Breakout Sessions at GO! Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference afford participants the opportunity to attend talks and presentations that provide both thought leadership on areas of faith formation they may be interested in and practical resources on how to better answer their call as a teacher, catechist, faith formation leader, or clergy member.
This year’s diverse and engaging roster of speakers feature some of the “best of the best” from around the Gulf Coast region and the United States. We hope they will create a space for you to personally encounter Jesus and share with you a vision that you can incorporate with your community to encounter Jesus and share the Good News as presented in the Directory for Catechesis.
Click on a button to jump to the block of Breakout Sessions you would like to review:
Friday, January 12
Saturday, January 13
Friday, January 12, 2024
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Nicole Wood & Colleen Bond | Preparing Catholic School Children’s Masses (Hall A)
This session covers all aspects of preparing a children’s liturgy, including: ministry roles, rehearsals with children, participation, music selection; as well as communication with clergy, parents, administrators, and classroom teachers.
Nicole Schott Wood received a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University New Orleans. She has served as a religion teacher and campus minister at Academy of the Sacred Heart and as Director of Religious Education at Holy Name of Jesus School, both in New Orleans.
Colleen Maher Bond has been the Music Director at Holy Name of Jesus Church, New Orleans for the past 16 years. She oversees all aspects of music ministry including weddings and funerals. She taught liturgical music and religion at Holy Name of Jesus School for 11 years.
Becky Eldredge | Leading with Christ: The Ignatian Way of Contemplative Leadership
(Lakeview Room)
Sponsored by Ignatian Ministries
What does it look like to “lead with Christ:” to have workplace rhythms that invite Christ into your meetings, your goals, and your decisions? Leaning on the 500-year-old wisdom of St. Ignatius, learn the Ignatian way of contemplative leadership with easy-to-do steps and practices. Leave with practical tools to help you lead communal discernment, integrate contemplative prayer methods in ways that build teams and encourage each person’s unique gifts, and hear the call of Christ together.
Becky Eldredge is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director passionate about inviting people closer to Christ. She does this by accompanying people as they navigate deep waters of their faith lives through spiritual direction, writing, retreats, and as founder of Ignatian Ministries. She is author of two award-winning books: The Inner Chapel and Busy Lives and Restless Souls. Becky is part of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Spirituality Center teaching staff where she trains spiritual directors.
Steve Botsford | Go, Meet, Follow: Encountering Jesus and Sharing the Good News
(Meeting Room 1)
Sponsored by William H. Sadlier, Inc.
In this workshop, we will delve into the transformative power of encountering Jesus Christ and the importance of sharing the Good News with others. We will explore the Directory for Catechesis and the various ways in which we can encounter Jesus. We will also look at the importance of actively sharing the Good News with others. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, you will gain confidence in your ability to communicate the love of Christ and the joy of the Gospel to others.
Steve Botsford is the Vice President of Catechetical Learning, and a National Religion Consultant for Sadlier Publishing. He is a convert to the Catholic faith, is married with three children, and resides in Georgia. He holds a Master of Religious Education degree from Loyola University New Orleans, and a Church Management certificate from Villanova University. Steve is a Master Catechist in the Archdiocese of Atlanta and has served over 10 years in parish ministry.
Dr. Mark Ginter | Eucharistic Apostleship: Sent by the Eucharistic Lord in the Power of the Holy Spirit (Meeting Room 2)
Sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville Catechetical Institute
This presentation will open explore the origins and mostly unknown meanings of the liturgical acclamations: “Amen!” “Alleluia!” and “Hosanna!” These acclamations are the eruption of joy from the encounter with Jesus. The Eucharist sustains the apostolic/missionary discipleship of every Catholic who has been anointed by Sacred Chrism. This presentation will involve guided tasking of how personal encounters with the Lord Jesus Christ are the engine for evangelization and catechesis.
Dr. Mark Ginter is married to Diane, and they are blessed with many children, grandchildren, and godchildren. Presently, he serves as Strategic Partnership Liaison Fellow of Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Catechetical Institute. In nearly 40 years, he has taught at every level of formal education. With a Ph.D. in Theology and Psychology from Marquette University, his academic publications and catechetical materials form missionary disciples for the New Evangelization.
Courtney Brown | 7 Strategies of Building Your Catholic Identity Within Your School
(Meeting Room 3)
Sponsored by Ruah Woods Institute
Catholic Identity remains one of the key tasks given by the Church. Catholic school leaders understand this call, but oftentimes it may not be as clear for how to meet that standard. The New Directory of Catechesis lays out tasks and sources of catechesis to guide us. In this presentation, you will come away with 7 strategies that can be applied right away to strengthen the Catholic Identity within your school.
Courtney Brown, a native to New Orleans, received his MA in Theology at University of Holy Cross & BA at Franciscan University. Courtney has spent 20 years in the field of education and ministry. He has served as a teacher, youth minister, elementary and high school principal. He now serves as Executive Director for Ruah Woods Institute, a ministry dedicated to revealing the human person, and is currently working on his doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Creighton University.
Colin MacIver | Identity, Purpose, and Belonging: Jesus’ Invitation to Joy
(Meeting Room 4)
Sponsored by Ascension
“What do you seek?” (Jn 1:38) This was Jesus’ first question to disciples who hardly knew what to say. What did they discover when they came and saw as Jesus’ followers? Joy that reached to their deepest aches and longings. In Jesus they found identity. In entering into His mission they found their purpose. And not least–they found out who they really belonged to. The adventure of discipleship–life in encounter with Jesus– is the same. Come and see.
Colin MacIver serves as campus minister at St. Scholastica Academy in Covington, LA and youth minister at St. Anselm in Madisonville, LA. He holds an MA in Theology from the University of Holy Cross. Colin has authored a number of popular Ascension programs along with his wife, Aimee, over the years, with Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation and Receiving Jesus: My Guide to the Mass being some of their latest projects.
Dr. Joseph White | Encountering Christ in Everyday Life
(Meeting Room 5)
Sponsored by OSV Publishing
Jesus meets us in Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and especially in the sacraments. But as we walk the path of discipleship, Christ also meets us in ordinary, sometimes unexpected, moments of everyday life. In this session, Dr. Joseph White will share some of the unexpected places where we can become more aware of God’s voice in our everyday experiences.
Dr. Joseph White converted to the Catholic Faith while in graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He later studied Catholic Theology at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. He served as a parish Director of Faith Formation for two years, and then worked for 7 years as Director of Family Counseling and Family Life for the Diocese of Austin, Texas. He now works as Associate Publisher for Catechetical Resources at OSV Publishing.
Dr. Joe Paprocki | Using Technology to Enhance Faith Formation and Create a Climate of Prayer
(Meeting Room 6)
Sponsored by Loyola Press
When it comes to faith formation, we too often wrongly conclude we must ‘unplug’ from technology. The truth is technology can greatly enhance our faith formation and help to create a ‘climate of prayer’ that is conducive to encountering the Risen One. In this session, Joe Paprocki will explore a variety of ways to integrate multimedia in faith formation without stretching your already-limited budget.
Joe Paprocki, D.Min. is the National Consultant for Faith Formation for Loyola Press, has been in pastoral ministry for over 40 years, has authored over 20 books (including his most recent, 8 Steps to Energize Your Faith), and presented in over 150 dioceses in North America. Joe received his Master’s Degree from the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University of Chicago and his Doctor of Ministry Degree from the University of St. Mary of the Lake (Mundelein Seminary).
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Fr. Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ | Ignatian Spirituality in the Classroom (Hall A)
Sponsored by Loyola Press
In this presentation, Fr. Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J. – author, spiritual director, and pastor – explores a variety of ways that Ignatian Spirituality can help teachers and catechists to foster meaningful encounters with Jesus Christ in their learning environment.
Fr. Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J., a Louisiana native, serves as pastor at Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Orleans and holds degrees in Psychology and Theology from Loyola University New Orleans and Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He is the author of four books on prayer: Reimagining the Ignatian Examen; God’s Voice Within; God, I Have Issues and Armchair Mystic. His assignments have included novice director, spiritual director and high school campus minister.
Sr. Dorothy Trosclair, O.P. | Discernment at the Heart of Encountering Jesus
(Lakeview Room)
Sponsored by Archdiocese of New Orleans Spirituality Center
As catechists and faith formation leaders, we are called to encounter Jesus with joy in our lives. However, not every movement in our heart comes from the Spirit of Jesus. How do we recognize within ourselves those movements that come from Jesus and follow them? Which are the ones that come from our society? Which are the ones that come from some unresolved issue within ourselves? Which are the ones that come from a spirit that wants to move us away from Jesus. Discernment of Spirits is the focus of this presentation and how it aids us in our life as a disciple.
Sr. Dorothy Trosclair is a Dominican Sister of Peace currently serving as the Director of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Spirituality Center. Prior to this ministry, she served many years in leadership for her religious congregation. Sr. Dorothy is a spiritual director and retreat director who holds a BA in Theology for Loyola University New Orleans, a MA in Religious Education from Boston College, and a MA in Spiritual Theology from Creighton University in Omaha, NE.
Dina Dow | Messengers of Hope in the New Evangelization
(Meeting Room 1)
Our call to the New Evangelization is filled with fervor and hope. Inspired by the early Church, one can see a practical message of hope rooted in faith and love. Even the greatest challenges of evangelization can be practically overcome. St John Paul II writes, “We must go as a messenger of hope. We must bring to them the witness of true joy.” (Address, New York, 1979) Answering this plea, we first reflect on our personal relationship with Jesus and realize the call to be His messengers of hope .
Dina Dow serves as the Director of Evangelization & Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, overseeing the development, direction and training for parishes and parochial schools in evangelization, RCIA, and religious education programs, as well as giving support to those serving the youth, young adults and families. She holds a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Holy Cross College. Married to Bill, together they share life with 6 daughters, 2 sons-in-law & 2 grandchildren.
Dr. Tracey Lamont | Developing Innovative Ministries with Young Adults
(Meeting Room 2)
Sponsored by Loyola University New Orleans
The Loyola Institute for Ministry developed the FIELD Project in support of the Lilly Endowment’s 2023 Young Adult Ministry Initiative. This project is rooted in synodality as a way of being church and a way of encountering, listening, and discerning with young adults in parish communities. This presentation will help participants learn from the experiences of our first cohort of parishes to help them better engage young adults, listen deeply, and grow innovative ministries with them.
Dr. Tracey Lamont is Director and Associate Professor of Religious Education and Young Adult Ministry at Loyola Institute for Ministry. She earned her doctorate in Religion and Religious Education from Fordham University. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Ministry with Young Adults, and serves on the Board for the National Community of Catechetical Leaders.
Kathleen Cory | Beauty in the Chaos
(Meeting Room 3)
Sponsored by Ruah Woods Institute
Using Pope Saint John Paul II’s Man and Woman He Created Them, Letter to Families and Familiaris Consortio, Kathleen Cory will present parenting and family life through the beautiful lens of Theology of the Body. This talk will help faith formation leaders who minister with couples to navigate together the chaos of the family with deep theology and practical tips.
Kathleen Cory began her journey in Theology of the Body (TOB) in 2010, and knew then that she would never stop sharing this profoundly beautiful, life-changing message. She has received her Certification in Theology of the Body from the Theology of the Body Institute in Pennsylvania. Kathleen has taught TOB for middle schoolers, teens and adults, conducted high school middle school and women’s retreats and has spoken to groups in multiple parishes, at the diocesan level and internationally.
Annie Grandell | Making Disciples of all Nations: What is Discipleship and Why Does It Matter?
(Meeting Room 4)
Sponsored by NET Ministries
Ever feel like you can’t relate to young people? The truth is, you can. Jesus’ plan to reach the world was through the multiplication of disciples, asking us to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Mt 28:19) He wouldn’t have given us this mission unless he knew we were capable. With years of experience in discipleship ministry, Annie Grandell will share how to start discipleship programs, giving you the confidence to reach the young people in your own lives.
Annie Grandell, YDisciple Director at NET Ministries, has over two decades of experience working with youth. She started as a NET Missionary herself in 2001, then served as a Youth Minister for nearly 11 years, and is now creating programs, strategies, and content for youth ministry leaders through YDisciple. She has a heart for reaching souls with the gospel and teaching the truth of the Catholic faith.
Tammy Vidrine | Is Jesus On A Shelf or In My Heart?: Accompanying Others to Develop a Personal Relationship with Christ
(Meeting Room 5)
Tammy will explore ways to accompany others in developing a personal relationship with Christ through the art of accompaniment. A brief overview of the techniques used by the Desert Fathers and Religious orders will be presented along with sharing practical tips to guide others to having personal encounters with Christ through prayer, listening, and accompaniment.
Tammy Vidrine is Director of Campus Ministry at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRAN U) in Baton Rouge, LA. She is a graduate of Nicholls State University with degrees in Political Science and Education and of Loyola University New Orleans with a Master’s in Religious Education. She is a certified Spiritual Direction and workshop and retreat facilitator. She has a total of twenty-four years in ministry as Certification Coordinator in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Coordinator of Youth Ministry, and her current position.
Stephen Binz | Encounter the Lord in Scripture to Become a Eucharistic Disciple
(Meeting Room 6)
Sponsored by Bridge-Building Opportunities
To more personally encounter Christ’s real presence in Eucharist, both word and sacrament are essential. The transforming power of Scripture can create a deeper understanding of the Eucharist as sacrifice of the new covenant, banquet of God’s kingdom, and divine worship with the angels and saints. By studying and reflecting on texts from the Torah, Prophets, Gospels, and Letters, we can grow in our Eucharistic discipleship with deeper contemplative prayer and more active commitment in the world.
Stephen J. Binz is a Catholic biblical scholar and award-winning author of over sixty books, holding graduate degrees from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and Jerusalem. As a popular speaker, he offers keynotes, missions, and retreats in churches internationally as well as education for pastoral leaders. In addition, he frequently leads pilgrimages to biblical sites and sacred places throughout the world. Discover his work at www.Bridge-B.com.
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Stephanie Clouatre Davis | Imagining Our Day with God: Praying Our Task List
(Hall A)
Sponsored by Ignatian Ministries
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with your tasks and responsibilities? God can be found in all things, says St. Ignatius of Loyola. God can even be found in your daily tasks and responsibilities. Praying gives clarity and room to discern and dream with God. With Ignatius’ rules of discernment, you can discern with God what belongs and what does not belong on your task list. Join Stephanie Clouatre Davis as teaches you how to let God guide your task list.
Stephanie Clouatre Davis is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, teacher and retreat facilitator. She is on the staff at The Archdiocesan Spirituality Center, St. Scholastica Academy, Ignatian Ministries, and an associate with the Dominican Sisters of Peace. In her more than 26 years of ministry, she has directed hundreds of retreats and spoken at many conferences for adults, teens, and young adults. Stephanie spends many of her days walking with people in spiritual direction. She lives in Covington, LA.
Deacon Matt Halbach, Ph.D. | Evangelizing Catechesis: What Is It? And How Do We Do It?
(Lakeview Room)
Sponsored by William H. Sadlier, Inc.
There has been much talk, for some time, on the subject of evangelizing catechesis. Many church leaders, Pope Francis in particular, see it as vital to living out the Church’s missionary mandate in today’s complex and increasingly secularized world. But what is evangelizing catechesis, exactly? How is it different than ‘regular’ catechesis? And how do we do it? Using the Directory for Catechesis and additional primary sources, these questions, and more, will be answered in this workshop.
Deacon Matthew Halbach, Ph.D., was ordained in 2018 for the Diocese of Des Moines, IA. He is Senior National Catechetical Consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc. and a major contributor to Sadlier’s newest catechetical program, Christ In Us. Deacon Halbach is also a national author and speaker on the topics of mercy, accompaniment, evangelization, and catechesis. 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 is a father of six children and a husband.
Dennis Johnson, Jr. | Lean into Jesus, Extend Out with Joy
(Meeting Room 1)
Sponsored by PeopleUP, LLC
The Synod on Synodality is encouraging the Church to embrace new modalities of ecclesial identity, administration, and pastoral outreach that will renew the way we serve both from within and from without. By utilizing the deepest sensibilities from our Tradition of evangelization and discipleship we can lean into Christ, who dwells in us, and extend outward, as a Eucharistic people on pilgrimage to encounter Jesus and GO with joy!
Dennis Johnson, Jr. is a lay ecclesial ministry professional. His leadership spans catechetical and other roles including appointments to Bishops ’ executive cabinets, as secretariat-head, and to boards/commissions. He collaborates with several Catholic associations. After 9 years in seminary formation including graduate studies in theology and divinity at Mundelein Seminary, he served as a missionary, obtained an MBA, and is a Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths Coach and Predictive Index practitioner.
Kevin Fitzpatrick | Joy of the Gospel -10 Years Later!
(Meeting Room 2)
Sponsored by Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans
Ten years ago, Pope Francis stunned the Catholic (and secular) world with his first exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel.) This breakout will discuss how Francis has brought a new emphasis on Joy, Mercy, Justice, and Fraternity to the attention of Catholics and the larger world through his work at enlarging our tents through outreach and synodality. The Joy of the Gospel was written on the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking document from Pope John XXIII, Pacem Terris (Peace on Earth). Both have been influential.
Kevin Fitzpatrick is currently the Director of the Office of Justice and Peace at Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. Kevin has served in a multitude of roles in the Church for over 30 years as a high school teacher, campus minister, case worker, and Director of a post-Katrina rebuilding program. Kevin has a Masters in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola Institute for Ministry in New Orleans, and a Masters of Science in Church Management from the Villanova School of Business.
Aimee Boudreaux MacIver | Bushels + Burnout: Ministering to the Lay Ministers
(Meeting Room 3)
Sponsored by Ascension
Nobody chooses Catholic education or faith formation because it’s easy. At every level, this work is a true vocation. But how are our classroom teachers, catechists, and youth ministers doing? Are they energized and motivated? Burned out and weary? What are their struggles and needs? How can we care for those doing this work? This workshop will explore the diagnosis of the challenges and offer tangible solutions for more fruitful community and ministry.
Aimee Boudreaux MacIver has served in Catholic education and ministry for more than 20 years. Her experience includes classroom teaching, administrative committees, parish formation, sacramental preparation, retreats, pilgrimages, service events, webinars, and more. Together with her husband, Colin, Aimee has co-authored award-winning books including Theology of the Body Middle School; Belonging; Chosen (confirmation); Renewed (reconciliation); Received (communion); Connected (social justice).
Jennifer Prather | Made for Joy: Foundations of Theology of the Body
(Meeting Room 4)
Sponsored by Image and Gift Ministries, LLC
In Speech 13 of Theology of the Body, St. John Paul II says the Genesis stories of creation “allow us…to reach the basis of an adequate anthropology.” According to his own testimony, this is what John Paul II wishes to give the Church. So, what do we need to understand in order to read Theology of the Body as the “adequate anthropology” he intended us to receive? This session will present four principles to understand Theology of the Body as it is written and meant to be received.
Jennifer Prather, MATS is a twenty-year veteran in Catholic education. She graduated summa cum laude in 2020 with her master’s degree in Theological Studies from Notre Dame Seminary and Graduate School of Theology in New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition to working as a full-time classroom teacher, Jennifer also founded Image & Gift Ministries, which strives to educate Catholic Christians in an authentic Christian anthropology through the lens of Theology of the Body.
Jan Singletary | Encountering Jesus in the Early Childhood Classroom: Hands-on Practical Ideas
(Meeting Room 5)
This presentation is a treasury of insights I have collected and learned from my 33 years as a Pre-K 4 Catholic school educator. This includes songs, finger plays, crafts and ways to act out the Bible stories to make them meaningful to the kids. In our time together, you will learn practical tips like how to create a kid-friendly prayer table for little ones, examples from my students, recommended books and how to do some cross curricular activities with the religion book.
Jan Singletary has 33 years of experience as a Pre-K 4 teacher at her alma mater, St. Catherine of Siena School in Metairie, LA. She is certified to teach religion in Arcdiocese of New Orleans Catholic schools and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of New Orleans. She was awarded the Alumni of the Year honor for St. Catherine of Siena in 2020.
David Wilson | Making Scripture Come Alive!
(Meeting Room 6)
Jesus wasn’t boring – so why should we be? Discover new ways to get and hold your students’ interest in Scripture as well as engaging another part of their brain to jump start their learning and memory retention. This presentation promises to be fun and packed with great ideas to help you immediately in your ministry of teaching Scripture to our children with joy.
David Wilson is the Director of Religious Education for St. Ann Church and National Shrine in Metairie, LA and is the author of “A Practical Guide for Imparting the Faith.” He holds a Master’s degree in Theology from Notre Dame Seminary, 35 years in faith formation, 26 years as DRE, a Conference presenter, and diocesan Master Catechist for catechist formation, and the creator of the website Parables4Today. He is married with four children and is in search of his daily mission from God.
Saturday, January 13, 2024
11:00 AM – 12 Noon
Stephanie Clouatre Davis | Discerning with Young People
(Hall A)
Sponsored by Ignatian Ministries
Young people often ask, “What’s next? What should I do? Where do I belong?” Often, we think decisions are for big things, like our vocation or a new job, or for young people – like,what high school or college do I choose? Ignatius also invites us to listen to our “everyday lives.” Ignatian spirituality offers tools to help young people make decisions for big decisions and for daily decisions. Join Stephanie Clouatre Davis as she provides practical tools for discerning with young people.
Stephanie Clouatre Davis is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, teacher and retreat facilitator. She is on the staff at The Archdiocesan Spirituality Center, St. Scholastica Academy, Ignatian Ministries, and an associate with the Dominican Sisters of Peace. In her more than 26 years of ministry, she has directed hundreds of retreats and spoken at many conferences for adults, teens, and young adults. Stephanie spends many of her days walking with people in spiritual direction. She lives in Covington, LA.
David Gauthier | Lay Prison Ministry: Bringing Jesus to the Marginalized
(Hall C)
A jail can be a joyless place. Drab walls, broken furniture, poor food, and no hope. As lay ministers, what can we offer to the incarcerated? How can we help them find Jesus in their lives? The Directory of Catechesis says that lay ministers make God’s presence visible through our acceptance and attentive listening. In this session we will identify some of the challenges and obstacles found in prison ministry, discuss tactics for working in the prison environment, and share stories of joy.
David Gauthier is Director for RCIA and Religious Education Coordinator for St Thomas the Apostle Parish in Long Beach, MS. Since retiring from a long career working in shipyards in 2018, he has worked extensively in ministry in both jail and prison environments.
Megan Cottam | Raising Disciples: Parenting with the Gifts of Faith
(Lakeview Room)
Recent sociological studies tell us that not only is spirituality healthy for development, but it is best fostered in the daily habits of family life. Our Catholic faith provides us with five distinct gifts to help raise healthy children in an increasingly dis-eased world: silence, mercy, community, ritual, and purpose. Come explore how parents and the church can use these tools to form an essential partnership in raising strong missionary disciples.
Megan Cottam is a Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Diocese of Richmond, VA. With a Master’s in Pastoral Theology from St. Joseph’s College of Maine, Megan has focused her ministry on early childhood formation, parent and family agency, and the sacramental life in the domestic church. Wife to Deacon Steven and mom to two wonderful young children, she is learning how to live out her faith at home with each daily opportunity for grace!
Maureen Pratt | Job, Jesus, and Joy
(Meeting Room 1)
Ongoing pain is one of life’s most difficult experiences. It can distance us from others and God and block our ability to experience joy. Yet, faith gives us powerful tools to understand and live through pain, to find grace, comfort and joy – to be drawn closer to God. This workshop reflects on the example of Job and the life of Jesus as they show us that God’s love is within reach at all times and abiding, lasting joy is possible in and through suffering.
Maureen Pratt, MTS, MFA, is an award-winning Catholic author and speaker who focuses on the places where Church, faith, and spirituality meet real-life challenges. The Founder and Executive Director of the national ministry, The Peace in the Storm Project, and author of 8 books including Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness (nihil obstat and imprimatur) and Beyond Pain: Job, Jesus, and Joy Revised Edition. She lives in California and has chronic illnesses, including lupus.
Dr. George Herbert | Welcoming and Including All Children and Families
(Meeting Room 2)
While an equality strategy would give everyone the same treatment, an equity strategy would attempt to give individuals what is needed to succeed. This presentation will challenge some of our “fairness” belief systems and remind us that we need to treat children and families in ways that include and welcome them and resist the tendency for sameness for all. Practical strategies will be presented to make help make our own Catholic Church parish more diverse and inclusive.
George W. Hebert, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and serves as a faculty member at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Dr. Hebert received his diploma as a catechist in 1987 from the Archdiocese of New Orleans and he served for many years teaching catechism to children and adolescents in both the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. Additional Catholic ministries have included serving as a member of the parish council, president of the school board, and president of the parish men’s club.
Courtney Brown | Becoming a Reservoir of Grace: Letting Your Work Flow From Your Interior Life
(Meeting Room 3)
Sponsored by Ruah Woods Institute
Too often our perception and image of being a minister is allowing grace to flow through us, where it enters and leaves. Instead, we need to be more like a reservoir where the water remains and feeds other water channels with its overflow. The people we minister to need to feed off of the overflow of grace that comes from the lord. Courtney leads us through the journey of being leading to activity and practical ways to lead souls to a deeper encounter with Christ.
Courtney Brown, a native to New Orleans, received his MA in Theology at University of Holy Cross & BA at Franciscan University. Courtney has spent 20 years in the field of education and ministry. He has served as a teacher, youth minister, elementary and high school principal. He now serves as Executive Director for Ruah Woods Institute (a ministry dedicated to revealing the human person) and currently working on his doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Creighton University.
Dr. Kathleen Dorsey Bellow | Encountering Jesus in Catechumenate Ministry
(Meeting Room 4)
Sponsored by Institute for Black Catholic Studies of Xavier University of Louisiana
The Catechumenate/Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a powerful community-building ministry of welcome to new-comers to the Catholic faith. This session will show how the Rite supports parishes in its essential ministries of Christian encounter – evangelization, catechesis, and formation of Christian disciples for the 21st century.
Kathleen Dorsey Bellow, Ph.D. currently serves as director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies of Xavier University of Louisiana – a summer school of ministry and pastoral theology that forms ministers for the Black Catholic community and the church at-large. Dorsey Bellow teaches in the Institute and the Xavier Theology Department. She earned the Master of Theology from IBCS/Xavier University (New Orleans) and the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Catholic Theological Union (Chicago).
Dr. Joseph White | Integrated Family Catechesis: Honoring the Role of Parents as First Witnesses
(Meeting Room 5)
Sponsored by OSV Publishing
An ever-present question in parish and school religious education is how to move beyond a child-only focus to a model of formation that supports parents as first and most important catechists. While no single approach is ideal for every parish or school, some best practices have arisen for forming families and equipping parents in this God-given vocation. In this session, we’ll discuss various models that integrate parents and family life in religious education in effective and meaningful ways.
Dr. Joseph White converted to the Catholic Faith while in graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He later studied Catholic Theology at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. He served as a parish Director of Faith Formation for two years, and then worked for 7 years as Director of Family Counseling and Family Life for the Diocese of Austin, Texas. He now works as Associate Publisher for Catechetical Resources at OSV Publishing.
Dr. Joe Paprocki | What Do Catholics Believe? How to Talk to Others About Your Faith
(Meeting Room 6)
Sponsored by Loyola Press
Sometimes it can feel as though we need advanced theological degrees to adequately explain our Catholic faith to others! However, the Twelve Apostles were common working people with no special theological training and yet, they effectively brought the Word of God to every part of the known world! In this presentation, Joe Paprocki will explore the simplicity of the truth that we proclaim and offer practical tips for sharing our faith with others.
Joe Paprocki, D.Min. is the National Consultant for Faith Formation for Loyola Press, has been in pastoral ministry for over 40 years, has authored over 20 books (including his most recent, 8 Steps to Energize Your Faith), and presented in over 150 dioceses in North America. Joe received his Master’s Degree from the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University of Chicago and his Doctor of Ministry Degree from the University of St. Mary of the Lake (Mundelein Seminary).
1:30 – 2:30 PM
Becky Eldredge | Praying Within the Busyness: Finding a Still Point with the Prayer of Consideration
(Hall A)
Sponsored by Ignatian Ministries
Jesus taught others about God from the world around him. How do we quiet ourselves to truly listen, notice, and find God in all things like Jesus did? Learn to pray from “the book of our lives” like Jesus did. Leaning on Scripture and the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola, we’ll look at this contemplative prayer tool to help us find stillness and to notice God in our everyday busyness and in the world. Leave with the knowledge to pray this yourself and offer it to all ages!
Becky Eldredge is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director passionate about inviting people closer to Christ. She does this by accompanying people as they navigate deep waters of their faith lives through spiritual direction, writing, retreats, and as founder of Ignatian Ministries. She is author of two award-winning books: The Inner Chapel and Busy Lives and Restless Souls. Becky is part of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Spirituality Center teaching staff where she trains spiritual directors.
David Wilson | The HOPE Depot – For Do-It-Yourself Catechists
(Lakeview Room)
Do your classes seem flat? Do your students seem disinterested? Come and learn some exciting ways to enhance any program, text, or curriculum, with joy. Using some easily implemented tools, see how easy it will be to build a better experience for yourself and your students! Participants should come prepared to gain some new insight, joy, and vigor into your catechetical presentations.
David Wilson is the Director of Religious Education for St. Ann Church and National Shrine in Metairie, LA and is the author of “A Practical Guide for Imparting the Faith.” He holds a Master’s degree in Theology from Notre Dame Seminary, 35 years in faith formation, 26 years as DRE, a Conference presenter, and diocesan Master Catechist for catechist formation, and the creator of the website Parables4Today. He is married with four children and is in search of his daily mission from God.
Tammy Jackson | How to Jump Start the OCIA in Your Parish
(Meeting Room 1)
What does Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA; formerly RCIA) look like in your home parish? Is there room for improvement? Does your parish provide a welcoming atmosphere toward those seeking to encounter Jesus? Join us as we explore a variety of ways to evangelize with joy close to home. Come learn what has made a difference in one parish as they have grown their OCIA ministry to around 100 people annually.
Tammy Jackson is a retired educator. Currently, she is the Director of the OCIA process at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs, LA.
Becky Clements | Sorry, Not Sorry
(Meeting Room 2)
Apologetics were an important part of my conversion to Catholicism – I needed to have misconceptions cleared up before I could accept teachings like the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Jesus didn’t evangelize through shaming people; rather, they first encountered joy in being loved by Him which opened their spirits to hearing the Truth. We will learn from the Master how people like Zacchaeus and the Centurion were transformed, teaching us how to draw others into communion with Him.
Becky Clements has always been a student and a teacher. She is currently pursuing a Master of Sacred Arts from the Theology of the Body Institute and Pontifex University while coordinating high school and adult religious education at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Becky is the author of Witness to the Gift, a parish-based high school curriculum that weaves together the Catechism and Theology of the Body. Becky and her husband, Brian, find great joy in their 3 married children and 4 beautiful grandchildren.
Earl Gervais | Walking Between the Lines
(Meeting Room 3)
This session will explain my process of reading Scripture in a different way. It is based on a book that I wrote titled, Walking Between The Lines: Some Stories The Bible Didn’t Tell. It is a process based on John 21:24 – 25: “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
Earl Gervais has a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from Loyola University New Orleans. He has taught for over 30 years in various Catholic Schools around the Metro New Orleans area. He currently serves as the DRE at Our Lady of Divine Providence Catholic Church in Metairie, LA.
Deacon Jesse Watley | Encounter the Joyful Witness of Catholic Social Teaching
(Meeting Room 4)
This presentation will center on how the Church’s tradition of Catholic Social Teaching embraces all life. Through discussion, participants can better understand or discuss how to teach others the fact that pro-life is more than anti-abortion.
Deacon Jesse Watley is a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He is the former Executive Director of Pastoral Services for the archdiocese.
Becci Sheptock | Families in Narnia: A Vacation Bible School Success
(Meeting Room 5)
Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) can be daunting and overwhelming. As a newer DRE and Youth Minister, I was initially hesitant to continue offering it at our parish. If we did, I wanted it to be a formative event for all involved: kids, teen volunteers and adults. Evangelization for all ages. Was this even possible? After a trial year of a Chronicles of Narnia-based VBS, I can happily answer “yes”! In this session, I will share our VBS story and lead a brainstorming session on other “family friendly” options.
Rebecca (Becci) Sheptock is proud to be a part of the community of Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi established in New Orleans, LA in 2021. She has a Master’s in Theology from Holy Apostles in Connecticut and a Bachelor’s in Sociology and Catholic Studies from Loyola University New Orleans and is blessed to be back in the New Orleans area. She currently serves as the CYO Director and DRE at St. Matthew the Apostle in River Ridge, LA. Becci has been consecrated for 16 years and has ministered in Rhode Island and Washington, DC.
Fr. Gabriel Cisneros Campos | Encountering the Joy of Jesus by Answering the Call
(Meeting Room 6)
Sponsored by the Diocese of Shreveport
Fr. Gabriel will share his long journey from a young boy working odd jobs in Mexico at the age of 6 to being called to the priesthood. With very little education, he was mentored by a priest to explore his faith, receiving his First Communion at the age of 30. So many obstacles came before him as he moved forward in the seminary. Loss of family members and his mother’s stroke all may have detoured another soul but, through the intercession of Mother Mary, Fr. Gabriel was ordained this past summer. Come and hear his story.
Fr. Gabriel Cisneros Campos graduated from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and was ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Shreveport. He presently is an associate priest at St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport, LA.
