứ Mỹ. Hiện nay, Sơ đang làm việc tại địa phận Fort Worth, TX. |
| Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography | |
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Amy Ekeh | 10 Positive Perspectives on Pain: Biblical and Practical Advice for Embracing Life’s Challenges | Amy Ekeh is the Director of Little Rock Scripture Study, a Bible study program published by Liturgical Press. She teaches New Testament for the Hartford Catholic Biblical School and Sacred Heart University. Amy is a columnist for Catholic Digest (“Bible in 5”) and has had her work published in a variety of Catholic publications including Magnificat, Catechist Magazine, and St. Anthony Messenger. Her most recent book is a 3-session Bible study for individuals or groups entitled Finding Peace: Letting Go of Stress and Worry (Liturgical Press). Amy has an M.A. in theology from The Catholic University of America and a B.A. in theology from the University of Dallas. A proud Texan, Amy currently resides in Connecticut with her husband and their four children. Amy’s blog can be found at amyekeh.com. |
| Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography | |
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Dr. Michael Fagella-Luby | All Are Welcome: Including and Serving Students with Disabilities in our Catholic Schools | Dr. Faggella-Luby is a Professor of Special Education and Director of the Alice Neeley Special Education Research and Service (ANSERS) Institute at TCU. He teaches courses related to preparing educators to evaluate, select, plan, and implement research-based methods and instructional materials for teaching students with and without disabilities who are at risk for failure. His scholarly interests focus on learning disabilities, literacy, reading education, special education, diverse learning needs, instructional design, secondary education, and school reform. Dr. Faggella-Luby’s primary research interest focuses on embedding instruction in learning strategies into subject-area courses to improve reading comprehension for all levels of learners. He is a former Catholic School administrator and teacher of both English and Chemistry. |
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Charles Finck |
Living With Forgiving: Recognize What You May Be Doing Instead of Forgiving Living With Forgiving: Why It's Important To Forgive Living With Forgiving: The Prayer—Six Steps To Forgiving |
Charles F. Finck M.S.— Counselor, teacher, author of the book, "As We Forgive Those,"
husband to Deborah, father to their very special son Jonathan. Charlie's purpose at the Dallas Ministry Conference is to share the important message of forgiving. Mother Teresa stated, "If we really want to LOVE we must learn how to FORGIVE." A key to all successful relationships is the ability and willingness to forgive. Charlie will be sharing three (3) talks, one (1) on Friday and two (2) on Saturday. "By choosing to forgive we are giving God a clear path to do a miracle in us and through us." |
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Father Richard Fragomeni
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Standing in Awe and Wonder and Praise: The Transformative Power of Humble Thanks | Rev. Richard Fragomeni is a presbyter of the Diocese of Albany, New York, and has been a member of the CTU faculty since 1990. His teaching involves him in Roman Catholic theology, interpretation theory, and poetry. His current work is in the field of word and sacrament: the intersection of symbolic activity and language as it creates insights into the Christian proclamation of grace. Central to this work is a fascination with the power of liturgy and preaching in the transformation of the human heart. Richard is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Religious Studies at DePaul University. He also serves as the Rector of The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, an Italian-American spiritual center in Chicago’s historic Little Italy. In addition to his teaching duties he is a preacher of parish missions and gives presentations nationally and internationally on liturgical, sacramental, and catechetical topics. |
| Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography | |
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Ann Gohsman | Leading Their Learning: Student-led Conferences | Ann Gohsman is the Director of Instruction at the Diocese of Dallas Catholic Schools Office. She holds a Master's Degree from SMU and is an Academic Language Therapist. Her twenty years in the classroom span second grade through middle school. She has dedicated herself to becoming a lifelong learner and enjoys sharing her passions for curriculum, instruction and the use of data to drive instruction. Ann and her husband John are transplants from Chicago and Milwaukee, respectively. They have one son who lives and works in New York City. |
| Cindy Gonzalez | Visio Divina: Rezando con los Ojos Abiertos | Cindy Liliana Gonzalez tiene una maestría en Ministerio por la Universidad y Seminario de Saint John's en Collegeville, Minnesota, donde actualmente da clase sobre pastoral de la familia, en español, como parte del Instituto Emaús. Actualmente estudia la maestría en educación en la Universidad de Minnesota centrándose en estudios familiares, desarrollo infantil y la experiencia familiar inmigrante en los Estados Unidos. Cindy se identifica así misma como Chicana ya que creció en Los Ángeles California y pasaba los veranos de su juventud con su familia en Tijuana, México. Actualmente Cindy vive en San Francisco, California con su esposo Jake y hijo Franco. |
| Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography | |
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Deacon Matthew Halbach *Sponsored by Sadlier |
Mercy, Accompaniment, and Catechesis | Deacon Matthew Halbach, Ph.D. was ordained deacon, in 2018, for the Diocese of Des Moines, IA. He is the Senior Director of Catechesis for William H. Sadlier Inc., and a national author and speaker on the topics of mercy, accompaniment, clergy abuse, evangelization and catechesis. Deacon Halbach is also a member of the USCCB National Advisory Council (2019-2023). He earned his Ph.D. in Catechetics from The Catholic University of America in 2014, and is a reviewer for The International Journal of Evangelization and Catechesis. Deacon Halbach is a husband and father of six children. |
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Tori Harris | The Gifts & Charisms for Parish Evangelization | Author, worship leader and speaker, Tori Harris remains committed to the core of her mission: Through story and song to create environments of receptivity to the Holy Spirit. Tori's sophomore, independent release, Sweet Dolor, debuted at #2 on iTunes Christian & Gospel charts, becoming one of the top 150 albums on all of iTunes during that time. Later, her interest in teaching others to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, led her to found Arise Ministry and author her first book, Holy Spirit 101. The text is presently the only Catholic curriculum with ecclesial approval which trains the faithful to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Tori currently resides in Dallas, Texas with her growing family and directs ARISE Worship Ministry out of Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. |
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Sherry Hayes-Peirce | Family Rules for Social Media | Sherry Hayes-Peirce, Chief Inspirational Officer of Church Social Tips has answered the call to use her treasured time and talents to glorify the Lord with her life. This is her second year speaking at the University of Dallas Ministry Conference. She speaks at Catholic conferences across the country on the topic of social media and technology to practice digital evangelization and discipleship. Sharing her tips in blogs for Catholicmom.com, Hawaii Catholic Herald, Angelus News, as a featured guest on Catholic radio and current digital strategist for her home parish of American Martyrs Catholic Community in Manhattan Beach, California. |
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Sister Miriam James Heidland *Sponsored by Ave Maria Press |
Your LIfe Matters: Transformation from the Heart | Sr. Miriam James Heidland is a former Division 1 athlete who had a radical conversion and joined the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) in 1998. Her story has been featured on EWTN's The Journey Home, SEEK Conference, USCCB Convocation, Relevant Radio and other outlets. She holds a Master's degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute and speaks regularly on the topics of conversion, authentic love, forgiveness, healing (and sports!). Sr. Miriam's podcast, Abiding Together, can be found on iTunes and her book, Loved As I Am, can be found on Amazon. She tweets at @onegroovynun |
| Julie Hendry | Virtues Based Restorative Discipline: Building Community & Relationships Across School Culture | Currently principal at St. Patrick Catholic School in Dallas, Texas, Julie Hendry has served as junior high science teacher and in administration in Catholic education for over 25 years. She received her undergraduate degree and her MA in Catholic School Leadership from the University of Dallas. She has previously presented at NCEA and UDMC. Julie and her family live in Plano, Texas. | |
| Gabriel Hernandez | "Adorar a Dios en espíritu y en verdad": El trabajo espiritual como herramienta fundamental para el desarrollo del líder cristiano | Gabriel se desempeña como Director del área de Matrimonio y Familia en la diócesis de Raleigh, Carolina del Norte. Es también parte del claustro de formadores de la Escuela de Ministerio de la Universidad de Dallas donde ha colaborado como instructor de los programas de formación para diáconos y líderes parroquiales en temas de teología, antropología, moral y Sagrada Escritura, entre otros. | |
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Adrian Alberto Herrera *Sponsored by Loyola Press |
La Frescura y Ternura de Jesucristo Herramientas para el Liderazgo Servicial | Adrián Alberto Herrera es actualmente Director Asociado para la Oficina de Evangelización y Catequesis en la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston. Ha escrito artículos para varias publicaciones como "Catechist Magazine" y materiales desarrollados por la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos bajo el Comité de Obispos para la Evangelización y la Catequesis para el Domingo Catequético 2010. Ha escrito tres libros sobre reflexiones biblicas con las editoriales Liturgy Training Publications y su libro mas reciente, Liderazgo Catequetico en colaboracion con la Conferencia Nacional para el Liderazgo Catequetico (NCCL) y la editorial Jesuita Loyola Press. |
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Ali Hoffman | Ali Hoffman has a passion for Jesus, the Catholic Church, her family, donuts, and Chipotle, in that order. She served with NET Ministries (www.netusa.org) and upon graduating from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota with a degree in Catholic Studies and Family Studies, she moved back home to the GREAT state of Texas and is now a co-youth director at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic church in Carrollton, Texas. She does modern calligraphy and digital design. You can find more of her work on Instagram at TheOodlesOfDoodles or her website www.alihoffman.co | |
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Mike Hopper, MS, ATC, LAT | Head Games: Returning to the Classroom After a Concussion | Mike Hopper is the Head Athletic Trainer at Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, TX. He holds a bachelors degree in Athletic Training from Southeast Missouri State University and a masters degree in Pediatric Sports Medicine from University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. A Certified Athletic Trainer, he is also licensed in the state of Texas. Under his lead, BL has created a comprehensive Sports Medicine program collaborating with the school nurse and external healthcare providers. In addition to his work at BL, Hopper is a vocal advocate in social media for athletic training and pediatric sports medicine. |
| Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography | |
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Paul Jarzembowski |
Strengthening Ministry with Youth and Young Adults: Implementing Pope Francis' "Christus Vivit" Finding Hope in the Ashes: A New Way to Strengthen Outreach to Young Adults |
Paul Jarzembowski is the lead staff for youth and young adult ministries at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). As such, he assisted the bishops in Rome for the 2019 Synod on "Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment" and serves as the national coordinator for the United States' engagement in World Youth Day. Paul has spoken at or consulted with over 300 parishes, dioceses, universities, organizations, religious congregations, local and national conferences, and ministry communities across the United States, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Vatican. He serves on the boards of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), the National Catholic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana (LaRED), and the National Advisory Team on Young Adult Ministry, and has been an adjunct faculty member at Loyola University Chicago. Paul and his wife Sarah live in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. |
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Chris Johnson | Trench Warfare : A Roundtable on the "New" Evangelization (Round Table Session) | Chris discovered ministry his senior year of high school and never looked back. After graduating from Texas A&M and a short stint in Burkina Faso with the Peace Corps, he started his professional ministry career in Bryan, TX with Ablaze Ministries. Since then he has worked in both the Tyler and Dallas Diocese, diving into middle school, high school, and young adult ministry. He has a beautiful wife, Madelyn, and two daughters (Amelia and Helena). |
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Charleen Katra *Sponsored by Loyola Press |
Including Diverse Learners Affirms Their Entire Family’s Catholic Identity (Round Table Session)
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Charleen is an Associate Director for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston’s Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, where she's directed the Ministry with Persons with Disabilities for over twenty years. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. |
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Anne Kelley | Who’s Doing the Talking? Managing the Engaged Classroom | Anne Kelley is in her 4th year of teaching First Grade at Holy Trinity Catholic School. Anne graduated from Wheaton College (IL) with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. She is one of six kids and has always known she’s wanted to be a teacher. In addition to teaching academics, social skills, and character qualities, Anne has a deep desire for all children to know they are loved, accepted, and listened to. She strives to create a classroom in which students feel comfortable and confident to creatively express themselves. |
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Dr. Peter Kreeft |
Moral Apologetics Today How to Make Catholics out of Ex-Catholics |
Born in 1937 in Paterson, NJ, I was raised Calvinist and found my way into the Church as Newman did, through the historical facts about the Catholicism of the early Church. Degrees from Calvin College, Yale University, & Fordham. Published 80+ books and 4 children. Philosophy professor, surfer, chess player, sinner, pretty good at all 4. My passport to Heaven looks like a wafer of bread. |
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Dr. Rick Lopez |
The Continual Call for Hospitality Amid Diversity: Unity Through the Liturgy El Continuo Llamado a la Hospitalidad en Medio de la Diversidad: Unidad en la Liturgia |
Dr. Rick Lopez is the Associate Director of Music and Liturgy for the Office of Worship for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. He serves as the Artistic Director of the Archdiocesan Choir and is the founder of Coro Gloria Dei Chamber Choir. Dr. Lopez received his his B.A. in vocal performance from California State University in Long Beach, CA as well as an M.A. in Choral Conducting from CSULB. He is an Associate Board Member of the Southwest Liturgical Conference serving as the Chair of the Hispanic Liturgical Ministry Development Committee. Dr. Lopez serves as an adjunct professor of the music department for the University of St. Thomas Master of Sacred Music (MSM) program. He is the guest lecturer and frequent workshop presenter for the biennial Hispanic Pastoral Musicians Conference (HPMC), Southwest Liturgical Conference (SWLC) and the National Pastoral Musicians Conference (NPM). He has written articles for several publications that include "Pastoral Music" for the NPM and "Liturgy Today". |
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Vince Lujan | Modern Music Mission: How to choose it, use it and not lose it | Vince Lujan is a veteran bilingual liturgical musician and praise and worship leader. A highly talented and skilled guitarist and vocalist of over 25 years playing experience, he has served 10 years as a Coordinator of Youth Ministry at various churches throughout the DFW area before launching his full time music ministry Jesus Team A. Through his work as a parish youth minister, workshop presenter, and professional musician at live music concerts and liturgies he has invited people to build and cross bridges that span the gap between different communities of faith. |
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Elizabeth Madeo *Sponsored by the Ann & Joe O. Neuhoff Institute for Ministry & Evangelization |
Is your Joy-fuel tank full? Calling all WOMEN OF FAITH! |
Elizabeth Madeo has had the joy of being the Director of Youth Ministries in the same parish since 2002! After receiving her Masters degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 2009, she became an adjunct professor while giving workshops, training sessions & retreats. Elizabeth was a contributing author for Called to Mercy, for Saint Mary's Press. She is also an adjunct professor for the nationwide, online Executive Youth Ministry graduate program at the University of Dallas. |
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Kristy Martinez | The Magic of 8: No-Prep Checks for Understanding | Kristy Martinez has been an educator for over seventeen years. Mrs. Martinez received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Mexico in Communication and Spanish and her Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. She is currently a member of the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame working on her Masters in Educational Leadership. Mrs. Martinez is the Assistant Principal and 5th Grade Teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Dallas. |
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Rita Martínez *Sponsored by Sadlier |
Ministerio con familia, que es eso? | Rita Ann Martínez ha estado con Sadlier por casi un año como su representante de ventas. Ella tiene 35 años de experiencia en el campo Catequético del Ministerio de los Jóvenes, DRE y Maestra de la Escuela Católica en la Arquidiócesis de San Antonio y la Diócesis de Nuevo México y Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston. Imparte clases de formación en inglés y español para la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston apoyando a Líderes Catequéticos Parroquiales (PCL) que solicitan su ayuda. Fue Presidente de un capitulo local profesional PCL en Galveston - Houston desde 2005-2007(Archdiocesan of Catechetical and Pastoral Ministers acpm). Ella es uno de los fundadores de la Federación de Catequesis con los Hispanos. Tiene una Licenciatura en Estudios Religiosos y una Maestría en Teología de la Universidad del Verbo Encarnado en San Antonio. Tiene certificaciones en el Ministerio de la juventud y Coordinación de Ministerio Pastoral. Ella también tiene su Certificación Nacional de la Catequesis. | |
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Bob McCarty *Sponsored by the Ann & Joe O. Neuhoff Institute for Ministry & Evangelization |
Engaging Young People in God Talk!
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Bob McCarty is a pastoral ministry consultant and trainer and has been in professional ministry since 1973, serving in parish, school, diocesan, and national settings. He offers consultations, retreats, workshops and training programs in ministry skills and issues internationally. Bob serves as the project coordinator for the Saint Mary’s Press research project, Going, Going, Gone: The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics. His recent books are Thriving in Youth Ministry; The Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry: Fundamentals, Theory and Practice; and Faith Talk: Having Conversations with Young People That Matter! through Saint Mary’s Press. Bob is a volunteer in his parish youth ministry and catechetical program at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fulton, MD. Bob is adjunct faculty at The Catholic University of America and The University of Dallas. His hobbies include rock climbing, cycling, and grandparenting! |
| Luis Medina | La Confirmación: Reafirmarse en la fe y hacerla Propia | Luis Medina es Gerente General de división en Ascension Press en Filadelfia. Antes se desempeñó como Director de catequesis bilingüe de Sadlier y Director Editorial en Liguori Publications. Su experiencia combina 15 años en editoriales, diócesis, parroquias y escuelas católicas, donde ha desarrollado programas de educación en la fe, catequesis, RICA, preparación sacramental, estudios bíblicos y devocionarios. Como Director Editorial ha dirigido la publicación de más de doscientos títulos de interés general, cultura y espiritualidad católica. Obtuvo la maestría en economía y gobierno en la Universidad Anáhuac de la Ciudad de México. Es licenciado en filosofía por la Pontificia Universidad Gregoriana y el Ateneo Regina Apostolorum en Roma, Italia. En esa misma ciudad obtuvo el diploma de especialización en Santo Tomás de Aquino en la Pontificia Universidad Angelicum y estudió teología en el Pontificio Ateneo Regina Apostolorum. Además es profesor adjunto de University of Dallas, donde colabora en la preparación de diáconos permanentes enseñando filosofía y varios temas teológicos. | |
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Deacon Alfred Mitchell | Homiletics and Storytelling | Deacon Alfred Mitchell was ordained as a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Atlanta in May, 1987. He is assigned to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Decatur, GA. He also serves as a volunteer chaplain in the Interfaith Chaplaincy at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Deacon Mitchell was director of deacon personnel for the Archdiocese of Atlanta from October, 1990 through December, 2005. He was a participating director in the National association of Diaconate Directors (NADD). He was NADD's president in 2003-2004. Other association memberships include the National Diaconate Institute of Continuing Education (NDICE), serving as its president in 1997-1998. Deacon Mitchell has led retreats for deacons and wives since 1991 in more than three dozen dioceses and archdioceses in the US and Canada. Storytelling is an integral part of these retreats. |
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Deacon Arturo & Esperanza Monterrubio |
Espiritualidad Misionera
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Esperanza y Arturo han estado casados por 38 años y han trabajado para la Iglesia Católica durante los últimos 28 años. Los dos obtuvieron una maestría en estudios teológicos de la Universidad de St. Thomas en Houston, Texas. Ambos han trabajado para la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston y recientemente empezaron a trabajar juntos para los misioneros Maryknoll en la formación de Discípulos Misioneros. |
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Fatima Monterrubio Cruess |
Momentos Familiares: Hilos Que Tejen el Manto de la Santidad |
Fatima Monterrubio Cruess ha estado involucrada en varios aspectos de ministerio parroquial por más de diez años. Originaria de México, creció en Texas y obtuvo su bachillerato y maestría en Teología de la Universidad de Notre Dame. Se ha desempeñado como directora de educación religiosa y formación de fe, directora de RICA, maestra de religión de escuela intermedia, y directora asociada de ministerio juvenil. Actualmente es ama de casa al cuidado de sus dos hijos. |
| Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography | |
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| Rev. Joseph Quang Nguyen, C. Ss.R |
Giới Trẻ hôm nay là ai? Họ đang cần gì? (Part 1) Phương cách giúp tiếp cận và đối thoại với Giới trẻ hôm nay (Part 2) |
Linh Mục Giuse Maria Nguyễn Minh Quang sinh ngày 4 tháng 6 năm 1985 tại Sài Gòn, Việt Nam. Cha đã cùng gia đình di cư đến Hoa Kỳ vào năm 1997. Sau khi học xong trung học, cha gia nhập Dòng Chúa Cứu Thế Việt Nam Hải Ngoại vào tháng 8 năm 2003, tại Dallas Texas. Cha đã khấn trọn đời vào ngày 1 tháng 8 năm 2008. Và ngày 3 tháng 5, năm 2014, tại Houston Texas, cha đã được thụ phong linh mục. Sau khi thụ chịu chức linh mục, cha được bổ nhiệm đến giáo xứ Đức Mẹ Hằng Cứu Giúp tại Dallas Texas từ 2014 - 2018 với vai trò phó xứ. Từ năm 2018 cho đến nay, cha được bổ nhiệm giúp cho việc truyền thông radio và TV ASTM tại Long Beach, CA. |
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Dana Nygaard, MA, LPC | Strong Marriages: The Foundation of Strong Catholic Families | Dana Nygaard is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice in Plano, Texas. She received a Bachelor of Secondary Education from the University of North Texas and her Master of Art in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. She is the founder and retreat facilitator of Cana Marriage Retreats and proudly serves the Diocese of Dallas as a Marriage Readiness Assessor. |
| Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography | |
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| Monica Oppermann | El Corazón del Discípulo: su formación en el seno de la familia y a lo largo de la vida. | Monica Oppermann es Directora Asociada de la Oficina de Formación y Discipulado, y dirige específicamente las labores de Evangelización y Desarrollo de Discípulos de la Arquidiócesis de Atlanta. Monica nació y se educó en la Ciudad de México y tuvo una fuerte conversion al iniciar su servicio en la iglesia de Atlanta. Durante los pasados 20 años, se ha enfocado en el crecimiento espiritual, evangelización, formación y desarrollo de discípulos y renovación de la iglesia. Esta especializada en varias herramientas de evangelización como Alpha, Amazing Parish, Llamados y Dotados y de acompañamiento como el Entrenamiento Ananias. Monica es una presentadora apasionada en la evangelización y su importancia para ayudar a que todos conozcan el amor de Jesucristo. | |
| Katie Owens | Virtues Based Restorative Discipline: Building Community & Relationships Across School Culture | Katie Owens is a P-K teacher at St. Patrick School in Dallas, Texas. A graduate of Texas Christian University, Katie has been a teacher for 25 years with experience in both Catholic and public schools ranging from PK to 5th grade. Her vision is for her young students to be academically and spiritually prepared for their Catholic educational journey. An important component of this vision is the utilization of Virtue Based Restorative Discipline in the classroom. She has been a proponent of VBRD at St. Patrick School since it was introduced in 2018. Katie looks forward to playing a vital role in her student’s life-long spiritual and academic growth. She currently resides with her family in Dallas, TX. |
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Dr. Jo Ann Paradise *Sponsored by Our Sunday Visitor |
Forming a Spiritual Child in a Secular World Effective Family Catechesis Is More Than One Gathering Unlocking the Religious Imagination: Facilitating that Faith Formation of Adolescents |
Dr. Jo Ann Paradise is a National Consultant for Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division and works with the product development team in creating resources for children and their families. She is the General Program Editor for Encounter With Christ, OSV’s completely new sacrament preparation program. Jo Ann has served as catechetical leader in the Diocese of Pittsburgh for over 32 years. A teacher at both the grade school and high school levels in Catholic schools as well as an adjunct faculty member of several universities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. |
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Rev. Jose Ramón Perez-Martinez |
"Nuestra Herencia: los Valores y las Virtudes" "Por qué siento como siento: la formación del corazón"
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Nace en Oaxaca, México el 16 de Agosto de 1950. En 1968 comienza la carrera de Pedagogía en la Ciudad de México y sus estudios de filosofía y teología. Va a Roma en 1974 a concluirlos y a España a estudiar Derecho Canónico en la Universidad de Navarra. Se ordena el año de 1980 y recibe el título de Doctor en Derecho Canónico en junio de 1981. Regresa a Ciudad de México donde desarrolla su ministerio pastoral en distintas ciudades del país, trabaja en la ciudad de Monterrey, Chihuahua, donde es profesor del Seminario Regional de Chihuahua y en el Tribunal Eclesiástico de Causas Matrimoniales En 2009 se traslada a la Ciudad de San Antonio para trabajar en la Pastoral Hispana. Actualmente es párroco de St Lawrence Catholic Church, Defensor del Vínculo del Tribunal eclesiástico de la Arquidiócesis de San Antonio, profesor de filosofía y teología en MACC (Mexican American Catholic College) y Capellán del Centro de Detención de Bexar County. |
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Roy Petitfils *Sponsored by Ave Maria Press |
"The Question Behind the Question": Tools Needed to Identify and Address the Real Fears, Questions, Hopes and Dreams of Today's Youth The Art of Accompanying Hurting Young People |
Roy has worked with young people for over 25 years as a youth minister, campus minister, teacher, school administrator, school counselor and now as a psychotherapist in private practice. He has published five books including his latest Helping Teens with Stress, Anxiety and Depression: A Field Guide for Catholic Parents, Educators, Pastors and Youth Ministers. Roy has keynoted many national and international conferences including a 2016 TEDx talk helping adults understand and reach teens. Roy lives with his wife Mindi of 17 years and their two sons Maximillian and Benjamin, in Youngsville, Louisiana. |
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Maureen Pratt | Maureen Pratt is an award-winning Catholic journalist and the author of eight books including Salt and Light: Church, Disability, and the Blessing of Welcome for All (Twenty-Third Publications) and Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness (Image/Penguin Random House). Her syndicated Catholic News Service column “Living Well” reaches readers throughout the world, and her popular workshops and retreats on faith, prayer, and living positively with disability, chronic illness, and pain, encourage participants in faith-based and medical venues throughout the United States. She holds degrees from Georgetown University and University of California Los Angeles and is studying for a M.T.S. at the Jesuit School of Theology. For most of her life, Maureen has lived with serious illness and was diagnosed with lupus more than 20 years ago. She affirms that faith lived through illness and pain brings many blessings, especially joy. | |
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Katie Prejean McGrady *Sponsored by Ave Maria Press |
Christus Vivit: The Essential Truths for Ministry to Young People Today Millenials & Gen. Z: born with a phone in their hand
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Katie Prejean McGrady is an international Catholic speaker and author of 3 books from Ave Maria Press. After working as a theology teacher and youth minister for 6 years, Katie now travels the world speaking to audiences of all ages and sizes about faith, culture, family, evangelization, youth and young adult ministry, education, and discipleship. Katie was sent by the USCCB as one of 3 representatives to the Vatican's Pre-Synod gathering of young adults in March of 2019 and has worked extensively in the continued work surroundoung the Synod. She writes for America Magazine, Blessed is She, the Grotto Network, Life Teen, and Epic Pew, and hosts the popular Catholic podcast The Electric Waffle. She has her degree in Theology from the University of Dallas and lives in Louisiana with her family. |
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Maureen Provencher *Sponsored by St. Mary's Press |
Igniting the Hearts of a New Generation: Engaging and Accompanying Younger Disciples!
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Maureen P. Provencher has served professionally in ministry for almost three decades in parish, regional, and diocesan settings, in the areas of adolescent ministry, catechesis, liturgy, and pastoral ministry. She has presented workshops at various events, institutes, and conferences, as well as retreats, throughout the years. She has authored and contributed to various publications through the dioceses in which she has served, the N.F.C.Y.M., and Saint Mary’s Press. Maureen has a passion for ministry in the Church, and a desire to help others discover and respond to the holy within and around them. Maureen serves on the Ministry Care Team at Saint Mary’s Press, lives in southern Maine, and enjoys being an aunt to five nieces. |
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Diana Dudoit Raiche, PhD *Sponsored by the Ann & Joe O. Neuhoff School of Minsitry
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Liturgical Catechesis: An Essential Method in Catechesis | Diana Dudoit Raiche, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Ministry in the Neuhoff Institute for Ministry & Evangelization at the University of Dallas. Focusing on the link between catechesis and liturgy, her work is grounded in her previous experience in pastoral ministry at parish, diocesan and national levels. Dr. Raiche has served as a teacher in Catholic schools, a parish director of catechetical ministry, diocesan commission chair, executive director of the religious education department at the National Catholic Educational Association, consultant to the Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, planning teams for the Diocesan Educational Catechetical Leadership Institute with USCCB and NCCL, and the National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis with NCCL, NFCYM, and USCCB, and team member for North American Forum on the Catechumenate. At The Catholic University of America her dissertation focused on the essential nature of liturgical catechesis, especially in relation to the RCIA. | |
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Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy *Sponsored by Loyola Press |
“Take Five”: Basic Principles for Cultivating Catechists What's Your Story? Bridging Cultural Wisdom and Catechesis through Storytelling |
Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy is the Director of Religious Education and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Honolulu with over 21 years of experience in parish and school ministry leadership including curriculum and instruction development and volunteer recruitment and management. She is author of "Cultivating Your Catechists: How to Recruit, Encourage, and Retain Successful Catechists" (Loyola Press, 2017) and contributing author for LP's online blog "Catechist's Journey." |
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Padre Rafael M. Ramírez *Sponsored by the Ann & Joe O. Neuhoff Institute for Ministry & Evangelization |
La sagrada familia en el Antiguo Testamento La sagrada familia en el Nuevo Testamento
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El P. Rafael M. Ramírez es
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Matt Rice *Sponsored by ABLAZE/NextLevel Ministries |
Tough but True: Navigating Difficult Topics as Ministry Leaders Tough but True: Navigating Difficult Topics as Ministry Leaders - LIVE PODCAST |
Matt Rice is the president and founder of Ablaze Ministries and currently resides in Bryan, TX. He holds a BA from Texas A&M University and a M.Div. with Biblical Studies concentration. Matt began working in ministry over 18 years ago but quickly realized that there was a need that was not being met in the world of Youth Ministry. In response to this need, Matt founded Ablaze Ministries to form and train youth ministers and provide quality youth ministry to parishes of all sizes. Ablaze has a 360 degree approach to ministry, which allows for youth ministers to be coached, parishes to be equipped in forming tomorrow’s leaders, and for parents to have the resources and community to raise saints at home! | |
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Chad Riley | The Role of Trust in Leadership Succession Planning | Currently serving as the principal of Bishop Lynch High School (Dallas, TX), Dr. Chad Riley has served as a teacher and principal at all levels of PK-12 Catholic education for 19 years. He serves on advisory councils for the UDMC and NCEA. His research interests include leadership frameworks, studies in the First Amendment religion clauses, and the intersection of religion with civic life. Dr. Riley may be contacted at chad.riley@bishoplynch.org. |
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Ana Marcela Rodriguez, MS, LMFT-A |
No más, Mereces vivir en Paz. Una conversación de frente sobre la violencia dómestica. |
Ana Marcela Rodríguez, nació y creció en México donde estudió la licenciatura en Psicología
en la Universidad de Monterrey. Posteriormente, se fue a vivir a Estados Unidos dónde
su pasión por seguir dando terapia y ayudando a su comunidad la llevó a estudiar la
maestría en ciencias en consejería en SMU. Finalmente, obtuvo su licencia como terapeuta
de familia y pareja asociada en el estado de Texas (LMFT Associate). También, cuenta
con un entrenamiento especial en traumas: EMDR. Hoy en día Ana Marcela tiene su práctica
privada, Therapy Works Counseling, en Mckinney donde atiende a adolescentes, adultos,
parejas y familias en español e inglés. También imparte talleres para parejas, facilita
grupos para adolescentes y da pláticas de diversos temas. Ella ha sido aprobada por
la Diócesis de Dallas como terapeuta de confianza, así como “marriage readiness asesor”.
Como apostolado Ana Marcela adoptó el viñedo de Raquel, donde cada año colabora como
terapeuta voluntaria. |
| Speaker Full Name | Session Information | Biography | |
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Gerardo Salazar *Sponsored by Sadlier |
¡Auxilio! Han cambiado al “párroco”; guía para el líderes y catequistas El Humor es Sano en la Catequesis: El Poder de la Alegria!
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México-americano, originario de Los Ángeles, California y San Luis Potosí, México. Casado por 16 años con Nancy con quien tiene 9 hijos. Hijo de padres campesinos migrantes. Su madre lo consagró a San Gerardo cuyo nombre significa “espada de Dios” y a la Virgen del Carmen. Tiene una Licenciatura en Periodismo y Comunicaciones, una Maestría en Teología y Ministerio y actualmente está finalizando su Doctorado en Ministerio Hispano. Es el Director Asociado de la Oficina de Evangelización y Catequesis en la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston, director de la Maestría en Teología Pastoral en la Universidad de Santo Tomás y consultor nacional para Sadlier. Su proceso de conversión comenzó en mayo del 2007 a los pies del Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves en Belleville Illinois. |
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Jake Samour |
Un Encuentro con Jesús en Nuestro Hogar - La Nueva Evangelización por medio de la Iglesia Doméstica Parejas Caminando juntas en la Fe para realizar su Misión “Varón y Mujer los creó”: La Teología del Cuerpo y La Cuestión del Gender |
Jake Samour es el Director de la Oficina de la Pastoral para Matrimonios y Vida Familiar en la Diócesis de Wichita, Kansas desde Marzo del 2013. Jake obtuvo su maestría en Teología del Instituto Juan Pablo II. Tambien obtuvo su diplomado sobre Estudios de Matrimonio y Familia en Washington, D.C. en donde conoció a su esposa, Ramie. Jake es actualmente candidato para recibir su Doctorado en Ministerio en Oblate School of Theology TX. El y su esposa tienen catorce años de casados y tienen seis hijos. |
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Bernice Simmons |
Tools for Our Catholic Journey - Strengthening families' mental and spiritual health. Our Story: As it Was in the Beginning, Is Now and how will it be. Trauma and the Brain. |
Bernice Simmons is a wife of 21 years and mother of 4 children ages 20 – 8. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is a certified PREPARE Counselor, a trained FOCCUS Facilitator and Trainer, as well as trained in Safe Conversations. Over the course of the past 23 years Bernice has worked in Adult Faith Formation as an RCIA Director, Family and Adult Ministry Associate Director, and Adult Faith Formation Director. She is a Marriage Readiness Assessor and Procurator Advocate for the Dallas Diocese Tribunal. Bernice also serves as a speaker for the Catholic ProLife Committee and a volunteer therapist on Rachel’s Vineyard Healing After Abortion Retreats. Bernice presently practices counseling through her private practice, Faithful Changes Counseling, PLLC and is the Director of RCIA at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Wylie. |
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Jacquelyn Smith *Sponsored by Catholic Pro-Life Community |
Assumption of Chastity: Vocation and Dating in Today's Culture
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Jacquelyn Smith is the Director of Youth For Life for the Catholic Pro-Life Community, Respect Life Ministry of the Diocese of Dallas, a position she has held since 1999. Pro-Life work is her passion and she feels blesses to have it as her career. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Theology, both from the University of Dallas. She has spoken on Respect Life issues at the University of Dallas Ministry Conference, Teach for Life Conference, and to thousands of youth at parishes and schools. Jacquelyn is Founder and Director of Pro-Life Boot Camp and organizes pro-life trainings and activities for teens. In their personal lives, Jacquelyn and her husband, Andrew, consider their most important pro-life work being parents to 6 wonderful children Earth and 3 in Heaven. |
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Dr. Sean Smith | All Are Welcome: Including and Serving Students with Disabilities in our Catholic Schools | Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. He is also the President of the technology division for the Council for Exceptional Children, Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET), and member of the Executive Board for the National Down syndrome Congress. Dr. Smith’s research interest focus on innovations and technology solutions to support struggling learners and those with disabilities, particularly interventions aligned with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework. Sean has authored over 100 books and articles and currently works with the University of Notre Dame to facilitate the inclusion of ALL students in Catholic Education. |
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Haley Stewart *Sponsored by Ave Maria Press |
Building Up the Domestic Church | Haley Stewart is a Catholic convert, speaker, writer, and mother. She and her beekeeping whisky-making husband live in central Texas on an urban farm and homeschool their four kids. Her writing can be found online at Notre Dame Church Life Journal, America Magazine, Public Discourse, and Aleteia and she’s a frequent guest on Catholic radio. Haley is the author of The Grace of Enough: Pursuing Less and Living More in a Throwaway Culture. You can find her at her blog (Carrots for Michaelmas), her podcast (Fountains of Carrots), or on Instagram or Twitter where she’s @haleycarrots. |
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Barbara Sutton
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"Holy Seeing" with the Art of The Saint John's Bible (Visio Divina) | Barbara Sutton is the director of ministerial formation and field education and on the faculty of Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary, Collegeville, MN. She directs the Seeing the Word curriculum project for The Saint John's Bible. |
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Victoria Tanco |
Religious but not spiritual: When routine leaves you wanting more (Round Table Session) Religioso pero no espiritual: Cuando la rutina te deja con ganas de más. |
Victoria Tanco is a spiritual director and founder of Reditus, a ministry of spiritual accompaniment to individuals and groups. She earned a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Aquinas Institute of Theology. She has a Master of Theology degree from the University of Dallas and is a freelance catechist and speaker, teaching in both English and Spanish. She taught theology at Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas. Tanco first heard the call of companioning those who had become distant from their faith, and founded a ministry to individuals returning to the church. She has since made spiritual accompaniment her primary vocation, with the mission of helping persons of any faith tradition recognize God’s love and discern God’s will in their lives.
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Dr. Mayra Thompson *Sponsored by Catholic Pro-Life Community |
The Bioethical Family La Familia Bioética |
La Dra. Thompson es profesora de Obstetricia y Ginecología en U.T. Southwestern, donde se especializa en cirugías mínimamente invasivas y robóticas. Además, atiende pacientes en el Lowe Foundation Center for Women’s Preventative Health Care (una fundación para la atención médica preventiva de la mujer). La Dra. Thompson recibió su licenciatura de la Universidad Northwestern y su Doctora en Medicina de la escuela de medicina Abraham Lincoln de la Universidad de Illinois. Completó su residencia en Obstetricia y Ginecología en el hospital de investigación de la Universidad de Illinois Research Hospital. La Dra. Thompson tiene un interés especial en las necesidades de salud de la comunidad hispana debido a su herencia México-Americana. Es una defensora de todas las mujeres necesitadas, y tiene un interés especial en proteger a los no nacidos. Es activa en la Asociación Médica Católica a nivel nacional y localmente en el Catholic Physicians Guild (gremio de médicos católicos). |
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Nubia Torres *Sponsored by Catholic Charities of Dallas |
Como las parroquias y las escuelas responden a la violencia doméstica | Nubia Torres estudió en la Universidad de Dallas, donde recibió una licenciatura en biología con concentración en español. Ella es originaria de Brownsville, TX, americana de primera generación e hija de padres inmigrantes, y ha trabajado en inmigración con organizaciones sin fines de lucro desde 2009. Ahora, ella es la directora de Caridades Católicas de Dallas, servicios legales de inmigración. Ella es parte de varias organizaciones comunitarias que asisten a víctimas de crimen, brinda entrenamientos de inmigración y alivios migratorios para víctimas de crimen a agencias gubernamentales, empleados de otras organizaciones, a abogados alrededor del país, y es defensora de los derechos de los inmigrantes. | |
| Sister Janine Tran | Hướng về Lâu Đài Nội Tâm: Trẻ Mãi và Trẻ Thật | Sơ Janine Trần Ngọc Vân là nữ tu của Dòng Thừa Sai Đức Mẹ Trinh Vương, hiện đặc trách chương trình Giáo lý ở Giáo xứ Đức Mẹ Hằng Cứu Giúp và đồng thời là giáo sư của chương trình CPM của đại học University of Dallas. Từ năm 1999 dến 2003, Sơ Vân học cử nhân Giáo dục Trung học và từ năm 2008 đến 2012, học thạc sĩ Thần học tại Đại học University of Dallas. Sơ đã hướng dẫn nhiều buổi tĩnh tâm cho giới trẻ và các khoá huấn nghiệp cho người lớn. | |
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Alyssa Trutter *Sponsored by ABLAZE/NextLevel Ministries |
Empowered to Evangelize | Alyssa Trutter has served in youth ministry for 14 years. She is one of the founders of Ablaze Ministries, a community of missionaries serving the young Church in parish and campus ministry. Alyssa received a Masters in Theology from the Augustine Institute. She cohosts a podcast with one of her closest friends called Everyday Catholics, where they joyfully seek to bring the faith into everyday moments. In her spare time she loves having heart to hearts over coffee, hiking, napping, and adventuring. |
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Mercedes Vallenilla | La familia: el lugar donde se forma o deforma al ser humano. | Psicóloga con más de 25 años de experiencia dentro de la Iglesia Católica en diversos
países como Venezuela, Filipinas y México. Escritora autora de 4 libros sobre psicología
humanista y espiritualidad cristiana. Especialidad en psicología social. Maestra en
Ciencias de la Familia por el Instituto Pontificio Juan Pablo II. Candidata a Doctora
en Psicología por la Universidad Marista de Guadalajara en México. Conferencista Internacional. Conduce un ministerio en redes sociales siendo Blogger
en www.
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Father Joshua Whitfield | The Way of the Listener: 10 Steps for Listening to Homilies (even bad ones!) | Fr. Joshua J. Whitfield is a Roman Catholic priest currently serving as the Pastoral Administrator of St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas. Unlike most Catholic priests, Fr. Whitfield is married with children. A former Episcopal priest trained for ministry in England, after his conversion to Catholicism, he was ordained a Catholic priest through the Pastoral Provision of Pope Saint John Paul II in 2012. He and his wife Alli live in North Dallas with their four children: Maggie, Peter, Zoe-Catherine, and Bernadette. Originally from Glen Rose, Texas—the son of a football coach—he’s an alum of Texas Tech, the University of Leeds, and Duke University. He is the author of Pilgrim Holiness: Martyrdom as Descriptive Witness (Cascade, 2009) and The Crisis of Bad Preaching: Redeeming the Heart and Way of the Catholic Preacher (Ave Maria Press, 2019). He is also a regular contributor to the Dallas Morning News. |
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Dr. J. Lee Whittington | Reframing Work as Worship and Witness | J.Lee is Professor of Management at the University of Dallas. He focuses his teaching,
research, and consulting in the areas of Leadership, Spiritual Leadership, Organizational
Behavior, and Leading Strategic Change. His research has been published in The Leadership
Quarterly, Academy of Management Review, Journal of Management, Journal of Organizational
Behavior, and the Journal of Management, Spirituality, and Religion. He is the author
of Biblical Perspectives on Leadership and Organizations (Palgrave-Macmillan, 2015).
While serving as the Dean, J. Lee led the effort for initial accreditation of the University of Dallas College of Business by AACSB. In 2011, he received the Haggerty Teaching Excellence Award at the University of Dallas. In 2019 he was given the Excellence in Teaching Award by The National Society of Leadership and Success. He was recognized as the Outstanding Faculty Member in the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business in 2019. |
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Theodore James Whapham, Ph.D. *Sponsored by the Ann & Joe O. Neuhoff Institute for Ministry & Evangelization |
Anxiety & Depression in Family & the Community (Round Table Session) | Dr. Ted Whapham is Dean and Associate Professor in the Neuhoff Institute for Ministry & Evangelization at the University of Dallas. He teaches in the area of church history and Catholic doctrine and is the author/editor of numerous articles and books. His most recent work, Transforming Ministry Formation, will appear soon from Paulist Press. |
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Father James Yamauchi |
Engaging the Youth in our Church and Families: Reclaiming the Sacramental Life
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Father James Yamauchi is a priest of the Diocese of Dallas and serves as the pastor of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Forney, Texas. The oldest of six children, he grew up in a military family and attended public schools, private schools, and was home-schooled. Father James was ordained a priest on July 16, 2011, and has a degree in canon law. |
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The University of Dallas and the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, co-sponsors of the University of Dallas Ministry Conference, announced that to better reflect their partnership, the conference will henceforth be known as the Dallas Ministry Conference. The 10th annual conference will be held Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2016, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas.
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