2009 Breakout Sessions

Potatoes Are for Chips Not Pews – Dave Airy
Are you a Pew Potato? There’s more to being a good Catholic than just attending Mass. In Deuteronomy 10:12, it says, “Serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” It doesn’t say anything about being a SPUD! We need to challenge ourselves to become an active part of our parish. God has blessed each of us with special gifts – talents and abilities – so that we could use them to help others and build up His Church. We’re special…we’re children of God…we’re not “DUD SPUDS”.

Hope in Challenging Times – Msgr. Russell Bleich
This session will explore teachings of hope from the heroes in Scripture, the Encyclical on Hope (Spes Salvi) by Pope Benedict XVI, and from spiritual masters and saints through centuries of tradition in the Church. "For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you a future full of hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"Not under my roof!" The Centurion's Dilemma – Fr. Nick March
Men of faith through the centuries have often felt caught in a false dilemma: they want communion with God, but feel unworthy of his presence. The words of the centurion in Matthew 8:8, which we take as a pre-Communion cry for mercy, will help us to experience the Eucharist as a gift of restoration. We will become men who say with confidence, "I shall be healed."

“Lasting Treasure” - Some Thoughts and Principles on Money – Ed Meissner & Tom Satern
This session will take a look at several principles, many with biblical roots, regarding our money management. We’ll examine some ways we can see how we’re doing in the area of finances, and how we can challenge ourselves to grow in our financial stewardship. We will also discuss a few pitfalls that hurt many people with their personal finances.

Sex, Fatherhood, and Priestly Authority – Fr. Chris Podhajsky
In this session, presuming that "grace builds on nature," Fr. Podhajsky will explore how and why it is that every father is a priest, and every priest is a father and what that means for our day-to-day life as men in the home.

Living a Sacramental Life – Fr. Michael Podhajsky
A better understanding of the Sacraments as real encounters with Jesus Christ will help us to live in closer unity with our Blessed Lord and experience a greater share of His grace and aide.

Why Me? – Deacon Richard L. (Rich) Wallace
This informational session will provide an overview of the Permanent Diaconate. From discernment to life after ordination, what is it really like to be called Deacon? With a touch of history, humor, and time for questions, you are invited to join us and learn more about the Diaconate in our Archdiocese.

“Champions of Faith” – Video and discussion
Back by popular demand, this groundbreaking film from Catholic Exchange features Major League Baseball champions Mike Piazza, David Eckstein, Mike Sweeny and others as they share their Catholic faith through triumph and trials on the field and at home. A short discussion will follow after the video.