Session D | 3:15pm - 4:05pm
D-01
Addressing the Identity Crisis: Teaching Theology of the Body
Angela Rubang
Modern man has forgotten who he is and swayed by relativism, he is confused and unable to understand his own identity, resulting in many issues, and particularly gender identity. We must return to a proper understanding of anthropology and of Love, which was addressed so thoroughly in John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Through a christological lens I will go over the fundamentals in teaching it and demonstrate the dignity of the human person, the body and that it all points to the Eucharist, the Source and Summit of the Christian Faith.
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-02.
About the Speaker: Angela is a native to the Sacramento Diocese. She has been a member and youth leader in St. Catherine of Siena’s Catholic Youth Ministry for many years, and played a role in developing the Young Adult Ministry as well as events for the Solano Deanery of Young Adults. She received her M.A. Theology from the Augustine Institute in Colorado and serves a Master Catechist for the diocese and the Program Director for the Catholic Newman Center, Sacramento. Dedicated to the call of the New Evangelization, she has served as a Catholic school Religion and Theology teacher, confirmation coordinator, and youth and young adult minister.
Addressing the Identity Crisis: Teaching Theology of the Body
Angela Rubang
Modern man has forgotten who he is and swayed by relativism, he is confused and unable to understand his own identity, resulting in many issues, and particularly gender identity. We must return to a proper understanding of anthropology and of Love, which was addressed so thoroughly in John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Through a christological lens I will go over the fundamentals in teaching it and demonstrate the dignity of the human person, the body and that it all points to the Eucharist, the Source and Summit of the Christian Faith.
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-02.
About the Speaker: Angela is a native to the Sacramento Diocese. She has been a member and youth leader in St. Catherine of Siena’s Catholic Youth Ministry for many years, and played a role in developing the Young Adult Ministry as well as events for the Solano Deanery of Young Adults. She received her M.A. Theology from the Augustine Institute in Colorado and serves a Master Catechist for the diocese and the Program Director for the Catholic Newman Center, Sacramento. Dedicated to the call of the New Evangelization, she has served as a Catholic school Religion and Theology teacher, confirmation coordinator, and youth and young adult minister.
D-02
Basic Principles for Multicultural Liturgy (Spanish/English)
Dr. Ricardo Soto
This is will be a very practical workshop on how one goes about planning multicultural/multilingual liturgies. Musical and Liturgical resources will be shared. Dr. Soto will present the powerpoints used at Christ Cathedral on Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil liturgies.
• Also offered on Saturday at 2:15pm as G-18.
Ricardo Soto, D.M.A., received his doctorate in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern California in 1993, graduating magnum cum laude and receiving the Department Award for Excellence. Ric has been at Orange Coast College since 2001 where he teaches theory and music history. From 2006 to 2015 he served as conductor for the OCC Orchestra. In 2014 Ric was voted Orange Coast College’s Faculty of the Year. From 2013 to 2019 Ric directed the music ministry for the Hispanic Community at the Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange.
Basic Principles for Multicultural Liturgy (Spanish/English)
Dr. Ricardo Soto
This is will be a very practical workshop on how one goes about planning multicultural/multilingual liturgies. Musical and Liturgical resources will be shared. Dr. Soto will present the powerpoints used at Christ Cathedral on Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil liturgies.
• Also offered on Saturday at 2:15pm as G-18.
Ricardo Soto, D.M.A., received his doctorate in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern California in 1993, graduating magnum cum laude and receiving the Department Award for Excellence. Ric has been at Orange Coast College since 2001 where he teaches theory and music history. From 2006 to 2015 he served as conductor for the OCC Orchestra. In 2014 Ric was voted Orange Coast College’s Faculty of the Year. From 2013 to 2019 Ric directed the music ministry for the Hispanic Community at the Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange.
D-03
Come Back to the Well: Spiritual Nourishment for Educators and Ministers
Darlene Carlson
Replenish your spirit! Teaching can take everything you have; you give non-stop, shaping the very hearts and souls of the students in your class and the members of your parish community. We invite you to take time for you and learn new ways to nourish your spirit. This workshop will give you time to retreat from the chaos, reflect on what is, and renew for what’s to come, inspiring you to find new ways to grow in faith, and present ideas to keep it going throughout the year.
• Also offered on Friday at 9:30am as A-03 and Saturday at 3:15pm as H-04. See Session A-03 for a description.
I have taught in the Oakland and Sacramento Dioceses for over 20 years, both in primary & middle schools. I also volunteer as a catechist for faith formation & vacation bible camp, Eucharistic ministry, and Cathedral tour docent. I am on the board at Retreat, Reflect, Renew, where I work as online retreat facilitator and reflection presenter, and I am currently studying to be a spiritual director.
Come Back to the Well: Spiritual Nourishment for Educators and Ministers
Darlene Carlson
Replenish your spirit! Teaching can take everything you have; you give non-stop, shaping the very hearts and souls of the students in your class and the members of your parish community. We invite you to take time for you and learn new ways to nourish your spirit. This workshop will give you time to retreat from the chaos, reflect on what is, and renew for what’s to come, inspiring you to find new ways to grow in faith, and present ideas to keep it going throughout the year.
• Also offered on Friday at 9:30am as A-03 and Saturday at 3:15pm as H-04. See Session A-03 for a description.
I have taught in the Oakland and Sacramento Dioceses for over 20 years, both in primary & middle schools. I also volunteer as a catechist for faith formation & vacation bible camp, Eucharistic ministry, and Cathedral tour docent. I am on the board at Retreat, Reflect, Renew, where I work as online retreat facilitator and reflection presenter, and I am currently studying to be a spiritual director.
D-04
Being Present with Someone in the Darkness of Loss
Terry Cotting-Mogan
Everyone experiences loss. Each loss is different and the journey through the darkness personal. While in the darkness it can be hard to see and experience the light and grace of God. To accompany and be accompanied, be it for a moment or the long haul, on this journey is a crucial piece in building the Kingdom of God. Come listen to and share personal experiences and receive some practical suggestions on how to accompany someone on their grief journey. Please note that this is not a grief counseling workshop.
As Pflaum Publishing’s Regional Manager-West, she has over 40 years in catechetical, campus, family, and youth/youth adult ministries at the parish, school, and diocesan levels. She earned a BA from Marquette U, 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.
Being Present with Someone in the Darkness of Loss
Terry Cotting-Mogan
Everyone experiences loss. Each loss is different and the journey through the darkness personal. While in the darkness it can be hard to see and experience the light and grace of God. To accompany and be accompanied, be it for a moment or the long haul, on this journey is a crucial piece in building the Kingdom of God. Come listen to and share personal experiences and receive some practical suggestions on how to accompany someone on their grief journey. Please note that this is not a grief counseling workshop.
As Pflaum Publishing’s Regional Manager-West, she has over 40 years in catechetical, campus, family, and youth/youth adult ministries at the parish, school, and diocesan levels. She earned a BA from Marquette U, 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.
D-05
Using Social Media and Technology To Meet Kids Where They Are
Sherry Hayes-Peirce
This interactive session will explore the ways that teachers and catechists can use social media and technology to engage students. This session will require attendees to use their phones as a part of the activities during this session. They attendees will also get a sneak peek of my new book on the subject.
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-07.
Sherry serves as the Chief Inspirational Officer of the Church Social Tips, a ministry that helps Catholic parishes and organization practice digital evangelization. The tips, tools and techniques of creating a strategy for digital evangelization have been shared across the country in published articles, conference sessions including Ministry Days 2018 and podcast interviews.
Using Social Media and Technology To Meet Kids Where They Are
Sherry Hayes-Peirce
This interactive session will explore the ways that teachers and catechists can use social media and technology to engage students. This session will require attendees to use their phones as a part of the activities during this session. They attendees will also get a sneak peek of my new book on the subject.
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-07.
Sherry serves as the Chief Inspirational Officer of the Church Social Tips, a ministry that helps Catholic parishes and organization practice digital evangelization. The tips, tools and techniques of creating a strategy for digital evangelization have been shared across the country in published articles, conference sessions including Ministry Days 2018 and podcast interviews.
D-06
I Believe; Help My Unbelief!
Mel Kennedy
God invites us into a larger faith. This simple passage & quote from Mark, Chapter 9: “Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!” is a key to the difficulties, questions, and the winding journey of belief. A journey that has room for doubt because belief is an act of exploring and a process of learning, embracing, and trusting. This session will break open the Gospel of Mark and discover the God who not only desires our belief but actually welcomes our curiosity. Asking questions can strengthen our faith. When we reach out to God, God reaches back!
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-09.
Dr. Mel Kennedy is a musicianary (musician & missionary) who is passionate about helping believers engage their faith in deep & compelling ways. She is an award-nominated recording artist, liturgical trainer, & inspirational speaker. Her ministry is about empowering the community to share their faith & radiate God’s love through liturgy, service, relationship, & the simple actions of daily life.
I Believe; Help My Unbelief!
Mel Kennedy
God invites us into a larger faith. This simple passage & quote from Mark, Chapter 9: “Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!” is a key to the difficulties, questions, and the winding journey of belief. A journey that has room for doubt because belief is an act of exploring and a process of learning, embracing, and trusting. This session will break open the Gospel of Mark and discover the God who not only desires our belief but actually welcomes our curiosity. Asking questions can strengthen our faith. When we reach out to God, God reaches back!
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-09.
Dr. Mel Kennedy is a musicianary (musician & missionary) who is passionate about helping believers engage their faith in deep & compelling ways. She is an award-nominated recording artist, liturgical trainer, & inspirational speaker. Her ministry is about empowering the community to share their faith & radiate God’s love through liturgy, service, relationship, & the simple actions of daily life.
D-07
Stop banging your head against the wall trying to make the same stuff work! Re-Visioning Ministry to Junior High & High School Youth
Deacon Kevin Staszkow
If you are frustrated with the numbers, participation, or effectiveness of your Junior High or High School programming and know in your heart it’s time to do something new, then this workshop is for you. Stop banging your head against the wall trying to make the same stuff work. Open yourself to a new vision and a new attitude. Start making disciples and reviving the parish. Whether you are coming from the Faith Formation camp or the Youth Ministry camp, you’ll love this workshop.
• Also offered on Friday at 3:15pm as H-10
Deacon Kevin Staszkow is the Director of the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Sacramento.
Stop banging your head against the wall trying to make the same stuff work! Re-Visioning Ministry to Junior High & High School Youth
Deacon Kevin Staszkow
If you are frustrated with the numbers, participation, or effectiveness of your Junior High or High School programming and know in your heart it’s time to do something new, then this workshop is for you. Stop banging your head against the wall trying to make the same stuff work. Open yourself to a new vision and a new attitude. Start making disciples and reviving the parish. Whether you are coming from the Faith Formation camp or the Youth Ministry camp, you’ll love this workshop.
• Also offered on Friday at 3:15pm as H-10
Deacon Kevin Staszkow is the Director of the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Sacramento.
D-08
What are the Mother Daughter and Father Son programs?
Marisela Smith & Manuel Moreira
Most parents of most teens and pre-teens are very concerned for them, and rightly so, because their children are being regularly bombarded with toxic and hostile messages about sexuality, fertility and self-respect. This is why several parishes in our Diocese offer Mother Daughter and Father Son programs. These 3 – 4 hour programs are quick-moving, engaging and entertaining, and they offer pure, positive, scientifically-accurate, and age-appropriate messages about these sensitive topics. The goal is to encourage and equip parents to have ongoing, well-informed and healthy conversations with their children. This workshop will review what is covered in these programs, where they are held, and how you can start one in your own parish.
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-11.
Marisela is with the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Sacramento.
Married and currently working as a field agent for the Knights of Columbus, protecting catholic families. A native from El Salvador, Manuel moved to the Sacramento area in 2008, becoming an active member at St Clare Parish where he leads the Father Son Program. Being the father of three boys he has always been engaged in activities that guide and educate parents as well as young boys on the important topic of human sexuality.
What are the Mother Daughter and Father Son programs?
Marisela Smith & Manuel Moreira
Most parents of most teens and pre-teens are very concerned for them, and rightly so, because their children are being regularly bombarded with toxic and hostile messages about sexuality, fertility and self-respect. This is why several parishes in our Diocese offer Mother Daughter and Father Son programs. These 3 – 4 hour programs are quick-moving, engaging and entertaining, and they offer pure, positive, scientifically-accurate, and age-appropriate messages about these sensitive topics. The goal is to encourage and equip parents to have ongoing, well-informed and healthy conversations with their children. This workshop will review what is covered in these programs, where they are held, and how you can start one in your own parish.
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-11.
Marisela is with the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Sacramento.
Married and currently working as a field agent for the Knights of Columbus, protecting catholic families. A native from El Salvador, Manuel moved to the Sacramento area in 2008, becoming an active member at St Clare Parish where he leads the Father Son Program. Being the father of three boys he has always been engaged in activities that guide and educate parents as well as young boys on the important topic of human sexuality.
D-09
What Conflict? Faith & Science in Friendship
Ryan Mayer
One of the primary reasons that young people, in particular, are skeptical of a life of faith is the perceived conflict between science and faith. Not only does this not need to be so, but the articles of faith actually provide the philosophical basis for the natural sciences to flourish. We will discuss these foundations and offer practical ways that teachers and catechists can witness to the harmony of faith and science as complementary ways of knowing.
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-12.
About the Speaker: I am a Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Diocese of San Jose as I work as a Pastoral Associate at St Lucy Parish. I am the co-founder and Executive Director for Echoes of Worth- a nonprofit Theology of the Body Ministry for teenagers and young adults. I have worked as a Director of Faith Formation and Director of Youth Ministry and Confirmation. I am married to my best friend, Mary Beth, since 2010.
What Conflict? Faith & Science in Friendship
Ryan Mayer
One of the primary reasons that young people, in particular, are skeptical of a life of faith is the perceived conflict between science and faith. Not only does this not need to be so, but the articles of faith actually provide the philosophical basis for the natural sciences to flourish. We will discuss these foundations and offer practical ways that teachers and catechists can witness to the harmony of faith and science as complementary ways of knowing.
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-12.
About the Speaker: I am a Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Diocese of San Jose as I work as a Pastoral Associate at St Lucy Parish. I am the co-founder and Executive Director for Echoes of Worth- a nonprofit Theology of the Body Ministry for teenagers and young adults. I have worked as a Director of Faith Formation and Director of Youth Ministry and Confirmation. I am married to my best friend, Mary Beth, since 2010.
D-10
Using Technology in Religious Education and Beyond
Myra Nati
Nearpod is a valuable presentation tool that can be used to enhance any classroom. With this educational app teachers can use games, discussion boards, and virtual field trips to increase a student’s learning. The best part is that students are allowed to explore and inquire in a low risk environment. When used in a religion classroom, Nearpod is powerful to stimulate conversation through real-time discussion boards and anonymous responses. Teachers can even give quizzes and get immediate feedback. In this workshop, you will learn how to easily make or transfer your presentation slides to Nearpod and take advantage of everything it has to offer.
About the Speaker: I am a current science and religion teacher at St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School. I am a certified Nearpod instructor and I use this technology in my classes. I am also active in my young adult ministry in St. Catherine of Siena in Vallejo.
Using Technology in Religious Education and Beyond
Myra Nati
Nearpod is a valuable presentation tool that can be used to enhance any classroom. With this educational app teachers can use games, discussion boards, and virtual field trips to increase a student’s learning. The best part is that students are allowed to explore and inquire in a low risk environment. When used in a religion classroom, Nearpod is powerful to stimulate conversation through real-time discussion boards and anonymous responses. Teachers can even give quizzes and get immediate feedback. In this workshop, you will learn how to easily make or transfer your presentation slides to Nearpod and take advantage of everything it has to offer.
About the Speaker: I am a current science and religion teacher at St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School. I am a certified Nearpod instructor and I use this technology in my classes. I am also active in my young adult ministry in St. Catherine of Siena in Vallejo.
D-11
How to teach Circle of Grace
Katita Schloemann
Safe Environment overview. Circle of Grace materials and lessons.
• Also offered on Saturday at 2:15pm as G-14.
About the Speaker: Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of Sacramento.
How to teach Circle of Grace
Katita Schloemann
Safe Environment overview. Circle of Grace materials and lessons.
• Also offered on Saturday at 2:15pm as G-14.
About the Speaker: Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of Sacramento.
D-12
Nurturing the Catholic Identity of our Children AND their Families
Julie Moody
Many would say that religious practices and traditions within the home and religious instruction outside of the home are necessary in supporting the Catholic Identity of our children. With so much expected of our programs and families, we
will examine what’s working and where a tweak or two may further strengthen Catholic Identity of our children AND their
families. Come explore some practical and pastoral responses to the challenges of today’s overextended families.
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-15.
About the Speaker:Julie Moody is a former Religion Teacher and Religion Coordinator at St. Leo the Great School in San Jose. She has been involved in Parish Faith Formation and Youth Ministry programs, in addition to teaching Religion and a Campus
Minister at Presentation High School in San Jose. Her parish and school ministry spans over 35 years.
Nurturing the Catholic Identity of our Children AND their Families
Julie Moody
Many would say that religious practices and traditions within the home and religious instruction outside of the home are necessary in supporting the Catholic Identity of our children. With so much expected of our programs and families, we
will examine what’s working and where a tweak or two may further strengthen Catholic Identity of our children AND their
families. Come explore some practical and pastoral responses to the challenges of today’s overextended families.
• Also offered on Saturday at 3:15pm as H-15.
About the Speaker:Julie Moody is a former Religion Teacher and Religion Coordinator at St. Leo the Great School in San Jose. She has been involved in Parish Faith Formation and Youth Ministry programs, in addition to teaching Religion and a Campus
Minister at Presentation High School in San Jose. Her parish and school ministry spans over 35 years.
D-13
Have the Talk of a Lifetime: How to get your loved ones speaking about their last wishes.
Nicole Zamora
It’s only natural for a person to want to know that his or her life somehow “counted”, to know that they will be remembered and honored in a meaningful way by their loved ones. But how exactly can we bring up this somewhat awkward subject? This workshop offers families and pastoral workers practical advice and tools about how to have positive conversations with their loved ones about the things that matter most to them, including their hopes for being remembered. Memorialization is so much more than it used to be. Today it can not only reflect a person’s life story, including their values, interests and experiences, but also serve as a transformative, healing and comforting experience for them and their families. This workshop will also review our basic Catholic beliefs, policies and practices about funerals and burial.
• Also offered on Saturday at 9:30am as E-19.
About the speaker: Nicole Zamora Sponsored by Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of the Diocese of Sacramento As the Director of Community Outreach for CFCS Nicole spends most of her days traveling to our local parishes sharing with families about the many end-of-life services offered by the Diocese through CFCS. She, her husband and two boys are members of St. Clare parish in Roseville where she is also involved in M.O.M.S. ministry (Ministry of Moms Sharing).
Have the Talk of a Lifetime: How to get your loved ones speaking about their last wishes.
Nicole Zamora
It’s only natural for a person to want to know that his or her life somehow “counted”, to know that they will be remembered and honored in a meaningful way by their loved ones. But how exactly can we bring up this somewhat awkward subject? This workshop offers families and pastoral workers practical advice and tools about how to have positive conversations with their loved ones about the things that matter most to them, including their hopes for being remembered. Memorialization is so much more than it used to be. Today it can not only reflect a person’s life story, including their values, interests and experiences, but also serve as a transformative, healing and comforting experience for them and their families. This workshop will also review our basic Catholic beliefs, policies and practices about funerals and burial.
• Also offered on Saturday at 9:30am as E-19.
About the speaker: Nicole Zamora Sponsored by Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of the Diocese of Sacramento As the Director of Community Outreach for CFCS Nicole spends most of her days traveling to our local parishes sharing with families about the many end-of-life services offered by the Diocese through CFCS. She, her husband and two boys are members of St. Clare parish in Roseville where she is also involved in M.O.M.S. ministry (Ministry of Moms Sharing).
D-14
Adult Catechesis & Lifelong Learning
Sharon Laitinen
Have you been struggling to bring adults together for adult faith formation? When we look at formation in a new way, you may find that there may be a lot of adult formation happening. Let’s look at the principles and effective practices for adult faith formation. My hope is that you will go away with practical strategies to engage adults in on-going faith formation.
• Also offered on Friday at 3:15pm as D-14 and Saturday at 9:30am as E-10.
About the Speaker: I am the Director of Adult Faith and Sacrament Formation at Divine Savior Church, Orangevale. I have a Master’s in Religious Education and BS in Elementary Education. I have been serving the diocese for 21 years and have a passion for Family Faith Formation. sion for sports ministry.
Adult Catechesis & Lifelong Learning
Sharon Laitinen
Have you been struggling to bring adults together for adult faith formation? When we look at formation in a new way, you may find that there may be a lot of adult formation happening. Let’s look at the principles and effective practices for adult faith formation. My hope is that you will go away with practical strategies to engage adults in on-going faith formation.
• Also offered on Friday at 3:15pm as D-14 and Saturday at 9:30am as E-10.
About the Speaker: I am the Director of Adult Faith and Sacrament Formation at Divine Savior Church, Orangevale. I have a Master’s in Religious Education and BS in Elementary Education. I have been serving the diocese for 21 years and have a passion for Family Faith Formation. sion for sports ministry.
D-15 Ready, Set, Inspire!
This workshop is no longer available.
This workshop is no longer available.
D-16
Co-responsibility Serving Our Children with Disabilities
Ana Barazza
Learn about the celebration of the sacraments and catechetical programs for people with disabilities. Learn about the different learning modalities. Discover how the saints were creative stewards when catechizing the most needy.
About the speaker: Ana has served as a catechetical leader parish catechist, youth ministry coordinator, and director of retreats for more than 25 years. She is a qualified teacher in Special Education and graduated from The University of Texas in Step. She has taught workshops at different conferences diocesan and national using creative ways to evangelize and catechize from culture.
Co-responsibility Serving Our Children with Disabilities
Ana Barazza
Learn about the celebration of the sacraments and catechetical programs for people with disabilities. Learn about the different learning modalities. Discover how the saints were creative stewards when catechizing the most needy.
About the speaker: Ana has served as a catechetical leader parish catechist, youth ministry coordinator, and director of retreats for more than 25 years. She is a qualified teacher in Special Education and graduated from The University of Texas in Step. She has taught workshops at different conferences diocesan and national using creative ways to evangelize and catechize from culture.
