Basic Facts: Theme: God's Love: Written On Our Hearts Date: Oct. 19 & 20, 2007 Location: Renaissance Austin – Arboretum Area Who: Late teens, 20 and 30-year-olds Why: To connect young adults with Christ, each other, the Catholic church and the mission of the Church in the world Contact: Josie Canales, diocesan director of young adult and campus ministry,
or (512) 726-0415
Breakout Sessions: The Written On Our Hearts conference brings high quality breakout sessions from accomplished Catholic leaders, speakers and authors from around the United States and abroad. Your registration includes admission to two sessions.
Spirituality of Work: "In the Cubical with Christ" (English) Do you struggle to balance the demands of a secular workplace with your Catholic Christian values and beliefs? If you find it difficult to find your faith in your daily work, this presentation will help you recover that balance in your life. Presenter: Mgsr. Michael Mulvey, vicar general of the Diocese of Austin
Sunday Eucharist: "Our Weekly Encounter With God's Love" (English with Spanish translation) How is the Eucharist both bread and the total and complete presence of God? Learn about the Eucharistic mystery, the Real Presence and how our reentry into Calvary brings us directly to Jesus Christ. Presenter: Dr. Canales, director of youth ministries in the Diocese of Austin
Reconciliation: "Letting Go of the Past" (English) Every one of us encounters hurts, mistakes, poor choices, regretful experiences and wrong turns. Some hurts are of our own doing, but sometimes they "happen to us." Amid the joys and blessings in our life, what do we do with these wounds on our hearts and souls? Big or small, they have the potential to heal or haunt, dissipate or fester. This workshop will help you listen to the sacred promise written on your hearts and allow your hurts to be blessed by God. You will learn how to embrace the peace of a reconciled life through truth, courage and love. Presenter: Beth Balsam, director of religious education for St. Gabriel's Catholic School
"Scripture in the Daily Life of a Young Adult" (English) Ever wonder how Sacred Scripture is relevant today in your life? And how might a busy young adult begin to read the Bible regularly? Learn popular methods of reading the Bible and consider how you might spend time with God's Word each day. Presenter: John Scarano, director of campus ministry at John Carroll University
"Los Jóvenes Adultos Católicos y La Moralidad" (Spanish) Las vidas de los Jóvenes Adultos Católicos han sido afectadas profundamente por la globalización, individualismo y capitalismo. ¿Cómo pueden ellos mantener su identidad Católica en el mundo de hoy? Ellos son más propensos a acoger ideas religiosas y morales que son incompatibles con las ense–anzas de la iglesia, particularmente en las áreas de la sexualidad, la participación de los laicos en la iglesia, y el papel de mujeres en sociedad. Roberto Navarro trabaja en la Oficina del Ministerio Hispano de la Diocesis de Austin.
"Our Call to Serve the Poor: From the Old Testament to Modern Catholic Social Justice Teaching" (AM Session: English. PM Session: Spanish) Catholic Social Justice is rooted in the Covenant God made with his chosen people on Mt. Sinai. This workshop will explore the way in which our calling to serve the poor is founded in the Law of Moses in the Old Testament; it is continued throughout Jesus' teaching in the New Testament and finally interpreted in modern times through the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching articulate by the United States Catholic Bishops. Presenter: Claudia Neira, theology and Spanish teacher at Reicher Catholic High School in Waco
"The Road Ahead: Decisions and Directions" (AM Session: Spanish. PM Session: English) Your life as a young adult is full of many decisions. Should I look for another job? Should I date this person? What should I study? Should I move? What should I do with my life? This workshop will offer some practical tools for understanding how God speaks to us, obstacles to listening to the voice of God and guidelines for discovering God's will in the concrete situations of life. Presenter: Father Mike Sis, director of Vocations in the Diocese of Austin
"Marriage & Committment" (English) What are the secrets to a long and happy marriage? What does the Catholic Church teach about love and marriage? Why should I get married in the Church? Learn answers to these tough questions and much more. Presenters: Greg and Julie Alexander, founders of The Alexander House
"Credit, Money and Stewardship" (English) Finding a balance between striving for gain and avoiding greed and excess can become a stressful ordeal. We may not realize it, but the teachings of Jesus, through Scripture, can often guide us through the confusing choices presented to us involving our money and the decisions we make. Decisions that can impact your life for years to come. This presentation takes looks at common credit and money decisions through the perspective of charity, humility and stewardship. Presenter: Seth Mason, credit counselor at iPayDebt Financial Services
"Get Up, Get Out and Get Involved!" (English) As Catholics, we are called to go forth and spread the good news to all nations. What does this really mean? How am I supposed to do that? What resources are available to help you? What ministries can you join? Fr. Roderick offers his advice and shares how he's used new media to spread the Gospel and build online communities for the faithful. Presenter: Father Roderick, founder of SQPN and pioneer in Catholic podcasting
* Please note: Speakers and sessions are subject to change.
