FRIDAY, JULY 17 TALKS
Morning TALKS
Posted Friday morning at 6:00Am pst
AIN'T NOHOW, AIN'T NO WAY
Fr. John Paul, MFVA
(Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, Alabama)
If there is any point at which the rubber hits the road in Christianity, it is forgiveness. Every one of us has struggled at some time in our life with forgiveness—even of people who are the closest to us—family and friends. What is the source of forgiveness? How do we forgive? Fr. John Paul will offer some practical ways to understand forgiveness and how we as Christians can practice this spiritual work of mercy.
THE ODDS OF YOU BEING HERE ON THIS EARTH: One in a Trillion!
Sr. Mary Casey O'Connor, SV
(Sisters of Life, New York)
When it comes to you and I existing, the odds are pretty slim. And yet, here we are! Loved and chosen, seen and known. Pursued by a God who promises to be faithful and who ceaselessly offers us new beginnings. Dare to do something great with your life and with your love. At some point the promises of the world will fail us...what then? It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness (John Paul II). Be free to dream again!
RACISM, SOLIDARITY, AND LEARNING TO LISTEN
Fr. Bryce Sibley
(Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana)
The recent protests have led many Catholics to ask themselves what they should think about the issues involved and what can they do to help. In this talk, Fr. Sibley will try to help you sort through the rhetoric to address core issues and see how different races and generations can work for peace, justice, and reconciliation.
QUENCHING JESUS' THIRST TO BE LOVED IN THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT
Sr. Faustina Maria
(Children of Mary, Ohio)
In this workshop, Sister will proclaim the infinite Love that Jesus has for us in the Holy Eucharist and His desire to have His Love returned. She will aim to present clearly what we believe about the Holy Eucharist as Catholics. Sister will then draw from sources such as Jesus’ revelations to St. Margaret Mary as well as to St. Faustina to incite us to fall more in love with Him and help Him save souls. Allow Jesus to live His life to the full in you, so that your joy, as well as His in you, may be complete.
IS IT WORTH BEING CATHOLIC?
Fr. Jacob Bertrand, OP and Fr. Louis Bertrand, OP
(Dominican Province of St. Joseph, Washington DC)
Look. You’re Catholic. But doesn’t that feel weird sometimes? Is it worth it? Many people in the world don’t like the Catholic Church and/or don’t like Catholics. Wouldn’t it be better to jump ship? BUT, wait a moment. Attend this chat with two Dominican priests to find out why you should still stick with the Catholic Church!
LIVING A LIFE OF TRUST IN THE PATTERN OF
ST. THERESE: 5 PRACTICAL STEPS
Sr. Juanita, OCD
(Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, CA)
If we are so naturally attracted toward authenticity, why is TRUST so hard? St. Therese has a lot of great tips to help each of us grow in living a life of Trust. In this presentation, Sister Juanita, O.C.D. will help us explore 5 practical steps that we can take to grow in our ability to trust, to love, and to be happy.
SURVIVING THE CORONAVIRUS:
HOW TO PRAY DURING THE PANDEMIC
Brs. Victor, Niko, Marvin, and Austin, OFM
(Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, CA)
Is COVID-19 getting you down? Has it been hard for you to pray and go to God right now? Join the Capuchin Franciscan Brothers Victor, Niko, Marvin, and Austin in this informative and practical workshop which will give you tips on how to pray not only during this difficult time but also in the future!
FAITH AND REASON: ANCHORS IN THE STRUGGLE
Sr. Mary Louise, OCD
(Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, CA)
The question if faith and reason are compatible is frequently asked. Before we can go out and take on the challenges other people will propose to us in this area, we have to be solidly anchored in our own conviction that the two are compatible. This workshop presents four such anchors and is designed as a personal pep talk to encourage young people.
THE GREAT BENEFIT: REFLECTIONS ON THE LOVE OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Fr. Claude Lombardo, MC
(Miles Christi, Michigan/California)
One of the most beautiful benefits from God is the revelation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. During the centuries, and even today, Jesus has kept pleading for our love. Do we know Him enough? Do we love Him enough? In this workshop we will review the essential aspects of this devotion to encourage us to take advantage of the promises of the Sacred Heart and understand the honor and the responsibility of being able to love Him with all our Heart.
PRO-LIFE TESTIMONY: THE ANTI-MARY AND ME
Dr. Patricia Santy
(California)
Dr. Pat Santy will share her experience with abortion and how post-abortion syndrome has impacted her life.
THE CROSS: OUR ONLY HOPE
Fr. Tim Weed, CSC
(Congregation of Holy Cross, OR)
What does it mean to trust in the Cross as our only Hope? In a world and time that has known much suffering of late, we will reflect on this suffering through the lens of the Cross and the Resurrection that it promises. Come learn about the fundamental spirituality of the Congregation of Holy Cross: the Cross is our Only Hope.
BABY DON'T HURT ME! WHAT IS LOVE?
Lauren White
(Director of Ignite Your Torch Northwest)
What is love? Why do people seem to be so bad at it? Why do strong feelings of love so often end in heartbreak? How do I know if I love someone? If someone loves me? Together we’ll explore the profound wisdom that Saint John Paul II had to share on this very topic in his book Love and Responsibility. Learn the difference between love, attraction and lust.
AFTERNOON TALKs
Posted Friday at 11:00Am pst
HIDDEN TREASURE - THE HOLY MASS
Sr. Mary Mother of Merciful Love, SSVM
(Sister Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara, Maryland)
Why is that we do not value something until we lose it? Treasures, however great and precious, are never appreciated until examined, counted over, summed up … and sometimes lost. Though it is the Church’s greatest treasure, the Mass is still a hidden treasure, known only to few. If we knew the value of the Holy Mass we would be like the merchant in the Gospel: “He went and sold all that he possessed, and bought it” (Mt. 23:46).
HOW TO BE A PRETTY GOOD PERSON
Fr. Augustine Wetta, OSB
(Order of St. Benedict, Missouri)
Why be a great person, when you can just be pretty good? Father Augustine will lead you through “the Gospel of Mediocrity.” You can decide for yourself...
SWIMMING UPSTREAM: HOW TO BE IN THE WORLD BUT NOT OF THE WORLD
Sr. Mary Elizabeth Albers, SOLT
(Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, Texas)
We often find ourselves asking, especially in today’s climate, what does it mean for a Christian to be ‘in the world but not of the world?’ In this workshop we’ll dive into the cost of discipleship and give practical principles for living as Catholic Christians capable of engaging and evangelizing people with different worldviews, particularly those contrary to the Gospel.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY - WHAT ARE THEY?
Fr. Sebastian Walshe, O. Praem
(Norbertines, California)
Over the past few decades there has been a radical shift in the use of the words “marriage” and “family.” What used to be taken for granted is now considered self-evidently false. For example, 20 years ago it was taken for granted that marriage was between a man and a woman, and that a family should include both a father and a mother. In this talk Fr. Sebastian will set out side-by-side the traditional definitions of marriage and family with their modern replacements. He will also answer objections to the traditional definitions and unpack some hidden and harmful consequences of the new definitions of marriage and family.
MODERN MARIAN APPARITIONS
Mother Mary Christina, SSJW
(Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker, Kentucky)
The Blessed Virgin always leads us to her Son, Jesus. It is not the role of Marian apparitions to improve or complete Christ’s definitive revelations, but to help us live our faith more fully. There are 10 approved Marian apparitions from 1900 to the present day. This talk will discuss what the Church looks for in an apparition before it is approved, and you will learn about some of lesser-known apparitions of Mary to her children.
IS A CHRISTIAN BEAUTIFUL?
THE ROLE OF BEAUTY IN LIVING A VIRTUOUS LIFE
Br. Cornelius Avaritt, OP
(Dominican Province of St. Joseph, Washington DC)
Is a Christian beautiful? This sounds like an odd question; what does it actually mean? Are we just talking about physical appearances? To answer this question, we have to look to the ultimate source of goodness and beauty, God. As persons created in the image and likeness of God, we possess an inherent beauty and goodness that can be perfected through living the virtuous life. The world bombards us with messages of false beauty every day, but this workshop will help you discern what is truly beautiful and good.
A PERFECT CONFESSION?
Fr. John Marie Bingham, OP
(Dominican Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, CA)
Many Catholics go to confession because they have to; many others don’t go at all. But an understanding of the goodness of God gives new perspective on the richness of this wonderful sacrament. In confession God’s mercy not only heals our defects but also makes us perfect if we are ready to receive this gift. Ultimately, this means that those who walk in the confessional as sinners with a true desire for mercy come out God-like and ready to do the will of God.
THE PRICE OF LOVE:
HOW YOUR LIFE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF AN UNBORN CHILD
Mrs. Tamara Cesare
(National Director of Ignite Your Torch, KY)
When she was only 14 years old, Mrs. Cesare began offering women compassionate, caring help so they could avoid abortion. There were amazing things that came from that—for herself and for the families she worked with. It wasn’t always joyful, as mourning the losses was never easy, but it was the price of love. Don’t sit idly by, expecting someone else to change the world. Find out how your life can make that difference to an unborn child.
HOW TO PRAY: INTO THE HEART OF LOVE
Matthew Knight, Seminarian
(Portland, OR)
Quick—what’s your favorite prayer? Whatever your answer, chances are it’s not the Sign of the Cross! But if we take the time to pay attention to its words and movements, this simplest prayer of all opens up for us the mystery of God’s identity and inner life as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, His marvelous designs for us, the truth about our bodies and our eternal destiny.
OVERTHROWING THE DICTATORSHIP OF RELATIVISM - LIVE SESSION
Greg Stearns
(North Carolina)
Ever had an argument about religion or morals that ended in “Let’s agree to disagree” or “There really is no truth anyway”? Do you wonder what relativism is, or why it is so important to fight it? Want to understand three basic types of relativism better than your relativist intellectual opponent does, and how to tear these ideas to shreds? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, come to this workshop and learn to defend the truth!
LOVE PASSIONATELY, LOVE LIKE JESUS!
Sr. Alicia, FE
(Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago, IL)
What is love? Is it a feeling? Is it pizza?! Let's face it, love can be confusing. But when we reflect on love in light of the Lord Jesus, things begin to get really clear. In this workshop, we'll reflect on what love looks like and sounds like. To help us along the way will be (of course!) Jesus, St. Paul, St. Therese and C.S. Lewis. Don't be afraid of real love!
CHOOSING CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP
John DePalma, Seminarian
(Seattle, WA)
In our technology driven culture, it can be difficult to navigate the difference between virtual friendship and virtuous friendship. In this workshop the idea of Christian friendship will be explored in light of our basic physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual capacities as human beings. As such, the bonds of loving friendship are contrasted with familial love, romantic love, and agape love. In addition, Old Testament roots of friendship and examples from the life of Christ are then integrated into practical considerations for today.
SaturDAY, JULY 18
TALKs
GOD'S OWN MEN: CATHOLIC PRIESTS ON AMERICA'S BATTLEFIELDS
Sr. Margaret Mary, SsEW
(Sister Servants of the Eternal Word, Alabama)
Thousands of American priests have served as U.S. military chaplains. Over eighty of these men died serving their brothers. Why did they choose to sacrifice themselves? Because they witnessed to the truth that there is one thing above all worth dying for, and that thing is life! Join us as we look at some of these men and gain inspiration by their example of heroic self-sacrifice. Sister will share many photos and even some video clips that tell of the bravery of these servants of God and our country.
Morning TALKS
Posted SATURDAY morning at 6:00Am pst
WHY DOESN'T GOD ANWSER MY PRAYERS?
EMPOWERING YOU TO SAY "YES" TO GOD
Sr. Mary Doris Anne Okere, IHM
(Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, WI)
Have you ever wondered why God seems to ignore some of your prayers? You’re not alone. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta is a modern saint who devoted her life to taking care of the most dejected poor and homeless. She was renowned by world and Church leaders because she prayed and practiced what she preached. Yet she struggled with the “Dark Night of the Soul.” Want to learn more? This is the workshop for you!
KNOWING GOD THE FATHER:
THE GOSPEL REMEDY TO INDECISION & INSECURITY
Fr. Christopher Etheridge, IVE
(Institute of the Incarnate Word, Maryland)
What happens when a young person grows up in a fatherless home? How does he or she relate to God the Father? Fr. Christopher shares with us three ways that can help us come to know the Father, even if our own father was absent or distant. If, like the disciples, you want to ask Jesus, “Show us the Father,” and want to learn how to be the Father’s trusting child, this is the workshop for you.
"I'M ALL IN!"
Fr. Luke DeMasi, SHM
(Servant Priests & Brothers of the Home of the Mother, Ireland)
No drug, no buzz, no place can fill the hole in our hearts or give them the peace that HE gives. The story of Fr. Henry Kowalczyk (who died unexpectedly in April of this year) is an original look into what God is doing with the riffraff of the world. From a heavy metal lifestyle to the life of grace, Fr. Henry found that Our Lord wanted him to take a risk, to go all in, to die to what was killing him and LIVE. Here is his story.
THE STRUGGLE IS REAL - BUT YOU ARE NOT ALONE
THE ANGELIC WARFARE CONFRATERNITY
Sr. Maria Caeli, OP - For Young Ladies
(Nashville Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, TN)
Fr. James Brent, OP - For Young Men
(Dominican Province of St. Joseph, Washington DC)
The Angelic Warfare Confraternity, a Dominican confraternity, has existed since at least the 15th century. Its members place themselves under the special protection of St. Thomas Aquinas, asking his intercession in the struggle to protect their purity and to seek the truth in all things. This confraternity is currently experiencing a great revival. Come and learn the origins of the confraternity and its requirements and benefits, and hear about some of the numerous saints and blesseds who have belonged to it.
PRO-LIFE TESTIMONY
Mrs. Shawna Arnold
(Saskatchawan, Canada)
Shawna Arnold will share her abortion recovery story and her desire to share the Love and Mercy of Christ with those who are lost and in need of hope.
A PRIMER ON ANIMAL SACRIFICE
Fr. Athanasius Soto, OSB
(Order of St. Benedict, Missouri)
Christians by reason of their baptism are obliged to offer their entire life to God. This means that every aspect of our lives must be oriented ultimately to Him. Generally we think of this in terms of the relationship we have with God (liturgy and prayer) or with others (moral life). However, in the Old Testament and in Christ’s very own life this offering extended to the sacrifice of animal life, whether that of a brute animal or one’s own. This talk seeks to provide a framework with which to offer your own biological life as a sacrifice to God.
MARRIAGE TESTIMONY
Carlos and Lisa Palacian
Description coming soon...
A SAINT FOR OUR TIMES
Br. Michael James Rivera, OP
(Dominican Province of the Most Holy name of Jesus, CA)
When St. John Henry Newman was canonized in 2019, it was the fruit of a harvest planted by martyrs in England almost 500 years ago. Despite persecution from the Anglican Church which he left, and by a number of Catholics who never truly trusted him because he was a convert, Newman remained steadfast in the Faith. Looking at some of his more influential writings and the lives of a few of the English martyrs, we’ll explore how Newman inspired a generation and how he can help us to remain steadfast in the Faith today.
JESUS AND THE WORLD'S FIRST SELFIE:
GET THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Mr. Larry Galen
(American Confraternity of the Holy Shroud)
This 2-part series covers some of the images discovered on a 1st century burial cloth believed by millions to hold the images of not only the crucifixion of Jesus Christ but the very moment that Christ resurrected from the dead opening Heaven for each of us.
PART 1 gives an overview of some of the details on this famous burial cloth and its early history leading up to where it came under the possession of Byzantine Emperors for centuries.
PART 2 wraps up the history where the Shroud travelled to Turin where it resides today under the care of the Catholic Church. Hear some of the forensic evidence and scientific research of the last 50 years including some amazing discoveries.
See the evidence and decide for yourself!
GRIEF AND THE PROBLEM OF EVIL
Josh Johnson
(North Carolina)
Description Coming Soon...
AFTERNOON TALKS
Posted SATURday at 11:00Am pst
MADE FOR GREATNESS - THAT'S YOU!
Sr. Marie Therese, SsEW
(Sister Servants of the Eternal Word, Alabama)
The desire for greatness is written on every soul. The world often tells us that greatness consists in being the best, most talented or the most successful, and greatness is often confused with perfection. Because of this, when we fail we feel that we have missed this deep desire of the soul. In this workshop Sister Marie Thérèse will use two Gospel passages to illustrate that greatness is not perfectionism, but turning to God when we fail.
GOD IS ONE; HOW MANY ARE YOU? AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Br. Raymond La Grange, OP
(Dominican Province of St. Joesph, Washington DC)
Sometimes it feels like life is pulling us in all different directions and that we cannot possibly have everything we want and be fulfilled. The Bible teaches us instead that we can be truly fulfilled, because God is one, and He made us to be one with Him, and that will fulfill all our desires. We will learn what this means, why it matters, and how our Catholic faith helps us to live it out.
VOCATION - GOD'S DREAM FOR MY LIFE
Sr. Amata Christi, OP - For Young Ladies
(Nashville Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, TN)
When the topic of “vocation” comes up, we can be tempted to run and hide, or listen to the lie that says, “God’s plan might make me unhappy. In this talk, we’ll dive into the beautiful truth of God’s amazing dream for your life, and how it is meant to bring you “life to the full.” Whether your mission in this world is to religious life, married life, or dedicated single life, this talk will help you to see God’s personal love for you and open yourself to the joy and awesome power of His call.
THE BLOOD AND THE SACRIFICE;
THE MASS & THE OLD TESTAMENT
Br. Luke Neitzke, OP
(Dominican Province of St. Joseph, Washington DC)
The Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass may not seem like a sacrifice, but when we look at it through the eyes of faith and see how its roots are in the sacrifices of the Old Testament, it becomes much more clear. The Mass re-presents the sacrifice that Christ made at the Last Supper and on the Cross at Calvary, and these two things fulfill and complete all of the sacrifices of the Old Testament, from Melchizedek, to Abraham and Isaac, through the Passover Sacrifice of the Lamb.
ALL OR NOTHING!
GETTING TO KNOW SR. CLARE CROCKETT
Sr. Grace, SHM
(Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother, Florida)
In this workshop find out how a young teenager named Clare goes from a life of getting drunk every day, smoking, drugs, boys, and the pursuit to be a famous actress in Hollywood, to becoming a religious Sister and joyfully surrendering her life to God until she dies in an earthquake in Ecuador in 2016. Let her life inspire you to live for God alone!
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT MARY?
Br. Antony Augustine Cherian, OP
(Dominican Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, CA)
What do we know about Mary? There is a lot of confusion in the Christian world about what Catholics believe about Mary. What does it mean for her to be the Mother of God? Why is her perpetual virginity so important? What is the Immaculate Conception? Why do we believe in her Assumption? We will briefly examine what the Church has said over the centuries about these four Marian Dogmas, as well as how they are rooted in Scripture. The better we know her, the more she can help draw us to her Son!
THE ROSARY:
A MEDITATION ON THE FAITH OF OUR MOTHER
Sr. Christianna Hamman, FSE
(Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, Connecticut)
This presentation by Sr. Christianna Hamman is a meditation on the Rosary with the aim of drawing closer to Mary, Jesus' mother and ours. It relates Mary's process of fidelity to God to our own in practical ways.
IS ABORTION ALWAYS WRONG?
Br. Chrysostom Mijinke, OP
(Dominican Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, CA)
You've heard the questions. What if I am a pregnant teenager? What about rape? What if the pre-born child is handicapped? What if the mother's life is in danger? Isn't being pro-life forcing women to have babies they don't want? Come find the answers. As the pro-life generation, we're up for a hard fight, but we're not alone. Learn the Church's teaching on these life issues and how to give real world answers to these tough questions.
"HERE I AM LORD" - A YOUNG SEMINARIAN'S JOURNEY & PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR YOUNG DISCERNERS
Maliko Madden, Seminarian
(Seattle, WA)
It's not typical for an eighteen-year old to enter the seminary but that's just what Maliko did! Join him as he shares his vocation story and talks about how youth can get the most out of their discernment. In his talk he will share some of the challenges that he had as a young man discerning the Catholic priesthood and he will offer some topical insights about how other young people can make great strides in their discernment despite their age or state of life. He hopes this talk will help young men and women to understand that they are never too young to answer the Lord's call, and he can't wait for you to join him!
"IF TODAY YOU HEAR HIS VOICE..."
Sr. Marie-Cecile of the Trinity, OCD
(Carmelite Daughters of St. Elias, OH)
“Heart speaks to heart.” God is calling each one of us every day to follow Him in faith, hope, and love. Our Lord’s words to His disciples were repeated often to the young by Saint John Paul II: “Be not afraid.” We no longer live in a Christian culture, and to live our faith often calls for courage and determination. But first we have to look deep within and ask ourselves, “What do I believe?” Will I too answer His Call as did the saints?
WHAT DOES A VOCATION TO THE CONSECRATED LIFE LOOK LIKE?
John DePalma, Seminarian
(Seattle, WA)
This workshop will first address what it means to seek holiness by discerning a Christian Vocation to Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, and/or Consecrated Life of Celibacy. Among these considerations, the vocation of Consecrated Life is often overlooked and poorly understood. Following a brief introduction this session includes an in-depth interview with a Consecrated Sister from the Netherlands who works as an attorney for a class action law firm and lives in a community of other committed Christians who share a common quest for holiness.
