Podcasts about maryknoll fathers

Preaching for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Kathleen O'Brien offers a reflection on basking in God's abundance: "Whether you are in the beginning stage, budding stage, or at the end, Jesus reminds us that God is always present along the journey and abundance is always before us– let us be surprised by abundance! It's natural for us to want to be in control and cling tightly to the imagined end result. But Jesus challenges us to give up control and to be present to God in this unfolding." Kathleen O'Brien currently lives in Berkeley, CA where she works for the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in the Mission Formation Department. After serving three years as a Maryknoll Lay Missionary teaching English in China at Jilin Agricultural College and Jilin Catholic Seminary, she attended Catholic Theological Union in Chicago where she obtained a master's degree in systematic theology. Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/06162024 to learn more about Kathleen, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

Bill Vos, a priest of the Diocese of St. Cloud, moderates a discussion about how mission work is changing and how we can encourage young people to choose to go into mission. Guests are Father Rodrigo Ulloa-Chavarry and Greg Darr, both from the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, a Catholic foreign mission society based in New York.

Join Fr. Daniel Kim, M.M on Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time 2/13/24, for today's audio reading and reflectionMk 8:14-21 ➡️ https://maryknoll.link/25fThe disciples had forgotten to bring bread,and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.Jesus enjoined them, "Watch out,guard against the leaven of the Phariseesand the leaven of Herod."Listen to past Gospel Reflections or check out more podcasts from the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers ➡️ https://maryknoll.link/25fLearn more about the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, visit https://maryknollsociety.org

Orbis Publisher, Robert Ellsberg, discusses "The Ethics of Doing Nothing" with author Andrew Blosser in this One On One Interview.This book explores the theological and moral significance of practices once familiar to many Christians and Jews, such as Sabbath, vigil-keeping, Shmita (the sabbatical year for the land), and fiesta in relation to the twenty-first century economy. Blosser draws primarily on the Christian theologian, Jurgen Moltmann, and the prominent rabbi and religious thinker, Abraham Joshua Heschel in making the argument that humanity's obsession with material production has led to three interrelated evils: the exploitation of workers, status anxiety among the middle and upper-classes, and climate change. Blosser's proposed solution includes returning to “rituals of inoperativity” that will help us “change our understanding of what it means to be human.”Get your copy of the book: https://orbisbooks.com/products/the-ethics-of-doing-nothing-rest-rituals-and-the-modern-world-1Check out more One On One podcasts - with Orbis Books ( https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_I9zTQkaIOvdWF_dm6kbINWCZ-fkjpXt )For more about Orbis Books, visit https://www.orbisbooks.comLearn more about the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, visit https://maryknollsociety.org#OrbisBooks #GregGarrett #AndrewBlosser #ethics

Orbis Publisher, Robert Ellsberg, discusses "The Gospel according to James Baldwin:What America's Great Prophet Can Teach Us about Life, Love, and Identity" with author Greg Garrett in this One On One Interview.Baldwin's writing offers critiques of religion, culture, and discrimination, and in the witness of his life he holds up hope and the primacy of love despite all the difficulties of the present moment. In this passionate introduction, Garrett presents the life and work of Baldwin in all his writing genres, on themes of equity, justice, and reconciliation.Get your copy of the book: https://orbisbooks.com/products/9781608339969Check out more One On One podcasts - with Orbis Books ( https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_I9zTQkaIOvdWF_dm6kbINWCZ-fkjpXt )For more about Orbis Books, visit https://www.orbisbooks.comLearn more about the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, visit https://maryknollsociety.org

Orbis Publisher, Robert Ellsberg, discusses "I Surrender: A Memoir of Chile's Dictatorship, 1975" with author Kathleen Osberger in this One On One Interview.I Surrender depicts the solidarity of the Chilean people and the transformational role of nuns and priests dedicated to serving the poor, while highlighting the changing and challenged Catholic Church.Get your copy of the book: https://orbisbooks.com/products/9798888660058Check out more One On One podcasts - with Orbis Books ( https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_I9zTQkaIOvdWF_dm6kbINWCZ-fkjpXt )For more about Orbis Books, visit https://www.orbisbooks.comLearn more about the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, visit https://maryknollsociety.org

The magnum opus of our most important living Catholic author—a pioneer in the Christian contemplative life and spiritual writing. Unlike any book he's written before, Brother David Steindl-Rast offers spiritual direction from a unique perspective in history. At 96 years old, he has counted Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, Thomas Merton, H. H. the Dalai Lama, and Thomas Keating as friends and teachers.He has learned much, and offers it here. David Steindl-Rast was born in Austria in 1926 and came to the U.S. after receiving his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Vienna. As a Benedictine monk, he is known for pioneering dialogue between Christianity and Buddhism, teaching about gratefulness, and revitalizing contemplative prayer. For six decades, he has divided his time between a hermit's life and lecture and retreat tours on five continents.He's the author of many books including the classics of spirituality, Gratefulness: The Heart of Prayer and A Listening Heart and co-founder of A Network for Grateful Living.https://orbisbooks.com/products/you-are-here-keywords-for-life-explorersLearn more about the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a brief introduction, the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, and a song lovingly selected from the More Than 50 Most Loved Hymns CD, we will chat with Mr. Michael Lichens from Sophia Institute Press. The publisher has released the Lenten classic, The Pain of Christ and the Sorrow of God. We will learn about the book and its author, English Dominican Priest, Father Gerald Vann, and hear a sample from this book of Lenten meditations. Also, Father Rich Jasper will tell us about the co-founder of the Maryknoll Fathers on his Modern Day Witness segment. 

Catholic Chicago looks at the spiritual and theological foundations for the Annual Catholic Appeal. The Voice of Charity explores ways to remove barriers to health equity in Lake County. The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers are featured on Catholic Chicago. And time is spent on Mental Illness Awareness.

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk to Deacon Kevin McCarthy and Walter Hidalgo about the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers and a Lenten retreat called "Learn to Live the Joy of the Gospel."

In this episode of Among The People, we are excited to welcome the newly ordained Maryknoll Brother, Br. Ryan Thibert.  Although Br. Ryan recently took his permanent oath to a life of service with the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, he has already had a substantial amount of experience as a missioner. With life changing experiences situations in Jamaica and Bolivia, Br. Ryan learned early in his mission experience that 'being present' for those most in need has helped not only those he serves, but also himself during the most difficult times in mission.    About Br. Ryan Thibert, M.M. Brother Ryan Thibert acknowledges that he felt an attraction to religious life growing up in a strong Catholic family. He sought direction from his parish priest, who knew Maryknoll and thought it might be a good fit for his mission-oriented parishioner. Brother Ryan Thibert is a native of Ontario, Canada. He was born a minute after his twin brother, Aaron, and four years after their sister, Jennifer. He credits his parents, Larry and Rox-Ann Thibert, for his love of service because of their unconditional love. Having met Society members like Brother Robert Butsch has helped Ryan. He says it is by witnessing how passionate they are about their work and seeing how the Holy Spirit seem to work through them inspired him. He became aware that he can use his own educational background and artistic talent to help people be the best they can be. “I realize that it is in living for others through Christ where I feel truly happy and at peace.” ~ Brother Ryan Thibert, M.M. A short-term mission trip to Jamaica with three other prospective Maryknoll candidates sealed his decision. Working at the Blessed Sacrament Orphanage in Montego Bay, and remembering the Franciscan brother who had come to console his family when his grandfather died made him realize that being present, giving life to those who need love is the essence of the brother’s vocation. That is what he felt the Holy Spirit was calling him to do. So in 2011, he decided to join the Maryknoll Brothers’ formation program. He completed his undergraduate degree in art at St. Xavier University in Chicago all the while deepening his spirituality through prayer and theological studies. He underwent his overseas training program in Cochabamba, Bolivia, where young missioners are immersed in language study and life in another culture as well as various pastoral works as they continue to discern their call to cross-cultural mission. He will return to Latin America where he has been assigned to work in mission.

On this episode of Among The People, we sit down with Father Russ Feldmeier, a Maryknoll missioner who spent 36 years on foreign mission assigned to Korea following his time with the Peace Corps. He is currently heading the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers formation house in Chicago. Our co-host, Fr. Joe Veneroso and Fr. Russ have a deep history with each other, both serving in the Peace Corps in Korea prior to joining Maryknoll. We will also talk about the Catholic Church’s past and future in Korea. The interview also touches on how the acceptance of international seminarians are shaping the future of Maryknoll and how it can serve a better world.

Father Mike is an actor. Always has been, always will be. He’s also a missionary with a vast array of experiences in Latin America, Asia and Africa.   Turn your dial up and learn about the versatile and spiritually gifted Father Michael Bassano, M.M., who currently works with refugees in a UN-run camp in South Sudan. Follow his exciting and remarkable journey from Chile to Thailand to Tanzania and beyond as a Maryknoll missioner of unshakable faith and calling.   In this deeply moving podcast, the ebullient priest gives his testimony as to how God tugs on us until we answer; how He prepares us for our real calling through everything we do beforehand, and how “…all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)   From his humble days in the Diocese of Syracuse, the small town pastor felt a nudge—no, a shove—to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). But just how would that happen in the context of his cozy parish?       So, in 1987, he decide to join the ranks of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers—the Catholic Foreign Mission Society—with the understanding that he would return to his duties Stateside after five years.   Well, God had other plans. Moved by the sacrifices of the Church martyrs of El Salvador, he mobilized himself for the poor and voiceless, and remains a Maryknoll missioner to this day.       But, let’s go back to “Act One, Scene One” of this real-life play for a moment.   Some actors are shy in real life; others have a boldness that crosses over from the stage to the street. Father Mike possesses that boldness. His journey with Maryknoll started out with an unannounced visit to the Maryknoll campus, when he asked to see “a priest” and stated his case for apprenticeship. After securing his bishop’s permission, he was assigned as an associate to Chile.   Fear ran through Father Mike’s veins as he disembarked the plane, entering into the dangerous territory of the Pinochet regime. But he wasn’t as afraid for his own safety as much as he was of his perceived inadequacy for the calling that burned within him. “If you’re working with the poor, you must be communist!” he says of the military junta’s perception of him.   During his reign as president and then Supreme Head of the nation, Augusto Pinochet had incarcerated 80,000, tortured tens of thousands and executed 3,095 souls.   Even when teargassed, arrested, and finding himself in the midst of a post-coup volatility that could have resulted in his death, Father Mike sang songs of justice for those who vanished mysteriously, never to return to their families.   He took to the streets, a wandering minstrel of sorts, with guitar, cross and basket in hand to perform the Gospel of Saint Matthew for anyone who would listen. Dramatizing reality was a means of survival for many Chilean youth; it brought healing from growing up in alcoholic homes, witnessing neighbors being tortured and feeling the uncertainly of their future. The tenacity of the human spirit in these “poblanos” astounded the early missioner.   “It's like God had been preparing me for all the theater I did before, to do something as a missioner that would really impact the hearts of people,” said Father Mike.He continues to take his show on the road in other parts of the world where Maryknoll missioners serve.   You won’t find stories like Father Mike’s in any history book or documentary. Listen and learn—as they say—to what a real-life missioner with the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers has to share, because we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface here.

On September 7, 1918, the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers sent four Missioners to China, including Maryknoll co-founder Fr. Thomas F. Price, Fr. James E. Walsh, M.M., Fr. Francis X. Ford, M.M., and Fr. Bernard F. Meyer, M.M. This year as we prepare to celebrate 100 years of Mission Sending on September 7th, we had the privilege of sitting down with Fr. John Cioppa, M.M., an 86-year-old Maryknoll Missioner, who knew one of the original 4 Maryknoll Missioners to China - Bishop James E. Walsh.  In fact Fr. John was there in 1970 when Bishop James E. Walsh was released from a Shanghai prison after spending 12 years of his 20-year sentence primarily in solitary confinement.   After the Communist takeover of China in 1949, Bishop Walsh was arrested on charges that he had spied for the Vatican and the United States in 1958.  It is believed that he was the last of 7,000 foreign Roman Catholic and Protestant missionaries to have been expelled from China.    Most of Fr. John’s Missionary career was spent in Hong Kong, a former British Colony, and in 1978, he was the first Maryknoll priest to be able to re-enter China since the communist takeover.  Join us as we learn more about Fr. John’s adventures in Hong Kong and China in this episode of Among the People! 

AR EXCLUSIVE EPISODE | FR. MIKE BASSANO | I AM; THE MISSIONARY (Part II)This week on American Real, we bring you Part II of this series and welcome Fr. Mike Bassano, a Catholic priest who was ordained for the Diocese of Syracuse before eventually becoming a Maryknoll missioner. In this episode, Fr. Mike Bassano discusses his current work as a missionary in South Sudan.How to help the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers’ Mission:Monetary donations can be sent to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, N.Y. 10545-0302. AMERICAN REAL Website: https://americanreal.tvFacebook: https://facebook.com/americanrealtv/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AmericanRealTV/Twitter: https://twitter.com/rogerbrooks/iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-real/id1273583089?mt=2YouTube: http://bit.ly/2zVQDLOMusic by Richard Schulman. "The Chapel" from the album "Light of Assisi."Photographs by Paul Jeffrey.

AR EXCLUSIVE EPISODE | FR. MIKE BASSANO | I AM; THE MISSIONER (PART I)This week on American Real, we welcome Fr. Mike Bassano, a Catholic priest who was ordained for the Diocese of Syracuse before eventually becoming a Maryknoll missioner with the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers.Learn about Fr. Mike's early life, as well as his Maryknoll Mission life and experiences in Chile, Thailand, Tanzania, and his current work and ministry in northeastern South Sudan. #EveryoneHasAStoryStay tuned next Sunday for: FR. MIKE BASSANO | I AM; THE MISSIONER (Part II).How to help the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers’ Mission:Monetary donations can be sent to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, N.Y. 10545-0302.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel for all of the latest AMERICAN REAL episodes: http://bit.ly/2zVQDLOWebsite: https://americanreal.tvFacebook: https://facebook.com/americanrealtv/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AmericanRealTV/Twitter: https://twitter.com/rogerbrooks/#podcast #americanreallivetribe21???? ???? ????Have you ever thought about starting your own PODCAST? If so, join me and Podcast Your Passion! I’ll take you through my 8-week course, where I’ll mentor you to build a world-class podcast. I’m only taking on a small group of people who want to share their passion through broadcasting where I’ll have you up on iTunes and YouTube within weeks, so you can Podcast YOUR Passion.Join me today and PODCAST YOUR PASSION! https://www.americanreal.tv/pyp

We’re joined in studio by Fr. Ed Dougherty M.M., former Superior General of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers and representative of Maryknoll in Rome to the Holy See – Pope Francis. Fr. Dougherty shares his story of growing up in the Kensington section of Philadelphia to riding motorcycles, learning Swahili, and how he would hunt for his own food in the rural region of Musoma, Tanzania. He discusses his mission work teaching theology in Tanzania as well as his work in the United States including in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. Fr. Ed was good friends with the late Maryknoll Sister Ita Ford, who was murdered in El Salvador on December 2, 1980. He shares his stories of their friendship and celebrations and how he received a letter from her just days after her death, a moment he takes as a Sign from God.

In this episode, Megan and Father Joe interview Kevin Foy,  National Team Leader of Teacher and Catechist Outreach at Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. They discuss Kevin's experiences as a former teacher working with youth, his life as a catechist and a lay person who is helping to promote and transform the church in the US among young people.  Kevin has more than fifteen years experience ministering to and with ethnically and economically diverse communities across the United States, has worked as a middle school teacher and curriculum consultant in multiple dioceses, and has led mission immersion experiences in North, Central, and South America. Episode Notes You can reach Kevin Foy at: KFoy@Maryknoll.org Discover Your Neighbor: Classroom education program.  

Summary of today's show: Hundreds of thousands of Catholic families now homeschool their children. Scot Landry and Fr. Matt Williams delve into the why and the how with Allison Gingras, Maureen Wittmann and Mark Schwedrt of the New England Homeschooling Conference that is taking place on May 19 at St. Monica parish in Methuen. They discuss the socialization myth, how Allison and Maureen decided to homeschool their children, and what attendees can expect at the conference. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Matt Williams Today's guest(s): Mark Schwerdt, Allison Gingras, Maureen Wittmann Links from today's show: Today's topics: New England Catholic Homeschooling Conference 1st segment: Scot wished a happy birthday to our producer Rick Heil, celebrating his 24th birthday. Scot and Fr. Matt discussed the Eucharistic Congress taking place this weekend in the North End. He encouraged interred people to register online at http://www.eucharisticcongress.org or to show up at Sacred Heart church in the North End of Boston on Friday night and Saturday morning. 2nd segment: Scot welcomed Mark Schwerdt, who is organizing the New England Catholic Homeschooling Conference on May 19 on behalf of St. Thomas More College. He said these conferences happen all over the country and they attract people from all over the region. It will take place St. Monica's in Methuen. There will be speakers as well as a hall full of vendors who provide resources to those who are homeschooling. Mark said this is the fourth New England conference, but it's the first that St. Thomas More is organizing. Previously, the event was held in western Massachusetts. Mark said they chose St. Monica's as a central location that is very accessible. He said in the future they hope for growth and probably will end up closer to Boston. Scot welcomed Maureen Wittmann of Homeschooling Connection. She encouraged parents to go to homeschooling conferences and meet face to face with other homeschoolers. There's nothing like being with dozens of like-minded people to energize you, plus see so many curricula up close. Scot asked her what led her to homeschool her families. Maureen said in eighth grade she was out of school for six months and realized she could do all her schoolwork in a couple of hours per day. Later on she met homeschoolers and was encouraged to begin. They have seen many benefits by strengthening their family life and atmosphere. Scot asked about spending all day with kids and how to avoid stress. Maureen said you get along better with your children by being with them all day. When they are at school all day there is actress when they come home to do chores and homework and all that. In homeschooling, they have a lower pace, go to Mass a few times per week together. It's not always smooth, but being together throughout the day improves the family dynamic. Allison Gingras said she home schools because God asked her to. She said she has a special needs child who thrives in that one-on-one environment. She added she's happy to be at St. Monica's parish because she's spends a lot of time praying to her. St. Monica was the mother of St. Augustine and prayed for her son when he was far from God. Allison said St. Monica offered fasts for Augustine's conversion, showing the quiet sacrifice of a mother. Scot asked Maureen why homeschooling stories are long stories. Maureen said it's not something that's the norm so you need more than one reason to do it. Homeschooling resources are more abundant today than when she started 20 years ago. She used to rely a lot on libraries and photocopies. Now new homeschoolers can be overwhelmed, Allison said the most important resource for her is her own prayer life. She spends a lot of time asking God for the plan to raise them. Then she goes to the resources. She relies on Rainbow Resource a lot for a curriculum. Scot wondered if there needs to be a kind of Catholic homeschooling Khan Academy. Maureen said at Homeschool Connections they're creating some resources like Khan Academy with a Catholic worldview. Fr. Matt asked how you measure so you know your child is keeping pace. Who sets the standards? Allison said the kids don't have to take the MCAS. She said in her town she has to meet the superintendent of schools and show her curriculum and submit progress reports. She chooses to follow the Massachusetts Frameworks. Maureen said in Michigan they have the most liberal homeschooling laws in the country. They don't have to report anything to the government. She does track progress and now three are in college. She said she never used a science textbook and he scored a perfect score on his science ACT. When he was younger, they read a lot of literature, watched videos, got out into nature. In high school, they got involved in another kind of science team activity. Scot asked Mark what led Thomas More College to become involved in the conference. Mark said the conference came to them providentially. The school's involvement is to minister to the families in the archdiocese. Catholic homeschoolers form a large percentage of students at the college, about 30 percent. He said they often are more prepared than Catholic and public school students. He they aren't just good students, but wonderful people as well.Scot asked what differences they do see in the homeschoolers from others. Mark said they do come prepared for a rigorous curriculum. He said it's also a myth that they aren't socialized. Often they are involved in home school cooperatives. Scot asked Maureen about the socialization myth. Maureen said for her family it's been proven to her that socialization in homeschool is equal to or superior than a site-based school. At theme, they're used to being around adults and children of all ages. She recalls how at ease her 16-year-old son was with caring for small children. She cited studies in how home schooled children vote more, use libraries more, and are as well socialized as any others. Allison said the biggest myth is that the children won't have as good an education without a professional teacher. She has a master's degree in education, but she's seen kids in school who aren't learning as well as home schooled kids. She notes that with her own children she's able to spend as much time as possible for them to pass topic. Fr. Matt asked about mentoring and support. Maureen said there are many people out there to help. She suggested going online and searching for a local homeschooling support group. If you sign up with a home study school, they have counselors. There are online forums and Facebook support groups. She said homeschoolers always seem excited to help each other. Maureen said 83 percent of homeschoolers do it for religious or moral reasons. They want a faith-based education primarily. It took off in the Eighties when evangelicals wanted to be able to pray in schools. As a homeschooler she can pray the rosary with her kids during the day or the Divine Mercy chaplet at 3pm. Her kids who discern a religious vocation are not dissuaded from that as being uncool, for instance.. Scot asked Allison how much benefit she gets from being able to structure her day and her family time to do more unusual activities that give a well-rounded educational experience. Allison said schooling can be 24 hours per day 7 days per week, so they can have different opportunities. They're not tied to a school day. They can on vacation when everyone else is in school. Scot said there might be a perception that homeschool kids are jealous of going to school with all other kids. Allison said people used to give her the look that homeschooling is weird. Now she hears kids say they wish she could teach them too. All her own kids miss is school lunch, which she says is a comment on her cooking. Maureen said she hears a variety of reasons. One friend was terribly bullied in school. Sometimes it's that her kids can be done with schooling in a few hours so they can do other projects and sports. Allison said her school system has a program where she bring her kids to play sports, They also have town sports they can join. She just has to pay the same fee the other kids pay. 3rd segment: This week's benefactor card raffle winner is Laurie Costello from Brookline, MA She wins The “Glory” Rosary Musical DVD If you would like to be eligible to win in an upcoming week, please visit . For a one-time $30 donation, you'll receive the Station of the Cross benefactor card and key tag, making you eligible for WQOM's weekly raffle of books, DVDs, CDs and religious items. We'll be announcing the winner each Wednesday during “The Good Catholic Life” program. 4th segment: Mark gave an overview of the conference. Danielle Bean of Catholic Digest and Faith and Family will be speaking as will Allison and Maureen. Fr. Ed Riley will speak on children and the sacraments. Fr. Dan Hennessey will talk about encouraging vocations. Mark also listed a number of different providers of homeschooling curriculum and resources: Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, Sophia Institute Press, Teaching Textbooks, Christendom College, Seton Home Study School, Traveling Rosaries Apostolate, Crisis Magazine, The Teaching Creche, St. Benedict Religious Shop, Nancy Larson Science, Kolbe Academy Home School, Thirty-One Gifts, Catholic Homeschoolers in Massachusetts East (CHIME), Homeschool Connections, Usborne Books & More, Navis Pictures, Kosierowski Education Group, Morning Star Christian Center – a non-profit Catholic Apostolate, A Special Mother is Born, The Rooted Mind, LLC, Modern Woodmen of America, Our Lady Queen of Saints Catholic Homeschool Support Group, Reconciled to You Ministries, Danielle Bean. There's also going to be a used book sale. Allison said it will be great to talk to the person who has used the book before in homeschooling and get a personal review. Allison said her talk will be called “Swallowed by a Whale”. She said she tried to run from God when he called her to homeschool. When God calls you to this, he will provide everything you need to do this. You don't need a college degree or be a professional educator. She will also talk about her ministry called Reconciled to You, encouraging people to live a sacramental life and thus encourage child to live it too. Maureen's topic will be “High School and Beyond: Yes, You Too Can Homeschool High School”. She said in her old homeschool group, about half of the parents put their kids in high school because they didn't feel qualified or have resources. In her new city, it was rare, but they had a co-op in which they could take classes one day per week with teachers. She wants to encourage parents that they can do it. Maureen said in high school you get into deeper work and loftier subjects, but she finds it much more thrilling and interesting. She said she couldn't teach Latin, so she hired a tutor to teach them. She said she takes her planning each week before the Blessed Sacrament in prayer. Scot said the conference sounds like it would be good for homeschoolers, but also for those who are thinking about it and even those whose kids go to school. Mark said you will find families who care about the education of their children and want to give them the best resources available. Mark said to register online at http://www.newenglandhomeschool.com/. It's $15 per person, $25 for a married couple, and $5 for each teen. This is the preregistration rate until May 11. Pre-registering helps them to plan the conference and be prepared. It starts at 9:30 am and ends at 3:30pm followed by 4pm vigil Mass in the parish. Scot asked Allison about the greater challenges that come with homeschooling. Allison said it's not always easy to get motivated. Her own children have followed her lead in becoming night owls. They have had trouble getting things done, but she reminds herself that everything can be educational and that they can school 365 days per year. Scot said it sounds like adjusting your own expectations. Allison said this is why its great to connect with other homeschoolers because they have often had the same obstacles and can help each other with strategies and plans. Fr. Matt asked how the time use differ in homeschool. Allison said her children tackle a little of each subject per day. Maureen said her homeschool became much less structured, but it depends on the child. She said she has children with dyslexia, ADHD, and Asperberger's. For one she would give them many more breaks from work. Other days they would get on a roll and work on English for hours. Some parents set a schedule and teach certain subjects during certain hours. Allison said she knows people who are homeschooling as parts of groups or independently, but they all eventually connect in one way or another. She said it's important not to feel alone in it. Maureen said you need support. You need encouragement and prayers and to be that support for others. Maureen said about there are about 2.4 million homeschooling families and Catholics are about 25% of Christian homeschoolers. She guesses it's about 180,000 Catholic homeschooling families. And it's growing. Scot said the Church's teaching is that parents are the primary educators of their children. Maureen said the Diocese of Lansing has her on the school board as a homeschooler. Scot said Fr. Ed Riley is the Archdiocese of Boston's official liaison to homeschoolers.

Fr. Kelly has spent his life serving as a Maryknoll missionary, where compassion is at the heart of all the ministries of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Whether providing life-giving medicines, nutritious food, blankets, or something as simple as a glass of clean water... it is compassion at work with A SPIRIT OF MISSION.

Fr. Kelly has spent his life serving as a Maryknoll missionary, where compassion is at the heart of all the ministries of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Whether providing life-giving medicines, nutritious food, blankets, or something as simple as a glass of clean water... it is compassion at work with A SPIRIT OF MISSION.