"The family is the school of love."
“Today more than ever,
the Christian family has
a very noble mission…”
Both homeschooled and non-homeschooled teens will benefit from our special teen track. Don't pass up this chance for your son or daughter to be renewed and revitalized, as well as meet with other Catholic and homeschooled youth from around Illinois and the surrounding states!
Teens are welcome and invited to participate in any aspect of the conference that they wish. There are special workshops in each session for our youth, although they may attend any workshops in which they are interested. The following is the schedule of special teen track events:
FRIDAY, MAY 23
5:00pm–6:00pm: Dinner and Social Hour with Special Presentation
Games, icebreakers, fellowship, and more. Make sure you purchase a meal ticket for the buffet,
which includes all the pizza and ice cream you can eat!
Live Presentation: “The Apostle Paul” with Denis Brunner
Especially meaningful since we are now in the year of St. Paul as proclaimed by
Pope Benedict XVI!
Denis grew up in Mokena, Illinois. In February of 1989 he met his wife Michelle
and they were married at St Jude’s in New Lenox, IL in April of 1991. They are
happy to announce 17 years of happiness together. Denis has a full time career as a paramedic.
He and Michelle have devoted their time, energy and talents to St. Raymond’s Cathedral youth ministry
for close to 11 years. In June of 2001, Denis and Michelle adopted a beautiful little girl, they named
Brittney Elaine. Brittney has been the joy of Denis’s life. God has truly blessed the Brunner household with Brittney’s presence.
One of Denis’proudest accomplishments is the fact that he has played Santa Claus for many children in the last 23 years.
This is something he shared with his father who had been Santa for 45 years before his passing in September of 2006.
It truly gives him great joy to see the smiles on all the children he meets during the Christmas season.
6:15pm–7:15pm Teen Adoration, Rosary, and Spiritual Talk
Experience a powerful time of prayer with other teens and the presence of our Eucharistic Lord
in the University of St. Francis' beautiful St. Joseph Chapel.
Special Speaker: Fr. Pablo Straub, C.SS.R.
Father Pablo, founder of two religious orders and longtime teacher and preacher of the Faith,
has a great love for Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. He is a great supporter
of homeschooling and has a special place for youth in his fatherly heart.
7:30pm–8:30pm Special Entertainment
Dancing by
The Little Flowers Catholic Dance and Theatre
Troupe
Over 30 young ladies evangelizing through the art of dance by their motto of Modesty, Beauty,
and Joy.
8:45pm Closing Benediction (USF Chapel)
9:00pm Traveler’s Mass (USF Chapel)
SATURDAY, MAY 24
9:00am Conference Holy Mass
Homily by Fr. Pablo Straub –”Window to Truth"
10:15am–11:15am Teen Keynote: "Discerning God's Call"
Fr. Burke Masters will help our youth know how to discern Christ's unique call in
each of their lives. A former professional baseball player, Fr. Burke is a convert to
Catholicism who is now Vocations Director for the Diocese of Joliet!
11:00am–1:30pm Lunch served in USF Dining Room*
1:00am–2:00pm Workshop Session A
“How to Promote a Culture of Life” – Eric Scheidler
Are you discouraged by the evil surrounding our culture? Are you longing to make a
difference? Eric Scheidler will share stories, tips, and challenges from his years of
experience working to promote a true culture of life. He’s the Communications Director
of Pro-Life Action League and has also been involved with Generations for Life, so he
believes in the power of youth!
2:15pm–3:15pm Workshop Session B
For Girls: “Evangelizing the Imagination” – Regina Doman
This is a group-participation talk designed to get teens thinking about the relationship
between their faith and creativity. Although it has a particular application to teens who are
interested in writing, most teens find it thought-provoking. Regina brings her
experience as best-selling Catholic author of the popular
Fairy Tale Novels series.
For Guys: “Being Catholic & American: The Best of Both Worlds”
– Fr. Frank Hoffman
It can be challenging to remain Faith-filled in the American society of today.
Find out from Fr. “Rocky” how to achieve both. Father is the chaplain at an all-boys
high school and knows the struggles that young men of today have to face in their quest
for real manhood.
3:30pm–4:30pm Workshop Session C
For Girls: “Living for God, Living for Others, Living for Christ”
–
Fr. Frank Hoffman
Using the examples of Our Lady, St. Martha, and Mary Magdalene, Fr. “Rocky” will give
young women a guide to live with happiness and holiness and grow into strong women of God.
For Guys: “Chivalry: Become Knights in Shining Armor”
– Andrew and Regina (Doman)
Chivalry is not dead! Author Regina Doman has a vision for authentic manhood.
The masculine heroes in her novels are strong, courageous, and lifelike. And young ladies
love them. :) Along with her husband Andrew, Regina will offer motivating and
enthusiastic ideas for young men to implement chivalry in their own lives.
5:30pm Closing Benediction