Fr. Francis Benedict... has been a monk of St. Andrew’s Abbey, Valyermo, a Benedictine monastery since 1967. His ministry experiences has led him from Africa to the Peoples Republic of China. In leading the monastery as a past Abbot He continues his retreat ministry, spiritual direction, and is responsible for development of the Abbey.

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How can we live more justly and mercifully?  How can we spread the Gospel message of becoming men and women for others?   Through a series of self-exploration questions, the participant will come to a greater understanding of the nature of mercy and forgiveness and ways to live out these values in our marriages, families and everyday lives. 

Fr. Eddie... was ordained to the priesthood in June, 1990 and spent most of his ordained life in parish work as an associate pastor and pastor. Fr. Eddie is bilingual (English and Spanish). He loves to dance, sing, and play all sports until his knees gave out. He plays golf, goes to the gym, enjoys movies, music, the theater, and loves to write. He has published 2 books, one in English, one in Spanish, and both on the subject of homiletics. He loves to preach and to teach the art of Homiletics (preaching). He encourages children and youth to participate in all aspects of the parish. He empowers the lay people to take responsibility for their parish.

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Jesus never promised that living as his disciples in the world would be easy.  Quite the opposite, he warned that he would be a cause of division.  In an increasing divisive and secular world, how do we, as Catholics, navigate the current politicized landscape and proclaim the Good News that our Lord Jesus has entrusted to us to preach?

Deacon John De Gano... is a co-founding member of the Ministry of Social Concerns for St. Catherine of Alexandria church in Riverside, California and following his ordination as a permanent deacon for the Diocese of San Bernardino received community organizing training and continues to practice civic engagement and advocacy. A member of an interfaith clergy caucus, he attends the local Police and Clergy Partnership meetings and has been a frequent advocate for the diocese in Sacramento for Catholic Advocacy Day. Along with his wife, Cheryl, he enjoys leading the parish’s annual Blessing of the Animals celebration each October.
 

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How to bring them back if they've fallen away?
Keeping your kids Catholic is much different now than it was in previous generations.  The culture is so anti-Catholic that your children are exposed to objections to the faith from every side: media, education, their friends, even other family members. Keeping your kids Catholic now does not mean going with the flow, but swimming against the tide.  The most important factor in keeping your kids Catholic is manifesting to them in a way they can understand that being Catholic is important, even essential for their happiness: now and in the life to come.  This talk will help parents and their children to understand better the connection between happiness and the Catholic Faith

Fr. Sebastian Walsh... orginally from Pasadena, is a Norbertine Canon of the Abbey of St. Michael in the Diocese of Orange, California, where he is a professor of philosophy for the seminary program.  After completing his studies at Thomas Aquinas College in California, he continued studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., receiving a license in Philosophy.  Later, he attended the Pontifical University of St. Thomas at Rome (the Angelicum) where he received a Masters in Sacred Theology and a Doctorate in Philosophy.  His thesis was entitled: "The Primacy of the Common Good as the Root of Personal Dignity in the Doctrine of St. Thomas Aquinas."  From 2003-2005, Fr. Sebastian was also a visiting professor in the Philosophy Department at the Angelicum.

We live in a media culture that glorifies sex and love without commitment. Using the principles from John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, Greg and Christine will offer practical suggestions for parents on how to talk to children about their sexuality, the meaning of true love, and specific behaviors proven to be the most effective for lasting happiness. Target audience is parents, grandparents, teachers and other who care for children of all ages from toddlers to teens.

Greg Perea...is a middle school teacher and religion coordinator at St. Bruno. Greg has served both in parish youth ministry and as the school worship leader since 2009. In that time, he has led numerous retreats throughout Southern California for middle school and high school students.

Christine Rodriguez...is a joy filled wife, mother, and engineer. She is active in women’s ministry and passionate about thriving families. Christine especially enjoys continuing study of scripture, theology and apologetics. Her special interest is in studying Pope Saint John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and its application to parenting and healthy families.


 

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