My Talks

Absorbing the Mystery in the Mass in Light of the New Translation (20 mins, PowerPoint)

Those who go through the RCIA are invited to "mystagogy" afterwards - to reflect on the grace and blessings they've received with new eyes of faith. But all Catholics are called to this as well! Along these lines, this talk aims at engendering the internal side of the "active participation" of the faithful called for at Vatican II, experiencing the Mass as the mountaintop from which our energy flows and to which it is directed, and taking the new Roman Missal as a point of departure.

Intro to the New Translation of the Mass: Seizing the Opportunity for Deeper Active Participation (120 mins, PowerPoint)

Aims at a deeper active participation in the liturgy through studying the rationale behind the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal. Places the new translation within the history of the Roman Rite’s pre and post-Vatican II development, explains the principles guiding the new translation, and goes through the parts of the Mass to discuss the actual changes and the meaning they are intended to convey. Could be placed towards the Liturgy standard for Diocese of Buffalo catechist certification.

Vatican Council II: Handing on Traditional Faith in a Modern World (2 Parts, 90 mins. each, PowerPoint)

This seminar was designed to count toward Diocese of Buffalo catechist certification. The seminar is intended to provide background knowledge to assist with the aims of parish catechesis and is grounded in the theology and history of the Council. It is given in two parts – the first on the Church and its teachings in itself and the second on the Church for the world (social justice).

Social Justice for Teens (75 mins, PowerPoint)

Geared toward teens, this presentation begins with the experience of giving, then the Catholic understanding of social justice, and lastly applies the principles of social justice in our world, inviting the teens into critical thinking and dialogue.

Bl. Pope John Paul II on the Parents’ Role in Education within the Family (60 mins)

Presents highlights from John Paul’s Familiaris Consortio on the bond of matrimony as the foundation of the family, the family as a school for a more fully human life, and the family as the “domestic church.”

New Catechist Orientation (90 mins)

Presents the church’s understanding of catechists and catechesis in light of Bl. John Paul II’s Catechesis Tredendae. Gives catechists practical guides for method and classroom management.

The Rosary For Teens (30 mins, PowerPoint)

Presents the story of the young girl destined to become the Mother of God. Explains the meaning of the Rosary and how to pray it.

Teaching Sexual Morality in Light of Bl. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body (60 mins, PowerPoint)

Addresses the problems of widespread teen sexual activity and public school “value free” sex ed with the Theology of the Body, giving parents and catechists tools to get beneath the issues and avoid a prudish approach to teaching sexual morality.

Charity in Truth: Pope Benedict Handing on the Social Doctrine of the Church (90 mins, PowerPoint)

Catechesis on Pope Benedict’s first social encyclical Caritas in Veritate. Introduces the Catholic understanding of social justice as handed on by Pope Benedict. Places this encyclical within the tradition of papal social teaching, interpreting the major issues – such as globalization, technology, evangelization, economics, and the environment – within that context.

Character-based Time Management Workshop

Looks at time management as part of a balanced and virtuous life, helping one to be a good steward of the gifts and responsibilities God has given us. Incorporates Stephen Covey on leadership development.

Contemporary Cultural Change in Light of the Theology of the Body: The

Techno 2000’s Decade (90 mins, PowerPoint)

Evaluating the negative and embracing the good in our culture by the light of Gospel values, specifically with the technological changes that have shaped the 2000’s decade. Looks at John Paul II’s teaching on the body’s role in interpersonal communication for insight in the age of cell phones and e-mail.

Talks I Could Give in the Future

Christian Ministry

The RCIA Process

Teachings of Pope Benedict and / or John Paul II

Paul VI on Evangelization

Scripture Interpretation / Scripture and Catechesis

Interpersonal Communication

My Experience of Christian Community / Prayer

Most general theology or catechist training topics