schedule

Discernment Sessions
Saturday, November 19, 2011
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

ID	TRACK	TITLE	FACILITATOR(S)	LOCATION
E501	DisY	Where Do We Go From Here? Sponsor: SpiritandSong.com	Cooper Ray	Wabash
Description: Many of us will leave here changed individuals, but will go back to the same life we left...with the same distractions, temptations, perhaps even the same friends who don’t understand what we’ve experienced. Learn how to carry this momentum in faith you've discovered and invite God fully into the major life decisions you'll face in the coming years.			Cooper Ray is a dynamic and light-hearted speaker and musician who has been a part of youth ministry for more than seventeen years. He has served as the director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Baton Rouge and held numerous leadership positions at The Pines Catholic Camp, most recently as camp director. Cooper is an experienced liturgical music leader who holds a master's degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University, New Orleans.

E502	DisY	Next Steps After High School	Nora Bradbury-Haehl	Room 133-136
Description: Whatever is next for you--college, work, military--who you hang out with, how you spend your time and money, your relationships with family, friends, and God will all be dramatically different. Scary, but awesome. Remember, you are “called to glory!” This session will help you look forward to these changes and understand how our faith can make all the difference in the people we are about to become.			Nora Bradbury-Haehl is a contributing editor at BustedHalo.com and author of The Freshman Survival Guide. She has worked in youth and young adult ministry for more than twenty years. Nora is the author of ScriptureWalk, and ScriptureWalk: Discipleship, and was a writer for Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics all with St. Mary's Press.

E503	DisY	Sometimes, Life Is Boring Sponsor: Notre Dame Vision	Leonard DeLorenzo and Tim O'Malley	Room 107-110
Description: Though our lives as Christians can be exciting, many times we find ourselves in unspectacular, mundane, or even trying situations. At the end of an energetic three days at NCYC, we consider how we can develop the capacities and the practices for faithful living even when life is hard, unpredictable, or just plain boring.			Leonard DeLorenzo has been with the Notre Dame Vision program since its inception in 2002. He holds a bachelor of arts in theology and philosophy and a master's in systematic theology from the University of Notre Dame. DeLorenzo is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in systematic theology.

E504	DisY	Prayer: Our Way to Glory!	Fr. Jonathan Meyer	Room 125-128
Description: Prayer can often seem quite and unrewarding. Yet, this is how we communicate with God. It is ONLY in prayer that we find God's will for our lives and the courage to live them. If we seek to follow God, we must pray. Come and open your heart to prayer and commit to a deeper conversation with the Lord.			Father Jonathan Paul Meyer was ordained a priest in 2003 after studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. After his ordination he served as the director of youth ministry for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for five and a half years. Currently, he serves as pastor of three parishes in North Vernon, Indiana, where he also serves at the local public high school as the chaplin to the football team and the track coach. He has spoken to thousands of young people about Jesus Christ and is well known for his explanation of the theology of the body.

E505	DisY	Finding Your Center Sponsor: OCP	Sarah Hart	Room 130-132
Description: Explore what Jesus teaches us in the Gospels about prioritizing and finding what is truly at the center of our lives in a very self-centered world. Come share with Sarah through music, stories, prayer, and small group discussion how everything changes when we know our center.			Sarah Hart is a singer, songwriter, and speaker whose love for music and faith intersect in amazing ways. An artist with spiritandsong.com/OCP, Sarah speaks and performs at such events as NCYC, LA Congress, and World Youth Day, as well as churches, colleges, and anywhere else she is asked to go. A Grammy nominated songwriter for Better than a Hallelujah, Sarah’s songs have been recorded by numerous artists including Amy Grant, Matt Maher, and The Newsboys. Sarah happily admits her favorite jobs are that of wife and mom.

E506	DisY	Life Choices Sponsor: Catholic Relief Services	Marcos Martinez	Room 137-139
Description: We are created in the image and likeness of God. All human life is sacred and possesses a dignity that comes directly from our creation and not from any action of our own. How do we share this recognition of the sacredness and dignity of all people? Come and see how we can make a difference in our world through the choices we make.			Marcos Martinez has worked with Catholic Relief Services since May 2006 as youth and young adult program coordinator for the Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio. His travels with CRS have taken him to Ecuador, Mexico, and Senegal. He previously served as the diocesan director of youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of El Paso and has been involved in youth and young adult ministry for more than twenty years. Marcos is married to Cyndi and they have five blessing from God: Roel, Mikaela, Amelia, Jesse, and Mia. God is good all the time!

E507	DisY	Plug In Your Musical Gifts Sponsor: OCP	Tom Tomaszek	Room 231-233
Description: All God's creatures have a place in the choir, but some are really talented and sing and play beautifully. If you are one of those gifted individuals, come to this session to reflect upon how you can use your talents to serve others.			Tom Tomaszek travels regularly to national and diocesan events as a presenter on the topics of spirituality, prayer, and worship. Holding master degrees in theological studies and education, he has taught in a variety of settings and has extensive experience in liturgical ministry, pastoral music, and worship products development. He received the 2004 Publisher/Author/Artist Award from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry for his efforts to better integrate youth into parish worship. Currently, Tom is the director of artists and repertoire at OCP (Oregon Catholic Press).

E508	DisY	Mission Now	Great Ideas in Faith Formation	Room 234-236
Description: You do not have to wait until you are out of high school or college to do mission, ministry, or service. In fact, becoming involved while still in high school may be the perfect way to discern your future and to respond to what you've experienced at NCYC. If you're beginning to feel an interest in ministry or mission later in life, getting involved now is a great way to build up the kind of personal resume that will prepare you.			Vikki Shepp, a ministry consultant and speaker, previously served as the LA Congress coordinator and consultant for youth ministry and confirmation for the Office of Religious Education in the Los Angeles Archdiocese. She is coauthor of Forming Generous Hearts and author of Letting Go of the Chaos and Coyote Meets Jesus, a Benjamin Franklin Award finalist. She currently serves the Girl Scouts of Orange County as director of program and volunteer services, is the chair of the NFCYM's National Catholic Committee on Girl Scouts and Camp Fire (NCCGSCF) management committee, and helps in the editorial development of NFCYM's Living and Loving Our Catholic Faith series and youth ministry resource manual.

E509	DisY	Develop a Change of Heart	Ronald Reiter	Room 237-239
Description: Metanoia is an invitation by the Lord to change directions in one's life and seek his will, and not ours, in all matters. How do we determine that God is inviting us to change? Change to what? Prayer, scripture, the Eucharist, reconciliation, and a community of believers give us the source of support we need for developing a closer relationship with the Trinity.			Ronald Reiter has been married to Kay for forty-seven years. They have ten children and nineteen grandchildren; number twenty is due in January 2012. Ron has been involved with the TEC Movement since 1978. He began serving in various leadership roles at the national level in 1989 and became executive director in 2005. TEC is in more that fifty diocese across the country and is active in the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Canada, Bahamas, Bolivia, and most recently in Nicaragua.

E510	DisY	Leadership: Made for Ministry	Milissa Thibodeaux	Room 140-142
Description: To build the Kingdom of God you need prayerful discernment of what it means to be a teen leader as well as what to do with all of the tools (gifts) in your toolbox. Do you know where your toolbox is, how to get it open, and how to use the tools you have? This session offers insights on effective leadership skills and a way to discern how to apply your God-given skills and gifts to your daily life. “We are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Cor 3:9)			Milissa Thibodeaux has been in youth ministry for the last twelve years. She has worked in direct ministry on a parish and diocesan level and has been a speaker for confirmation classes, retreats, rallies, and days of reflection. She has been the director of youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Lake Charles since 2006. She also serves as the confirmation coordinator for Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She has been married for twenty-three years to William Thibodeaux and they have three children, Joshua, Eric and Zachary.

E511	DisY	Making Moral Decisions	Ken Ogorek	Room 143-145
Description: Decisions would be easy if God texted us his guidance or sent his angel as he did to Mary. God is constantly communicating with us. When we learn how God reaches out to us and the patterns in this communication, making moral decisions isn't as hard or mysterious as we might have thought. This session is a chance to pull together what we've experienced at NCYC and reflect on the ingredients of good decision-making. This is a gift that keeps on giving!			Ken Ogorek has said "Teens got me in to Church ministry and our young Church helps keep me energized for service to God's people." Once a high school religion teacher, Ken is now director of catechesis for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. His publications include Let's Talk, a catechetical resource for teens. Catholic groups throughout the United States have invited Ken to speak at their gatherings and he's looking forward to a great NCYC.

E512	DisY	Who Is My Neighbor?	Paul Sifuentes	Room 240-242
Description: This workshop will take the participant on a journey that will explore what our relationship mean in the light of Christ. What relationships are necessary to live a life in Christ and which ones are hurtful to that lifestyle? We will look at the keys to make relationships with friends, family, and strangers healthy and life giving.			Paul Sifuentes is currently the director of youth and young adult ministry at St. Alphonsus Liguori Parish in Zionsville, Indiana. He has been involved in professional youth ministry for six years. He has his bachelor’s in theater and theology and a master’s in theology from the University of Notre Dame. He has been married to my wife, Alexa, for almost three blessed years. Their son, Luke Benedict, turned one on November 16.

E513	DisY	Out of Bounds: Making Healthy Decisions in the Digital World Sponsor: Ministry Training Source	Dr. Charlotte McCorquodale	Room 243-245
Description: Access to information and means of communicating change rapidly, but just because we can do or see something doesn't mean we should! We will look at the issues and decisions facing us today and how we can make good and healthy decisions that line up with our faith and beliefs.			Charlotte McCorquodale has served as a lay ecclesial minister for the past twenty-nine years in parish, school, diocesan, and national settings. She was chair of the NFCYM Board of Directors and member of the USCCB Commission for Certification and Accreditation. Currently, she advises the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family, and Youth and is an international researcher, consultant, and trainer in the fields of lay ecclesial ministry, certification, e-learning, and youth ministry. Her published works include research reports and journal articles on youth and religion and lay ecclesial ministry.

E514	DisY	What Now? Men of Faith â€“ Seeking God and Serving the Church	Fr. Anthony Vinson OSB	Room 122-124
Description: Diocesan priest, religious priest or brother, monk, military chaplain, permanent deacon, is one of these right for you? Pope John Paul II described a vocation "as something which is entrusted by God to an individual" and said we each have the "marvelous task" of discovering our vocation in life. Take a closer look at what your vocation might be by engaging in the church's great gift of discernment through prayer, dialogue, discussion, and reflection.			Father Anthony M. Vinson, OSB, is a Benedictine monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, Indiana. He holds master degrees in Catholic thought and life and in divinity, both from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. He is pastor of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Fulda, Indiana, and St. Meinrad Catholic Church in St. Meinrad and associate director of monastery vocations. Previously, Fr. Anthony served as director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Formation of Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. He is a member of the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) Board, serving as chairman of the board and finance committee and is on the editorial advisory board of Horizon, the NRVC journal.

E515	DisY	Women of Faith? God's Call to Holiness and Sacred Service Sponsor: National Religious Vocation Conference	Sr. Deborah Borneman, SSCM	Room 120-121
Description: Had a great time meeting new people, hearing inspiring talks, and experiencing incredible prayer? What now? Join us for lively discussion and prayerful reflection on how to take the NCYC experience home. Focus on the gift of discernment in putting together all the messages and memories of NCYC into your life and your future. Learn ways to answer God’s call to holiness and sacred service in the vocation to which God is calling you.			Sister Deborah Marie Borneman, SSCM is the associate director of the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC). A Pittsburgh native, she has an MA in pastoral studies and anticipates receiving her Master of Divinity in 2013, both from Loyola University in Chicago. Previously, she served as the associate director of Catholic campus ministry at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her vocation, campus ministry, and administrative experience, Sr. Deborah Marie, has twenty years’ experience in religious education, parish, and youth ministry.

E516	DisY	Pathways and Crossroads Sponsor: Living Hope	Great Ideas in Youth Ministry	Sagamore 7
Description: Through prayer, music, discussion, activities and Scripture we will journey toward an awareness of the ongoing Presence of God in our lives as we discern God's path for us and look forward to what now?			Beth and Chris Carlin are founders of Living Hope, a retreat ministry based in upstate New York. They have been working together on discernment and prayer programs with teens for the past five years, and separately for twelve years before that through youth, music, and various other ministries. Beth has her MA in theology and certification in spiritual direction. Chris holds a master of divinity.

E520		Parents in Prayer	Randy Raus	Sagamore 3-5
Description: This interactive session will help parents learn ways to empower their families to pray more. Session topics include: Praying with teens, How to set a prayer environment in your home, Getting your family to pray, Setting the example in prayer, and Five things your kids think about prayer and why these will make the difference for your family.			Randy Raus is the president/chief executive officer of Life Teen, a Catholic youth ministry movement currently being implemented in 1600 parishes in twenty-six countries worldwide. Randy is a twenty-eight year convert to Catholicism who travels the world training youth leaders, teens, parents, priests, and families to help teens grow closer to Christ. He has spoken at the past four World Youth Days. Married to Monica for twenty-four years, they have eight beautiful children.

E521	DisA	Next Steps After NCYC	Kevin Feyen	Room 205-207
Description: NCYC is not the end. We are all going home to the lives we left. What can we do to help young people continue the energy of NCYC? How can we use NCYC to foster greater faith in our entire parish or school community? Spend time in prayer, reflection, and discussion as we delve into what is best for the future of our teens.			Kevin Feyen is the director of adolescent faith formation for the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Before that, he spent seven years as a coordinator of youth ministry and religious education in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Kevin has a master of theological studies degree from St. Norbert College. He is married and has two children.

E522	DisA	Discerning a Ministry to Youth Sponsor: Cultivation Ministries	Frank Mercadante	Sagamore 1
Description: Have you ever considered a vocation to minister to and with young people? What does it take to move in that direction and are you ready for a life of ministry? Come find out and pray about it for a while.			Frank Mercadante is the founder and executive director of Cultivation Ministries. He received a BA in Christian education from Wheaton College and a MPS from Loyola University of Chicago. Since 1991, Frank has trained thousands of youth ministry leaders across Unites States and internationally. He has written numerous youth ministry resources, including Growing Teen Disciples, Positively Dangerous, Make It Real. and Engaging A New Generation (March 2012). Frank is married with six children.

E523	DisA	Growing an Adult Spirituality Sponsor: WLP	John Angotti	Sagamore 2
Description: What does an adult spirituality look like in your life? Learn practices and processes that might assist you in growing your spirituality to the next level.			John Angotti is a gifted composer and performing artist who travels the world spreading the Good News and sharing his songs and stories of life, while celebrating and glorifying our Lord, Jesus Christ. His music and recordings are published by World Library Publications.

E524	DisA	For Your Marriage	Roy Petitfils	Sagamore 6
Description: Drawing on his experience as a minister and a therapist, Roy will discuss the ten myths about happy marriages and the five essential elements in healthy marriages. Learn prayer methods that deepen your connection with God and one another, tips for engaging in meaningful communication, and more! Roy’s unique style of "edutainment" will have you laughing, pondering, and learning skills you can use immediately to deepen marital intimacy and celebrate your marriage.			Roy Petitfils holds an MS in counseling and studied ministry and spirituality for five years. He served in schools as a teacher, campus minister, counselor, and administrator. He is currently a therapist at a Catholic counseling center conducting individual, marriage, and family counseling. Roy writes a syndicated column for adults who work with youth. His books include A Practical Guide to High School Campus Ministry and What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About the First Five Years of Marriage. Roy annually conducts retreats and workshops and parish missions.

E530		XLT Sponsor: Lifeteen		Hall H
Description: This full-on prayer and worship session features vibrant Catholic music, a dynamic talk and a time of eucharistic adoration. This is the fourth XLT at a NCYC.