A Vision for Holistic Formation in the Human Person and Sexuality

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Presented by Nicole Joyce

July 20, 2023

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The presentation title is A Vision for Holistic Formation in the Human Person and Sexuality in Diocesan Family Ministry. I’ll give a brief overview of the life stages Family Ministry serves and how holistic sexuality can be integrated into ministry at each phase first, and then zoom in on the tweens and teens and talk about diocesan implementation of Teen STAR at our Catholic schools in detail.

Nicole Joyce is the Associate Director of Family Ministry at the Archdiocese of Detroit. She is a graduate of Sacred Heart Major Seminary with a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and a Creighton Model FertilityCare Practitioner. Nicole has a heart for tweens and teens and is passionate about helping young people uncover their truest identity in Jesus Christ. In her 12 years in family ministry, she has served as a middle school teacher and catechist, a family ministry coordinator, and a NFP instructor. She and her husband of 18 years serve as a mentor couple in marriage preparation at their home parish and have four children.

 

Helping Catholic Families Navigate Transgender Questions

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Presented by Dr. Mary Rice Hasson

June 15, 2023

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Mary Rice Hasson, J.D., is the Kate O’Beirne Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., where she co-founded and directs the Person and Identity Project, an initiative that equips parents and faith-based institutions to promote the truth about the human person and counter gender ideology.

An attorney and policy expert, Mary has been a keynote speaker for the Holy See during the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, addressing education, women and work, caregiving, and gender ideology, and serves as a consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family, Life and Youth. She speaks frequently at national conferences, universities, and in dioceses across the country, and has testified before the U.S. Senate, in state legislatures, and the Australian parliament on parents’ rights and transgender issues. The co-author of several books on education, Mary’s writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, National Review, First Things, the National Catholic Register and Our Sunday Visitor, among others. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School, Mary is married to Seamus Hasson, and they are parents of seven grown children and grandparents of four.

 

Catholics 💙 Foster

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Presented by Kathleen Domingo

May 18, 2023

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Description: From our beginning, Catholics have followed the call to care for “widows and orphans”, expanding that call to all vulnerable persons. However, orphans have always held a special place in our hearts with communities of women religious founding orphanages for centuries and Catholic Charities and other ministries leading adoption programs and placing children with foster families. In recent years, Catholic organizations in many states have been forced out of the foster care business, but our parishes still have a great deal that they can do to care for children in the child welfare system and to develop parish families into foster families! Don’t let government regulations keep us from fulfilling our Gospel call to care for the most vulnerable! Learn how we can be fully Catholic while also working to help foster youth have strong, healthy families for life.

 

Partnerships between faith-based organizations, secular community organizations, and government agencies have been redefined with the experience of the pandemic.  Faith-based organizations can play a vital role in promoting well-being through intentional collaboration, while also advancing the mission of all agencies involved.
In this PDP, Mario will share his unique experience as a diocesan Marriage and Family Life leader who has partnered with various organizations to advance family life care. Some of these organizations are: The National Alliance for Relationship and Marriage Education, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Catholic Marriage Initiative Fund, Safe Harbor Catholic Counseling Institute, RAND Corporation, etc.

Kathleen Domingo serves as Executive Director of the California Catholic Conference.  She lobbies on behalf of the 12 Catholic dioceses in California, representing the bishops of California on issues such as human life and dignity, strong healthy families, racial justice, environmental justice, healthcare access, housing, restorative justice, educational excellence and religious liberty.

Kathleen served for eight years in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as Senior Director of the Office of Life, Justice and Peace. She led OneLife LA, created Respect Life Week, and built the first Caring for the Whole Person diocesan-based program in the nation. She is a national speaker, writer, and organizer, and regularly shares her insights and resources with dioceses and organizations around the country and internationally.

Kathleen holds a BS from the University of San Francisco as well as a Certificate from its St Ignatius Institute. She earned a Master’s degree in Theology from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies in Marriage and Family in Washington, DC. Kathleen and her husband Rocky, along with their two sons Joseph and Owen, are members of Holy Spirit Parish in Sacramento, CA.

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Creating Married Couples’ Retreats (on a shoestring)

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Presented by Tere Johnson, Jason Angelette, and Kelly Krapes

April 20, 2023

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Most marriage ministers recognize the value of retreats for married couples as an opportunity for couples to “get away” and focus on strengthening their relationship with one another and with God. At the same time, the task of planning and administering such an experience can be daunting. Our April Professional Development Presentation will feature three panelists with extensive experience in providing retreats for couples. They will share their ideas on how to make these events happen, how to create meaningful experiences for couples and assessing the impact that these events have on couples’ relationships.

Teresita Johnson is the president and founder of Stella Maris Center which she founded in 2020. She is a marriage education specialist spending 10+ years training marriage ministry teams as well as overseeing numerous marriage preparation programs. She recently wrote Dearly Beloved: Launch a Lifetime of Love with Marriage Preparation to inspire and encourage engaged couples to fully embrace marriage education for a happy and holy marriage.

As far as her other professional experience, Tere worked for a decade in the broadcast news industry starting in radio news and then spent nearly a decade in the television news industry.

Tere’s formal training includes a Certificate in Marriage and Family Ministry from the Marriage and Family Institute, University of St. Thomas (CMF), a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Studies from the University of St. Thomas (MA PS) and a Bachelor of Arts Radio/Television, Journalism minor, from the University of Houston.
Jason Angelette is the father of five beautiful children. He and his beloved (late) wife Elise co-authored the marriage enrichment program United in Love, United in Christ, and planned and spoke at retreats nationwide during their thirteen years as co-directors of the Willwoods Community Faith & Marriage Apostolate.

Jason earned a Master of Theological Studies degree from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America. His experience includes high school campus ministry, teaching theology at the high school and college levels, Catholic podcasting, and co-hosting Faith and Marriage Today and several other monthly television series on WLAE.
Kelly Krapes is an experienced Parish Marriage and Family Coordinator. The importance of strong marriages for healthy families encouraged Kelly and colleagues from other local parishes to coordinate a yearly retreat, No Greater Love, that focuses on supporting marriages on a shoestring budget. Their eighth No Great Love retreat is planned for this fall.

“Safe Haven Sunday: Resources on Ending Porn Use”

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Presented by Amanda Zurface, JCL

Thursday December 15, 2022

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Amanda Zurface, JCL, has served in various roles at Covenant Eyes since February 2016. She has also served as the Vice-Chancellor for the Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado, the Director of Faith Formation at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Zanesville, Ohio and as the Coordinator of Marriage, Family Life and Justice for the Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota. Amanda studied at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy and received her licentiate and master’s degree in Canon Law from Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada. During her time of study in Rome, she interned for the Caritas Internationalis Secretariat. Following the completion of her licentiate, Amanda resided in Geneva, Switzerland, where she interned for the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.

Amanda is the co-author of Equipped: Smart Catholic Parenting in a Sexualized Culture, Confident: Helping Parents Navigate Online Exposure, and Transformed by Beauty.

Amanda is also a contributor to publications, including Aleteia, Blessed is She, Chastity Project, Catholic Mom, Integrity Restored, Radiant, and uCatholic.

 Amanda holds undergraduate degrees in Theology and Social Justice from Ohio Dominican University. Amanda resides in Lexington, Ohio, where she manages  amandazurface.com: providing online spiritual direction and canon law consultation.

 

La Guerra para Proteger la Dignidad – The War to Protect Dignity

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Presented by Fr. Agustino Torres, C.F.R.

Thursday November 17, 2022

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Padre Agustino Torres es un Fraile Franciscano de la Renovación (C.F.R. en inglés). Comunidad establecida en el Bronx, NY y dedicada al trabajo con los pobres y la evangelización. Es presidente y fundador de Corazón Puro y Latinos por la Vida, apostolados dedicados a despertar y acompañar jóvenes líderes en areas de gran necesidad. Padre Agustino, es presentador en programas de televisión como “Clic con Corazón Puro” y “ICONS” en EWTN. Además, fue uno de los fundadores de “Catholic Underground”, un apostolado de los Franciscanos de la Renovación”; Casa Guadalupe y Casa San Juan Pablo II, casas de discernimiento de mujeres y hombres respectivamente. Participa en conferencias internacionales en temas como sexualidad en el contexto de la doctrina de la Iglesia, discernimiento vocacional, discipulado misionero, y otros. Anualmente, el Padre Agustino habla a más de 25,000 jóvenes y a millones de personas a través de los diferentes medios de comunicación.

Fr. Agustino Miguel Torres is a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal (CFR), a community established in the Bronx, NY and dedicated to working with the poor and evangelization. He is the President and Founder of Corazon Puro and Latinos por la Vida, apostolates dedicated to awakening and accompanying leaders in areas of great need. Fr. Agustino is a presenter on programs with EWTN “Clic con Corazon Puro” in Spanish and “ICONS” in English. He is also one of the founders of “Catholic Underground;” Casa Guadalupe and the John Paul II House—houses of discernment for women and men respectively. He is internationally sought to speak about sexuality in the context of the Doctrine of the Church, vocational discernment, missionary discipleship, amongst others. Every year, Fr. Agustino speaks to more than 25,000 youth and millions of people through the media.

Building Bridges To Serve The Families In Our Communities

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Presented by Mario Martinez

Thursday September 15, 2022

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Partnerships between faith-based organizations, secular community organizations, and government agencies have been redefined with the experience of the pandemic.  Faith-based organizations can play a vital role in promoting well-being through intentional collaboration, while also advancing the mission of all agencies involved.
In this PDP, Mario will share his unique experience as a diocesan Marriage and Family Life leader who has partnered with various organizations to advance family life care. Some of these organizations are: The National Alliance for Relationship and Marriage Education, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Catholic Marriage Initiative Fund, Safe Harbor Catholic Counseling Institute, RAND Corporation, etc.

With his wife, Paola, Mario Martinez is the founding co-director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life Ministry at the Diocese of San Bernardino, California; they have been married for over 14 years and have four children.  They have been involved with Marriage and Family Life ministry for most of their married life.
In addition, Mario is an evidence-based relationship skills instructor and has been involved in many initiatives that provide hope to couples and families. He is a co-founder of Safe Harbor Catholic Counseling, a non-profit organization that accompanies and offers clinical services to low-income and uninsured parishioners in his home diocese. Over the past decade, he and his wife have taught relationship education skills to thousands of engaged and married couples with the goal of helping them achieve and sustain a happy and healthy family environment. Mario holds a master’s degree in Applied Psychology from Sacred Heart University, and he is currently a candidate for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from CalSouthern University.

Con su esposa, Paola, Mario Martínez es el codirector fundador de la Oficina de Pastoral Matrimonial y Familiar en la Diócesis de San Bernardino, California; han estado casados por más de 14 años y tienen cuatro hijos.  Han estado involucrados con el ministerio de matrimonio y vida familiar durante la mayor parte de su vida matrimonial.
Además, Mario es un instructor de habilidades de relación basadas en evidencia y ha estado involucrado en numerosas iniciativas que brindan esperanza a parejas y familias. Es cofundador de Safe Harbor Catholic Counseling, una organización sin fines de lucro que ofrece servicios clínicos a personas de bajos ingresos y sin seguro medico en su diócesis. Durante la última década, él y su esposa han capacitado a miles de parejas comprometidas y casadas en habilidades de relación con la meta de ayudarles a lograr un ambiente familiar feliz y sano.
Mario obtuvo una maestría en Psicología Aplicada de la Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, y ahora es candidato para el Doctorado en Psicología de la Universidad CalSouthern.

 

NACFLM Hispanic Federation

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Presenters: Jake Samour and Ed Hopfner

Thursday, August 16, 2022

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PowerPoint Slides

Jake Samour has over 25 years of ministry experience. He is originally from El Salvador and the oldest of 12 children. He immigrated to the US with his family over 40 years ago. He is currently the Director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas. Jake received a master’s degree in theology from the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family and is currently working on his Doctorate of Theological Studies. He is the president of the Federation for Hispanic Family Ministry within the Catholic Family Life Association, formerly NACFLM. Jake and his wife Ramie have 6 children. They had the privilege and blessing to be part of the USA delegation which participated in the recent World Meeting of Families with Pope Francis in Rome where they celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary.

Jake Samour tiene más de 25 años de experiencia en el ministerio. Nació en El Salvador y es el mayor de 12 hijos. Él inmigró con su familia a los Estados Unidos hace más de 40 años. Actualmente es el Director de la Oficina de la Pastoral para Matrimonios y Vida Familiar en la Diócesis de Wichita, Kansas. Él obtuvo su maestría en teología del Instituto Juan Pablo II sobre Estudios de Matrimonio y Familia, y actualmente está escribiendo su tesis para recibir su Doctorado en Estudios Teológicos. Él es el presidente de la nueva Federación para la Pastoral Familiar Hispana dentro de la Asociación Católica de Vida Familiar, anteriormente NACFLM. Jake y su esposa Ramie tienen 6 hijos. Tuvieron lel privilegio y bendición de ser parte como familia de la delegación de los Estados Unidos que participó en el recién Encuentro Mundial de las Familias con el Papa Franciso en Roma donde celebraron17 años de casados.

Ed Hopfner has been the director of Marriage and Family Life for the Archdiocese of San Francisco since 2013; before that he held a similar position in the Diocese of Oakland, from 2008 – 2013.  He earned a master’s degrees in chemistry before moving to Berkeley and earning an MA in Theology from the Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology.  Ed has taught chemistry and mathematics at the high school and community college levels, taught English in Japan while studying Japanese, and is now studying Spanish.

Ed Hopfner es el Director de la oficina de Matrimonio y Vida Familiar para la Arquidiócesis de San Francisco desde 2013; anteriormente fue Director de la Oficina de Vida Familiar en la Diócesis de Oakland, desde el 2008 hasta el 2013. Obtuvo una Maestría en Química con la Universidad de Berkeley y una Maestría en Teología del Colegio Dominico de Filosofía y Teología. Ed ha ensenado química y matemáticas en secundaria y colegio comunitario, y ahora estudia español.

The Eucharistic Mission of the Family

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Presenter: Dr. Roland Millare, STD

Thursday, July 16, 2022

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As the Church begins an intentional period of Eucharistic renewal. Roland Millare will reflect upon the identity and mission of the family in light of the Holy Eucharist. Married couples and families can find guidance for how they can answer their vocation with greater fidelity by turning to the Blessed Sacrament as a source of inspiration.

Dr. Roland Millare serves as the Vice President of Curriculum and the Director of the Shepherd’s Heart Program for the St. John Paul II Foundation (Houston, TX). Dr. Millare served as a member of the Theology Department at St. John XXIII College Preparatory (Katy, TX) for over 15 years. He received a BA in Theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. He has a MA in Theological Studies (with a concentration in Moral Theology) from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College (Alexandria, VA) and a Licentiate (STL) and Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) in Dogmatic Theology (with a specialization in Sacramental Theology) at the Liturgical Institute of the University of St. Mary of the Lake (Mundelein, IL). Dr. Millare also serves as an adjunct professor of theology for permanent deacon candidates at the University of St. Thomas School of Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and for the Diocese of Fort Worth. He has published various theological articles for Logos, Antiphon, New Blackfriars, Nova et Vetera, the Heythrop Journal, and the Word on Fire Institute. Dr. Millare lives with his beautiful wife Veronica and their lovely daughters in Texas.

Milestone to Manhood: A Christian Rite of Passage

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PRESENTERS: David Arms and Steven Arms

Date/Time: Thursday, June 16, 2022/ 1:00 PM Eastern Time

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David and Steven Arms are a father-son team who aim to strengthen the relationships between other fathers and sons, especially in the adolescent and early teenage years. They are co-authors of the book Milestone to Manhood: A Christian Rite of Passage to Help Your 13 Year Old Son Make the Leap from Boyhood to Manhood. Their presentation will discuss what a Rite of Passage is, why it is important that fathers today hold a meaningful Rite of Passage for their son’s, and it will provide resources for fathers who are interested in doing so.

David Arms is a husband and father to four grown sons: Oran, Steven, Kevin, and Michael. Together with his father-in-law, Richard, he helped to develop the Rite of Passage weekend to commemorate each of his sons’ thirteenth birthday. David has a passion for aviation and is currently in formation to become a Catholic Deacon in the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
Steven Arms lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Emily, and is the proud father of two young children—Claire Perpetua and Joseph Maximilian. In Milestone to Manhood, Steven shares his firsthand experience of his Rite of Passage weekend and reflects on how it shaped him into the man that he is today.