FRESHMEN LEARNING SESSIONS

Dear Lord Baby Jesus: Merry Christmas! Gather ’round the yule log and grab a cup of eggnog as we reflect on what Jesus’ birth in a manger 2,000 years ago means for us today. (Presenter: Dan Harms, Our Lady of Consolation & member of Catholic entertainment group Popple)

Bible For Dummies: How do Catholics read the Bible? You might be surprised to learn we read the same words a little differently than some of your friends. It’s a big, old book, but once you know how to read it and use it, you’ll have a powerful companion on your journey! (Presenter: Deacon Jamie Lewis, St. Bridget, Hobart)

SOPHOMORE LEARNING SESSIONS

Teach us how to pray! Bible hero Saint Paul had some good advice for his friends the Thessalonians: pray without ceasing. In other words, don't ever stop praying. Is that even possible? There are literally thousands of different ways to pray in the Catholic tradition. This session will give you some new ideas about how you connect with God. (Jamie Sandona, Youth Ministry Coordinator, Whiting-Robertsdale Cluster & St. John Bosco, Hammond, and Jim Kerwin, CYX & TAPT Music Coord., St. Edward, Lowell )

“Y-y-y-y-yikes Scooby! Like, it’s a G-g-g-ghost!” Get to know the one “person” in the Trinity you might not know as well. The Holy Spirit “haunts” us always—and is in this room RIGHT NOW! (Shannon Kolosci, Our Lady of Sorrows, S. Haven & Jason Yurechko, Nativity of Our Savior, Portage)

JUNIOR LEARNING SESSIONS

To Be Born: This session will challenge you to look at life a little differently than you ever did before. Our featured guest presenter is Rob Kaczmark, a filmmaker from Spirit Juice Studios, a collaborating member of the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry. Participants will discuss his critically-acclaimed "To Be Born" film, and effective ways to advocate for the gift of life. (Presenters: Rob Kaczmark, Spirit Juice Studios & "Pepe" Flores-Carillo, Nativity of Our Savior, Portage)

Life in Christ: it’s like buying a futon at IKEA: Ever tried to assemble a piece of furniture? It requires work, patience, and many stages of development. Our faith lives are a lot like that. Fortunately for us, we have a great picture of the final product and a great set of directions!  (Presenter: Vicky Hathaway, St. Edward, Lowell)

SENIOR LEARNING SESSIONS

Faith In Action: What does the Lord require of you but to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
You are about to embark on a world that needs you! As you explore the many choices that lie ahead, you know that God calls you to something big. The world tells you to be all you can be. God calls you to be all you can be for others. In these sessions you will not only explore the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching, you will LIVE IT! Includes hands-on service project.

Seniors will travel offsite and perform various work under the guidance of volunteer coordinators for Valparaiso-based Housing Opportunities, a housing assistance agency serving low-income residents of Northwest Indiana.

Facilitator: Mark Erdosy is the Director of the San Damiano Scholarship Program and the Director of Church Relations for Marian University in Indianapolis, a Catholic University dedicated to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. Mark coordinates the San Damiano Scholars program, students working toward lay, religious, or ordained leadership in the church.

CLASS OF 2011 LEARNING SESSIONS

Embarking On Your Spiritual Journey: You are coming to the end of the high school path. From here there are dozens of other paths ahead-- each with its blessings, struggles, and adventures-- and you have to choose which path to follow! These learning sessions will help prepare you and give you strength for the journey. (Presenters: Jen & Phil Dietrich, St. Teresa of Avila, Valparaiso)

ADULT LEADER SESSIONS:

Sessions 1 & 2 (Saturday): Understanding the Mass Through the Lens of the New Missal: Preparing for the new Roman Missal is not just about buying new books. It is an opportunity for us to examine and renew our celebration and understanding of the Eucharistic Liturgy that stands at the heart of Christian life. This two-part session will focus on the revised text and how it brings us closer to the "full, conscious, and active participation" of the faithful in the liturgical action. (SC, #14). (Presenter: Kristopher Seaman, Director, Diocese of Gary Office of Worship)

ALL YOUTH PARTICIPANTS:

Learning Session 3 (Sunday:) And with your Spirit! Changes to Mass a'comin: When the priest says, "The Lord be with you," you immediately, without thinking, reply, "And also with you." Not anymore, starting on November 27! Many of the prayers we've come to memorize and say without thinking are changing starting this Advent, and we want you to be prepared! We'll answer why, examine the new prayers, and maybe you'll learn a thing or two about the prayers we've all taken for granted all these years.

Presenters:
Tim O'Malley (Frosh & Sophs), Director, Notre Dame Center for Liturgy
Greg Iwinski (Jrs, Srs, Grads), former LifeTeen National Staff, YM resource author