Session 4: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Catechist re-certification credits: Sacred Scripture, Prayer & Spirituality

Why did God become human? The typical answer is: “because of human sin,” suggesting the Word would not have become flesh if humanity had not sinned. However, a closer look at Scripture, the theological tradition, and the insights of key Christian thinkers such as St. Paul, Irenaeus of Lyons, John Duns Scotus, Thomas Merton, and Francis of Assisi, among others, offer an alternative, yet entirely orthodox, answer to this question: It was God’s plan from all eternity to become human regardless of human sin. This workshop explores the spirituality and theology of the Incarnation to renew our personal and pastoral understanding of Christology, especially following the Jubilee Year of Mercy!

Father Dan Horan, is a Franciscan friar, theologian, and columnist at America magazine, who teaches theology and spirituality at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. The author of numerous academic and popular articles, his recent books include God is Not Fair and Other Reasons for Gratitude (2016), The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton (2014), and The Last Words of Jesus (2013). He has previously taught at Boston College, Siena College, and St. Bonaventure University, and has lectured across North America and Europe. To learn more, visit: www.DanHoran.com or follow him at Facebook.com/DanHoranOFM

Session 4: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Catechist re-certification credits:  Prayer & Spirituality

One size does not fit all in terms of spirituality as we are uniquely created in God’s image. What is a healthy male spirituality and how can a man create his own way modeled on Christ? In this workshop we will explore some key themes that can strengthen a man’s faith.

Father Jim Clarke, has experience which includes 10 years of parish ministry followed by 10 years coordinating the Adult Religious Education and Evangelization program for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and subsequently one year co-directing the Archdiocesan Office of Pastoral Ministry. Fr. Clarke, a fluent Spanish speaker, is widely traveled; his work and further education have taken him to Israel, Mexico, Canada, Africa, Europe, Australia, the United Kingdom and the Pacific Islands. He has been involved in men’s work since 1995. His CD/DVD series on “Spirituality for a Modern Individual” and “A Man’s Way to God” as well as his published books: Creating Rituals: A New Way of Healing for Everyday Life and Soulcentered: Spirituality for People on the Go serve to enhance his continuing public ministry.

Session 4: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Catechist re-certification credits:  Prayer & Spirituality

Fr. Tony will share insights into the Images of God that have come to us in Scripture as well as those we remember growing up. It is important that our Images of God be rooted in the Gospel messages of Jesus Christ so that we may truly come to experience a God of mercy, love and forgiveness. A correct Image of God is the only Image that will allow us to have spiritual lives that are HOLY, HAPPY and HEALTHY.

Father Tony Vercellone, was born in Oglesby, Illinois. In 1968, Fr. Tony entered the Benedictine Monastery of St. Bede Abbey. During the next five years, he completed studies for his B.A. in Philosophy and taught at St. Bede Academy, Peru, Illinois. In 1975 Fr. Tony entered St. Pius X Abbey in Pevely, Missouri during which time he completed studies for his M.R.S. degree. Fr. Tony was involved in retreat work at St. Pius X Abbey. In 1986 Fr. Tony came to the then Diocese of Reno-Las Vegas and since that time has served in Henderson, Reno and Las Vegas parishes as well as serving as Chancellor and Vocation Director. In 1989 Fr. Tony was incardinated into the Diocese of Reno-Las Vegas. For the past nine years Fr. Tony has been serving as pastor at Our Lady of the Snows Church.

Session 4: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Catechist re-certification credits:  Prayer & Spirituality

More often than not, the call of a roman Catholic priest puts him in the position of having to defend his faith and the teachings of Holy Mother Church. From our vow of celibacy to our unwavering stance on the protection of life, many things that make us Catholic also set us up in a position that can be opposite to that of the modern world. First Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong!” This interactive workshop will address some of the most controversial teachings of our faith plus opportunity to ask questions and dialog with Fr. Tony – Unapologetic Roman Catholic Priest!

Father Tony Ricard, is a Priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and is the Campus Minister at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans. He is the Pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish and is also a Core Instructor of Church Doctrine for the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana. Fr. Tony is the author of 10 awesome books which include “Don’t Be Stupid! Lessons You Should Already Know,” and “Diary of An Unapologetic Roman Catholic Priest”. Since the 2000 Season, Fr. Tony has served as the Catholic Chaplain of the NFL’s 2010 World Champions – the New Orleans Saints. He is a native of New Orleans and a proud graduate of St. Augustine High School. He is a former New Orleans Public School teacher who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University, a Master of Theology degree from Xavier University and a Master of Divinity degree from Notre Dame Seminary.

Session 4: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Catechist re-certification credits: Morality

As transgender narratives like Bruce Jenner’s continue to capture mainstream media attention, significant confusion arises in the wake of the publicity. In this presentation, Father Tad explores the claims and exposes some of the fault lines associated with the expanding pressure to encourage and support transgender medical procedures. He distinguishes between ambiguous genitalia/intersex and transgender. He discusses the misunderstandings and risks involved in the decision to transition, and the significant ethical concerns arising both for adults and children. He discusses the sense of unease arising from the forced imposition of transgender access to bathrooms, locker rooms and sports competitions within a society that maintains the reasonable expectation of unisex facilities and events.

Father Tad Pacholczyk, after earning a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Yale University, Fr. Tad did post-doctoral research at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. He subsequently studied in Rome where he did advanced studies in theology and in bioethics.

Session 4: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Catechist re-certification credits: Prayer & Spirituality

In our baptism, we joined in a life-long sacred pilgrimage, following Jesus and a “great cloud of witnesses” in seeking to live God’s reign. As pastoral musicians and liturgists we are called each week to share and proclaim this journey with our community. How do we develop and nurture the practices we need in our own lives (prayer, study, physical and mental health, attentiveness, compassion)? This workshop will include insights and wisdom from a number of seasoned “prayer warriors” that have been gathered in the process of creating a new resource on spiritual practices for pastoral musicians.

Marty Haugen, is a liturgical composer, author and workshop presenter. For the past 30 years he has presented workshops on music and worship and concerts in North and Central America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim. His music appears in the hymnals of numerous denominations around the world.

Session 4: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Catechist re-certification credits: Methodology

There is nothing more precious than our relationship with Jesus Christ. And there is no one who can share our faith in quite the same was as each of us can. As members of Christ’s body, parishes and people can have lasting impact on one another. We can touch those who are not rooted in a faith community, and we send one another out in mission, serving in our towns, cities, and world in Jesus’ name. This gets to the heart of all we are and are called to be, as it leads us to the heart of Christ. Are you ready to build bridges to the heart of discipleship? Let’s do this together!

Leisa Anslinger, has a long history in parish ministry, which has helped form her as an effective adviser to others in pastoral ministry. Leisa is a know expert on lifelong catechesis and stewardship. These two dimensions of parish life intertwine in Leisa’s work, one informing the other. She provides workshops on using StrengthsFinder in the Catholic Community. And, related to that, also provides parish-changing workshops on parishioner engagement. Leisa’s newest project is Bridges, a leader development process toward building evangelizing communities of disciples and stewards, with Stephanie Moore. She is a founding team member of the Catholic Strengths and Engagement Community.

Session 4: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Catechist re-certification credits: Prayer & Spirituality

Every ancient faith tradition strives to find, teach and reach underlying truth. Come, listen and learn as our annual inter-religious panel of experts share what that searching, teaching and achieving looks like within their varied traditions.

Our Interfaith Panel this year includes: Fr. Jim Jeffery (Retired rector of Trinity Episcopal), Rajan Zed (Hindu statesman), Brian Melendez (American Indian spirituality scholar), Rev. Shelley Fisher (Priest Associate Reno Buddhist Center), Abdul Barghouti (Acting Imam N. Nevada Muslim Community), Rabbi Evon Yakar (Temple Bat Yam, S. Lake Tahoe), and will be facilitated by Fr. Chuck Durante.

Session 4: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Catechist re-certification credits:

Restricted to Lay Ministry participants. This workshop is ONLY available to participants registered in our Diocesan Lay Ministry Formation and Leadership Program.

Paulist, Father John Hurley, was ordained in 1977. He is the former Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Evangelization, the National Pastoral Life Center and the Department of Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. In 2014, he launched a new Paulist initiative, NewEvangelizationStrategies.org where he serves as a consultant and missionary. In this position he works with dioceses and parishes in making the paradigm shift from maintenance to mission for the New Evangelization. He is based at Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco where he once served as pastor. In the great Jubilee Year of Mercy, he was appointed by Pope Francis to serve as a missionary of mercy.

Session 4: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Catechist re-certification credits: Prayer & Spirituality

En este taller profundizaremos en la Doctrina Social de la Iglesia como un modo concreto de responder al llamado del Papa a crear cultura de Encuentro y a ser una Iglesia Evangelizadora y en Salida hacia las periferias!”

Roberto Rojas, completo sus estudios licenciaturas en Filosofía y Teología en Mendoza (Argentina) entre el 1989 y 1996. Curso estudios de Consejería Pastoral en la Universidad de Fu-Jen Taiwán (R.O.C) en 2004 y 2005 y completo estudios de Ministerio Pastoral Internacional en la Universidad Loyola Marymount de Los Angeles (2006). Su extensa carrera internacional incluye 20 años de experiencia docente y pastoral a varios niveles de enseñanza: Escuela Primaria, Secundaria, Colegio/Universidad, y Seminarios Católicos en Argentina, Taiwán, China, Papua Nueva Guinea y los Estados Unidos. Rojas ha sido parte del equipo docente del Instituto para el Liderazgo Ministerial en la Diócesis de San Jose, ensenando Moral, Ética, Justicia Social e Historia de la Iglesia entre el 2006 y el 2010. También fue designado miembro de la Comisión diocesana de Derechos Humanos. En el 2013, Rojas fue contratado por Catholic Relief Services como Gerente de Relaciones para la oficina del Oeste de los Estados Unidos. Desde el 2014 Catholic Relief Services (CRS) lo ha nombrado Consultor Nacional para Ministerio Hispano en los Estados Unidos.