Please join me in thanking our Catholic Moments contributors by visiting their sites:  Deacon Tom Fox, Lisa Mladnich, Avery, Sarah Reinhard.

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or emaillisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this Episode:

• Christ Music Kids
• Retrouvaille
• USCCB Top Movies of 2009
• Catholic Moments Podcast Facebook Page
• Catholic Moments at SQPN
• Current CatholicMom.com Contests
• CatholicMom.com Book Club
• The Catholic Company
• The Handbook for Catholic Moms:  The Catholic Company, Amazon, Aquinas and Moreor Barnes & Noble
• Lisa’s Facebook Profile, Twitter

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WAYNE WEIBLE

October 14, 2010 7:00pm

St. Patrick’s Church, Merced, CA

671 E Yosemite Ave, Merced, CA 95340

Wayne Weible is a former newspaper publisher and columnist who became interested in the alleged apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to six young Croatians in the tiny farming village of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Hercegovina, in October 1985.  He has authored eight books on his experiences and investigations of the reported apparitions, all which have become international best sellers.

The first is titled, “Medjugorje: The Message” with more than 500,000 copies sold in the US and an estimated 500,000 copies in other languages around the world. (Paraclete Press, September 1989); the publisher reissued this book in March, 2006, in a special hard cover edition commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Medjugorje apparitions. It contains a new introduction and updated color pictures.  “Medjugorje: The Message” is the top-selling book internationally on the Medjugorje apparitions.

Weible’s second book is titled, “Letters From Medjugorje” (Paraclete Press, July 1991); his third titled “Medjugorje: The Mission” (Paraclete Press, April 1995). Weible’s fourth book, “The Final Harvest”, (Paraclete Press, May 1999) is, according to Weible, his best informational work on the apparitions. It has been revised and published under the title “Final Harvest” through CMJ Marian Publishers in 2003. He has also has authored numerous audios and videotapes throughout the world.

In October 2005, Weible’s fifth book was released (Paraclete Press, November 2005) titled “A Child Shall Lead Them”. It is a collection of youth stories of spiritual conversion through the apparitions at Medjugorje.

In March 2007, Weible’s sixth book, the first of a three-part series, was published by Paraclete Press. It is a prayer book based on prayers he states he was given or learned during his travels to Medjugorje. It has sold more than 15,000 copies and remains in high demand. The book is titled: “The Medjugorje Prayer Book.”

Weible has recently issued his seventh book published by New Hope Press in November 2008, co-authoring it with noted Marian theologian Dr. Mark Miravalle. It is titled: “Are The Medjugorje Apparitions Authentic?” It is a serious, straightforward appraisal of the apparitions from a theological and good fruits stance.

Weible released his eighth book, “The Medjugorje Fasting Book”, in October 2009.

Weible spends most of his professional time writing and lecturing on the phenomenon of Medjugorje, traveling throughout the world and the United States. In the past 25 years, he has lectured on the phenomenon in virtually every major city in the US, and most in Canada. He has also appeared on numerous national, regional and local television and radio programs.  Included are the Mother Angelica Television show, and the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Dr. Morse brings a unique voice to discussions of love, marriage, sexuality and the family.  She has taught at Yale University and George Mason University and was a Research Fellow at both Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and at the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty. In 2008, Dr. Morse founded the Ruth Institute, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to bringing hope and encouragement for life-long married love.

This event is offered for teachers, administrators, clergy, catechists, DREs, youth ministers, and parents.

Register online at www.October21.info or download this form for additional information.

One of the highlights of my trip was serving on a panel relating Theology of the Body with the topic of Pastoral Ministry.  Our “rock star” panel included Fr. Brian Bransfield, Fr. Roger Landry, Sr. Mary Elizabeth Wusinich and Dr. Gregory Popcak. I had a front row seat for their conversation on the realities of taking TOB into the “real world”.

Another highlight of the week was hearing a keynote by Dr. Michael Waldstein, author of Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology Of The Body. His talk on “The Treasure of the ‘Hidden Talks’ of the “Theology of the Body: New Insights and Implications” was wonderful.

The following video was shot on my phone at the closing Mass celebrated by Cardinal Justin Rigali.  It gives a very small glimpse into some of the tone of the Congress.

I will like to congratulate the Theology of the Body Congress, The Maximus Group and the event sponsors for organizing such a fruitful gathering.  The following press release also gives and overview of the highlights of the TOB Congress. I hope they are able to repeat the event next year!

Philadelphia Cardinal calls the Theology of the Body ‘the curriculum for the Culture of Life’

Cardinal Justin Rigali calls for the National Theology of the Body Congress to become an on-going campaign of human and catechetical formation

PHILADELPHIA, July 30 – Joined by more than 50 priests and two Bishops, Cardinal Justin Rigali delivered a powerful call to action to attendees of the first National Theology of the Body Congress. He urged, “This Congress must not end. The contribution of the speakers and participants, the fruits of the seminars, discussions, and artistic performances must advance still further. This Congress must become a campaign of human and catechetical formation.”

He called for the mining and proclamation of the rich content presented at the Congress “so that the next generation can continue to access and comprehend it.”

The National Theology of the Body Congress organized and hosted by the Theology of the Body Institute drew attendees from 10 countries and 39 U.S. states. They represented 111 dioceses. Two bishops, more than 50 priests, six deacons and dozens of other religious were among the more-than 450 attendees. Because the Congress sold out very quickly the Theology of the Body Institute offered live streaming during the Congress that attracted online attendees from 17 U.S. states, and 10 countries on five continents.

Cardinal Rigali, who also serves as the Episcopal Chairman of the Theology of the Body Institute, remarked on the great work of this inaugural event, which he noted as occurring exactly three decades after John Paul II introduced the theology of the body. “Today, this First National Congress on the Theology of the Body shows us that the catechesis given thirty years ago is now the curriculum of the Culture of Life,” Cardinal Rigali said in his homily during the Mass this morning. The Cardinal went on further to say that the “teaching of John Paul II on the theology of the body must be further introduced into Pre-Cana programs, RCIA instruction, Natural Family Planning training, parish adult education programs, campus ministry programs, youth groups, homilies, and religious education among children and adolescents.”

The Congress included keynote addresses, workshops and panel discussions featuring some of the most popular theology of the body lecturers and catechists in the world.

“Being a participant at the National Theology of the Body Congress has been a complete and total blessing,” Congress presenter and popular author and blogger Lisa Hendey said. “I feel honored to have been here and will go home inspired about further incorporating theology of the body teachings into my daily family life, my parish community and my work in support of Catholic moms.”

Other presenters included Fr. Brian Bransfield, executive director of the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis; Dr. Michael Waldstein, the English translator of the Pope’s Theology of the Body; Helen M. Alvaré, law professor at George Mason University; Fr. Robert M. Hogan, author of three books on the theology of the body and one of the first published authors on the catechesis of Venerable Pope John Paul II; ethicist and moral theologian Dr. Pia de Solenni; and many others.

Reflecting on the Cardinal’s words, Theology of the Body Institute Chairman, David Savage said, “The Cardinal’s vision for this teaching fits completely within the mission of the Theology of the Body Institute. This Congress was designed to be a nexus for dialogue and discussion on exactly how we bring the theology of the body to the world. I believe we accomplished that and I am confident that the leadership who gathered here this week are going back to their dioceses around the world with a great commission that fits firmly within the Church’s mission in the New Evangelization.”

In addition to more than three-dozen addresses, workshops and panel discussions, the Congress was the setting for an Awards Banquet, in which five honorees were acknowledged for their pioneering work in the theology of the body. Award recipients included Pauline Books and Media, Fr. Richard M. Hogan, Ann and Valentine Coelho; the Ruah Woods Education Center, and the Theology of the Body International Alliance.

For more information on the first National Theology of the Body Congress or the Theology of the Body Institute, please contact Christine Schicker with The Maximus Group at 404-610-8871.

I am deeply honored to be moderating a panel at this year’s Theology of the Body Congress. The good news that this year’s Congress sold out months ago prompted conference organizers to make the events available via live streaming.  The following information tells you about the streaming and how to register. I hope if you’re not able to join us in person that you’ll consider supporting the Congress by registering for the live stream.

Unable to attend the National Theology of the Body Congress?

The Theology of the Body Institute announces Live Streaming of content for this Premier event!

Due to the overwhelming response to this first-ever Theology of the Body Congress, we have opened a live-streaming option!

You can still be a part of this historic gathering!

Live-streaming of the Congress’ key presentations is available for only $79! Register here for Online Access!

Click here to see some of the presenters and featured talks you’ll be able to watch when you sign up for this outstanding offer.

This is a great lineup of some of the most well-known experts on Theology of the Body, the landmark teaching of Venerable Pope John Paul II.

Among the 450 attendees are 42 priests, 16 sisters and five deacons. Thirty-five U.S. states and 10 countries are represented. This Congress has truly attracted worldwide attention and response.

This live-streaming option is sponsored by our friends at MyCatholicVoice, and it’s designed and intended to give you opportunities to watch this memorable Congress live with:

• Your parish’s Theology of the Body group
• Your university or college enrichment group
• Your parish’s religious education or faith formation groups
• Other members of your parish in the church or appropriate venue
• Members of your parish organization
• High school staff and interested parents
• Everyone who shares your passion for the Theology of the Body

Become a part of this life-changing event!

Register Now!

Live-Streaming of the National Theology of the Body Congress is sponsored by

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

I think I’m especially appreciating this meeting’s major theme of working on marriages since I’ve had recent experience with some troubled marriages in my life recently.  Perhaps it’s hitting one’s “late forties” that has opened my eyes to the lifelong hard work it takes to keep a strong marriage intact.  Honestly, even after twenty-four years of true love, I still feel as though Greg and I are learning day-by-day to truly love and serve one another and to keep Christ at the center of our relationship.

Being here is like being surrounded by newlyweds of all ages.  You see couples walking hand in hand, praying together, and listening diligently to the information being presented so that they can take it back to their dioceses and parishes.  I’ve never been on a Marriage Encounter weekend, but I’d imagine it has a similar vibe – just a good feeling that comes from being surrounded by many people who are really truly in love with the Lord and one another.

Tonight, our event opened with a prayer service led by Bishop Conlon of the Diocese of Steubenville.  His opening remarks underscored the importance of these meetings in reinvigorating the state of marriage in our Church.  Bishop Conlon was followed by the always-amazing Teresa Tomeo, who gave a keynote based on her book Noise: How Our Media-saturated Culture Dominates Lives and Dismantles Families, which has a spot of honor on my desk.  Although I’ve spoken with Teresa several times on the telephone, my brief chance to meet her in person today was a big honor for me.  Teresa’s commitment to her faith, her energy and zeal for her life’s work, and her fantastic communication skills make her one of my role models.  If you don’t already own  Noise, do yourself a favor and buy it today.  And if you ever have the chance to hear Teresa speak in person, no matter how far you have to travel to do so, go for it!  I guarantee that you will be edified and inspired!

To cap off an already perfect day (hey, even my flights were perfect – on time, and I got the exit row!), tonight we celebrated a beautiful Mass in the chapel here at Xavier University.  With two bishops presiding and a church full of amazing people, you could truly feel the power of the Holy Spirit among us.

Now it’s off to bed, as I am waking up early for my 8:30 (ET) visit with Brian Patrick and the crew of the Son Rise Morning Show.  Producer and friend Matt Swaim, author of The Eucharist and the Rosary: Mystery, Meditation, Power, Prayer is kindly allowing me to crash the studio early for a field trip.

I hope to share more tomorrow about the conference.  Others here tomorrow include Matthew Kelly and Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak.  Until then, God bless you!

The basic blueprint for 10-20-30GO!: children spend 10 minutes each day in prayer and meditation; 20 minutes each day reading; and 30 minutes each day performing assigned chores.  The system helps you motivate your kids, keep on track, communicate prayer requests, and reward everyone at the end of a great week.

Having had time to study the facets of 10-20-30GO!, I’m very excited about implementing it this summer with my son Adam.  Honestly, around our home summer is the time when things begin to get a little lax and unstructured.  In many senses, it’s terrific to have a break from the rigorous schedule of the school year, but not when it comes to prayer life and reading.  At fifteen, Adam certainly isn’t too old for a system such as 10-20-30GO! which makes it easy to keep track of our family’s expectations, to quantify them, and to reward or discipline our sons appropriately.

Along with speaking about 10-20-30GO!, Bo and I shared a fascinating conversation about the Govea family’s personal faith journey.  I was so inspired by Bo and his wife’s ability to channel a tremendous health challenge their twins faced into a tremendous boost to their family’s spiritual life.  And now, they are taking steps to help draw other families closer to Christ and one another!

How does accountability work in your home?  Do you pay your children an allowance?  Are certain chores required and do you enforce daily reading time?  I’d love to hear what makes things tick around your home and hope you’ll check out 10-20-30GO! and support the great work being done by the Govea family with this cool system!

Mentioned in this week’s show:

• John Michael Talbot
• Illuminated Ink
• Wee Believers
• Vatican Library Collection
• Pauline Books and Media
• 10-20-30 Go!
• Bert Ghezzi
• The Word Among Us
• Paulist Press
• Ave Maria Press

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

The Congress will seek to recognize outstanding accomplishments in promoting, living and understanding the Theology of the Body. Excellence demonstrated in Theology of the Body through the various fields of arts, academia, social justice, diocesan outreach, parish outreach, publishing, catechesis, activism, evangelization will be considered.

To make your nominations, visit the Theology of the Body website by June 11. What a wonderful way to recognize an individual or organization who is making a difference in this world!

Here’s a press release with all of the details:
SQPN ANNOUNCES 3RD CATHOLIC NEW MEDIA CELEBRATION

Registration Opens, as Keynote Speakers and Program are Unveiled for Annual Conference

Roswell, GA, April 29, 2010: The Star Quest Production Network (SQPN) announces the third annual Catholic New Media Celebration, to be held in Boston, Massachusetts on August 7, 2010, answering the Catholic Church’s call for a new evangelization and Benedict XVI’s recent message that God’s Love “must be expressed in the digital world… as something concrete, present and engaging.”
The Catholic New Media Celebration (CNMC) is a festive, educational, and international conference focused on evangelization and building community through new media. This event is designed to inform and inspire participants about how interactive new media platforms, such as blogging, podcasting, and social media are created, shared, and implemented. Within an atmosphere of Christian community, attendees will learn how to effectively create and share powerful, unique content for the benefit of the universal Catholic Church.

“This year’s CNMC will focus particularly on three things,” says Fr. Roderick Vonhögen, CEO of SQPN.  “We will be exploring the best practices for creating quality content; how authentic catechesis and spirituality are incorporated; and, how a true sense of mission is instilled in those who consume this media and become a part of our online communities,” he says.

Registration is now open at http://celebration.sqpn.com. All interested in New Media are invited, including young adults (18+), ministry leaders, and priests and religious, to whom Pope Benedict appealed in his 2010 World Communications Day message, to “become an ever more pastoral presence on the web.”

SQPN gratefully acknowledges the Archdiocese of Boston for hosting the CNMC on August 7^th at the Pastoral Center in Braintree, MA. A pre-event reception will take place on August 6^th at the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston.
SPECIAL GUESTS

Keynote speakers for the Catholic New Media Celebration are Fr. Robert Reed and Mr. Lino Rulli.
FATHER ROBERT REED, Director of the ever-growing CatholicTV®  Network, promotes the dynamic use of television and new media for effective and entertaining Catholic programming. A priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, Father Reed prepared for the priesthood at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and studied Broadcast Administration at Boston University’s School of Communication.

LINO RULLI currently produces Lino at Large, a radio program/podcast sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, syndicated on college radio stations, and affiliated with SQPN. He is host of The Catholic Guy radio show airing on The Catholic Channel of Sirius/XM Satellite Radio.  Lino Rulli has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and a Master’s Degree in Theology.

PROGRAM

In addition to the keynote presentations by Fr. Reed and Mr. Rulli, the CNMC program will include three breakout tracks.

Podcasting Track – The Podcasting Track, hosted by Fr. Roderick Vonhögen leading a team of SQPN podcasters, will focus on the necessary elements for creating a high quality and authentically Catholic show.  Both instructional and inspirational, this track will conclude with a live recording of SQPN’s flagship program, “The Break with Fr. Roderick.”
Blogging Track – New this year, the Blogging Track presents Thomas Peters (American Papist at CatholicVoteAction.org) and Sarah Reinhard (Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering at SnoringScholar.com) sharing their varied expertise and insights about Catholic blogging. Also, blogger and author Rachel Balducci (Testosterhome, FaithAndFamilyLive.com, How Do You Tuck In a Superhero?) will lead a panel discussion with guest bloggers.

Children’s Track – This new family-friendly track led by Allyson Sweeney from SQPN’s Catholic Family show will introduce youngsters to the fun of creating their own podcasts. Lisa Mladinich of AmazingCatechists.com will demonstrate children’s catechesis with Bible-based puppet shows and more. (Space and age limitations apply, see registration details.)

NEW MEDIA GALLERY

The New Media Gallery is an opportunity for bloggers, podcasters, and other producers of new media to exhibit their expertise. Gallery contributors may display their best practices, innovations, and creative endeavors in an exhibit area, plus interact with conference attendees at designated times. For details, see the Call for Presentations at http://celebration.sqpn.com.

TIME & LOCATIONS

The Archdiocese of Boston is host to the CNMC on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese, 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree, MA 02184. The CNMC begins at 9:00 am and ends at 5:00 pm.

A pre-event Meet-and-Greet reception, sponsored by the Catholic Company, will be held Friday, August 6th, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Omni Parker House Hotel, the official hotel of the CNMC, located at 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108.

ABOUT SQPN

SQPN, the Star Quest Production Network, is a non-profit Catholic apostolate dedicated to evangelization and formation through new media. SQPN creates engaging multi-media, specializing in audio and video productions (known as podcasts) faithful to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Its mission responds to the Church’s call to use the media for religious information, evangelization and catechesis, and formation and education. SQPN.com is a portal for a select number of affiliated Catholic podcasters that share the vision and media strategy of SQPN.

“Star Quest” refers to the star of Bethlehem that emerged and caught the attention of three Magi from foreign cultures. The Magi’s quest led to the discovery of the newborn Savior.  The programs of SQPN tap into popular culture inviting people to journey together and discover their own encounter with Christ.

SAVE THE DATE!

June 25-27, 2010

Southern California Catholic Home Educators

11^th Annual Conference and Curriculum Fair!

This year’s theme is: Catholic Home Education: Virtues that Last a Lifetime

Featured speakers: Dr. Mary Kay Clark, Laura Berquist, Cathy Duffy, Matthew Arnold, and more!

Come join us for a day or the weekend at the same beautiful location as last year:

Sacred Heart Retreat House

920 E. Alhambra Rd., Alhambra CA 91801

Schedule:

Friday evening: Preconference Dinner with speaker Laura Berquist and High School Teen Social

Saturday: Mass, Conference, Curriculum Fair, Used Curriculum Fair, and High School Teen Track

Sunday: Breakfast, Speaker, and Mass

Saturday’s Conference-only registration fees:

-by June 14^th: $25 per person/ $35 per married couple

-after June 14^th or walk-up: $35 per person/ $45 per married couple

High School Teen Track: $18

Registration forms will be mailed out soon. They will also be available for download from the website.

Please visit www.scchehomepage.com for updates and to see our list of speakers and vendors.

Rooms and meals are available for those wishing to stay overnight at the beautiful, serene retreat house.

We’re sorry, but we do not have a children’s program at this time. Children are not allowed in talks or in the Vendor Hall. Children under 18 must be supervised at all times.

For further information, please contact Rita Koppes at msg4prk@sbcglobal.net or 714-271-1272.

This year’s agenda looks fantastic. Here are the details from this year’s press release:

The Edith Stein Project is an annual, student-run conference at the University of Notre Dame that sprung from a recognition of widespread degradation of the dignity of women and aims to both identify these degradations and recover a true understanding of masculinity and femininity. In contemporary society, there exists a significant movement towards the objectification of relationships and sexuality, which affects women in a profound and unique way.  This trend has caused a crisis in the recognition of true dignity and identity of the human person, leaving many people physically, emotionally, and spiritually broken.  While this phenomenon affects the world at large, this crisis is strikingly evident in relationships most immediate to us: personal friendships, marriages, and families. Human dignity, of both men and women, is always realized in community and reference to each other. As Pope Benedict noted in his most recent Encyclical, Caritas in Veritate, “As a spiritual being, the human creature is defined through interpersonal relations. The more authentically he or she lives these relations, the more his or her own personal identity matures, (53).” For this reason, this year’s conference will focus on women and men in community with one another.

St. Edith Stein, the patroness of the conference, took an interest in the philosophical study of human identity, gender, and relationships, writing about the nature of men and woman, the individual and community, and human empathy.  This year, the Edith Stein Project will examine the role of human relationships in the unique identity of each person, considering what it truly means to be a man or a woman while utilizing the riches of the Catholic Church’s teachings on sexuality and authentic personhood.  The conference will include presentations on a wide variety of topics, including masculinity and femininity, marriage, the family, sexual violence, and eating disorders.  We hope that the conference will compel individuals to examine the true meaning of what it is to be human, and ways in which authentic human dignity is upheld, taking to heart Edith Stein’s words: “The nation… doesn’t simply need what we have.  It needs what we are.”

We invite you to join in the discussion of human identity and relationships at the fifth annual Edith Stein Project, entitled “No Man is an Island: Creature, Culture, and Community.”

For additional details or to register, visit http://nd.edu/%7Eidnd/edithstein/index.html

The Third Annual Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference “Faith, Hope and Love” will be held on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at the Ohio State Expo Center Lausche Building.  Speakers will include Coleen Kelly Mast, author, public speaker, and radio talk show host of “The Doctor Is In”, Mother Assumpta Long, mother superior of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist religious order, and Terri Palokovic, executive director of ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women).  Bishop Campbell will celebrate Mass with us and our day will include lunch and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

For more information and registration details, visit the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference website.

Like many of you, I have admired Dr. Coleen’s work on her terrific Ave Maria Radio program, “The Doctor is In”.  But there is much more to know and love about this terrific wife and mother of five.    Her professional bio from TMG Speakers gives a great overview of the breadth of her expertise:

Coleen Kelly Mast, an author, public speaker and radio talk show host, is a pioneer in the field of chastity education. Dr. Mast currently hosts a popular call-in radio advice show, The Doctor Is In produced and syndicated by Ave Maria Radio for more than 100 stations of the Catholic Radio Association, EWTN and Sirius Satellite Radio. She provides Catholic-flavored practical solutions to callers who seek her advice on a variety of personal, spiritual and family problems.

Mast holds an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Quincy University, a Masters Degree in Health Education and Secondary teaching certificates in four specialty fields: Theology, Health, Physical Education and Science. She has taught at the elementary, junior high and high school levels and has been involved in Family Life Education since 1975.

Mast has written both the ‘Love and Life’ and ‘Sex Respect’ chastity education programs, which include books, seminars and videos for teachers, teens and parents. Mast’s programs have been sold in 23 countries and all 50 states. She has appeared on Oprah, Geraldo, Mother Angelica Live, 60 Minutes, andat Steubenville High School Youth Conferences. Mast has debated the Presidents of SEICUS and Planned Parenthood on television and debated ACLU representatives on public radio.

She assisted with the writing of the USCC Bishops 1992 document on Human Sexuality Education Guidelines, and in 1997 Mast was one of four people from the United States invited to the Vatican by the Pontifical Council for the Family for an in-depth study of the ‘Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality’ document when it was released. Based on those teachings and the need for additional parent catechesis today, her ‘Love and Life’ Parent and Teen Series was updated for 2006 complete with Imprimatur and published by Ignatius Press.

She has been married for 30 years to Kent Mast. They have five children and live in Illinois.

Several times a month, I find myself referring parents who contact me to Coleen’s website at www.SexRespect.com.  Her resources, aimed at providing a Christian moral framework for sexual abstinence, are a life saver for families struggling with the pressures placed on today’s teens by their peers and society.  While I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Coleen Kelly Mast in person, I remain a tremendous fan of her work and thank Matthew Warner for the opportunity to introduce this Catholic speaking champion to our readers.

Gracious God, you have made us a family.  
Thank you for choosing us to be together.
We want to listen more closely, 
to care more tenderly, 
to act more courageously,
so that we may do our part in building your Kingdom, bringing peace and compassion.
Filled with your Spirit, send us forth to be the Body of Christ to to all we meet.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Source: Catholic Parent KnowHow: Preparing Your Child for Baptism

Congrats to my friend and awesome Catholic musician Bryan Murdaugh sharing the good news about his ministry group 5thousand.  It seems that the guys, Bryan and Mike, will be making a big splash at the upcoming NCYC.  I’m still trying to figure out how to get someone to sponsor my attendance at this mega event for Catholic youth  (LOL – big sponsors, I promise to wear your patches and stickers all over my body if you’ll just pay for me to go!).  Anyway, just in case you’re lucky enough to be going, be sure to check out 5thousand and tell Bryan I said hello!

Kansas City, MO, — The event ministry group 5thousand will be saying “hello” to teenagers from around the country at the Kansas City Convention Center on November 19th, 2009. As the exhibit hall – known to participants as the “Reign Forest” – opens, Mike Sylvester and Bryan Murdaugh (the co-founders and principals of the ministry) will be greeting and challenging young people to live their faith, just as they do in the events that they put on for Dioceses and Parishes in their travels. Sylvester, a seasoned youth minister and vibrant speaker, said “the conference is really the first chance we’ve had to introduce ourselves on the National level, and it’s really exciting.” Though the duo has been running retreats, rallies, prayer services, and other ministry work as 5thousand for about a year, they hope that exhibiting at the National Catholic Youth Conference will enable them to share the Gospel with young people in an increasing number of parishes, schools, and at large diocesan events.

5thousand focuses on being an all-inclusive event ministry. They specialize in covering the planning from start to finish, helping coordinate themes and then running the entire event. Murdaugh, a Catholic worship leader, recording artist, speaker, and parish youth minister says “we really are soup-to-nuts. When we arrive for an event we want the local team to relax and know that everything will be taken care of. You bring the teens, we bring the rest.”

To find out more information about 5thousand’s offerings and events, visit their website at www.5thousand.com.

Thanks to Karina Fabian of the Catholic Writers Guild for sharing this great information on their innovative online conference.  I am going to be a presenter for this year’s conference and am looking forward to attending!  Here are the preliminary details:

World Wide Web–Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register between October 1, 2009 and February 15, 2010.

Workshops and live online chats cover the gamut of writing topics from idea generation to marketing a published novel, traditional and self-publishing, article writing and fiction, and much more. In addition, prominent Catholic publishers will hear pitches, giving authors an unprecedented opportunity to chat personally despite living hundreds or thousands of miles away.

The conferences draw hundreds of participants and scores of editors and writing professionals from all over the country. Here’s what attendees had to say:

“The Catholic Writers’ Conference Online opened a world of possibilities to me the Catholic writer. The quality of speakers was excellent and ‘excellent’ is a word I rarely use. The opportunity to pitch to Catholic publishers was a great learning experience. Prayer times during the day centered me on the tasks at hand yet lifted me out of myself to the plights of others. Single best move I’ve taken to further my writing!” Maureen Locher, www.MaureenLocher.com–copy editor and columnist, Mom Writer’s Literary Magazine

“Gas prices are high. Writers’ conferences are out of reach. CWC met my need! Write ON!”  Jewel Sample, author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book, jewelsamples.blogspot.com

“On-line conferences cross economic and political boundaries. We can reach Catholic writers who normally wouldn’t have a chance to meet, much less learn from, successful writers, editors and publishers. Plus, the faith-sharing is phenomenal,” said Karina Fabian, author of the Catholic science fiction anthology Infinite Space, Infinite God and President of the Catholic Writers’ Guild.

Early registration is recommended. Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. Non-Catholics are also invited to attend, as long as they respect Catholic beliefs.

To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.

When I think back on the year 2009 and my wonderful experiences hearing Catholic speakers this year, many stand out for me.  Fr. Dave Dwyer, Danielle Bean and Patrick Madrid at this year’s Catholic New Media Celebration were incredible!  At this year’s Congress in Anaheim, I was able to hear Mark Hart, Fr. Jim Martin, and Dave Durand – three of my absolute heroes.  I’ve never had the pleasure of hearing Fr. Corapi or Dr. Hahn (or his incredible wife Kimberly Hahn) in person – those names remain on my wish list!!  And of course, I have to give props to my SQPN family, Fr. Roderick, Dr. Paul Camarata, Jeff Young, Joe McClane, Fr. Leo and Greg and Jennifer Willits.

This list is also a terrific resource if you are looking for a speaker for your parish or organization event.  Thanks again to Matthew Warner for coming up with this idea!

Who is the best Catholic speaker of 2009?