2013 Speakers

Sr. Helena BurnsSr. Helena Burns

Talk: Discovering Your Feminine Identity In Christ

We hear so much about the “New Evangelization.” But what does this mean specifically for Catholic women? We will explore “the feminine genius” and women’s special gifts that make us suited to evangelizing.

What is our feminine identity in Christ? How do women uniquely and effectively witness to Christ? We will examine Blessed John Paul the Great’s “Theology of the Body” as a vital part of the New Evangelization, and why it’s good news for women in particular.

Talk: Turning Hot Button Issues Into Fruitful Conversation

Tongue-tied when people start conversations like: “Why can’t women be ordained?” “I never understood the Church’s teaching on contraception.” “Gays should be able to get married like everyone else.” You may know the answers–if only people would give you a few hours! Today, if you can’t answer in one sentence, people think a) you don’t know the answer b) you’re wrong c) you’re stupid d) all the above. By memorizing a few simple apologetic-style soundbites, you can avoid a)-d) and kickstart a fruitful conversation!

Sr. Helena Burns, fsp, is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul, an international congregation founded to communicate God’s Word through the media. She is finishing her M.A. in Media Literacy Education; has a B.A. in theology and philosophy from St. John’s University, NYC; studied screenwriting at UCLA and Act One, Hollywood; and holds a Certificate in Pastoral Youth Ministry. She is the movie reviewer for “The Catholic New World,” Chicago’s Archdiocesan newspaper. She is currently writing and producing a documentary on the life of Blessed James Alberione: www.MediaApostle.com.

Sr. Helena has been giving media and Theology of the Body workshops to youth and adults all over the U.S. and Canada since the 90’s, and believes that media can be a primary tool for sharing God’s love and salvation.

Fr Tom Vandenberg

Fr. Tom Vandenberg
Talk: “Top Ten” Gospel Truths That WilI Set You Free

The Gospel is the truth that sets us free. But among all of the truths of our faith, what are some critical insights that women need to hear today? Come and hear as Fr. Tom draws upon more than 50 years of priestly life to share with you the “Top Ten” truths that women most need to welcome into their minds and hearts today.

Fr. Tom Vandenberg has been a priest for over 50 years with the Archdioceses of Seattle.  He is a nationally known speaker and is Pastor Emeritis of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Federal Way, Washington.

FrJacobMaurer

Fr. Jacob Maurer
Talk: Mary, Catholic Identity and the Glory of Being a Woman.

There is a crisis of Catholic identity in our Church and a loss of respect for women as women in today’s society. Learn how the Blessed Mother is the key to restoring both.

Born in Saint Cloud, MN, Fr. Maurer moved around for fifteen years before settling in Washington with his parents, three brothers and sister. He was ordained a deacon on August 23rd, 2008 and a priest on June 13th, 2009 for the archdiocese of Seattle.

Fr. Maurer is currently the Priest Administrator of Holy Rosary and Saint Joseph parishes in Tacoma.

Blog: http://www.acts24.com/blog/

TomAndKariCurran-2013Tom and Kari Curran
Masters of Ceremonies

Dr. Thomas Curran is director of My Catholic Faith Ministries, a non-profit ministry dedicated to helping Catholics understand, live and share their Catholic faith. Dr. Curran is the host of the popular weekday radio program Sound Insight and has given countless talks at parishes, retreats and conferences. His dynamic, humorous and insightful teaching style has helped thousands of Catholics grow in their faith and relationship with God.

Kari is a vibrant woman of faith and mother of nine children. With humor, practical examples and wisdom, Tom and Kari will bring to life the beauty of a marriage and family that is centered in holiness.

Tom and Kari Curran
Talk: Experiencing Faith in Family Life

In this presentation Tom and Kari share stories, principles, and tips with their own brand of insight, passion and humor to encourage you in your own attempts to help your family’s faith to flourish.

Dr. Thomas Curran is director of My Catholic Faith Ministries, a non-profit ministry dedicated to helping Catholics understand, live and share their Catholic faith. Dr. Curran is the host of the popular weekday radio program Sound Insight and has given countless talks at parishes, retreats and conferences. His dynamic, humorous and insightful teaching style has helped thousands of Catholics grow in their faith and relationship with God.

Kari is a vibrant woman of faith and mother of nine children. With humor, practical examples and wisdom, Tom and Kari will bring to life the beauty of a marriage and family that is centered in holiness.

Fr. Pat Smith
Talk: The Spirit of Faith: “You shall be Clothed with Power when the Holy Spirit comes upon You.

Today we are called to a New Evangelization, marked by new fervor, new methods and new expressions. In this presentation, we will learn Catholic principles and practices for sharing our faith with confidence and courage.

 

Fr. Kurt NagelFr. Kurt Nagel
Talk: Faith and Eternal Life

The gift of faith is rooted in the life of the Sacraments. God pours His divine life into us through the Sacraments. In this presentation, Fr. Nagel will share insights into the Sacraments and how we can grow in faith through the Sacramental life.

Fr. Kurt Nagel was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. After earning degrees in history from the University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University he attended Mundelein Seminary, in Chicago. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Seattle in 1997 and has been assigned to parishes in Tacoma, Port Angeles, Forks, Port Townsend and Kirkland. He is currently Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Kirkland.

Fr. Ed White
Talk: Jesus the Divine Physician: “I do will it. Be healed.”

The Lord Jesus loves us so much that He comes close to us, to touch us with His healing power. Too often, we struggle to believe or to experience this reality in our lives. In this presentation, Fr. White will teach us how to be open to receive what Jesus is waiting to give!

Fr. Ed White was born in Deer Lodge, Montana and grew up in the midwest. He came to Seattle to study forestry, but soon discovered ministry as his primary interest. Becoming Catholic in 1980, Fr. Ed began a vocational search that took him through lay ministry, monastic life, and finally diocesan priesthood. He was ordained by Archbishop Brunett in 2005 and has served St. Stephens since 2006. He loves hiking, fishing, and travel.

Most Reverend Eusebio Elizondo
Talk: Celebrant

Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, MSpS is a native of Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He received a bachelor’s degree in theology and a canon law degree from the Gregorian University in Rome.  In 1984, he was ordained a priest of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit — a Religious Congregation of men consecrated to God for the service of the Church — providing spiritual direction for priests and consecrated religious.  He was assigned to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Bothell, Washington in 2000 to provide ministry to the growing Hispanic community in Western Washington upon the request of Archbishop Brunett. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Seattle by Pope Benedict XVI on May 12, 2005 and was ordained by Archbishop Brunett on June 6, 2005. Bishop Elizondo is the first Hispanic bishop in Seattle and is honored to serve the people of the Northwest.

Maureen Still Band
Talk: Music Leader

In the early 1990’s Maureen was instrumental in bringing contemporary Christian music to her church and in forming the contemporary choir, “Power of One”. The choir soon expanded their ministry to concerts, appearances and benefits across Western Washington. This was the impetus for Maureen to begin sharing her original music. With Maureen’s leadership, “Power of One” experienced many successes including two album recordings, traveling to Rome to sing for an audience with Pope John Paul II in 1994 and performing as backup choir to Celine Dion in her March 1997 sold out Seattle concert at Key Arena. They now minister whole-heartedly to their church’s LifeTeen program.

In 1995, Maureen gathered together some of the talented musicians from “Power of One” and entered the studio to record her first solo album, “Hangin’ With The Angels”. The Maureen Still Band was born! This first CD began Maureen’s ministry and led to many concerts and appearances.

Eighteen years and 9 CD recordings later, Maureen continues to follow her calling and celebrates God’s presence in her life through every lyric and tune. Her writing has been recognized by Western Washington’s Worthy Ministries Competition and at GMA’s Music in the Rockies Christian Artists Seminar & Competition. Her live concerts are high energy and thought provoking. The Maureen Still Band is welcomed by many different Christian denominations, people young and old and they enjoy sharing and ministering to all.

Maureen is inspired by family and friends, church and home. God’s unending love and all she has been blessed with in life leads her to celebrate the Lord through her music. By following His call, Maureen Still blesses us all with a prayerful, fun and enthusiastic example of God’s glory!