GO! Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference

Hope in the Psalms - Fr. Brent Maher
2018-01-12 14:45 - 15:45 UTC | Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd, Kenner, Louisiana, 70065
Hope in the Psalms
St. Athanasius wisely pointed out to his hearers that the Book of Psalms was effectively like a Bible in miniature, a place where all human emotion found a voice, and a directive on how to pray to God. This talk will emphasize the rich tradition of praying the Psalms, focusing in particular on the integration of the Psalms into one’s life of prayer, allowing them to become fonts of hope.
Fr. Brent Maher is from Denham Springs, LA. He attended LSU for two years prior to seminary formation at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington. In 2006 he graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy and Theological Studies and then continued his formation at Notre Dame Seminary, attaining his Master of Divinity degree in 2011. Ordained for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, he now serves as pastor of St. Ann Catholic Church in Morganza, LA.
MEETING LOCATION: ROOM 2

An Eminent Place: Catechesis at the Heart of Liturgy - Tom Kendzia
2018-01-12 14:45 - 15:45
An Eminent Place: Catechesis at the Heart of Liturgy
Practical tips to implement faith-filled, vibrant liturgies for the whole community.
Tom Kendzia is well known as a composer, arranger, producer, teacher, clinician, author and performer. He has been a professional liturgical musician for more than 30 years. He has 15 collections of liturgical and instrumental music. Tom is a national consultant for Sadlier in the field of liturgy and music.
Sponsored by: William H. Sadlier, Inc.
MEETING LOCATION: HILTON GARDEN INN

Moving from Service to Missionary Discipleship - Kevin Foy
2018-01-12 14:45 - 15:45
Moving from Service to Missionary Discipleship
Catholic educators inspire young people not only to serve, but to do so as missionary disciples sent to share God’s love, particularly with the poor, marginalized, and ignored. Using Pope Francis’s Evangelii Gaudium as a framework, this session will share practical methods to transform service experiences into opportunities for encounter with GodÂ’s love in unexpected people and places, profound discernment, and commissioning into lives of authentic discipleship in and for our world.
Kevin directs the Maryknoll Society’s efforts to support and resource Catholic education and diocesan schools systems. He has more then fifteen years experience ministering to and with ethnically and economically diverse communities across the United States, has worked as a middle school teacher and curriculum consultant in multiple dioceses, and has led mission immersion experiences in North, Central, and South America. He holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Notre Dame.
Sponsored by Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
MEETING LOCATION: ROOM 3

Making Hope Real - Becky Eldredge
2018-01-12 14:45 - 15:45
Making Hope Real
Hope is an invitation to see and appreciate the world, much like God does, and believe that things can improve. It is a call to action, rather than a chance to stick our heads in the sand like an ostrich and cross our fingers. In this workshop, Becky shows you how to make hope real, even when your season of life feels anything but hopeful. She will offer you tools on how to name what’s really going on in your life, how to bring the reality of what you are facing to God, and how to nurture hope.
Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the book Busy Lives and Restless Souls. Becky holds a Masters in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University New Orleans with a focus on Christian Spirituality. She has a Certificate of Spiritual Direction from Spring Hill University, a Masters of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University.
Sponsored by Loyola Press
MEETING LOCATION: ROOM 5

Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment - Dr. Leonard DeLorenzo
2018-01-12 14:45 - 15:45
Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment
We will assess the formative influences on young people today, the end to which the Church’s evangelization and formation efforts are ordered, and the possibilities for renewing the Church’s mission in forming young people for vocational discernment. We’ll ask, how do we create cultures in which it’s easier for young people to be Catholic?
Leonard J. DeLorenzo, PhD, teaches theology at the University of Notre Dame, where he works in the McGrath Institute for Church Life. He is the author of Witness: Learning to Tell the Stories of Grace that Illumine Our Lives (Ave Maria Press, 2016), Work of Love: A Theological Reconstruction of the Communion of Saints (Notre Dame Press, 2017), and the forthcoming What Matters Most: Empowering Young People for Life’s Big Decisions (Ave Maria Press, 2018). His expertise ranges from theology and spirituality, to philosophy and ethics, and to pedagogical strategies and pastoral practice. DeLorenzo served for 13 years as director of Notre Dame Vision, where he was responsible for forming college students as leaders in ministry and designing faith formation conferences for teenagers. He lives in South Bend, Indiana, with his wife, Lisa, and their five children.
Sponsored by Ave Maria Press
MEETING LOCATION: ROOM 4

Families of Hope - Katie Almon
2018-01-12 14:45 - 15:45
Families of Hope: Building Partnerships between Catholic Schools and the Home
As Pope St. John Paul II shares in Familiaris Consortio, the Church observes that the institution of the family acts as a sacramental “cradle” for the fostering the faith among generations. The need for reaching out to families, therefore, is crucial to the success of the work of evangelization in the Church. The session would be focused on highlighting “best” practices used by Catholic schools around the country to connect with and form Catholic parents in faith and values.
Katie Almon has been working in Catholic education for the past 8 years as both a high school Theology teacher and Campus Minister. She has her Masters of Arts in Theological Studies from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.
MEETING LOCATION: ROOM 1

Leading Children to Pray - John Collins
2018-01-12 14:25 - 15:45
Leading Children to Pray: Catechist as Pray-er and Model of Hope for the Journey
It’s easy to teach children prayers…the words and phrases that we say. But how do we pray with children? Is it just a routine? Is there a classroom environment that sends a message that prayer is important? Are prayer experiences prayer-ful? Children donÂ’t develop a prayer life from a book, but from the example of those adultsÂ…parents and catechistsÂ…who guide them in their faith journey. This session will provide nourishment for catechists in nurturing the prayer life of their students.
John is a retired elementary school principal, former Director of Curriculum, and elementary school teacher. He is also a former DRE and catechist. John worked with Sadlier in the northeast for many years, and now he is a full-time National Religion Consultant. He is a keynote speaker and presenter at both national and regional congresses. His presentations always bring the practical and realistic to catechesis with his experience as both a professional educator and catechetical leader.
Sponsored by William H. Sadlier, Inc.
MEETING LOCATION: ROOM 6

Hope for the World: Catechesis that forms Missionary Disciples - Dr. Kristin Witte
2018-01-12 13:30 - 14:30
Hope for the World: Catechesis that forms Missionary Disciples
As Catholics, our Scripture and Tradition call us over and over again to bring hope to those who are living on the margins of society. The presentation will explore practical ways parish catechetical leaders can integrate care for the poor and vulnerable seamlessly into their formation programs.
The ministry of compassion and social justice is not meant just for a few parishioners, but for all the faithful. Workshop will include simple hands-on experiences of faith in action.
Dr. Kristin Witte has taught in a Catholic elementary school, worked as a college campus minister, parish youth minister, and for the Archdiocese of Baltimore as the coordinator of pastoral care and social justice. Having earned three master’s degrees, Kristin completed her Doctorate in Ministry with an emphasis in Pastoral Counseling from the Catholic University of America . Kristin currently serves as the coordinator of Catechetical and Catholic Educational Engagement at CRS.
Sponsored by Catholic Relief Services
MEETING LOCATION: ROOM 4

Hope in Suffering - Fr. Brent Maher
2018-01-12 13:30 - 14:30
Hope in Suffering
How do we find God in the midst of sufferings? What can we do to foster hope in times of trial? Using Psalm 42 as a guide, we will walk through a Biblical response to the sufferings of this world, emphasizing the critical elements: honesty in prayer, trust in God, and Christian hope that points us beyond we can see.
Fr. Brent Maher is from Denham Springs, LA. He attended LSU for two years prior to seminary formation at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington. In 2006 he graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy and Theological Studies and then continued his formation at Notre Dame Seminary, attaining his Master of Divinity degree in 2011. Ordained for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, he now serves as pastor of St. Ann Catholic Church in Morganza, LA.
MEETING LOCATION: HALL C

The Gift of Cultural Hurricanes - Dr. Tim Hogan
2018-01-12 13:30 - 14:30
The Gift of Cultural Hurricanes: How to Build Bridges that Empower Parents and Transform Catholic Families
Effectively working with youth and families today poses previously unseen and epic ministry challenges. Dr. Hogan will propose effective strategies to reinvigorate ministry by creating new connections between youth, families and their parish.
Dr. Tim Hogan is a psychologist and Certified Imago Relationship Therapist who co-authored How to Find the Help You Need, a guide to psychotherapy and spiritual direction, and recently released an album of guided meditations, Awakening Your Heart (iTunes). He also contributed to RCL Benziger’s Family Life series. He directs The Grace Counseling Center in Detroit and lives in Plymouth, Michigan, with his wife of 28 years and has three adult children. He blogs at DrTimHogan.com/my-blog/
Sponsored by RCL Benziger
MEETING LOCATION: ROOM 5

Hope in Change - Kathleen Hendricks
2018-01-12 13:30 - 14:30
Hope in Change
Change rocks our world. While small changes create ripples that generate excitement or dread, large ones produce waves that plunge us into the throes of anxiety or anticipation. Is it any wonder that the symbol for hope is an anchor? Placing our hope in God through the minor and major changes in life not only brings a sense of stability, but also a glimpse of possibility. When we view change through the lens of hope, we find ways to regain our equilibrium and rest secure in God’s grace.
Kathy Hendricks is the National Catechetical Consultant for William H. Sadlier and a contributing writer for their materials, including a weekly blog. Kathy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Adult Christian Community Development, and certification as a spiritual director. Kathy is the author of several books and has over 35 years experience in diocesan and parish catechetical and pastoral ministry.
Sponsored by William H. Sadlier
MEETING LOCATION: HALL C

A Practical and Hopeful Response to Pornography - Adam Fuselier
2018-01-12 13:30 - 14:30
A Practical and Hopeful Response to Pornography
How can youth ministers, teachers, and campus ministers offer teens an attractive and compelling solution to address the issue of pornography? Adam will share information about ACT, is a teen-centered community built around formation and virtue training. This community seeks to bring healing to a hurting culture.
Adam Fuselier is the Program Director for Dumb Ox Ministries, a Catholic non-profit organization that brings St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body to thousands each year in creative and dynamic ways. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Ave Maria University in 2011 and is currently completing his Master’s degree in Theology at the Augustine Institute. Adam has journeyed with many young men as they have sought to integrate St. John Paul II’s teachings into their personal lives.
Sponsored by Dumb Ox Ministries
MEETING LOCATION: ROOM 6

Teaching to Strengths: Serving All God's Children with Love and Hope - Carrie Freyer
2018-01-12 13:30 - 14:30
Teaching to Strengths: Serving All God’s Children with Love and Hope
We will explore creative ways to teach Catholic concepts for all children, but especially children with autism and special needs. In this formational workshop, a variety of models of inclusion, effective teaching methods, best practices, and strategies will be shared that benefit catechists and teachers.
Carrie Freyer is the Sales & Marketing Curricula Specialist for Loyola Press. She has worked at Loyola for fourteen years marketing elementary curriculum products as well as helping serve parishes and schools in a variety of roles. Prior to joining Loyola, Carrie worked in ministry as a Catholic school teacher and catechist for over ten years. Carrie resides in Chicago with her family.
Sponsored by Loyola Press
MEETING LOCATION: LAKEVIEW ROOM

Faith Strong : Finding Hope in Catholic School - John Braham
2018-01-12 13:30 - 14:30
Faith Strong – Finding Hope: Bearing the Cross of Bereavement in the Catholic School
In the timeframe of one calendar year, Opelousas Catholic School endured the death of five students and two staff members in unrelated events. Despite the most difficult circumstances, Opelousas Catholic has managed to turn these tragedies into triumph. With faith and focus, the school has assisted students and faculty in coping with these losses and has managed to grow into a stronger faith community. John Braham, the Campus Minister, will share how they dealt with and now plan for tragedy.
John Braham has been in Catholic education for 18 years and has been the Campus Minister at Opelousas Catholic School for the last 14 years. He graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta Georgia as well as Spring Hill College of Mobile, Alabama with a minor in Theology. He is a Master Catechist in the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana. He has worked with Youth Ministry for the last 18 years speaking at various schools and leading youth retreats around the Lafayette, La area.
Sponsored by Our Sunday Visitor.
MEETING LOCATION: ROOM 3

Student Ministry in the High School - Thomas Baier
2018-01-12 13:30 - 14:30
Student Ministry in the High School
This presentation will describe the Student Ministry Team at Brother Martin High School. It will present the mission of the team, how it is selected, trained, and maintained throughout the school year.
Thomas Baier, Campus Minister at Br. Martin High School for six years. Religion Dept. Co-department Chair for two years. Religion Department Chair at Ursuline Academy for 11 years. Campus Minister at Ursuline Academy for two years. He was born and raised in NJ and educated at Catholic, parish run elementary and high school. Thomas has B.A. from the University of Arizona in 1987 and an M.A. in Theological Studies from Notre Dame Seminary in 2010.
Meeting Room 1

Friday Keynote Address - Dr. Tim Hogan
2018-01-12 10:30 - 11:30
“The Gift of Cultural Hurricanes: Embracing the Transforming Forces of Post-Modern Culture”

Multiple global forces have combined to create a cultural hurricane that is pounding and often washing away ancient bridges of human connection. These forces are fundamentally changing the landscape of family life, and, importantly, radically changing what families need from us in ministry. Using sociological research as well as his own work as a therapist and frequent workshop leader, Dr. Hogan will help us to understand this new landscape.
More info about Dr. Tim Hogan.

Leadership Thursday - Dr. Rayas and Dr. Paprocki
2018-01-11 13:00 - 15:30
This day is designed for principals, clergy, lay ecclesial ministers, and other leaders in schools and parishes. Today’s catechetical leader faces unparalleled challenges and complexities in proclaiming the Gospel to a world that is often distracted, divided, and despairing. Disciples of Jesus, however, are equipped with a message of hope!
We will begin Leadership Thursday with a Leadership Luncheon, courtesy of Loyola Press. Then, in an interactive session, Verónica Rayas, PhD, and Joe Paprocki, DMin, will identify mindsets and strategies for effective catechetical leadership that will bring hope for the 21st century and beyond.
More info.
THE GO! CONFERENCE THANKS LOYOLA PRESS FOR THEIR PLATINUM SPONSORSHIP OF LEADERSHIP THURSDAY.
