Unlike Any Other: The Sorrow of Parents Whose Children Have Died

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PRESENTERS: Charley Monaghan and Diane Monaghan

Thursday, May 19, 2022

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Ministering to grieving parents is daunting.  Diocesan Family Life Ministers and parish personnel typically have no frame of reference, and no idea of what to say or what to do.  This presentation will provide insights into what life is like for a grieving parent, as well as recommendations on how to (and how not to) minister to them.

Charley Monaghan is a former bank president; Diane Monaghan is a former collegiate Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Monaghans lost their beautiful son, Paul, to suicide in 2002, when their lives radically changed forever. After years of questioning, losing, and regaining their Catholic faith, they finally found true peace, comfort, and hope in the rich teachings of the Catholic Church. Consequently, in 2009, they founded the Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents, which serves the spiritual needs of parents whose children of any age have died by any cause, no matter how long ago. Currently, they are working with dioceses and parishes all over the United States to bring this powerful ministry–at NO cost–to grieving parents who need it most.

Confronting Gender Ideology in Family Life Ministry

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Presenters: Theresa Farnan and Lucia Baez Luzondo, JD

Thursday, April 21, 2022

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In this session we will define what is gender ideology, its origins, and why it represents a clash of anthropologies with our Catholic view of the human person and why this ideology is antithetical to Catholic doctrine. We will also talk about the severe damage that is having in our children, youth, and young adults, and will share tools to confront this ideology in our ministry to families.

Theresa Farnan, PhD, is an author and moral philosopher who specializes in virtue ethics, moral education, philosophy of the person, gender and sexuality, and ethical issues facing the family. She has taught at St Paul Seminary in Pittsburgh, Franciscan University of Steubenville, and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. She served as a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth and is a member of the Catholic Women’s Forum Advisory Council. Her writing has appeared in a variety of publications, including Our Sunday Visitor and First Things, and she speaks frequently on topics such as Christian anthropology, human dignity, disability, the family, and gender ideology. She is co-author of two books: Get out Now: Why You Should Pull Your Child from Public School Before It’s Too Late and an apologetics resource for teens, Where Did I Come From? Where Am I Going? How Do I Get There? She and her husband are the parents of ten children.   https://personandidentity.com/theresa-farnan/

Lucia Baez Luzondo, JD, Co-founder, Family Renewal Ministries, is an attorney, practical theologian, television and radio host, and co-founder of Family Renewal Ministries, Inc. (Renovación Familiar), a ministry dedicated to promoting and defending marriage, family, and the human person in God’s plan. Along with her husband, Ricardo Luzondo, M.D., Lucia co-hosts a weekly television series “Created to Love” (Creados para amar) aired on EWTN Global Catholic Television and a weekly live radio program, “In the Day to Day with Ricardo and Lucia” (En el día a día con Ricardo y Lucía) broadcast on EWTN Radio (Radio Católica Mundial), both aired in Spanish worldwide.
She has produced multiple articles, resources and materials on marriage preparation, marriage, and family enrichment, multiculturality and gender ideology. She has presented extensively in the United States, Latin America and Europe and has lead hundreds of retreats and trainings in her areas of expertise. Lucia has served as director of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth Ministry and Intercultural Ministries in various archdioceses in the nation. She has also been collaborator and consultant to several Catholic publishers and entities on Hispanic marriage and family life and interculturality, including various Secretariats of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. She serves as a member of the Our Sunday Visitor Institute’s Hispanic Experience Think Tank. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Aquinas Center for Catholic Studies at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and the Board of Trustees of Ignatius House in Atlanta, GA.
She was a presenter at the World Meeting of Families-Philadelphia 2015, the USCCB Catholic Leaders Conference- Orlando 2017 and was on-air commentator for primary signal for EWTN’s live broadcast of the World Meeting of Families -Ireland 2018.  She earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, a J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, and completed her Master of Practical Theology and Ministry studies at Barry University. She is a devoted wife mother of one son.
https://personandidentity.com/lucia-baez-luzondo/

Como Enfrentar la Ideología de Género en el Ministerio a Familias

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Presenter: Lucia Baez Luzondo, JD

Thursday, March 17, 2022

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En esta sesión conversaremos definiremos la ideología de género, de donde nace, porqué representa un choque de antropologías con la vision católica sobre la persona humana y porqué esta va en contra de la doctrina católica. Conversaremos también sobre el severo daño que está teniendo especialmente en nuestros jóvenes y niños, y compartiremos herramientas para enfrentar esta ideología en nuestros ministerios con familias.

In this session we will define what is gender ideology, its origins, and why it represents a clash of anthropologies with our Catholic view of the human person and why this ideology is antithetical to Catholic doctrine. We will also talk about the severe damage that is having in our children, youth and young adults, and will share tools to confront this ideology in our ministry to families.

Lucia Baez Luzondo, JD, MA.   es Cofundadora del Ministerio Renovación Familiar, un ministerio dedicado a proclamar, defender y proteger el Plan de Dios para el matrimonio y la familia, en Estados Unidos, América Latina y Europa. Lucía es escritora y consultora para varias entidades católicas en las áreas el matrimonio y la familia hispana y el ministerio multicultural.  Lucia es abogada de inmigración y fundadora de la firma Luzondo Legal Immigration, LLC.
Es también coanfitriona con su esposo el Dr. Ricardo Luzondo, de la serie televisiva Creados para amar, que se transmite por ETWN Español, y del programa radial semanal en vivo, En el día a día con Ricardo y Lucía que se transmite por Radio Católica Mundial. Fue presentadora en el Encuentro Mundial de las Familias – Filadelfia-2015, y con Ricardo fue coanfitriona de las transmisiones en vivo de EWTN Español del Encuentro Mundial de las Familias – Irlanda 2018. También ha servido como colaboradora en varios secretariados de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos.

Lucía posee un doctorado en Jurisprudencia de la Universidad de Stetson, una maestría en Teología Práctica y Ministerio de la Universidad de Barry y una licenciatura en Administración de Empresas de la Universidad Central de la Florida y pronto comienza sus estudios de doctorado en Teología en Pontifex University. Es abogada licenciada en el estado de la Florida. Su hijo, Sebastián pronto comenzará su tercer año de estudios en la Universidad católica de Dallas. Lucía está feliz que su familia ahora comenzará a ser parte de la familia de Santa Catalina de Siena.
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Lucia Baez Luzondo, JD, MA. is co-founder of Family Renewal Ministries, a ministry dedicated to proclaiming, defending and protecting God’s Plan for marriage and the family, in the United States, Latin America and Europe. Lucia is a writer and consultant for several Catholic entities in the areas of Hispanic marriage and family and multicultural ministry. She is an immigration attorney and is founding attorney at Luzondo Legal Immigration, LLC
She co-host with her husband, Dr. Ricardo Luzondo, the television series Creados para amar (Created to Love), which is airs on ETWN Español, and the weekly live radio program, En el día a día con Ricardo y Lucía, that airs on EWTN World Catholic Radio in Spanish.

Lucia was a presenter at the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia-2015, and with Ricardo she was co-host of the EWTN Spanish live broadcasts of the World Meeting of Families – Ireland 2018. She has also served as a collaborator in various secretariats of the Conference of Bishops Catholics of the United States. Lucia holds a Juris Doctorate from Stetson University, a Master’s in Practical Theology and Ministry from Barry University, and a Bachelor in Business Administration from Central Florida University and soon will begin her doctoral studies in Theology at Pontifex University. She is a licensed attorney in the state of Florida. Her son Sebastian will soon begin his third year of studies at Catholic University of Dallas. Lucia is happy that her family will now become part of the Santa Catalina de Siena family. If you want to easily remember her and her husband’s names, they are Ricky and Lucy…accen

 

The Power of Forgiveness

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Presenter: Martha Shuping, M.D.

Date/Time: Thursday, February 17, 2022 / 1:00 PM Eastern Time

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Martha will share her wisdom and knowledge on the power of forgiveness and how it can benefit all.

Martha Shuping, M.D., earned her MD degree at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and completed her psychiatry residency at NC Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. She has an MA in Pastoral Ministry from University of Dayton. She has earned a certificate in Trauma and Recovery, from Harvard Medical School, where she also completed a one-year research training program. Dr. Shuping has served as a director of a pro-life pregnancy center in the past, and has conducted more than 50 Rachel’s VIneyard weekend retreats for abortion recovery. She also conducts retreats for recovery from past sexual abuse and domestic violence. She has taught as adjunct faculty in Theology and Psychology at Belmont Abbey College. She has been a consultant and trainer for diocesan organizations and other non-profit organizations in more than 20 countries on four continents. Dr. Shuping is a Fellow of Catholics for Family Peace, a Catholic organization focused on education and research related to domestic violence. She is an author of published research and of self-books and resources. While continuing in private practice of psychiatry, she is also President of Ashford Institute which is developing continuing education courses for professionals, and outreach to university students regarding topics including abortion recovery, abuse recovery, and more.

 

Faith Filled Resolutions for Financial Freedom

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Presenter: Thomas Zordani

Thursday, January 20, 2022

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Thomas E. Zordani will share some wisdom on how to get in good financial health for Family Life and Marriage Ministers to share.

Thomas E. Zordani is a published author of 7 books including the best-seller Faith Finances. His book and program, Faith Finances, received the Imprimatur of, The Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquilla, the Archbishop of Denver.

He has spoken in over 65 US Dioceses.  Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado and has attended several Colorado colleges including CU Boulder and CU Denver majoring in Spanish and History.

Mr. Zordani is an active member of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Parish in Denver.  He is a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Gianna Conference, President of the St. Gianna Parish Council and Stewardship Committees, a Marriage Preparation and Enrichment adjunct educator for the Archdiocese of Denver and an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister.

After falling away from his faith during his college years, and later finding himself and his family in an unimaginable swamp of debt, and experiencing a period of homelessness, Mr. Zordani began a painstaking journey to learn about personal finances from the ultimate learning source — The Bible!

Since 1994, He has conducted extensive research on biblical-stewardship concepts, is a gifted public speaker, and a renowned personal-finance counselor, helping thousands of families and individuals. He has appeared on Catholic TV, Catholic Life Television and has been heard on many radio stations nationwide including EWTN, Guadalupe Radio, and Ave Maria Radio. He currently hosts a weekly radio show on Radio Maria, heard on numerous radio stations in the deep South, Mid and Upper-Midwest, as well as the East Coast.

He resides in Denver Colorado with his wife Phyllis and three of their eight children.
Mr. Zordani currently teaches these learned and proved stewardship concepts to Catholic dioceses and parishes, both large and small, religious organizations, clergy and various groups in a very entertaining, inspiring, thought-provoking manner.

Living in 3D

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Thursday, December 16, 2021

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In this talk we want to introduce you to the Theology of The Body, explain why St. John Paul II’s thesis is essential to combat today’s culture of death and unveil the truths that JP II’s teachings hold about your true identity, your unique purpose in this life and your irreplaceable vocation as male or female.

Presenters

Javi and Katia Samayoa are children of God, beloved husband and wife, missionaries and musicians with a great passion for the Theology of The Body. Currently, they are both pursuing their certification at the TOB Institute in Pennsylvania and they’ve co-founded a youth ministry called RUAH Culture with the mission of bringing the young back to Christ through music, coaching services and resources based on the Theology of The Body. Their biggest dream is to reach Heaven together, raise a holy family and share the good news of the Gospel with as many people as possible.

Mental Health Initiative

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Thursday, November 18, 2021

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Mental health is one of the most serious issues of our time.   Pope Francis has called on the Church to build a community where people who live with depression and other mental health challenges can find hope and healing.  Learn how the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers can help dioceses respond to this need with practical tools and resources to create and develop mental health ministries.

Ed Shoener was ordained a permanent deacon in 2004 and serves at St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Scranton. Shoener is a founding member of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers and the Catholic Institute of Mental Health Ministry at the University of San Diego. He serves on the Council on Mental Illness of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability and on the Board of Pathways to Promise, an interfaith cooperative that facilitates the faith community’s work in reaching out to those with mental illnesses and their families. Deacon Shoener, along with Bishop John Dolan, is coauthor of the books Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders and When a Loved One Dies by Suicide (Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, IN).

He, along with family and friends, founded “The Katie Foundation” after his daughter, Kathleen, died by suicide in 2016. Katie’s obituary went viral because it spoke to the needs and concerns of people who live with mental illness. He lives with his family in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Vivir en 3D – Living in 3D

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Fecha:  Jueves, Agosto 19, 2021
Date: Thursday, August 19, 2021

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En esta charla queremos introducirte a lo que es la Teología del Cuerpo, explicarte por qué la tesis de San Juan Pablo II es crucial para combatir la cultura de la muerte y revelarte las verdades que expone esta tesis sobre tu verdadera identidad, tu propósito único en esta vida y tu vocación irremplazable de hombre o mujer.

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In this talk we want to introduce you to the Theology of The Body, explain why St. John Paul II’s thesis is essential to combat today’s culture of death and unveil the truths that JP II’s teachings hold about your true identity, your unique purpose in this life and your irreplaceable vocation as male or female.

Presentadores – Presenters

Javi y Katia Samayoa son hijos de Dios, esposos, misioneros y músicos con una gran pasión por la Teología del Cuerpo. Actualmente, ambos están sacando el certificado de Teología del Cuerpo en el TOB Institute de Pensilvania y manejando su ministerio juvenil llamado RUAH Culture el cual, tiene como misión “ser y hacer santos, ofreciendo formación, inspiración y sanación basada en la Teología del Cuerpo”. Su sueño es llegar al Cielo juntos, formar una familia santa y esparcir la buena noticia del Evangelio con la mayor cantidad de personas posible.

Javi and Katia Samayoa are children of God, beloved husband and wife, missionaries and musicians with a great passion for the Theology of The Body. Currently, they are both pursuing their certification at the TOB Institute in Pennsylvania and they’ve co-founded a youth ministry called RUAH Culture with the mission of bringing the young back to Christ through music, coaching services and resources based on the Theology of The Body. Their biggest dream is to reach Heaven together, raise a holy family and share the good news of the Gospel with as many people as possible.

Called to the Joy of Love, What to Do Now and How to Do It: Implementing the National Pastoral Framework for Marriage and Family Life Ministry

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Date:  Thursday, July 15, 2021

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At the Spring General Assembly 2021, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a national Pastoral Framework for Marriage and Family Life Ministry. This national framework for ministry provides guidelines for diocesan and parish accompaniment of married couples and families with particular needs or in a variety of situations.

This webinar will focus on how marriage and family life directors – and all pastoral workers – can start the process of implementation to meet local needs with effectiveness and enthusiasm.

Dominic Lombardi, STL, serves the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as the Executive Director of the Secretariat for Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth.  Prior to coming to the Conference in 2018 he served the Diocese of Harrisburg as Secretary for Catholic Life and Evangelization, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as the Director of Family Life.  Dominic also has taught Theology for over two decades at Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA. He and his wife Melanie are the blessed parents of six children.

Julia Dezelski is Assistant Director for Marriage and Family Life Ministry in the Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

She holds a doctorate of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome and advanced degrees in Religious Studies and Spirituality. Her research and studies have focused on topics concerning the family, the role of women in the Church and society, and the sanctity of life.

Julia is a regular contributor on EWTN’s More2Life Radio Show with Greg and Lisa Popcak and was a presenter at the World Meeting of Families in Dublin. She serves on the board of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers, Catholics for Family Peace, and the Religious Alliance Against Pornography. She is a member of the Catholic Women’s Forum and serves as a mentor for the GIVEN Institute.

She lives with her husband and two daughters in the Washington, DC metro area.

 

Annulment Basics and Updates

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Date June 17, 2021

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Valerie Maxineau, JCL the moderator and  judge for the Tribunal at the Catholic Diocese of Charleston, will give a quick overview of the decree of nullity and recent updates.

Valerie is a French Canadian who went to St. Paul in Ottawa where she received her license in Canon Law in 2006.  She work as a Judge in Grand Rapids Michigan for 5 years and was hired in 2012 to work in her current position as the moderator and judge for the Tribunal  for the Catholic Diocese of Charleston SC. She is married and the mother of 2 children.