Workshops: FOCUS 2002

FOCUS on Relationships

R-1
2:30 & 4:15
Leading the Single Life
Do you wonder what experiences other singles have, what they like and dislike about being single, and where they go to have fun and meet other singles? This workshop will provide a wider perspective on leading a single life, and incorporate both the male and female points of view.

Ms. Sandy Budde is a group editor for Thomson Financial Media, a publisher of trade magazines, newsletters and directories in the areas of banking and credit/debit cards and technology. She has a master's in Higher Education Administration from Loyola.

Mr. Dan Schmid performs risk assessments of financial institutions in Chicago, and conducts corporate training in Washington D.C.. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from DePaul University.

R-2
4:15
Communicating to Maintain Meaningful Relationships
Understanding expectations and barriers that challenge relationships is essential to building and maintaining healthy relationships. Come to focus on developing effective communication skills while exploring your self-awareness and personal needs.

Mr. Phil Addante, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice and an adjunct faculty member at the St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. Phil is a graduate of Loyola University School of Social Work and The Family Institute of Chicago

R-3
2:30 & 4:15
Let's Get Intimate
Do you spend more time touching the keys of your computer than touching the people you love? Why does our culture reward success, wealth, education and achievement but not intimacy? John will address learning to love and understanding ourselves and deepen our ability to be intimate.

Mr. John Balester is a licensed clinical professional counselor with 25 years experience in counseling. He has a bachelor's degree from Temple University and a master's from Roosevelt University in Guidance and Counseling. He has worked as an educator, administrator and marketer.

R-4
2:30
Christianity Is Not Down on Sex
Are you confused about the Church's teachings related to sex? Have you heard about the Theology of the Body? This workshop provides a logical approach to integrate love and sex with your own spirituality. It also provides a glimpse into Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body.

Mr. Max Crespo-Deynes is a member of EVAE ("El Verdadero Amor Espera"), a Catholic ministry that teaches the importance of sexuality as a gift from God. His lay ministry focuses on the integration of sexuality within an individual's spiritual and physical life.

R-5
2:30
Inter-Faith Relationships
Half of all Catholics who marry will marry someone of another religion. This workshop will examine inter-faith marriage ceremonies, how to raise children in two faiths and some of the blessings and pitfalls that can occur in interfaith marriages.

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.

R-6
4:15
Using Family Planning to Build a Lifetime of Love
Learn how Natural Family Planning (NFP) helps couples to appreciate God's gift of fertility while building strong marriages. NFP methods are based on scientific research assisting couples to achieve or postpone pregnancy without suppressing or altering the couple's natural fertility.

Ms. Maria Garcia has worked for the Archdiocese Family Ministries since 1990 and was appointed Natural Family Planning coordinator in 2001. Maria is a certified Billings Ovulation Method teacher and works with Pre-Cana programs, Elizabeth Ministry, and Family Advocates.

R-7
2:30
My Life Would Be Perfect If Everyone Else Would Just Change
Is change really possible or are we doomed to keep repeating mistakes? We cannot avoid the important issues in life; they do not disappear. They return when we are least prepared to deal with them. We will focus on how to effect positive change in one's life.

Dr. David Goodman has practiced for 22 years as a clinical psychologist dealing with marital, family and relationship issues. He and his wife of 27 years, Maureen, have three grown children.

R-8
2:30 & 4:15
First Years and Forever
The early months and years are a critical time to develop the attitudes and skills necessary for a successful, life-long marriage. Find out how to move from "me" first to "we" first.

Mr. Frank Hannigan is the director of the Family Ministries Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago. He is involved in training for parishes, couples and seminarians. Frank and his wife, Marilyn, have been married twenty-six years and have five sons.

R-9
2:30
Love is Letting Go of Fear
Wouldn't you like to "just let go" and be who you really are? Do we really know who we are or do we define ourselves by the roles we play? We will examine the fears that keep us from experiencing freedom. We will play a number of games - so be prepared to have fun!

Dr. Jim McDonnell is a member of the medical school faculty at Loyola University. He is the former creative director of and presently a player with ComedySportz. Previous careers include: film and TV writing, political advertising and ER physician.

R-10
4:15
No More "Starter" Marriages...Finding Intimacy After Divorce
Happily ever after" is no longer the norm for marriage. The pain and loss of divorce can keep us from moving on to the happiness and rewards of adult life. We will explore various stages and aspects of "divorce recovery" and how they can impact future relationships.

Ms. Elsie Radtke serves the Archdiocese's Family Ministries Office as a trainer and ministry coordinator in the Hurting and Healing Ministries. Elsie received her master's in Education from St. Xavier University, certified as a Step Family Coach and is a licensed parent educator.

R-11
2:30 & 4:15
The 10 Most Important Issues in Building Healthy Relationships
The most common strengths and weaknesses in forming and maintaining healthy relationships will be presented. Come for some quality input on the most important ones: communication, finances, affection and sex, and having the same level of faith.

Fr. Robert Rohrich, C.M., is a full-time marriage/family therapist, has been a teacher of Christian morality and sexuality for over 25 years, and is involved in parish missions. He works with the engaged, married, separated, and divorced in the Chicago Archdiocese.

R-12
2:30 & 4:15
These People are Driving Me Crazy!
This workshop will teach you to understand and effectively deal with difficult people, whether they are family members, friends, or co-workers.

Ms. Leilani Shapley, M.S., is a psychotherapist in Oak Brook. With a master's degree in counseling psychology, she specializes in relationships, coping with stress, anxiety, depression, and dealing with trauma. She holds workshops, retreats, and teaches college level psychology.

R-13
2:30
Dealing With Loved Ones During Serious Illness
This workshop is designed to assist family and friends of an individual with a life-threatening illness. We will discuss goals for care, aspects of pain, symptom control, dealing with the health care system, and self-care.

Dr. Myles Sheehan, SJ, M.D. is associate professor of Medicine and Senior Associate Dean of Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. Dr. Sheehan is extensively involved with teaching and curriculum development, particularly in medical ethics.

R-14
4:15
Raising Almost Perfect Kids
Come to talk numbers: 12 secrets to raising practically perfect kids - 9 weapons to wipe out every parent's worst enemy - 5 fabulous phases every child must go through - 2 essential differences between discipline and punishment, and the single most powerful parenting technique in the world!

Deacon Larry Spohr was ordained in 1980. He has given many talks on topics focused on and around relationships, especially in a family environment. His education is in the field of Business Psychology. He has been married for 37 years, and has two sons and four grandchildren.

R-15
2:30
The Communication Connection
Communicating effectively with friends and family members makes a difference to living a successful life. Come and learn male/female communication patterns, and how to communicate thoughts, feelings and needs to help you stand up for yourself without diminishing others.

Ms. Joan Zientek, M.A., C.A.S. practices as a marital and family therapist. She received her master's in educational psychology from the University of Chicago and is a graduate of the Family Institute, Institute of Psychiatry of Northwestern Memorial Hospital Medical School.