Concurrent Sessions "B"

All Concurrent Sessions "B" begin at 1:00 p.m.

 

1-B. The Challenges of Bringing the Gospel to the World

A reflection of a participant of the Synod on the Word of God in the life and mission of the Church. (This presentation will be given once in English and once in French.)

Bishop Luc Bouchard

Bishop Luc Bouchard was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall in 1976. In 2001, he was ordained and installed as Bishop of the Diocese of St. Paul. He has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor of Theology, a Master of Theology and a Licentiate of Theology all from the Dominican College of Philosophy and Theology in Ottawa. In addition, he holds a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture from Pontifical Biblical Institute (Rome). He has taught at universities and colleges across Canada.


2-B. Teaching Teens Religion

This presentation offers guidance, inspiration, practical resources and more than a few laughs for the high school teacher, parent or any adult who may be bewildered, unsure and too often disheartened at the prospect of teaching teens religion.

Danny Brock

Danny Brock has taught high school Religion for over 20 years and has directed countless youth retreats in Canada and the United States. He has a Master's in Pastoral Ministry and is currently director of Religious Education at St. Andrew's Regional Catholic High School in Victoria, British Columbia. His recent book, Teaching Teens Religion, How to Make it a Favorite Class, is published by Novalis.


3-B. Nayelka Nághegez - Northern Lights

Nayelka Nághegez is the Dene Suline phrase for northern lights. This presentation explores how northern Aboriginal spirituality has washed, anointed, and sent us into the light. Using stories, pictures and sharing we will be become open to the "otherness" of people and of God.

Bishop Murray Chatlain

On September 14, 2007 Bishop Murray Chatlain, originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was ordained Bishop for the Diocese of Mackenzie-Ft. Smith. Since that time he has been labouring in the huge vineyard of the Northwest Territories. The diocese encompasses all of the NWT, a section of northern Saskatchewan, and part of Nunavut. Presently he is in negotiations with a Russian Patriarch as to who can claim Santa and the elves as Diocesan members. He has studied the Dene Suline Aboriginal language and he has been immersed in their culture. He likes to share stories of Northern Aboriginal spirituality and the beauty of the people and the land of the North.


4-B. Catholic Education: Inspiring Students to Live As Resurrection People

The purpose of "Education" (any School Division) is to teach the 3 Rs. The mission of "Catholic Education" is to inspire our youth (their teachers, their parents and family) to create within a profound desire to live as a Resurrection Person. The education and formation system of Catholic education – the SCHOOL , the HOME, the PARISH – has been commissioned and mandated to minister to every person connected to this "network of family life" -- so as to facilitate the development and maturation of the "whole person" (mentally, spiritually, physically, socially) -- so as to live the relevance and significance of the incarnation in our daily life.

Mike Dechant

Fr. Mike Dechant, OMI, was ordained to the priesthood in 1975. Currently he is the Director of Mission to Youth through Oblate Youth Ministries. The goal of Oblate Youth Ministries is the training of ‘youth leadership', and the "evangelization of the family", to encourage and facilitate ‘youth ministering to youth' -- ‘adults ministering to adults'.


6-B. Between-times Morality: Adolescence as Liminal Space

Adolescents occupy the liminal space between childhood and adulthood - with feet on the threshold of each. What might this transitional time mean for morality, authenticity, and faith among teens? As adults we are called to witness to and model a life of faith for young people. In doing so, we must attend to their realities and needs in such a way that we demonstrate life in the Gospel and life in the world. What do teens experience today? What do they need? This session explores the ambivalence of living in the liminal space of adolescence and how best we might "Stand in the Light" as a beacon to teens.

Dr. Doris Kieser

Doris M. Kieser, PhD is Assistant Professor of Theology at St. Joseph's College at the University of Alberta. She has been teaching ethics and theology for over 15 years, most frequently in the areas of bioethics and sexuality. She is also a psychological counsellor who maintains a small practice in Edmonton, working primarily with adolescent girls and women. Her research includes elements of both theology and psychology, particularly the unique features of adolescent development, moral decision-making, and human flourishing. All of her work is imbued with a commitment to authenticity and the love of God flooding our hearts.


7-B. The Voice and Meaning of Catholic Health care in a time of Uncertainty

This workshop will focus upon the following items: The call of Jesus in today's society with a focus upon "end of life care, informed consent, advanced directives and care for the marginalized and poor in our midst." The workshop will be a mixture of presentation and discussion.

Brother Tom Maddix

Thomas D. Maddix, CSC, D. Min., is Vice President of Mission, Ethics & Spirituality at Providence Health Care in Vancouver. He is also an adjunct member of the faculty at St. Stephen's College, University of Alberta and formerly worked in Alberta for 15 years before moving to Vancouver in 2004. He holds a Doctor of Ministry in organizational ethics and spirituality as well as two Master's degrees...one in Ethics and another in English Literature. He is a member of the Midwest Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, IN.


9-B. God, Campfire and Star Wars

What do Star Wars, Superman, Hercules, and the stories of the Bible have in common? Why are they so effective and meaningful? How can these stories be used by today's teachers, parents, and Catechists to deepen the faith of our society? Fr. Mike will deal with these and other questions in his discussion of the usefulness and effectiveness of what is commonly called "secular" and "popular" culture in evangelizing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Fr. Mike Mireau

Fr. Michael "Catfish" Mireau is a Diocesan Priest serving the Archdiocese of Edmonton since Ordination in 2002. He has served the communities of St. Theresa's, St. Michael's (Leduc) and currently St. Pius X and St. Angela Merici in Edmonton. He has also been involved with Camp Encounter for 17 years, currently as Chairman of the Board. Prior to entering the Seminary, Fr. Mike earned a Masters Degree in Mathematical Physics, studying the Big Bang, General Relativity, and Modern Cosmology. Many of his published works, including his weekly homilies, can be found on his website - fathercatfish.com. Fr. Mike is the proud owner of his dog Nemo, the cutest dog in the universe.


10-B. A Look at Baptism in the Eastern Christian Churches – Signed, Sealed and Delivered into the Newness of Life

Let's face it, most of us were infants when we were baptized. If you're like me, you certainly don't remember the event. Relive your baptism by exploring the symbols of baptism from an Eastern Christian perspective. The meaning of baptism. The sign of the cross. The creed. Baptismal font. Water. Anointing with oil. Triple immersion. New clothes. Candles. And all for what you ask? Well, baptism is the celebration of the entrance into the life of Christ, into the community that lives in him. Anointed, that is chrismated or confirmed, by the Holy Spirit for the work of the Kingdom, we are rendered fit to participate in the banquet of the Kingdom, the Divine Eucharist. The Newness of Life!

Bishop David Motiuk

Bishop David Motiuk was born in Vegreville, Alberta. He was ordained to the episcopacy in 2002 and currently serves as the Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton. He enjoys family and friends, reading and movies


12-B. Je suis spirituel, Mais Je Ne Suis pas Religieux

How often have you heard someone say this? Or perhaps you've said it yourself. What does the sentence mean? What is spirituality? What is religion? At what level do these converge? This workshop is an exploration of these terms, and an attempt to understand better the spiritual landscape of contempary Canada. (Presentation will be offered once in English and once in French.)

Archbishop Gerard Pettipas

Archbishop Gerard Pettipas was installed as Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan in 2007. He has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Windsor, a Master of Divinty from the University of St. Michaels's College (Toronto School of Theology), and a Master of Arts in counseling and spirituality from St. Joseph's College, Connecticut. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1977. As a Redemptorist, Archbishop Pettipas's ministrial assignments have included: parish ministry, vocation promotion, director of novices, mission preaching team adn the Redemptorist Youth Mission Team. Currently is also the chair of the Board of Directors of the Corporation of Catholic Entities Party to the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement.