Concurrent Sessions

NOTE: GWCC = Georgia World Congress Center. All NCYC activities in the GWCC take place in Building B.

Concurrent Sessions Round A
Friday, October 28, 2005 – 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Eucharist

GWCC Level One - Hall B2
In story and song, let's journey together as we unfold the history and the mystery of our greatest prayer and gift, the Eucharist.
Presenters: Bishop Sam G. Jacobs and Michelle Benzinger

The Joy of Giftedness

GWCC Level One - Hall B3
Realize we each have a unique set of gifts and talents to share with the world. Learn that we can spread the Gospel and share Christ's joy in every day actions.
Presenters: Apex Ministries and Bob Perron

Poverty: Think About It, Talk About It, Take Action

GWCC Level Five - Murphy Ballroom
In the United States 35.9 million people live in poverty. As people of faith we have a responsibility to talk about poverty in our country, think about ways we can help to alleviate poverty, and take action that is grounded in faith. This session will provide information about poverty in the United States and how some faith-filled individuals and groups have decided to take action and make a change.
Presenters: Ann Marie Eckert and Steve Krzanowski

Concurrent Sessions Round B
Friday, October 28, 2005 – 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Don’t Be a Jerk. . . Morality is More Than That

GWCC Level One - Hall B2
We all want to be happy. We long to be at peace with ourselves and others. But when someone mentions morality, do we automatically think of rules and regulations telling us what we can’t or must not do? Like it or not, there are expectations for how we live our lives and it can be a challenge to live a life worthy of our calling. Being a follower of Jesus should be a celebration, not a burden. Come and explore the secrets to a happy life and learn what morality really means.
Presenter: Patrick Donovan

Tuned In Teens

GWCC Level One - Hall B3
The teen environment is stuffed with entertainment. Music, videos, movies, radio, concerts, commercials, and advertising are all a part of a young person’s world. What are some ways you can use some of this to help you grow spiritually? How can you hear God’s voice everyday? Arrive ready to discover, laugh, and grow.
Presenters: Mike Patin and Anna Scally

XLT

GWCC Level Five - Murphy Ballroom
XLT (exalt, Is 33:5) is an intense experience of prayer and worship divided into three parts: praise and worship music, preaching, and adoration. It is designed to help teens grow in their understanding and appreciation for worship and the Eucharist. Developed in Atlanta by Paul George, Randy Raus, and Fr. Tim Hepburn as a parish experience, XLT quickly grew. It now draws hundreds of teens each week from around the city and has spread to several other areas around the country. Come experience XLT for yourself.
Presenters: Paul George, Fr. Tim Hepburn, and Matt Maher

Concurrent Sessions Round C
Saturday, October 29, 2005 – 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

How Jesus has Lightened Up My Life!

GWCC Level One - Hall B
Come join Catholic comedic actor Doug Brummel and his “cast of characters” for this uplifting session that truly gives witness to the difference Jesus can have on your life. You’ll be laughing and learning all at the same time! So expect the unexpected with this one!
Presenter: Doug Brummel

Pure Love

GWCC Level One - Hall B3
Hook-ups, friends with benefits, safe sex, and now safer sex? Our generation has found out the hard way that none of it gives us the love we long for. Pure love does exist. But if you want the real thing, be prepared to sacrifice. Only then will you see that the peace and joy that come from chastity is worth more than all the pleasures of the world.
Presenter: Jason Evert

Who Do You Say I Am presents.....Discipleship

GWCC Level Five - Murphy Ballroom
What does it mean to be a disciple, especially in today's world? Who Do You Say I Am and guest Chris Padgett, on the wings of their Dysfunctional Friends Tour, will examine discipleship through stories, song, prayer, and laughter as they present the This Afternoon Show. Join them, and some surprise guests, for relevant insights on living out our call to be followers of Jesus.
Presenters: Who Do You Say I Am and Chris Padgett

ADULTS ONLY
The Aftermath of Tragedy: Helping Young People Get Through It, Not Over It

GWCC Level Two - B211-212
How do you help young people begin the healing process following a tragedy, whether it be a natural disaster, a sudden death, or the break-up of a relationship? How do you recognize the symptoms of increased emotional distress that occur following a crisis situation in a young person’s life? This session is designed to help adults develop the skills needed to fashion an appropriate pastoral care response that includes prayer and advocacy, and when necessary, referral to trained professionals. The need to care for the caregivers will also be addressed.
Presenters: Jim Chesnes and Kevin Driscoll

Concurrent Session Speaker Biographies

APeX Ministries

APeX (aka Gene Monterastelli and Brad Farmer) uses a unique presentation style they call Christian Vaudeville (which includes death defying juggling, humor, characterizations (skits), story-telling, audience participation, and personal testimony). In other words they throw things at each other and are funny. Gene one day hopes to compete in the Olympics as a solo synchronized swimmer. Brad is very strong! APeX can reached at www.APeXMinistries.com or 888/522-APeX.

Return to Concurrent Session Round A

Michelle Benzinger

Michelle and her husband, Chris, have been missionaries for the past several years with Trinity World Missions serving in the Netherlands, Austria, and Mexico. With Chris, she is the author of a ten-week bible/character study designed for men and women to study together. They are currently writing a women's bible study on the Eucharist. In March, Michelle and Chris began work at Covecrest Life Teen Camp in Tiger, Georgia. She will lead the way in the visioning and development of spiritual formation. She and Chris are parents to two young boys, Noah and Luke.

Return to Concurrent Session Round A

Doug Brummel

As the youngest of seven children, Doug has always been a natural performer. Growing up dreaming of being on Saturday Night Live, Doug later realized God had other plans for him and his crazy gifts and talents. As founder of Lighten Up! Ministries he has brought more than seven hundred parishes across the country “to life” with his whole community Lighten Up! celebrations. “Bringing all generations together to celebrate the gift of faith and family is what we are all about,” he says. Doug and his wife, Jennifer, are currently touring America with their four children in their motor home sharing this important message. Visit www.dougbrummel.com.

Return to Concurrent Sessions Round C

Jim Chesnes

Jim has been in professional youth ministry since 1985. He has served as youth minister and confirmation coordinator for St. Paul of the Cross parish in North Palm Beach, Florida since 1992. Jim is also a licensed mental health counselor and works with adolescents, adults, and families. Jim and his family live in Jupiter, Florida.

Return to Concurrent Sessions Round C

Patrick Donovan

Patrick serves as the executive director for the office for Catholic youth ministry in the Diocese of Wilmington. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a master's degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame. Patrick has co-authored three books for Pflaum Publishing about using modern movies to teach and has presented on the topic across the country. Prior to diocesan ministry, Patrick worked in parish youth ministry and taught junior high. He is married to the lovely and talented Maureen. They are the proud parents of Molly.

Return to Concurrent Sessions Round B

Kevin Driscoll

Kevin is the coordinator of the Diocese of Gary (Indiana) Office for Youth and Young Adults. He has more than ten years of professional youth ministry experience at both the parish and diocesan levels and is the chair of the Membership Management Committee for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Kevin is in the master’s program in pastoral studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He and his family reside in Cedar Lake, Indiana.

Return to Concurrent Sessions Round C

Ann Marie Eckert

Ann Marie is a coordinator of youth ministry services for the Center for Ministry Development. She has helped to author a number of books, including books about youth ministry, leadership, community building, and environmental justice. She greatly enjoys training both adults and youth in leadership skills and youth ministry and talking about justice issues. Ann Marie has traveled to India and the Holy Land with Catholic Relief Services and coordinated an environmental justice project for NFCYM. She is happy to be in Atlanta for NCYC and to be able to share in this moment of learning, discovery, and faith.

Return to Concurrent Session Round A

Jason Evert

Jason Evert earned a master's degree in theology and undergraduate degrees in counseling and theology, with a minor in philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. At thirty years old, he is the author of the books If You Really Loved Me, Love, Sex, and Babies, and Pure Love, which challenges young people to embrace the virtue of chastity. Jason speaks at seminars, participates in debates, and responds to thousands of questions about Catholicism from people around the world. Visit www.catholic.com.

Return to Concurrent Sessions Round C

Paul George

Paul George is co-founder of ADORE and travels throughout the United States speaking at conferences, rallies, and worship encounters for young adults and teenagers. In addition, he works for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, walking with men interested in the priesthood. Gifted in developing a Gospel relevancy for young adults and channeling his message through stories and humor, Paul shares his passion for God and his vocation in leading worship. He is married with three children. Visit www.adoreworship.com.

Return to Concurrent Sessions Round B

Fr. Tim Hepburn

Fr. Tim is currently the chaplain of the Catholic Center at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and assistant vocation director. He is very involved in teen and young adult ministry in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, where he helped to start Exalt (XLT), a weekly prayer meeting for teens. Fr. Tim works closely with Life Teen and has assisted this ministry in many parishes and in New Zealand. He enjoys music – especially 80’s hair bands.

Return to Concurrent Sessions Round B

Most Reverend Sam G. Jacobs

Bishop Jacobs was installed as Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux in 2003 after serving fourteen years as bishop for the Diocese of Alexandria. Bishop Jacobs was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in philosophy and a graduate degree in education administration from The Catholic University of America. He has served on numerous committees for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and is currently chairman-elect of the Committee on Evangelization.

Return to Concurrent Session Round A

Steve Krzanowski

Steven Krzanowski is a nineteen year old college freshman at Marymount University, where he plans to major in religious studies and theology. At sixteen, Steven became active with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) through the Diocese of Greensburg during the Brake the Cycle of Poverty campaign, a two month cross-country biking event aimed at focusing attention on the causes of poverty. The following summer he became the youngest national CCHD intern. He was recently awarded a grant for his project Pennsylvania End to Economical Struggles and Poverty. Steve is from Connellsville, Pennsylvania, where he lives with his parents and younger brother.

Return to Concurrent Session Round A

Matt Maher

Matt Maher has become one of the most popular and critically-acclaimed Catholic artists in the country. Since the 2002 release of his first CD, The End and the Beginning, Matt’s rise has been remarkable. His songs have been sung at World Youth Day and appeared on a Grammy nominated album. In 2003, he received the Unity Award for Best New Artist of the Year. His music has received glowing reviews from major Catholic and Christian music publications. He has become a popular performer at youth ministry conferences and rallies. Matt’s sophomore CD, Welcome to Life, explores the wonders and challenges of this life that God calls us to. Visit www.spiritandsong.com.

Return to Concurrent Sessions Round B

Chris Padgett

has utilized music and stories to convey the love of Christ to a generation in need of Good News for close to a decade. Amidst the skepticism and cynicism of the world's ideologies, Chris lifts high the message of Jesus' transforming generosity to anyone who will listen, even if it isn't popular with today's trends and fads. He married his high school sweet heart more than fourteen years ago and currently has seven children. You can find out more about Chris and his apostolate at www.chris-padgett.com.

Return to Concurrent Sessions Round C

Mike Patin

Mike is from the New Orleans area. He is a husband and a dad to one daughter. He spent six years as a high school teacher and coach and worked in youth ministry for fourteen years. Since 2003, Mike has been speaking full-time around the country to young people and adults on issues of the Catholic faith, positive attitude, using your gifts, and living life fully. Visit www.mikepatin.com.

Return to Concurrent Sessions Round B

Bob Perron

Bob is a Catholic edu-tainer. His blend of humor and education have made him a highly sought after speaker. Bob's presentations leave his audiences laughing, smiling, thinking deeply, and perhaps even shedding a tear or two. His excitement, enthusiasm, and love has motivated and inspired thousands of young people and adults since 1984. Currently the executive director of the St. Thomas More Center and the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Des Moines, Bob’s primary vocation is being a husband and father of four amazing children. Visit www.stooge4christ.com.

Return to Concurrent Session Round A

Anna Scally

Anna is president of Cornerstone Media and a columnist for Cornerstone’s Top Music Countdown quarterly poster. She is host of the audio show, Burning Issues, which deals with relevant youth topics. As an author, her work on popular music, religious education and youth ministry has appeared in several journals and popular publications. She has made more than two thousand public presentations at youth rallies, training events, retreats, and adult education days, as well as being a presenter at all the major conferences for religious educators in North America. Voted the American Business Women’s Association 2004 Woman of the Year, Anna petitions the “young church” to make a positive difference in their parishes, schools, and in their communities.

Return to Concurrent Sessions Round B

Who Do You Say I Am (Diocese of Cleveland)

Who Do You Say I Am is a ministry dedicated to spreading the Word of God in a fun and exciting way. Andy Andino has assembled a powerful troupe of music ministers from around the country. As this group connects music, teaching, and real life experiences together, it is apparent that their love of Christ is strong and infectious. Visit www.whodoyousayiam.20m.com.
Return to Concurrent Sessions Round C