SPEAKERS

The Office of Faith Formation Conference 2024

Prepare to be inspired by leaders in the church by witnessing our Catholic Faith Life

English
Espanol

Fr. Chris Bennett

A10: Liturgy, Art and Prayer

Fr. Sebastian Carnazzo

Rev. Sebastian Carnazzo, PhD, is a priest in the Melkite Catholic Church of America and pastor of the St. Elias Melkite Parish in San Jose (steliasmelkite.org).  He received his BS from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in Animal Science with a concentration in veterinary medicine.  He then went on to receive his MA in Theology with a concentration in Sacred Scripture from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College and his PhD in Biblical Studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. His dissertation was published under the title Seeing Blood and Water: A Narrative-Critical of John 19:34 (2012).  He joined the faculty of St. Patrick’s Seminary in the Fall of 2015 as a fulltime lecturer in Sacred Scripture and Biblical Languages.  Among other teaching engagements and volunteer activities, he is also an adjunct lecturer in Sacred Scripture for the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College and the academic director for the deacon program in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, OK.  He lives happily with his wonderful wife and six beautiful children in Prunedale, CA.

A11: Patriarchal Patience

Waiting on the Lord in the Old Testament.  We will mainly focus on Abraham, Our Father in Faith.

B9: Christological Crisis

Waiting on the Lord in the New Testament focusing on the messianic hopes of Israel

Sponsored by Pflaum Publishing

Sponsored by Pflaum Publishing

Terry Cotting-Mogan

Ms Cotting-Mogan has over 46 years in catechetical, campus, family, and youth/youth adult ministries at the parish, school, and diocesan levels. She has spoken at numerous events at diocesan and national levels. She earned a BA from Marquette University, a MS from Cardinal Stritch College, both of Milwaukee WI, and an Advanced Studies Certificate in Youth Ministry Training from St Mary’s University, Baltimore MD.

A3: Open the Door to Christmas Through Advent (school or parish focused)

Come explore four main themes of Advent with practical suggestions to prepare your students and families for the Christmas season.

B3: The Keys to Successful Classroom Management (parish focused)

Come and learn some practical ways to strengthen your classroom management skills. We will focus on the three keys of strengthening your relationship with and among your students, keeping the flow of your class moving and trusting the Holy Spirit. Creating a positive classroom community will increase attendance, participation, smiles and decrease discipline issues.

Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation Archdiocese of San Francisco

Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation Archdiocese of San Francisco

Aaron Del Monte

Aaron Del Monte serves as an educational consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc. Aaron’s life has been shaped positively by his own Church experience as a teen, both in Catholic schools and his parish’s youth program. He has spent his entire adult life dedicated to teaching and ministering to young people. He and his wife, Sherry spent 10 years as the Coordinators of Youth Ministry at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Elk Grove, California. Aaron is the author of the book Prayers and Reflections for Newlyweds.

A4: Powerful Prayer Experiences for High School Youth

Many young people want to improve their prayer lives, but they just don’t know where to start. This workshop will help you create meaningful prayer experiences for groups of high school youth, and it will provide you with information young people can use to improve their individual daily prayer experiences. A variety of ideas will be provided, with an emphasis on using popular music as a powerful tool to draw young people into prayer and reflection.

B4: Powerful Prayer Experiences for Junior High School Youth

Many young people want to improve their prayer lives, but they just don’t know where to start. This workshop will help you create meaningful prayer experiences for groups of junior high school youth, and it will provide you with information young people can use to improve their individual daily prayer experiences. A variety of ideas will be provided, with an emphasis on using popular music as a powerful tool to draw young people into prayer and reflection.
Sponsored by Loyola Press

Sponsored by Loyola Press

Debra Eileen Evans

Debra Eileen Evans is the Director of Religious Education for the Church of the Visitation in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. With over 30 years of ministry experience including music, family faith formation, and liturgical ministries. She serves on the Committee for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD). Holds a MA in Pastoral Theology from LMU, an MS in Education and Museum Leadership from Bank Street College, and a BM in Vocal Performance from The Catholic University of America. She is married to her wonderful husband, John, and is the proud mom of their son, John David.

 

A7: Collaborating with Families for Transformative Faith Formation

The New Directory for Catechesis offers that “The family is a proclamation of faith in that it is the natural place in which faith can be lived in a simple and spontaneous manner” (The New Directory for Catechesis, #227). If the family is a proclamation of faith, and parents are the leading proclaimers, how can we better support our parents and transform faith formation in the Domestic Church? This session will provide catechetical leaders with some fun and faith filled strategies on how to collaborate with families for transformative Faith Formation experiences and build stronger relationships with our families

B6: Prayer: A Time to Speak and a Time to Listen

Pope Francis offered that “Prayer is the breath of faith” (General Audiences, May 6, 2020). In the hustle and bustle of daily life, our families seem to hardly have time to breathe let alone pray. How can we inspire our families to take the time to pray? This session will introduce different forms of prayer that will engage and encourage our families and ourselves.  We will gather, pray and explore various forms of prayer that will enrich the prayer lives of the families we serve, as well as our own.

Sandy Flaherty

Sandy Flaherty received two Master’s Degrees in Theology, one from the Franciscan
School of Theology and the other from Chaminade University. She has published three
books, the latest being Why Choose Catholic Education?: A Guide for Parents. She is
currently the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity and has taught at Mercy High
School Burlingame for 31 years.

A9: Mary the Way of Beauty: Utilizing Sacred Art for Faith Formation

In his article Mary the Way of Beauty, Johann G. Roten wrote, “We call Mary the
masterpiece of God, because in her we detect a surplus of the divine – the
overflowing presence of God’s goodness in an earthen vessel.” This workshop
will explore how to use sacred art as a means to draw students into the beauty of
our Marian doctrines and traditions and celebrate her as our mother. We will
study Renaissance masterpieces which depict significant moments in the life of
Mary. We will enter into Visio Divina, an ancient Christian prayer form in which we
allow our hearts and imaginations to enter into a sacred image to see what God
might have for us there. Participants will walk away with practical ideas for
integrating sacred art into classroom instruction.

Fr. John Gribowich

Father John Gribowich is a theology teacher and campus minister at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory High School in San Francisco, CA.  He previously taught at Allentown Central Catholic High School in Allentown, PA and played an instrumental role in founding the Central City Project, which enabled students to engage in social justice initiatives in the city of Allentown.  John has been active in the Catholic Worker Movement and is the co-owner of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm in Harveys Lake, PA.  He earned his undergraduate degree in history and theology at DeSales University and studied theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, PA and St. Joseph’s Seminary (Dunwoodie) in Yonkers, NY.  He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn, NY in 2015 and has been an adjunct lecturer at DeSales University, Immaculata University, and St. John’s University (Jamaica, NY).  Additionally, John has graduate degrees in art history and library science from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.  He has contributed articles and interviews to Magnificat, The Tablet, and The National Catholic Reporter.  Along with theology and art history his personal interests include meditation, reading, running, and the music of Bob Dylan.

Kathy Lorentz

Kathy Lorentz has served as an educator, campus minister, counselor and spiritual director for over 35 years. She worked for ten years as a Pastoral Associate at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in San Francisco, CA. Since 1996, she has been the Associate Director of Campus Ministry at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory High School in San Francisco, where she also coaches the speech team and moderates the TEDx program, which hosts an annual event for Bay Area schools. Kathy has an MS in Counseling with specializations in both Marriage, Family, Child and School Counseling from San Francisco State University. She is certified by the Compassion Institute and Stanford University as a Compassion Teacher and is a certified MBSR-T Teacher. Kathy has an extensive knowledge of Eastern and Western mysticism and has participated in retreats and conferences with Thupten Jinpa, Thich Nhat Hanh and other spiritual masters. She has developed courses for high school students entitled “Mindfulness and the Contemplative Tradition” and “The Search for Human Meaning.” She, her husband David, and their five sons regularly serve as liturgical ministers at various parishes in the Bay Area.

A2: Workshop TBD

K3: Keynote TBD

Sponsored by William H. Sadlier, Inc

Sponsored by William H. Sadlier, Inc

Deacon Matt Halbach

Dr. Matthew Halbach was ordained in 2018 for the Diocese of Des Moines, IA. He is Senior National Catechetical Consultant and Sales Representative for William H. Sadlier, Inc. Deacon Halbach is also a national author and speaker on the topics of mercy, accompaniment, evangelization, and catechesis. He offers workshops, in-services, and retreats primarily for Catholic schools and parishes. He earned his PhD in Catechetics from The Catholic University of America in 2014 and is a reviewer for The International Journal of Evangelization and Catechesis. Deacon Halbach has a new book, They Saw Through God’s Eyes: An Invitation from Mary and the Saints and has been featured on EWTN’s television program, “At Home with Jim and Joy” discussing his reversion to the Catholic faith and his ministry as a deacon.

K1: Keynote - Holy Pause: Leading by Following

Salvation history is full of examples of God pausing before making decisions. This holy pause is something we can all learn from. When we take a holy pause, we invite God into our decision-making process; we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our actions. Holy pauses keep us from reacting too quickly or thoughtlessly. They teach us to be patient and to lead by following. Join Dcn. Matt Halbach, PhD as he unpacks the way of holy pausing and how we can apply it in our lives as disciples and leaders.

B8: Engaging Families in Eucharistic Catechesis

This workshop offers principles and practical suggestions (and a lot of story-telling!) that will help you encourage parents to take on the role of primary educator of the faith in their home, especially in regards to the Eucharist.

Susana Lapeyrade-Drummmond

Ms. Susana Lapeyrade-Drummond is a dedicated and experienced educator deeply committed to Catholic education. Currently serving as the Associate Superintendent for the Diocese of Oakland, she oversees Mission, Professional Learning, and Accreditation. With an impressive 34 years of service in Catholic schools, Ms. Lapeyrade-Drummond has held various roles, including teacher (10 yrs.), principal (16 years), and now associate superintendent (7+). Susana is also a Mater Catechist with the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Diocese of Oakland.

Her journey in Catholic education began in college, where she taught CCD classes and, through the years, taught confirmation classes in her parish. Throughout her career, Ms. Lapeyrade-Drummond has been a passionate advocate for faith-based education, always striving to enrich her students’ spiritual and academic lives.

B2: Sharing the Love of Prayer with Your Students

Join us for an inspiring session at the Faith Formation Conference focused on the essential practice of prayer in the lives of our students. This session aims to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to share the love of prayer across different grade levels effectively.

Key Elements of the Session:

  • Review of Prayer Types: Review the types of prayers appropriate for each grade level, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to meet curriculum requirements.
  • Innovative Approaches: Explore innovative ways to instill a love for prayer in students, utilizing both current technology and traditional tools.
  • Experiential Prayer: Engage in various prayer experiences, reflecting Pope Francis’s call during the Year of Prayer to rediscover prayer’s great value and absolute necessity in our lives.
  • Educational Integration: Learn how to integrate prayer into daily educational routines, fostering a deeper spiritual connection among students.

Outcome: By the end of this session, educators will be equipped with practical strategies to cultivate a love of prayer in their students, enriching their spiritual journeys and fostering a closer relationship with God. May we all “Be Still” and find space for God in our lives and classrooms.

Dr. Lope Lesigues

Dr. Lope Lesigues holds a S.Th.D. and Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. With 25 years of dedicated service in church ministry, he has notably led as Director of Religious Education and taught as an adjunct professor at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Religion and Religious Studies. Dr. Lesigues is also the author of ‘Archaeology of Play’ (NY, 2019) and recently joined the theology department at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, San Francisco, CA.

B15: Woof's World: Engaging Teens with a New Catholic Videogame Model

This is an insightful workshop unveiling ‘Woof’s World,’ a pioneering Catholic videogame designed to captivate and educate teenagers. Recently launched on top-tier platforms, this game represents a cutting-edge approach to USCCB’s ‘evangelizing catechesis,’ addressing the challenge of growing disaffiliation among teens. Discover how this gaming tool can transform catechesis and re-engage our youth in their faith journey.
Sponsored by OCP

Sponsored by OCP

Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP

Paulist Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP, is a composer, author, and educator. He studied composition and piano at the Manhattan School of Music, theology at the Washington Theological Union, liturgy and culture at the Graduate Theological Union, and sociology at the University of California, Berkeley. His music is chiefly published by Oregon Catholic Press. He holds a doctorate in liturgy and the sociology of religion. He lives at the Paulist Fathers Motherhouse in New York, St. Paul the Apostle Church.

A8: Asian Pacific Pastoral Ministry

B7: The Holy Spirit’s Role in Sending Us Forth

Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation Archdiocese of San Francisco, Programs for Neurodivergent Students

Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation Archdiocese of San Francisco, Programs for Neurodivergent Students

Irene Mendez Orteza

Irene Mendez Ortega is a proud Redwood City native from the Bay Area. She’s a bilingual School Psychologist who focuses on psychoeducational assessments, mental health, and behavioral and academic interventions. Irene has worked with students of all ages, from elementary to high school. Her specific professional interests include autism and supporting students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Irene is passionate about helping kids succeed both academically and personally, and she is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for every student she works with.

A5: Special Education Basics

This workshop offers a foundational understanding of special education, focusing on how to best support students with disabilities. The session will cover key disabilities and effective academic and behavioral interventions. Attendees will gain practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms that cater to diverse learning needs.

Sponsored by RCL Benziger

Sponsored by RCL Benziger

Pamela Perrino

Pam Perrino has a diverse background in early childhood education and advocacy. She has worked as an infant/toddler teacher, preschool teacher, center director, and adjunct college instructor. Her passion lies in supporting young children’s development and well-being. Pam delivers training across the country providing valuable insights into understanding why young children behave the way they do and how to respond effectively.

Her lively presentations offer practical strategies for dealing with little learners’ big emotions. Whether it’s addressing social-emotional competence or using positive behavior supports, her guidance helps educators navigate the complex world of early childhood emotions.

Pam has actively contributed to educational initiatives in Ohio. She served on state-level writing teams for the Early Learning and Development Standards and the Administrator Core Knowledge and Competencies. Additionally, she has been involved in Ohio’s Professional Development Committee and has held leadership roles across the state. Pam has also contributed to the editing of multiple early childhood curricula.  Pam’s dedication to early childhood education and her advocacy work continue to make a positive impact in the field.

A6: Letting Gratitude Guide Your Attitude

Explore the Power of gratitude and God’s unique design. God wired our human body and brain to be fueled by gratitude. Examine the research that supports our spiritual beliefs that our lives should be centered on gratitude. When you are filled with gratitude, you find more joy and can fill your bucket and the others around you.

B5: Little People Big Emotions

Young children have big emotions and are learning to navigate the world around them while learning to identify and label their feelings. This training will explore behavior, how the brain’s development influences behavior, how the classroom environment impacts behavior, and how the educator’s beliefs about behavior affect the child. Join us for these explorations, reflection, and lively conversation. 

 

Srs. Therese Randolph & Rita Jovick, RSM

Sr. Therese Randolph is a Sister of Mercy, originally from Omaha, NE. She studied at the College of St. Mary in Omaha, the University of Detroit, and Catholic University in Washington, DC. A lifelong educator, her areas of focus are pastoral theology and ministerial formation. Sister moved to San Luis Obispo in 2006 to care for her mother. While there she served in parish ministry. Since moving to the Bay area in 2009, she is an active advocate for immigrants and works with a Sisters of Mercy non-violence group. She is a long serving member of the Northern California Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking.

Rita Jovick, PBVM, is an active member of the Northern California Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking. After being raised in the Sunset District in San Francisco, Sister entered the Sisters of the Presentation. Her apostolic experiences included teaching; principal of three schools including The School of Epiphany; development director for Catholic elementary schools in and near the Mission District and administrator for an ESL adult school in the Central Valley. For the past eight years, Sister Rita has educated others about the enormity of human trafficking.

B1: “Human Trafficking Is in Your Zip Code”

Yes, it definitely is in your zip code, your county, your country and your world. This workshop will tell you how one becomes a victim; ways of how you can recognize a victim and how you can help end this plague of human trafficking.

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Carlos Ayala

Carlos Ayala Ramírez, salvadoreño, licenciado en filosofía y maestro en teología. Exdirector de radio YSUCA. Docente jubilado de la UCA. Actualmente, profesor de cristología y eclesiología en California, EE.UU.

A15: ¿Por qué necesitamos orar como Jesús enseñó a sus discípulos?

En una sociedad que nos ofrece un clima poco propicio para buscar el silencio y la paz, necesitamos orar para vivir en actitud lúcida y vigilante. El mejor regalo que nos ha dejado Jesús. La invocación más sublime a Dios, la oración por excelencia, El Padre nuestro.

B13: Teología de la oración en san Óscar Romero

La oración fue una constante en la vida de Monseñor Romero. No solo en los momentos difíciles, sino como experiencia fundamental de su fe cristiana. En la oración se decide, según el arzobispo mártir, “mi destino, mi razón de ser, la luz de mi inteligencia, el amor de mi corazón, la fuerza de mi vida, la perseverancia de mis propósitos” [homilía 17/07/77

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Fr. Alejandro Báez, S.J

Fr. Alejandro Báez, S.J. es un Jesuita de la Provincia de Oeaste de Estados Unidos. Se graduó y título de licenciatura en Filosofía y diplomado en Ciencias de la Religión y Psicología del Seminario menor del San Juan en Camarillo, CA. Alejandro termino una maestría en Educación Musical en la Universidad de Nueva York, donde se concentro en la interpretación vocal, coral y dirección instrumental. Él tiene una licencia de enseñanza en el Estado de Nueva York y California. Alejandro también ha desarrollado su formación musical en el Conservatorio de Musica de San Francisco, la Escuela Julliard de Música y en el Westminster Choir College de la Universidad Rider, Loyola Marymount University, Fordham University y la Universidad de Nueva York. En los últimos años, Alejandro ha estado cantando con la Sociedad Coral de Nueva York, Coro Maestro de Nueva York, Coro de la Universidad de Nueva York, Nueva, Coro de la Universidad de Fodham, el Coro de San Ignacio Coro en Manhattan, NY. En sus presentaciones corales el han cantado en el Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Skirball Center, y Alice Tully Hall de Nueva York. Alejandro enseño en la Escuela Secundaria Jesuita en Sacramento y Verbum Dei en Watts, CA. En ambas escuelas preparatorias Alejandro enseñó Justicia Social, Etica, Teología Moral, Antiguo y Nuevo Testamento, Liturgia, coros, talleres de canto y entretando volleyball. Las principales áreas de interés y experiencia de Alejandro son en la enseñanza de la escuela secundaria (sobre todo con los jóvenes menores de recursos), el ministerio litúrgico y música Hispana, la música y la espiritualidad, bienestar autentico y completo del cuerpo y alma, deportes y el autocuidado. Fue ordenado diacono en Octubre 21, 2017 y sacerdote el Junio 9th 2018. Actualmente el Padre Alejandro trabaja como director de coros y orquesta en la Escuela Preparatoria de Bellarmine and Tacoma WA. El Padre  Alejandro es actualmente el Administrador Parroquial de la Iglesia de Santa Inés en San Francisco, CA. y es estudiando de doctorado en la Unión Teológica Católica en Chicago. Su pasión es enseñar liturgia, espiritualidad ignaciana, música pastoral y dar dirección espiritual.

B12:"Introducción a los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio de Loyola, diseñados para gente ocupada".

Sponsored by Bayard, Inc/ Pflaum

Sponsored by Bayard, Inc/ Pflaum

Erika De Urquidi

Erika De Urquidi, editora bilingüe, se unió a Bayard, Inc. en julio de 2018. Durante sus 15 años como traductora profesional, Erika ha trabajado en los departamentos de educación, recursos humanos, marketing y legal para empresas en Estados Unidos, América Latina y Europa. Tiene experiencia en docencia, tanto en escuelas públicas como católicas. Desde sus años de escuela secundaria, Erika ha sido un miembro activo de la Iglesia Católica, sirviendo como coordinadora de los Ministerios Juveniles de su Diócesis, organizando conferencias y retiros, y participando como oradora en dichos eventos. También se ha desempeñado como catequista y en el Ministerio Hispano en su parroquia local. Erika colabora con diferentes divisiones de Bayard, Inc. Trabaja en los materiales bilingües de Pflaum Gospel Weeklies. Vive en el área de Cleveland con su esposo, Tomás, y sus dos hijos, Tomás y Sofía.

A12: Discipulos Misionaeros

Discipulos misionaeros: “llamados a estar con Jesus, enviador a predicar

B10: Formacion de familias sacramentales

Formacion de familias sacramentales – como ayudar a las familias a vivir los sacrmentos

Fr. Manuel Lopez

Padre Juan Manuel es sacerdote de la Arquidiócesis de San Francisco. Originario de Michoacán, México, se instaló en el Área de la Bahía en los años 90. Recibió una licenciatura en filosofía del Seminario Mount Angel en Oregón. También recibió una Maestría en Divinidad del Seminario y la Universidad de St. Patrick en Menlo Park, CA. Padre Juan Manuel fue ordenado sacerdote el 7 de junio de 2008. Ha servido en varias parroquias de la Arquidiócesis y ahora es el párroco de la Iglesia de la Asunción de María y la Misión Santa Elena, en Tomales Bay. . Padre A Juan Manuel le encanta celebrar el Santísimo Sacrificio de Nuestro Señor y los demás sacramentos así como ayudar a fortalecer la fe, la esperanza y la caridad de los hijos de Dios en la arquidiócesis.

A14: Jesus, enviado a predicar

Hector Medina

K2:“Paren y reconozcan que soy Dios, aprendamos a detenernos en un mundo donde Dios es cada vez menos relevante”

Como latinos en un país extranjero intentamos “dar lo mejor” a nuestros hijos dejando a Dios en segundo o tercer plano; como aprender a reconocer a Dios en nuestra realidad inmigrante.

B14: Metodología de la oración en el salón de clases

Sponsored by the Sisters of Social Service

Sponsored by the Sisters of Social Service

Fr. Michael Montoya

El Padre Michael Montoya es párroco administrador de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción en la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles. El P. Montoya tiene muchos años de experiencia sirviendo en ministerios multiculturales y multilingües. Antes de regresar a la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles, fundó una parroquia en las fronteras de Texas y México en la Diócesis de Brownsville, donde en 2016 se convirtió en la parroquia elegida por el Papa Francisco para llevar su mensaje a los jóvenes del mundo. El P. Montoya también se ha desempeñado como Director Ejecutivo de la Asociación de Misiones Católicas de EE. UU., la red oficial de todos los misioneros católicos de EE. UU. que sirven en todo el mundo. Es un líder global en el área de la misión y los ministerios interculturales. El P. Montoya tiene un Doctorado en Ministerio en Espiritualidad de la Unión Teológica Católica de Chicago y una Maestría en Divinidad con especialización en liturgia multicultural de la Oblate School of Theology de San Antonio, Texas. Ha sido sacerdote ordenado durante 30 años y ha desempeñado muchos cargos de liderazgo a lo largo de sus años de ministerio.

Father Michael Montoya currently serves as the pastor administrator of Our Lady of the Assumption in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Fr Montoya has many years of experience serving in multi-cultural and multi-lingual ministries. Before going back to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, he founded a parish along the borders of Texas and Mexico in the Diocese of Brownsville, where in 2016 became the chosen parish by Pope Francis to deliver his message to the youth of the world. Fr Montoya has also served as the Executive Director of the US Catholic Mission Association, the official network of all the US Catholic missionaries serving all over the world. He is a global leader in the field of mission and cross cultural ministries. Fr Montoya has a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spirituality from the Catholic Theological Union at Chicago and a Master of Divinity degree with concentration in multi-cultural liturgy from the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He has been an ordained priest for 30 years and has served in many leadership capacities through his years in ministry.

A1: “Seeing Mission with New Eyes”

The changing landscape of our ministries challenges us to step back and assess how we respond to the opportunities presented. As the contexts change, we too need to update our responses to the mission entrusted to us. Where do we begin? Where can we draw wisdom and strength?

K4: “Paren y reconozcan que soy Dios”

Vivimos en una época precaria que nos da una sensación de inseguridad. Los acontecimientos globales, así como los problemas locales, sólo exacerban nuestros miedos y preocupaciones. “Paren y reconozcan que soy Dios” nos da la esperanza y la seguridad en medio de los desafíos que enfrentamos día a día. El Salmista nos recuerda que todos están en las manos de Dios, pero también, nos manda a vivir nuestra vida en Dios. ¿Pero que significa todo esto? ¿Significa esto que simplemente tendríamos que estar callados y no hacer nada? ¿Cuáles son las exigencias a nosotros, el pueblo creyente y amante de Dios?

Sponsored by RCL Benziger

Sponsored by RCL Benziger

Juan José Suárez

Juan José Suárez ha sido Coordinador de Formación de Fe en Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Fremont, California, durante los últimos siete años. Es graduado y maestro del IBTP (Instituto Bíblico Teológico Pastoral), del Instituto Serra de Ministerio Catequético y de la Escuela de Ministerios Pastorales de la Diócesis de Oakland. Juan ha estado involucrado en la catequesis durante los últimos 13 años y en el ministerio juvenil durante 23 años. Su experiencia proviene de la música litúrgica y de adoración y el cuidado de jóvenes en edad de escuela secundaria. En los últimos años, ha ayudado a los padres a ayudar a sus hijos a mantenerse más conectados con la iglesia después de recibir los sacramentos. Es hablante bilingüe en RCL Benziger.

A13: TBD

B11: TBD

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Our guest keynote speakers and presenters will help you expand your thinking and discover new approaches to deepening your faith life.