- Saturday, October 5, 2024
- 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- St Matthew, San Mateo
- +1 (415) 614 - 5651
Carlos Ayala Ramírez, salvadoreño, licenciado en filosofía y maestro en teología. Exdirector de radio YSUCA. Docente jubilado de la UCA. Actualmente, profesor de cristología y eclesiología en California, EE.UU.
En una sociedad que nos ofrece un clima poco propicio para buscar el silencio y la paz, necesitamos orar para vivir en actitud lúcida y vigilante. El mejor regalo que nos ha dejado Jesús. La invocación más sublime a Dios, la oración por excelencia, El Padre nuestro.
La oración fue una constante en la vida de Monseñor Romero. No solo en los momentos difíciles, sino como experiencia fundamental de su fe cristiana. En la oración se decide, según el arzobispo mártir, “mi destino, mi razón de ser, la luz de mi inteligencia, el amor de mi corazón, la fuerza de mi vida, la perseverancia de mis propósitos” [homilía 17/07/77
Aprende los fundamentos de la Espiritualidad Ignaciana. Una espiritualidad Católica de casi 500 años de antigüedad que nos permite sintonizarnos a escuchar la voz de Dios en nuestras experiencias, relaciones, sentimientos y el mundo que nos rodea. Los principios Ignacianos son extraordinariamente útiles para fomentar una relación íntima con Dios y para discernir decisiones importantes de la vida. Aprenderás: 1. Cómo se derrama la oración en nuestras actividades diarias 2. Métodos prácticos de oración para escuchar la voz de Dios (incluso en medio de la actividad) 3. Ideas para implementar la Espiritualidad Ignaciana en tu ministerio.
Este taller te brindará técnicas clave y consejos sobre cómo ser generoso, amoroso y amable con aquellos que necesitan ayuda, al mismo tiempo que te enseñará a establecer límites y decir “no” para proteger tu salud y bienestar. Aprenderás cómo ser un buen servidor y balancear tu generosidad sin arriesgarte a agotarte. Ven y descubre cómo encontrar el equilibrio perfecto en tu vida en el ministerio.
Fr. Chris Bennett is the pastor of St. Christopher Parish in the Diocese of San Jose. He also serves as the Chair of the Diocese of San Jose Art and Environment Committee and designs the art and environment for major Diocesan liturgies.
Creating an environment that helps raise hearts and minds to God The environment in which we encounter Christ can help us become more aware of His presence. Colors, shapes, sounds, smells, live plants, or dried branches set the tone and help us enter into that inner place where we meet God.
We have a crisis of faith today. The Old Testament provides a number of passages that may help us resolve the present problem, most importantly, by restoring, in our catechesis, the relationship between faith and reason.
Waiting on the Lord in the New Testament focusing on the messianic hopes of Israel
Ms Cotting-Mogan has over 46 years in catechetical, campus, family, and youth/youth adult ministries at the parish, school, and diocesan levels. She has spoken at numerous events at diocesan and national levels. She earned a BA from Marquette University, a MS from Cardinal Stritch College, both of Milwaukee WI, and an Advanced Studies Certificate in Youth Ministry Training from St Mary’s University, Baltimore MD.
Come explore four main themes of Advent with practical suggestions to prepare your students and families for the Christmas season.
Come and learn some practical ways to strengthen your classroom management skills. We will focus on the three keys of strengthening your relationship with and among your students, keeping the flow of your class moving and trusting the Holy Spirit. Creating a positive classroom community will increase attendance, participation, smiles and decrease discipline issues.
Erika De Urquidi, editora bilingüe, se unió a Bayard, Inc. en julio de 2018. Durante sus 15 años como traductora profesional, Erika ha trabajado en los departamentos de educación, recursos humanos, marketing y legal para empresas en Estados Unidos, América Latina y Europa. Tiene experiencia en docencia, tanto en escuelas públicas como católicas. Desde sus años de escuela secundaria, Erika ha sido un miembro activo de la Iglesia Católica, sirviendo como coordinadora de los Ministerios Juveniles de su Diócesis, organizando conferencias y retiros, y participando como oradora en dichos eventos. También se ha desempeñado como catequista y en el Ministerio Hispano en su parroquia local. Erika colabora con diferentes divisiones de Bayard, Inc. Trabaja en los materiales bilingües de Pflaum Gospel Weeklies. Vive en el área de Cleveland con su esposo, Tomás, y sus dos hijos, Tomás y Sofía.
Discipulos misionaeros: “llamados a estar con Jesus, enviador a predicar
Formacion de familias sacramentales – como ayudar a las familias a vivir los sacrmentos
Aaron Del Monte serves as an educational consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc. Aaron’s life has been shaped positively by his own Church experience as a teen, both in Catholic schools and his parish’s youth program. He has spent his entire adult life dedicated to teaching and ministering to young people. He and his wife, Sherry spent 10 years as the Coordinators of Youth Ministry at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Elk Grove, California. Aaron is the author of the book Prayers and Reflections for Newlyweds.
Many young people want to improve their prayer lives, but they just don’t know where to start. This workshop will help you create meaningful prayer experiences for groups of high school youth, and it will provide you with information young people can use to improve their individual daily prayer experiences. A variety of ideas will be provided, with an emphasis on using popular music as a powerful tool to draw young people into prayer and reflection.
Debra Eileen Evans is the Director of Religious Education for the Church of the Visitation in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. With over 30 years of ministry experience including music, family faith formation, and liturgical ministries. She serves on the Committee for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD). Holds a MA in Pastoral Theology from LMU, an MS in Education and Museum Leadership from Bank Street College, and a BM in Vocal Performance from The Catholic University of America. She is married to her wonderful husband, John, and is the proud mom of their son, John David.
The New Directory for Catechesis offers that “The family is a proclamation of faith in that it is the natural place in which faith can be lived in a simple and spontaneous manner” (The New Directory for Catechesis, #227). If the family is a proclamation of faith, and parents are the leading proclaimers, how can we better support our parents and transform faith formation in the Domestic Church? This session will provide catechetical leaders with some fun and faith filled strategies on how to collaborate with families for transformative Faith Formation experiences and build stronger relationships with our families
Pope Francis offered that “Prayer is the breath of faith” (General Audiences, May 6, 2020). In the hustle and bustle of daily life, our families seem to hardly have time to breathe let alone pray. How can we inspire our families to take the time to pray? This session will introduce different forms of prayer that will engage and encourage our families and ourselves. We will gather, pray and explore various forms of prayer that will enrich the prayer lives of the families we serve, as well as our own.
Sandy Flaherty received two Master’s Degrees in Theology, one from the Franciscan
School of Theology and the other from Chaminade University. She has published three
books, the latest being Why Choose Catholic Education?: A Guide for Parents. She is
currently the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity and has taught at Mercy High
School Burlingame for 31 years.
In his article Mary the Way of Beauty, Johann G. Roten wrote, “We call Mary the masterpiece of God, because in her we detect a surplus of the divine – the overflowing presence of God’s goodness in an earthen vessel.” This workshop will explore how to use sacred art as a means to draw students into the beauty of our Marian doctrines and traditions and celebrate her as our mother. We will study Renaissance masterpieces which depict significant moments in the life of Mary. We will enter into Visio Divina, an ancient Christian prayer form in which we allow our hearts and imaginations to enter into a sacred image to see what God might have for us there. Participants will walk away with practical ideas for integrating sacred art into classroom instruction.
Kathy Lorentz has served as an educator, campus minister, counselor and spiritual director for over 35 years. She worked for ten years as a Pastoral Associate at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in San Francisco, CA. Since 1996, she has been the Associate Director of Campus Ministry at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory High School in San Francisco, where she also coaches the speech team and moderates the TEDx program, which hosts an annual event for Bay Area schools. Kathy has an MS in Counseling with specializations in both Marriage, Family, Child and School Counseling from San Francisco State University. She is certified by the Compassion Institute and Stanford University as a Compassion Teacher and is a certified MBSR-T Teacher. Kathy has an extensive knowledge of Eastern and Western mysticism and has participated in retreats and conferences with Thupten Jinpa, Thich Nhat Hanh and other spiritual masters. She has developed courses for high school students entitled “Mindfulness and the Contemplative Tradition” and “The Search for Human Meaning.” She, her husband David, and their five sons regularly serve as liturgical ministers at various parishes in the Bay Area.
“Gen Z” is the first generation to have been born with the smartphone in their hands. How can we specifically cultivate stillness, silence, and focus with the “Anxious Generation?” How can each one of us be attentive to this generation’s greatest gifts and unique perspectives?
Beginning of Luke, Chapter 10 (1-12):
Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”
Gospel for Saturday of the Twenty-Six Week in Ordinary Time (Luke 10:17-24):
The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.
”At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
We may think that in order to be still, one must find and cultivate silence. Yet in a world of constant noise, finding silence may become a frustrating pursuit. Is there a difference between stillness and silence? Can we find stillness in the midst of noise and activity? Perhaps our knowledge of God comes from being still–being present–to the person in front of us and the Voice within.
El Padre Armando José Gutiérrez, J.C.D., sacerdote de la Arquidiócesis de San Francisco, completó su doctorado en derecho canónico en la Universidad Pontificia de la Santa Cruz, Roma, en el 2022. Es originario de El Salvador, emigró a los Estados Unidos en 1998, fue formado para el sacerdocio ministerial en el Seminario y Universidad de St. Patrick en Menlo Park y fue ordenado en el 2012. Ha servido como vicario parroquial en la Parroquia de San Mateo, sacerdote secretario del Arzobispo de San Francisco, profesor de derecho canónico en el Seminario y Universidad de St. Patrick, y juez en el Tribunal Metropolitano de la Arquidiócesis. También, ha impartido clases de derecho canónico como profesor en la Escuela de Liderazgo Pastoral, además de diferentes charlas y retiros para la comunidad hispana en la Arquidiócesis.
Aquellos que les falta el bautizo o vienen de otra denominación cristiana y ahora quieren entrar en plena comunión con la Iglesia Católica pueden tener la impresión que como van a comenzar una vida nueva en la Iglesia Católica esto implica un borrón y cuenta nueva sobre cualquier matrimonio que hayan celebrado y dejado atrás. En esta sesión explicaremos cuando esto no es cierto y las razones. Los participantes aprenderán que preguntas hay que hacer y cuáles son los pasos a seguir según el caso. Al final, veremos también el estatuto jurídico del catecúmeno en la Iglesia y como este implica derechos y obligaciones del catecúmeno mismo.
Ed Hopfner is the director of Marriage and Family Life for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. A much-sought-after speaker, Ed has given talks throughout North America, particularly on the Theology of the Body. Originally from Seattle, Ed has a master’s degree in Theology from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology and currently resides in El Cerrito. In his spare time, he likes foreign films, red wine, the soon-to-be-gone Oakland A’s and bluegrass.
Marriage is the model God uses to show His love for us – the whole Bible is a book about marriage! It is also the foundation of every human society, yet it seems harder and harder to live out marriage in today’s world. For 2024/25, the entire California Catholic Conference of Bishops is launching an initiative, Radiate Love, to help us better understand and live out God’s plan for marriage. Come to this workshop to deepen your understanding of marriage, and see how Radiate Love can support your ministry.
Ms. Susana Lapeyrade-Drummond is a dedicated and experienced educator deeply committed to Catholic education. Currently serving as the Associate Superintendent for the Diocese of Oakland, she oversees Mission, Professional Learning, and Accreditation. With an impressive 34 years of service in Catholic schools, Ms. Lapeyrade-Drummond has held various roles, including teacher (10 yrs.), principal (16 years), and now associate superintendent (7+). Susana is also a Mater Catechist with the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Diocese of Oakland.
Her journey in Catholic education began in college, where she taught CCD classes and, through the years, taught confirmation classes in her parish. Throughout her career, Ms. Lapeyrade-Drummond has been a passionate advocate for faith-based education, always striving to enrich her students’ spiritual and academic lives.
Join us for an inspiring session at the Faith Formation Conference focused on the essential practice of prayer in the lives of our students. This session aims to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to share the love of prayer across different grade levels effectively.
Key Elements of the Session:
Outcome: By the end of this session, educators will be equipped with practical strategies to cultivate a love of prayer in their students, enriching their spiritual journeys and fostering a closer relationship with God. May we all “Be Still” and find space for God in our lives and classrooms.
Ven y aprende a hacer Lectio Divina, el antiguo método de los maestros espirituales que sigue siendo la clave espiritual para tener una experiencia de vida transformadora en la presencia del Señor. Lectio Divina sigue siendo la mejor manera de acercarse al Señor para ser iluminado, guiado, apoyado, consolado, elevado y preparado para compartir y llevar la presencia poderosa de Cristo, nuestro salvador, a nuestra familia, amigos y vecinos en nuestro mundo actual.
Paulist Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP, is a composer, author, and educator. He studied composition and piano at the Manhattan School of Music, theology at the Washington Theological Union, liturgy and culture at the Graduate Theological Union, and sociology at the University of California, Berkeley. His music is chiefly published by Oregon Catholic Press. He holds a doctorate in liturgy and the sociology of religion. He lives at the Paulist Fathers Motherhouse in New York, St. Paul the Apostle Church.
As the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population emerges as the fastest growing minority group in the United States, we celebrate the rich gifts and contributions that AAPI Catholics bring to our church today. Grounded in the insights from the 2018 USCCB pastoral statement, Encountering Christ in Harmony, this workshop aims to illuminate the vibrant presence of AAPI communities within the fabric of Church life. Strategic and pastoral recommendations will assist parishes and dioceses in fully recognizing, celebrating, and integrating the dynamic and diverse AAPI traditions and ministries.
As we approach the upcoming 2024 presidential election, it is evident that our nation, worship communities, and even our own families and friendships are increasingly divided along various lines: traditionalism versus progressivism, Democrats versus Republicans, and ongoing issues related to racism, gender, and social class. In this quest for understanding and practical pastoral guidance, it is crucial to remember the profound influence of the Eucharist in fostering harmony and unity. This presentation serves as a guide to navigating the current landscape of polarization, utilizing the lens of our Eucharistic celebration to chart a path toward a future defined by healing, reconciliation, and hope.
Ha trabajado por más de 25 años en la diócesis de Oakland en diferentes roles, actualmente como coordinador del Ministerio Hispano, Desde esta posición anima, acompaña y apoya diferentes pastorales para servir a la comunidad Hispana, desde la Pastoral familiar, Pastoral Juvenil, Litúrgica y esfuerzos para promover la Formación y Evangelización. Tiene una maestría en Estudios religiosos de parte los Jesuitas en Berkeley y se graduó como Ingeniero en Monterrey México. Es originario del Estado de Aguascalientes y desde muy pequeño ha colaborado con la iglesia de diferentes maneras hasta ser Misionero Juvenil en diferentes ejidos rurales.
Como latinos en un país extranjero intentamos “dar lo mejor” a nuestros hijos dejando a Dios en segundo o tercer plano; como aprender a reconocer a Dios en nuestra realidad inmigrante.
Irene Mendez Ortega is a proud Redwood City native from the Bay Area. She’s a bilingual School Psychologist who focuses on psychoeducational assessments, mental health, and behavioral and academic interventions. Irene has worked with students of all ages, from elementary to high school. Her specific professional interests include autism and supporting students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Irene is passionate about helping kids succeed both academically and personally, and she is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for every student she works with.
This workshop offers a foundational understanding of special education, focusing on how to best support students with disabilities. The session will cover key disabilities and effective academic and behavioral interventions. Attendees will gain practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms that cater to diverse learning needs.
El Padre Michael Montoya es párroco administrador de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción en la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles. El P. Montoya tiene muchos años de experiencia sirviendo en ministerios multiculturales y multilingües. Antes de regresar a la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles, fundó una parroquia en las fronteras de Texas y México en la Diócesis de Brownsville, donde en 2016 se convirtió en la parroquia elegida por el Papa Francisco para llevar su mensaje a los jóvenes del mundo. El P. Montoya también se ha desempeñado como Director Ejecutivo de la Asociación de Misiones Católicas de EE. UU., la red oficial de todos los misioneros católicos de EE. UU. que sirven en todo el mundo. Es un líder global en el área de la misión y los ministerios interculturales. El P. Montoya tiene un Doctorado en Ministerio en Espiritualidad de la Unión Teológica Católica de Chicago y una Maestría en Divinidad con especialización en liturgia multicultural de la Oblate School of Theology de San Antonio, Texas. Ha sido sacerdote ordenado durante 30 años y ha desempeñado muchos cargos de liderazgo a lo largo de sus años de ministerio.
Father Michael Montoya currently serves as the pastor administrator of Our Lady of the Assumption in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Fr Montoya has many years of experience serving in multi-cultural and multi-lingual ministries. Before going back to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, he founded a parish along the borders of Texas and Mexico in the Diocese of Brownsville, where in 2016 became the chosen parish by Pope Francis to deliver his message to the youth of the world. Fr Montoya has also served as the Executive Director of the US Catholic Mission Association, the official network of all the US Catholic missionaries serving all over the world. He is a global leader in the field of mission and cross cultural ministries. Fr Montoya has a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spirituality from the Catholic Theological Union at Chicago and a Master of Divinity degree with concentration in multi-cultural liturgy from the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He has been an ordained priest for 30 years and has served in many leadership capacities through his years in ministry.
The changing landscape of our ministries challenges us to step back and assess how we respond to the opportunities presented. As the contexts change, we too need to update our responses to the mission entrusted to us. Where do we begin? Where can we draw wisdom and strength?
Vivimos en una época precaria que nos da una sensación de inseguridad. Los acontecimientos globales, así como los problemas locales, sólo exacerban nuestros miedos y preocupaciones. “Paren y reconozcan que soy Dios” nos da la esperanza y la seguridad en medio de los desafíos que enfrentamos día a día. El Salmista nos recuerda que todos están en las manos de Dios, pero también, nos manda a vivir nuestra vida en Dios. ¿Pero que significa todo esto? ¿Significa esto que simplemente tendríamos que estar callados y no hacer nada? ¿Cuáles son las exigencias a nosotros, el pueblo creyente y amante de Dios?
Pam Perrino has a diverse background in early childhood education and advocacy. She has worked as an infant/toddler teacher, preschool teacher, center director, and adjunct college instructor. Her passion lies in supporting young children’s development and well-being. Pam delivers training across the country providing valuable insights into understanding why young children behave the way they do and how to respond effectively.
Her lively presentations offer practical strategies for dealing with little learners’ big emotions. Whether it’s addressing social-emotional competence or using positive behavior supports, her guidance helps educators navigate the complex world of early childhood emotions.
Pam has actively contributed to educational initiatives in Ohio. She served on state-level writing teams for the Early Learning and Development Standards and the Administrator Core Knowledge and Competencies. Additionally, she has been involved in Ohio’s Professional Development Committee and has held leadership roles across the state. Pam has also contributed to the editing of multiple early childhood curricula. Pam’s dedication to early childhood education and her advocacy work continue to make a positive impact in the field.
Explore the Power of gratitude and God’s unique design. God wired our human body and brain to be fueled by gratitude. Examine the research that supports our spiritual beliefs that our lives should be centered on gratitude. When you are filled with gratitude, you find more joy and can fill your bucket and the others around you.
Young children have big emotions and are learning to navigate the world around them while learning to identify and label their feelings. This training will explore behavior, how the brain’s development influences behavior, how the classroom environment impacts behavior, and how the educator’s beliefs about behavior affect the child. Join us for these explorations, reflection, and lively conversation.
Sr. Therese Randolph is a Sister of Mercy, originally from Omaha, NE. She studied at the College of St. Mary in Omaha, the University of Detroit, and Catholic University in Washington, DC. A lifelong educator, her areas of focus are pastoral theology and ministerial formation. Sister moved to San Luis Obispo in 2006 to care for her mother. While there she served in parish ministry. Since moving to the Bay area in 2009, she is an active advocate for immigrants and works with a Sisters of Mercy non-violence group. She is a long serving member of the Northern California Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking.
Rita Jovick, PBVM, is an active member of the Northern California Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking. After being raised in the Sunset District in San Francisco, Sister entered the Sisters of the Presentation. Her apostolic experiences included teaching; principal of three schools including The School of Epiphany; development director for Catholic elementary schools in and near the Mission District and administrator for an ESL adult school in the Central Valley. For the past eight years, Sister Rita has educated others about the enormity of human trafficking.
Yes, it definitely is in your zip code, your county, your country and your world. This workshop will tell you how one becomes a victim; ways of how you can recognize a victim and how you can help end this plague of human trafficking.
Juan José Suárez ha sido Coordinador de Formación de Fe en Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Fremont, California, durante los últimos siete años. Es graduado y maestro del IBTP (Instituto Bíblico Teológico Pastoral), del Instituto Serra de Ministerio Catequético y de la Escuela de Ministerios Pastorales de la Diócesis de Oakland. Juan ha estado involucrado en la catequesis durante los últimos 13 años y en el ministerio juvenil durante 23 años. Su experiencia proviene de la música litúrgica y de adoración y el cuidado de jóvenes en edad de escuela secundaria. En los últimos años, ha ayudado a los padres a ayudar a sus hijos a mantenerse más conectados con la iglesia después de recibir los sacramentos. Es hablante bilingüe en RCL Benziger.
“Como catequista lo más importante es estar preparado. En veces solo nos preocupamos por el lado académico. Al catequista es un ser espiritual que debe estar abierto a Dios y a su iglesia para servir al mundo de la mano de María y los Sacramentos. En esta conferencia trataremos el tema de la espiritualidad del catequista. Tocaremos los pasos necesarios para poder crecer en espiritualidad y así poder transmitir nuestra Fe de una mejor manera.”
Necesitamos examinar no solo cómo compartimos la buena nueva con los niños, sino también el ejemplo que damos. ¿Como líderes estamos guiando a nuestros voluntarios hacia vidas centradas en la Eucaristía? ¿Crees que conocen al verdadero Jesús, o solo al Jesús histórico? Dios realmente no necesita nuestra ayuda, pero le gusta incluirnos, quiere que participemos activamente no solo en nuestra salvación sino en la de nuestros hermanos y hermanas. Conozcamos nuestra identidad Eucaristía y dejemos que sea Cristo el que vive en nosotros.
Jimmy Velasco is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of San Francisco studying at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, CA currently in his third year of Theology. He is a native of San Francisco attending School of the Epiphany and Archbishop Riordan High School. In 2018, he decided to begin his seminary studies after completing one year at the University of San Francisco. From 2018-2021, Jimmy attended Bishop White College Seminary in Spokane, Washington. From 2021 to now, Jimmy has been studying at St. Patrick’s Seminary in his seventh year of formation. In the summer of 2024, Jimmy was blessed to be a perpetual pilgrim on the St. Junipero Serra Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. He and a group of young adult pilgrims traveled with the Eucharist from San Francisco to Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress in July 2024. He experienced many graces on this pilgrimage and had many encounters with people. This experience helped to strengthen his vocation and prayer life as he prepares for ordination in a few short years. Jimmy hopes to share his experiences in his presentation and how all of us can grow in our appreciation for the Eucharist and listen to God’s voice in prayer.
Dereck Delgado is a sixth-year seminarian with the Archdiocese of San Francisco, studying at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, CA. His vocational journey started in high school during a profound moment of Eucharistic Adoration. He encountered the gift of love that was so transformative that it moved him to consider making his own self-gift to others as a priest. He was eager to be a witness of the healing power of the Eucharist by bringing the Blessed Sacrament throughout the country as a Perpetual Pilgrim for the National Eucharistic Revival. Whether it involved reaching one soul or a thousand, he believes that this pilgrimage was a pivotal moment for both the Church and the country. He wants to serve as an instrument for God’s desire to deepen his relationship with his people. Outside of his studies, Dereck enjoys watching baseball, working on fitness, and practicing photography. A fun fact about him is that he was born and raised in Guam (in other words, the middle of the ocean). Dereck is the youngest of four children and an uncle to four very active boys.
On Pentecost Sunday, four Eucharistic pilgrimage routes starting from the four corners of the United States embarked on a two month pilgrimage across the country carrying the Blessed Sacrament. The western route, also known as the St. Junipero Serra Route began in San Francisco and ended in Indianapolis in July 2024. Seminarians Dereck Delgado and Jimmy Velasco from the Archdiocese of San Francisco were among those young adult perpetual pilgrims who got to travel with the Eucharist on the Serra route for the two month journey to Indianapolis as part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Dereck and Jimmy embarked on what would be a modern day Emmaus journey encountering different groups of people, visiting new states, and accompanying Jesus Christ during this historical pilgrimage. In their keynote, they will be sharing what it was like to walk and travel with Jesus on this pilgrimage and how their experiences on this pilgrimage helped them to appreciate more the great gift of the Eucharist. In connection with the conference theme of “Be still and know that I am God”, Dereck and Jimmy will be sharing how Jesus touched their hearts amidst the difficulties and joys of the pilgrimage and how it helped them to encounter God in a profound way.
Sponsored by William H. Sadlier, Inc
Jimmy Velasco is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of San Francisco studying at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, CA currently in his third year of Theology. He is a native of San Francisco attending School of the Epiphany and Archbishop Riordan High School. In 2018, he decided to begin his seminary studies after completing one year at the University of San Francisco. From 2018-2021, Jimmy attended Bishop White College Seminary in Spokane, Washington. From 2021 to now, Jimmy has been studying at St. Patrick’s Seminary in his seventh year of formation. In the summer of 2024, Jimmy was blessed to be a perpetual pilgrim on the St. Junipero Serra Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. He and a group of young adult pilgrims traveled with the Eucharist from San Francisco to Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress in July 2024. He experienced many graces on this pilgrimage and had many encounters with people. This experience helped to strengthen his vocation and prayer life as he prepares for ordination in a few short years. Jimmy hopes to share his experiences in his presentation and how all of us can grow in our appreciation for the Eucharist and listen to God’s voice in prayer.
Dereck Delgado is a sixth-year seminarian with the Archdiocese of San Francisco, studying at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, CA. His vocational journey started in high school during a profound moment of Eucharistic Adoration. He encountered the gift of love that was so transformative that it moved him to consider making his own self-gift to others as a priest. He was eager to be a witness of the healing power of the Eucharist by bringing the Blessed Sacrament throughout the country as a Perpetual Pilgrim for the National Eucharistic Revival. Whether it involved reaching one soul or a thousand, he believes that this pilgrimage was a pivotal moment for both the Church and the country. He wants to serve as an instrument for God’s desire to deepen his relationship with his people. Outside of his studies, Dereck enjoys watching baseball, working on fitness, and practicing photography. A fun fact about him is that he was born and raised in Guam (in other words, the middle of the ocean). Dereck is the youngest of four children and an uncle to four very active boys.
On Pentecost Sunday, four Eucharistic pilgrimage routes starting from the four corners of the United States embarked on a two month pilgrimage across the country carrying the Blessed Sacrament. The western route, also known as the St. Junipero Serra Route began in San Francisco and ended in Indianapolis in July 2024. Seminarians Dereck Delgado and Jimmy Velasco from the Archdiocese of San Francisco were among those young adult perpetual pilgrims who got to travel with the Eucharist on the Serra route for the two month journey to Indianapolis as part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Dereck and Jimmy embarked on what would be a modern day Emmaus journey encountering different groups of people, visiting new states, and accompanying Jesus Christ during this historical pilgrimage. In their keynote, they will be sharing what it was like to walk and travel with Jesus on this pilgrimage and how their experiences on this pilgrimage helped them to appreciate more the great gift of the Eucharist. In connection with the conference theme of “Be still and know that I am God”, Dereck and Jimmy will be sharing how Jesus touched their hearts amidst the difficulties and joys of the pilgrimage and how it helped them to encounter God in a profound way.
Como latinos en un país extranjero intentamos “dar lo mejor” a nuestros hijos dejando a Dios en segundo o tercer plano; como aprender a reconocer a Dios en nuestra realidad inmigrante.
Kathy Lorentz has served as an educator, campus minister, counselor and spiritual director for over 35 years. She worked for ten years as a Pastoral Associate at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in San Francisco, CA. Since 1996, she has been the Associate Director of Campus Ministry at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory High School in San Francisco, where she also coaches the speech team and moderates the TEDx program, which hosts an annual event for Bay Area schools. Kathy has an MS in Counseling with specializations in both Marriage, Family, Child and School Counseling from San Francisco State University. She is certified by the Compassion Institute and Stanford University as a Compassion Teacher and is a certified MBSR-T Teacher. Kathy has an extensive knowledge of Eastern and Western mysticism and has participated in retreats and conferences with Thupten Jinpa, Thich Nhat Hanh and other spiritual masters. She has developed courses for high school students entitled “Mindfulness and the Contemplative Tradition” and “The Search for Human Meaning.” She, her husband David, and their five sons regularly serve as liturgical ministers at various parishes in the Bay Area.
We may think that in order to be still, one must find and cultivate silence. Yet in a world of constant noise, finding silence may become a frustrating pursuit. Is there a difference between stillness and silence? Can we find stillness in the midst of noise and activity? Perhaps our knowledge of God comes from being still–being present–to the person in front of us and the Voice within.
El Padre Michael Montoya es párroco administrador de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción en la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles. El P. Montoya tiene muchos años de experiencia sirviendo en ministerios multiculturales y multilingües. Antes de regresar a la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles, fundó una parroquia en las fronteras de Texas y México en la Diócesis de Brownsville, donde en 2016 se convirtió en la parroquia elegida por el Papa Francisco para llevar su mensaje a los jóvenes del mundo. El P. Montoya también se ha desempeñado como Director Ejecutivo de la Asociación de Misiones Católicas de EE. UU., la red oficial de todos los misioneros católicos de EE. UU. que sirven en todo el mundo. Es un líder global en el área de la misión y los ministerios interculturales. El P. Montoya tiene un Doctorado en Ministerio en Espiritualidad de la Unión Teológica Católica de Chicago y una Maestría en Divinidad con especialización en liturgia multicultural de la Oblate School of Theology de San Antonio, Texas. Ha sido sacerdote ordenado durante 30 años y ha desempeñado muchos cargos de liderazgo a lo largo de sus años de ministerio.
Father Michael Montoya currently serves as the pastor administrator of Our Lady of the Assumption in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Fr Montoya has many years of experience serving in multi-cultural and multi-lingual ministries. Before going back to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, he founded a parish along the borders of Texas and Mexico in the Diocese of Brownsville, where in 2016 became the chosen parish by Pope Francis to deliver his message to the youth of the world. Fr Montoya has also served as the Executive Director of the US Catholic Mission Association, the official network of all the US Catholic missionaries serving all over the world. He is a global leader in the field of mission and cross cultural ministries. Fr Montoya has a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spirituality from the Catholic Theological Union at Chicago and a Master of Divinity degree with concentration in multi-cultural liturgy from the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He has been an ordained priest for 30 years and has served in many leadership capacities through his years in ministry.
Vivimos en una época precaria que nos da una sensación de inseguridad. Los acontecimientos globales, así como los problemas locales, sólo exacerban nuestros miedos y preocupaciones. “Paren y reconozcan que soy Dios” nos da la esperanza y la seguridad en medio de los desafíos que enfrentamos día a día. El Salmista nos recuerda que todos están en las manos de Dios, pero también, nos manda a vivir nuestra vida en Dios. ¿Pero que significa todo esto? ¿Significa esto que simplemente tendríamos que estar callados y no hacer nada? ¿Cuáles son las exigencias a nosotros, el pueblo creyente y amante de Dios?
Waiting on the Lord in the Old Testament. We will mainly focus on Abraham, Our Father in Faith.
Waiting on the Lord in the New Testament focusing on the messianic hopes of Israel
Ms Cotting-Mogan has over 46 years in catechetical, campus, family, and youth/youth adult ministries at the parish, school, and diocesan levels. She has spoken at numerous events at diocesan and national levels. She earned a BA from Marquette University, a MS from Cardinal Stritch College, both of Milwaukee WI, and an Advanced Studies Certificate in Youth Ministry Training from St Mary’s University, Baltimore MD.
Come explore four main themes of Advent with practical suggestions to prepare your students and families for the Christmas season.
Come and learn some practical ways to strengthen your classroom management skills. We will focus on the three keys of strengthening your relationship with and among your students, keeping the flow of your class moving and trusting the Holy Spirit. Creating a positive classroom community will increase attendance, participation, smiles and decrease discipline issues.
Aaron Del Monte serves as an educational consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc. Aaron’s life has been shaped positively by his own Church experience as a teen, both in Catholic schools and his parish’s youth program. He has spent his entire adult life dedicated to teaching and ministering to young people. He and his wife, Sherry spent 10 years as the Coordinators of Youth Ministry at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Elk Grove, California. Aaron is the author of the book Prayers and Reflections for Newlyweds.
Many young people want to improve their prayer lives, but they just don’t know where to start. This workshop will help you create meaningful prayer experiences for groups of high school youth, and it will provide you with information young people can use to improve their individual daily prayer experiences. A variety of ideas will be provided, with an emphasis on using popular music as a powerful tool to draw young people into prayer and reflection.
Debra Eileen Evans is the Director of Religious Education for the Church of the Visitation in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. With over 30 years of ministry experience including music, family faith formation, and liturgical ministries. She serves on the Committee for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD). Holds a MA in Pastoral Theology from LMU, an MS in Education and Museum Leadership from Bank Street College, and a BM in Vocal Performance from The Catholic University of America. She is married to her wonderful husband, John, and is the proud mom of their son, John David.
The New Directory for Catechesis offers that “The family is a proclamation of faith in that it is the natural place in which faith can be lived in a simple and spontaneous manner” (The New Directory for Catechesis, #227). If the family is a proclamation of faith, and parents are the leading proclaimers, how can we better support our parents and transform faith formation in the Domestic Church? This session will provide catechetical leaders with some fun and faith filled strategies on how to collaborate with families for transformative Faith Formation experiences and build stronger relationships with our families
Pope Francis offered that “Prayer is the breath of faith” (General Audiences, May 6, 2020). In the hustle and bustle of daily life, our families seem to hardly have time to breathe let alone pray. How can we inspire our families to take the time to pray? This session will introduce different forms of prayer that will engage and encourage our families and ourselves. We will gather, pray and explore various forms of prayer that will enrich the prayer lives of the families we serve, as well as our own.
Sandy Flaherty received two Master’s Degrees in Theology, one from the Franciscan
School of Theology and the other from Chaminade University. She has published three
books, the latest being Why Choose Catholic Education?: A Guide for Parents. She is
currently the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity and has taught at Mercy High
School Burlingame for 31 years.
In his article Mary the Way of Beauty, Johann G. Roten wrote, “We call Mary the
masterpiece of God, because in her we detect a surplus of the divine – the
overflowing presence of God’s goodness in an earthen vessel.” This workshop
will explore how to use sacred art as a means to draw students into the beauty of
our Marian doctrines and traditions and celebrate her as our mother. We will
study Renaissance masterpieces which depict significant moments in the life of
Mary. We will enter into Visio Divina, an ancient Christian prayer form in which we
allow our hearts and imaginations to enter into a sacred image to see what God
might have for us there. Participants will walk away with practical ideas for
integrating sacred art into classroom instruction.
Kathy Lorentz has served as an educator, campus minister, counselor and spiritual director for over 35 years. She worked for ten years as a Pastoral Associate at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in San Francisco, CA. Since 1996, she has been the Associate Director of Campus Ministry at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory High School in San Francisco, where she also coaches the speech team and moderates the TEDx program, which hosts an annual event for Bay Area schools. Kathy has an MS in Counseling with specializations in both Marriage, Family, Child and School Counseling from San Francisco State University. She is certified by the Compassion Institute and Stanford University as a Compassion Teacher and is a certified MBSR-T Teacher. Kathy has an extensive knowledge of Eastern and Western mysticism and has participated in retreats and conferences with Thupten Jinpa, Thich Nhat Hanh and other spiritual masters. She has developed courses for high school students entitled “Mindfulness and the Contemplative Tradition” and “The Search for Human Meaning.” She, her husband David, and their five sons regularly serve as liturgical ministers at various parishes in the Bay Area.
Dr. Matthew Halbach was ordained in 2018 for the Diocese of Des Moines, IA. He is Senior National Catechetical Consultant and Sales Representative for William H. Sadlier, Inc. Deacon Halbach is also a national author and speaker on the topics of mercy, accompaniment, evangelization, and catechesis. He offers workshops, in-services, and retreats primarily for Catholic schools and parishes. 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 has a new book, They Saw Through God’s Eyes: An Invitation from Mary and the Saints and has been featured on EWTN’s television program, “At Home with Jim and Joy” discussing his reversion to the Catholic faith and his ministry as a deacon.
Salvation history is full of examples of God pausing before making decisions. This holy pause is something we can all learn from. When we take a holy pause, we invite God into our decision-making process; we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our actions. Holy pauses keep us from reacting too quickly or thoughtlessly. They teach us to be patient and to lead by following. Join Dcn. Matt Halbach, PhD as he unpacks the way of holy pausing and how we can apply it in our lives as disciples and leaders.
This workshop offers principles and practical suggestions (and a lot of story-telling!) that will help you encourage parents to take on the role of primary educator of the faith in their home, especially in regards to the Eucharist.
Ms. Susana Lapeyrade-Drummond is a dedicated and experienced educator deeply committed to Catholic education. Currently serving as the Associate Superintendent for the Diocese of Oakland, she oversees Mission, Professional Learning, and Accreditation. With an impressive 34 years of service in Catholic schools, Ms. Lapeyrade-Drummond has held various roles, including teacher (10 yrs.), principal (16 years), and now associate superintendent (7+). Susana is also a Mater Catechist with the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Diocese of Oakland.
Her journey in Catholic education began in college, where she taught CCD classes and, through the years, taught confirmation classes in her parish. Throughout her career, Ms. Lapeyrade-Drummond has been a passionate advocate for faith-based education, always striving to enrich her students’ spiritual and academic lives.
Join us for an inspiring session at the Faith Formation Conference focused on the essential practice of prayer in the lives of our students. This session aims to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to share the love of prayer across different grade levels effectively.
Key Elements of the Session:
Outcome: By the end of this session, educators will be equipped with practical strategies to cultivate a love of prayer in their students, enriching their spiritual journeys and fostering a closer relationship with God. May we all “Be Still” and find space for God in our lives and classrooms.
Paulist Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP, is a composer, author, and educator. He studied composition and piano at the Manhattan School of Music, theology at the Washington Theological Union, liturgy and culture at the Graduate Theological Union, and sociology at the University of California, Berkeley. His music is chiefly published by Oregon Catholic Press. He holds a doctorate in liturgy and the sociology of religion. He lives at the Paulist Fathers Motherhouse in New York, St. Paul the Apostle Church.
Irene Mendez Ortega is a proud Redwood City native from the Bay Area. She’s a bilingual School Psychologist who focuses on psychoeducational assessments, mental health, and behavioral and academic interventions. Irene has worked with students of all ages, from elementary to high school. Her specific professional interests include autism and supporting students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Irene is passionate about helping kids succeed both academically and personally, and she is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for every student she works with.
This workshop offers a foundational understanding of special education, focusing on how to best support students with disabilities. The session will cover key disabilities and effective academic and behavioral interventions. Attendees will gain practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms that cater to diverse learning needs.
Pam Perrino has a diverse background in early childhood education and advocacy. She has worked as an infant/toddler teacher, preschool teacher, center director, and adjunct college instructor. Her passion lies in supporting young children’s development and well-being. Pam delivers training across the country providing valuable insights into understanding why young children behave the way they do and how to respond effectively.
Her lively presentations offer practical strategies for dealing with little learners’ big emotions. Whether it’s addressing social-emotional competence or using positive behavior supports, her guidance helps educators navigate the complex world of early childhood emotions.
Pam has actively contributed to educational initiatives in Ohio. She served on state-level writing teams for the Early Learning and Development Standards and the Administrator Core Knowledge and Competencies. Additionally, she has been involved in Ohio’s Professional Development Committee and has held leadership roles across the state. Pam has also contributed to the editing of multiple early childhood curricula. Pam’s dedication to early childhood education and her advocacy work continue to make a positive impact in the field.
Explore the Power of gratitude and God’s unique design. God wired our human body and brain to be fueled by gratitude. Examine the research that supports our spiritual beliefs that our lives should be centered on gratitude. When you are filled with gratitude, you find more joy and can fill your bucket and the others around you.
Young children have big emotions and are learning to navigate the world around them while learning to identify and label their feelings. This training will explore behavior, how the brain’s development influences behavior, how the classroom environment impacts behavior, and how the educator’s beliefs about behavior affect the child. Join us for these explorations, reflection, and lively conversation.
Sr. Therese Randolph is a Sister of Mercy, originally from Omaha, NE. She studied at the College of St. Mary in Omaha, the University of Detroit, and Catholic University in Washington, DC. A lifelong educator, her areas of focus are pastoral theology and ministerial formation. Sister moved to San Luis Obispo in 2006 to care for her mother. While there she served in parish ministry. Since moving to the Bay area in 2009, she is an active advocate for immigrants and works with a Sisters of Mercy non-violence group. She is a long serving member of the Northern California Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking.
Rita Jovick, PBVM, is an active member of the Northern California Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking. After being raised in the Sunset District in San Francisco, Sister entered the Sisters of the Presentation. Her apostolic experiences included teaching; principal of three schools including The School of Epiphany; development director for Catholic elementary schools in and near the Mission District and administrator for an ESL adult school in the Central Valley. For the past eight years, Sister Rita has educated others about the enormity of human trafficking.
Yes, it definitely is in your zip code, your county, your country and your world. This workshop will tell you how one becomes a victim; ways of how you can recognize a victim and how you can help end this plague of human trafficking.
Carlos Ayala Ramírez, salvadoreño, licenciado en filosofía y maestro en teología. Exdirector de radio YSUCA. Docente jubilado de la UCA. Actualmente, profesor de cristología y eclesiología en California, EE.UU.
En una sociedad que nos ofrece un clima poco propicio para buscar el silencio y la paz, necesitamos orar para vivir en actitud lúcida y vigilante. El mejor regalo que nos ha dejado Jesús. La invocación más sublime a Dios, la oración por excelencia, El Padre nuestro.
La oración fue una constante en la vida de Monseñor Romero. No solo en los momentos difíciles, sino como experiencia fundamental de su fe cristiana. En la oración se decide, según el arzobispo mártir, “mi destino, mi razón de ser, la luz de mi inteligencia, el amor de mi corazón, la fuerza de mi vida, la perseverancia de mis propósitos” [homilía 17/07/77
Erika De Urquidi, editora bilingüe, se unió a Bayard, Inc. en julio de 2018. Durante sus 15 años como traductora profesional, Erika ha trabajado en los departamentos de educación, recursos humanos, marketing y legal para empresas en Estados Unidos, América Latina y Europa. Tiene experiencia en docencia, tanto en escuelas públicas como católicas. Desde sus años de escuela secundaria, Erika ha sido un miembro activo de la Iglesia Católica, sirviendo como coordinadora de los Ministerios Juveniles de su Diócesis, organizando conferencias y retiros, y participando como oradora en dichos eventos. También se ha desempeñado como catequista y en el Ministerio Hispano en su parroquia local. Erika colabora con diferentes divisiones de Bayard, Inc. Trabaja en los materiales bilingües de Pflaum Gospel Weeklies. Vive en el área de Cleveland con su esposo, Tomás, y sus dos hijos, Tomás y Sofía.
Discipulos misionaeros: “llamados a estar con Jesus, enviador a predicar
Formacion de familias sacramentales – como ayudar a las familias a vivir los sacrmentos
Como latinos en un país extranjero intentamos “dar lo mejor” a nuestros hijos dejando a Dios en segundo o tercer plano; como aprender a reconocer a Dios en nuestra realidad inmigrante.
El Padre Michael Montoya es párroco administrador de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción en la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles. El P. Montoya tiene muchos años de experiencia sirviendo en ministerios multiculturales y multilingües. Antes de regresar a la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles, fundó una parroquia en las fronteras de Texas y México en la Diócesis de Brownsville, donde en 2016 se convirtió en la parroquia elegida por el Papa Francisco para llevar su mensaje a los jóvenes del mundo. El P. Montoya también se ha desempeñado como Director Ejecutivo de la Asociación de Misiones Católicas de EE. UU., la red oficial de todos los misioneros católicos de EE. UU. que sirven en todo el mundo. Es un líder global en el área de la misión y los ministerios interculturales. El P. Montoya tiene un Doctorado en Ministerio en Espiritualidad de la Unión Teológica Católica de Chicago y una Maestría en Divinidad con especialización en liturgia multicultural de la Oblate School of Theology de San Antonio, Texas. Ha sido sacerdote ordenado durante 30 años y ha desempeñado muchos cargos de liderazgo a lo largo de sus años de ministerio.
Father Michael Montoya currently serves as the pastor administrator of Our Lady of the Assumption in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Fr Montoya has many years of experience serving in multi-cultural and multi-lingual ministries. Before going back to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, he founded a parish along the borders of Texas and Mexico in the Diocese of Brownsville, where in 2016 became the chosen parish by Pope Francis to deliver his message to the youth of the world. Fr Montoya has also served as the Executive Director of the US Catholic Mission Association, the official network of all the US Catholic missionaries serving all over the world. He is a global leader in the field of mission and cross cultural ministries. Fr Montoya has a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spirituality from the Catholic Theological Union at Chicago and a Master of Divinity degree with concentration in multi-cultural liturgy from the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He has been an ordained priest for 30 years and has served in many leadership capacities through his years in ministry.
The changing landscape of our ministries challenges us to step back and assess how we respond to the opportunities presented. As the contexts change, we too need to update our responses to the mission entrusted to us. Where do we begin? Where can we draw wisdom and strength?
Vivimos en una época precaria que nos da una sensación de inseguridad. Los acontecimientos globales, así como los problemas locales, sólo exacerban nuestros miedos y preocupaciones. “Paren y reconozcan que soy Dios” nos da la esperanza y la seguridad en medio de los desafíos que enfrentamos día a día. El Salmista nos recuerda que todos están en las manos de Dios, pero también, nos manda a vivir nuestra vida en Dios. ¿Pero que significa todo esto? ¿Significa esto que simplemente tendríamos que estar callados y no hacer nada? ¿Cuáles son las exigencias a nosotros, el pueblo creyente y amante de Dios?
Juan José Suárez ha sido Coordinador de Formación de Fe en Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Fremont, California, durante los últimos siete años. Es graduado y maestro del IBTP (Instituto Bíblico Teológico Pastoral), del Instituto Serra de Ministerio Catequético y de la Escuela de Ministerios Pastorales de la Diócesis de Oakland. Juan ha estado involucrado en la catequesis durante los últimos 13 años y en el ministerio juvenil durante 23 años. Su experiencia proviene de la música litúrgica y de adoración y el cuidado de jóvenes en edad de escuela secundaria. En los últimos años, ha ayudado a los padres a ayudar a sus hijos a mantenerse más conectados con la iglesia después de recibir los sacramentos. Es hablante bilingüe en RCL Benziger.
