Breakout Sessions
The Written On Our Hearts conference brings high quality breakout sessions from accomplished Catholic leaders, speakers and authors from around the United States and abroad. Your registration includes admission to two sessions.
Yeast in Sour-dough
English
Is it possible to live faith, hope and charity in a busy, secular environment? Can my faith "survive" in an environment
that does not appreciate, much less encourage people of faith? Why should I try to live my Catholic Christian faith
away from the church premises? Does my presence as a Catholic Christian have any affect on those around
me? These and other questions about working in a secular world and trying to stay true to your Catholic faith will be addressed in this workshop.
Mgsr. Michael Mulvey is the Vicar General of the Diocese of Austin. 
Sunday Eucharist: Our Weekly Encounter with God's Love
English with Spanish Translation
"For it is the [Sunday] liturgy through which, especially in the Divine sacrifice of the Eucharist, 'the work of our redemption is accomplished'" (Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 2). This presentation will highlight the liturgical, theological, and pastoral significance of celebrating Sunday Eucharist. This weekly sacramental encounter with God in the celebration of Sunday Eucharist is the apex of Catholic identity and hallmark of Catholic spirituality. Vatican II Eucharistic ecclesiology will be the thrust of the discussion that centers around the phrase "the [Sunday] liturgy is the source and summit toward which the activity of the church is directed; it is the fount from which all her power flows" (SC, n. 10).
Dr. Canales is the Director of Youth Ministries in the Diocese of Austin.
Reconciliation: Letting Go of the Past
English
Every one of us encounters hurts, mistakes, poor choices, regretful experiences, and wrong turns. Some hurts are of our own doing, but sometimes they "happen to us." Amid the joys and blessings in our life, what do we do with these wounds on our hearts and souls? Big or small, they have the potential to heal or haunt, dissipate or fester. This workshop will help you listen to the sacred promise written on your hearts and allow your hurts to be blessed by God. You will learn how to embrace the peace of a reconciled life through truth, courage, and love.
Beth Balsam is the Director of Religious Education for St. Gabriel's Catholic School.
Get Out Of the Boat: Now is the Time To Walk on the Water
English
Marcel LeJeune is the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry
at St. Mary’s Catholic Center in College Station, TX. He and his wife, Kristy,
have five children.
Los Jóvenes Adultos Católicos y La Moralidad
Spanish
Las vidas de los Jóvenes Adultos Católicos han sido afectadas profundamente por la globalización, individualismo y capitalismo. ¿Cómo pueden ellos mantener su identidad Católica en el mundo de hoy? Ellos son más propensos a acoger ideas religiosas y morales que son incompatibles con las ense–anzas de la iglesia, particularmente en las áreas de la sexualidad, la participación de los laicos en la iglesia, y el papel de mujeres en sociedad.
Roberto Navarro trabaja en la Oficina del Ministerio Hispano de la Diocesis de Austin.
Our Call to Serve the Poor: From the Old Testament to Modern Catholic Social Justice Teaching
AM Session: English. PM Session: Spanish
Catholic Social Justice is rooted in the Covenant God made with his chosen people on Mt. Sinai. This workshop will explore the way in which our calling to serve the poor is founded in the Law of Moses in the Old Testament; it is continued throughout Jesus Teaching in the New Testament and finally interpreted in modern times through the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching articulate by the United States Catholic Bishops.
Claudia Neira teaches Theology and Spanish at Reicher Catholic High School in Waco.
The Road Ahead: Decisions and Directions
AM Session: Spanish. PM Session: English
Your life as a young adult is full of many decisions. Should I look for another job? Should I date this person? What should I study? Should I move? What should I do with my life? This workshop will offer some practical tools for understanding how God speaks to us, obstacles to listening to the voice of God, and guidelines for discovering God's will in the concrete situations of life.
Father Mike is the Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Austin.
Marriage & Committment
English
What are the secrets to a long and happy marriage? What does the Catholic Church teach about love and marriage? Why should I get married in the Church? Learn answers to these tough questions and much more.
Greg and Julie Alexander are the founders of The Alexander House.
Credit, Money and Stewardship
English
Finding a balance between striving for gain and avoiding greed and excess can become a stressful ordeal. We may not realize it, but the teachings of Jesus, through Scripture, can often guide us through the confusing choices presented to us involving our money and the decisions we make. These decisions can impact your life for years to come. This presentation looks at common credit and money decisions through the perspective of charity, humility, and stewardship.
Seth Mason is a credit counselor at iPayDebt Financial Services.
Get Up, Get Out and Get Involved!
English with Spanish Translation
As Catholics, we are called to go forth and spread the good news to all nations. What does this really mean? How am I supposed to do that? What resources are available to help you? What ministries can you join? Fr. Roderick offers his advice and shares how he's used new media to spread the Gospel and build online communities for the faithful.
Father Roderick is the founder of SQPN and a pioneer in Catholic podcasting.
Please Note: Speakers and sessions are subject to change.