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Keynote Address:

Anne M. Burke

Illinois Supreme Court Justice

"Faith in God, Integrity of Self and Justice for All"

Pre-Conference Workshops 10:30 - 11:45 am

 

Dr. Karen O'Donnell

PC-1
Mix & Greet; Mix & Match
Dr. Karen O'Donnell

This pre-conference session is designed especially for those who are with us for the first time or who have come alone, and want to meet other really good poeple. Through improv games, mixers, and other creative strategies, participants meet others while having some fun. It's a great way to begin FOCUS!

Dr. Karen O'Donnell received her doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry in 1984, where she also served on the faculty and was assistant team dentist for the UIC Flames hockey team. She is in private practice in Homewood. Karen is also involved with leadership for an international personal development company where she serves as a Mentor Trainer. She is certified in Neurolinguistic Programming and Hypnosis. She is a Minor League improv Player with Comedy Sportz and sings in Old St. Patrick's Chruch choir.

Mr. Gregory Darr

PC-2
Sharing Your Gifts through Mission Work
Panel discussion led by Mr. Greg Darr
Mr. Gregory Darr

Greg will begin this panel discussion by relating how he came to become a full-time lay missioner with emphasis on his oversees service. He and the other panelists will then discuss issues of interest to those considering full-time volunteer/mission service for a short or longer period of time. Issues to be addressed will include discerning service, gathering information, applying to programs, community life, transitions, financial arrangements, building relationships, and service in the context of social transformation.

Mr. Gregory Darr is a native of Chisago City, Minnesota, and a 1990 graduate of the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining Maryknoll, Greg worked with programs serving rural low-income families in north Florida and the chronically homeless of inner-city Philadelphia. In 1993, Greg was sent to Kenya, East Africa, as a Maryknoll lay missioner where he served with a small justice and peace program helping communities broken by violent conflict to develop local efforts in peace and reconciliation. He has worked with refugees and immigrants from other East African nations as well as Haiti and Viet Nam.

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Conference Workshops
Round I: 2:45 - 4:00 pm; Round II: 4:15 - 5:30 pm

Relationships

Ms. Donna J. Dhein

R-1
Intimacy: Close Encounters of the Most Challenging Kind
Ms. Donna J. Dhein

Pursue, distance, be yourself, or play the game? There's lots of conflicting advice out there on relationships. Come to discuss what intimacy really means, and why it is so critical to develop in meaningrful relationships.

holds a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Benedictine University and is a Lincensed Clinical Professional Counselor in private practice in Downers Grove. She has done consulting work for hospitals, schools and local businesses, adding her own unique blend of humor with practical solutions to challenges in our fast paced society. Donna is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, the Illinois Counseling Association, and EMDRIA, an organization dedicated to healing trauma in the lives of individuals.

 

Dr. Kathy Heskin

R-2
Celebrating Our Differences In Relationships
Dr. Kathy Heskin

Opposites do attract, but they can drive each other crazy after a while! Kathy will discuss ways to turn opposites into positives. By celebrating our differences, we become more whole.

Dr. Kathy Heskin earned her M. Div. from Loyola University and her D. Min. from University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. She is an ssistant professor of theology and pastoral ministry at Dominican University as well as director of the University's pastoral ministry program.

 

Ms. Michelle Strbich

R-3
Building Rapport in Your Relationships
Ms. Michelle Strbich

Building rapport is a dynamic journey that influences choices about how we communicate with friends, family members, and co-workers, as well as how well we give and receive support. In this workshop you will learn how to:• Use the power of intention to build rapport • Communicate in a positive manner daily • Connect with others in a way that flourishes a dynamic relationship • Overcome obstacles, like defensiveness or resistance.

Ms. Michelle Strbich, a Chicago native, was born and raised by Catholic Croatian immigrant parents, who were her best teachers in the degree earned: Common Sense (CS). She earned her Master degree at Northern Illinois University. For a decade, her professional focus has been in the Training & Development field. Her mission is to inspire confidence, motivate others to achieve their personal and professional goals, and be a messenger of light.

R-4
Made in the Image of God: Psycho-Spiritual Components of Healthy Relationships.
Mr. Doug Scott

This talk explores the psychological and spiritual components present in truly healthy relationships. Come to discuss how relationships become dysfunctional when unconscious personality traits and ego needs surface. Surrendering into brokenness is ultimately how we find the grace that heals our relationships.

Mr. Doug Scott is a therapist/psychotherapist at Catholic Charities and young adult ministry coordinator at St. Andrew's Church. He has a degree in Clinical Social Work and a masters in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College. Doug grew up in Texas and majored in psychology and Spanish at the University of North Texas (Cum Laude). He joined Cap Corps and served as a missionary in Bluefields Nicaragua. After graduation of his dual-masters at Boston College he married and moved to Chicago for a medial residency at RIC.

 

Mr. Alan Irgang

R-5
Dating & Mating: A New Roadmap for Lasting Love
Mr. Alan Irgang

In this interactive workshop, you will learn practical ideas and strategies for dating and creating love that lasts. Learn how to find quality people to date, what attracts people to one another, how to know when it's true love, the stages of relationships, and the qualities of a healthy relationship.

Mr. Alan Irgang is a psychotherapist in private practice on the north side of Chicago with specialties in relationships, addictions, depression, and issues of sexuality. Alan is also on the adjunct faculty of Loyola University in the Graduate School of Social Work and a consultant to several non-profit organizations. He has a master of social work degree from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at UIC.

 

Ms. Ann Davidson

R-6
Finding Mr. or Ms. Right: Following the Map to the Love of Your Life
Ms. Ann Davidson

Are you looking for Mr. or Ms. Right? Has your search for the perfect mate sometimes left you going in circles? In the search for love, many end up feeling lost, frustrated, and thinking there are too many barriers in the path to love. But what if you had a map that led you to your love? Come to learn a unique approach to finding an ideal match. We will explore strategies and tools that will lead to love and a more fun and fulfilled life along the way.

Ms. Ann Davidson is an entrepreneneur in the business of coaching others to the life they desire. Her personal mission is to be a source of inspiration. Prior to founding her company, she worked as a trainer and employee development specialist for a Fortune 1000 company. She is a spiritual leader, a volunteer lay chaplain, and a youth group sponsor at her church.

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Faith

Fr. Ronald Kunkel

F-1
The Essence of Catholicism
Fr. Ronald Kunkel

Have you ever wondered what is unique and distinctive about being Catholic? How is the Catholic faith different from Protestent denomenations, and other religious traditions? Join Fr. Kunkel for a discussion of the Eucharist as the "source and summit" of the Christian life, and a Catholic view of life in general.

Fr. Ronald Kunkel was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in May, 2000. He holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame, the Pontifical Gregorian University, and the Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm. Fr. Kunkel has served as Associate Pastor at St. Peter Parish, Skokie and Holy Name Cathedral. He is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, and currently is pursuing a Doctorate in Sacred Theology there.

 

Ms. Jackelyn Posek

F-2
Keeping the Faith: Life as a Confident Catholic Young Adult
Ms. Jackelyn Posek

All too often, Catholics face criticism from the culture around them. Many non-Catholics are quick to associate negative images with the Catholic faith, and view the church as outdated, unrealistic, or just plain wrong. Yet our church is so rich in faith and love, and steeped in our desire to follow the path of Christ--how do we continue to embody that faith in the face of opposition from our culture, or even our peers? What does it really mean to be a confident Catholic who truly keeps the faith?

Ms. Jackelyn Posek is currently a third-year Masters of Divinity student at the University of Chicago. Her work has focused on young adult ministry and Catholic theology of sexuality. She has worked with the Young Adult Ministry Office of Chicago as the coordinator of Theology on Tap.

 

Fr. Michael Sparough

F-3
Decisions - Decisions- Decsions! What Ignatian Spirituality Says about How to Decide What to Decide
Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ

Many of us are torn by decisions that we need to make, and often, after we make the decision, we are filled with doubts and regrets. In the 16th century, at a time when the Church was torn apart by conflicting religious and political concerns, St. Ignatius Loyola developed a methodology of decision-making that is disciplined, practical and very applicable to our life situations today.

Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ, is a retreat master, storyteller, actor, writer and spiritual director. For 7 years, he ministered at the Bellarmine Retreat House in Barrington. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from Yale and a Doctorate in Ministry from St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein. He lectures at the Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola. Fr. Michael has the ability to make the scriptures come alive through his heart-warming dramas, spirited preaching, and innovative approaches to spirituality.

 

Mr. Mike Hayes

F-4
Does God Have a Plan for Me?
Mr. Mike Hayes

Is our career tied to not only our passions and interests but also to God's design for us as individuals? How do I know what career I belong in and if I make a mistake, does that mean I ruined my vocational calling? This is a hands-on workshop that allows for individual discernment on a particular vocational call. Ignatian spirituality practices are highlighted alongside traditional teaching from the Catechism.

Mr. Mike Hayes is managing editor for Busted Halo.Com. He has been active in retreat ministry for young adults since his college days. Mike has coordinated young adult ministry at St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan, where he is currently parish council president. Mike was active in media communications for nine years – as producer and reporter for WFAN and WOR Radio, two of New York City’s major talk voices, and as sports correspondent for several radio stations across the country.

Fr. Robin Ryan, C.P.

F-5
Prayer - Pathways to a Relationship with Jesus
Fr. Robin Ryan, C.P.

Just how do we pray? Is there more to it than a simple conversation with God? What does prayer do, and how does it affect our relationship with the source of life? come for a discussion on the nature and dynamics of prayer and how we think about our relationship with God.

Fr. Robin Ryan, C.P. is a Passionist Jesuit who teaches systematic theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He also directs Catholics on Call, a national vocation discovery program for young adults founded by the Lily Endowment. He is from Richmond, Virginia and he loves the Boston Red Sox.

Fr. Thomas Nairn

F-6
Ethics: A Catholic Approach to Our Most Difficult Issues
Fr. Thomas Nairn

This session will discuss what a Christian conscience looks like. We will describe the mature Christian conscience in relation to a "taboo conscience" on the one hand and the "egotistical conscience" on the other hand. We will talk about the importance of self-knowledge for the work of conscience and conclude by stressing the importance of having a "moral project" in our lives.

Fr. Thomas Nairn is a Franciscan priest and a professor of historical and doctrinal studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Although interested in a wide range of ethical issues, most of his research has been in the area of health care ethics. His current work addresses end of life issues, genetics, the interrelation between religious and cultural values in health care decision making, and organizational ethics. He consults for a variety of Catholic health care systems and helped develop the health care mission leadership certificate program at CTU.

Dr. Amanda Quantz

F-7
We Are One Body: The Current State of Catholic-Orthodox Relations
Dr. Amanda Quantz

In 1965 Pope Paul VI and the Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras met in the Holy Land. With an embrace and a renewed commitment to Christian unity, they lifted the excommunications that each of these churches lobbed against the other in the year 1054. With this act of humility the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches began a slow process of reuniting the pilgrim church on earth. Forty-two years later the two churches are still working to become reacquainted with one another. This workshop will present the history of the Orthodox and Roman Catholic papacies. Amanda will also reflect on her recent meeting in Istanbul with the “Pope of the Greek East,” the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew of Constantinople.

Dr. Amanda Quantz is Assistant Professor of the History of World Christianity at Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park. She holds a Masters of Theologival Studies (M.T.S.) from Harvad Divinity School and a Ph. D. from the University Of St. Michael's College. Her doctorate is in interdisciplinary area of historical theology and visual art.

 

Dr. Avis Clendenen

F-8
Reaching Out: Who Is My Brother or Sister?
Dr. Avis Clendenen Ph. D. and D. Min

In the far too often frenzy of our lives we need to stop and consider what really matters.The Gospel of Jesus urges us to reach beyond the confines of our own lives to others who need what we have to give. Students from Saint Xavier University who are involved in the service-learning course "God and Social Action" will dead the discussion on what really matters.

Dr. Avis Clendenen Ph. D. and D. Min., Chicago Theologial Seminary, is professor religious studies at Saint Xavier University and teaches the service-learning course: God and Social Action. Some of the young adults in the class will share insights into what and why they are doing, a project in New Orleans, homeless shelters in Chicago, with the isolated elderly, those struggling with literacy, and women and children emerging from poverty and domestic violence. Come and listen to the energy and hope that is within this community of young adults making a difference.

Fr. Paul Novak, O.S.M.

F-9 Eucharist: Becoming Christ's Body in the World
Fr. Paul Novak, O.S.M.

When Catholics come to the table of the Lord, we enter into Communion with God and one another. What a gift, and what a mystery! Fr. Novak will discuss the evolution of the sacrament of Eucharist, Catholic beliefs about it, and God's call to become the Body of Christ in the World.

Fr. Paul Novak, O.S.M., who was ordained a Servite priest in 1990, is Provincial of the order of Friar Servants of Mary. He also assists at Old St. Patrick's Church in Chicago. Previously, he was a faculty member and campus minister at De LaSalle Institute, he has done vocation ministry for his religious order, and was an associate pastor at St. Domitilla Church in Hillside.

Fr. John Cusick

F-10
Recovering, Curious, Disenfranchised, Wanna-be, Returning and/or Confused Young Adult Catholics
Fr. John Cusick

Many of us are curious about the Catholic faith. Some want to know more, to go beyond what we learned as kids, and to get answers. Others are searching for a reason to return to more active participation, or see if Catholicism is for them. Come to address these issues and more.

Fr. John Cusick is the Director of Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Chicago and resides at Old St. Patrick's Church. Ordained in 1970, he was a faculty member of Niles College Seminary, and was associate pastor of Mary Seat of Wisdom Church in Park Ridge for 7 years. In May of 2004, Governor Rod Blagojevich appointed him to the Executive Ethics Commission of the State of Illinois.

 

Dr. Michel Andraos

F-11
Terrorism and Religion
Dr. Michel Andraos

Linking religious motivation to terrorist actions is a point of view that many people share in today’s society. This workshop will focus on presenting the complex reality of terrorism. It will also examine the role religion and religious beliefs play in the expansion of this phenomenon. Some examples will be used to demonstrate the how religion functions in society, and to critique some of common opinions about religion and terrorism.

Dr. Michel Andraos, a native of Lebanon, has studied, worked and lived in six different countries. His diverse theological background and extensive cross-cultural experiences enable him to facilite dialogue across cultural boundaries. Michel's areas of interest and research in theology include religion and culture, social peacemaking as an integral part of the mission of the local church, and the culture, spirituality and theology of peace. Michel teaches at Catholic Theological Union and lives in Hyde Park, Chicago, with his wife Gisela and their two children, Elias and Anna.

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Work

Mr. Greg Pierce

W-1
A Mission Worthy of Your Life
Mr. Greg Pierce

The word "Mass" can be loosely translated, "The Sending Forth." For Catholics, as well as for those of other faiths and denominations, the question this raises is, "What are we being sent forth to do and where are we being sent forth to do it?"

Mr. Greg Pierce Is the president of the National Center for the Laity. He is the co-publisher and editor of Acta Publications in Chicago, and the co-author of Confident and Competent: a Challenge for the Lay Church. Greg also writes a bi-weekly column entitled "Faith and Work", which is syndicated nationally.

 

Mr. Gregory Darr

W2
Voices of Our World. Voices of the Heart
Mr. Gregory Darr

Today's young adults have come of age in an era of terrorism and war. As a result, some people have built emotional and spiritual walls around themselves to guard against violence, suffering, poverty, and people different from themselves. Rather than turn away from these challenges, how can we obtain the skills and strength to embrace and transform them and ourselves? In relating his own experience as a lay missioner in the U.S and Africa, Greg will discuss stepping outside life's "comfort zones" to find new life-giving perspectives and a deeper awareness of God's love.

Mr. Gregory Darr is a native of Chisago City, Minnesota, and a 1990 graduate of the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining Maryknoll, Greg worked with programs serving rural low-income families in north Florida and the chronically homeless of inner-city Philadelphia. In 1993, Greg was sent to Kenya, East Africa, as a Maryknoll lay missioner where he served with a small justice and peace program helping communities broken by violent conflict to develop local efforts in peace and reconciliation. He has worked with refugees and immigrants from other East African nations as well as Haiti and Viet Nam.

Dr. Al Gustafson

W3
Faith & Personal Economics
Dr. Al Gustafson

Personal economics, our relationship to money, may be our society's last taboo. Most of us are more comfortable talking publicly about our sex life than how much money we make and the various ways we spend, save and invest it. Money talk is about more than money. The ways we think about, acquire and use it reveal much about the essence of who we are. Come for honest and challenging money talk, and to discuss what money means to us and our relationship to God and neighbor.

Dr. Al Gustafson, a spiritual director at Old St. Patrick's Church, is the past director of the Crossroads Center of Faith & Work at in Chicago. He is also a founder and past president of the Career Transitions Center of Chicago, a not-for profit-organization supported by ten diverse faith communities, serving the needs of those who are unemployed and in the throes of job transition. He serves as the president of a private foundation serving the development and education of children at risk. He holds a doctorate of ministry from Catholic Theological Union, and degrees in accounting and theology. He is married and has three children.

Mr. Jessie Teverbaugh

W-4
Why Am I Here on This Earth, and How Do I Find Out? Mr. Jessie Teverbaugh

Just what is the purpose of life? Exactly how does one go about finding out what their purpose is? Jesus spent a great deal of time talking about building the Kingdom of God. It that why we're here? Who can you talk to about it, and who can help to answer what your purpose of life is?

Mr. Jessie Teverbaugh is a Chicago native. He started his education in the Catholic school system up to the 7th grade, then went to public education through high school. He attended Illinois State University. Jesse started a relationship with the Cara Program, an organization that assists homeless individuals, in October of 2002 as a student. He then become a trainer and a supervisor. He is presently director of Leadership Development with Cleanslate, the Cara Program's first social enterprize.

Personal Growth

PG-1
Maintaining Healthy Boundaries in Relationships, Work, and your Personal Life
Ms. Noelle McWard

Do you find that you spend too many hours at work and not enough at home? Do you feel like you give more in your relationships than you get? Do you find it hard to say “no” to others? Being able to set and maintain healthy boundaries at work, in our relationships and in our personal lives is an essential skill that is challenging for many of us. In this talk you will learn why boundaries are so important, and how to set them in appropriate ways in all areas of your life.

Ms. Noelle McWard earned his MSW at University of Chicago in 1993. He has worked as an individual and couples therapist since then, and he currently in private practice in theLake View neighborhood He is also an adjunct professor at Loyola University in the graduate social work program. He has presented at past events for the young adult ministry, including the Focus Conference and have always greatly enjoyed the opportunity to do so.

 

Dr. Allison Salituro

PG-2
Dealing with Despair
Dr. Allison Salituro

Despite our best efforts to achieve happiness and be bearers of light and love, the challenges of life and circumstances beyond our control can weigh us down. This workshop will address issues related to despair, including depression, life changes, life losses, and loneliness. Then, we will discuss strategies for dealing with and growing through the difficult times.

Dr. Allison Salituro is an Illinois licensed Clinical Psychologist. Allison received her doctorate in philosophy from the University of Tennessee and masters from Indiana State University. She is a psychotherapist for Personal Growth Associates in Shaumburg and Crystal Lake, IL. She was also a Staff Psychologist for the Counseling and Student Development Center at Northern Illinois University.

 

Sr. Christine Connolly, OP

PG-3
A Bump In The Road: Flight or Face
Sr. Christine Connolly, OP

Often during our life journey we encounter situations that cause us to stop in our tracks. In these situations, we are confronted with the question: What support does one need to move through this obstacle? This workshop will explore the difference between spiritual direction and counseling in an effort to show how each can be of assistance when one comes to “a bump in the road.”

Sr. Christine Connolly, OP a Kentucky Dominican, is an experienced spiritual director. In addition to doing retreat ministry she served as a member of the staff for the internship program for spiritual directors in the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky. Her past experience also includes administration with Hospice of Louisville, Catholic Charities and with her congregation. She has served as vocation promoter for her congregation. Christine holds a MA from Catholic Theological Union.

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