Leadership and Ministry in the Diocese of Lansing

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1 PRESENTERS DEBORAH AMATO Enrichment Topic: Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter (8/11); Topic 21 Moral Development (8/14). Deborah Amato is the Director of Lay Ecclesial Ministry for the Diocese of Lansing. She is currently serving on the diocesan Marriage and Family Life Taskforce as well as the accreditation team for Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Prior to working for the diocese she taught middle school religion, facilitated adult faith formation and coordinated the RCIA at St. Joseph Parish in Howell. She was a computer geek with sixteen years in the computer consulting industry before switching careers and receiving a Masters degree in Pastoral Studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Deb is a mother of four children and grandmother to nine. In her spare time, she and husband, Mark, enjoy kayaking and relaxing on their pontoon boat. MICHAEL ANDREWS Topic 15 Overview of the Bible (8/12); Topic 11 Church (8/15); Topic 8 Creation and Incarnation (8/21); Enrichment Topic: The Year of Faith, Vatican II and Pope Francis (8/22); Site Coordinator (8/21, 8/22); Event Chair, Festival of Faith 2013 Planning Committee. Michael Andrews is the Director of Catechesis for the Diocese of Lansing. Raised Lutheran (LCMS), his study of the Scriptures, the Fathers of the Church and the Summa of St Thomas Aquinas led him as a high school senior to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Mount Saint Mary s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland and a BA in philosophy from St Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. He is a professed Lay Dominican and serves as formation director of two newly formed Lay Dominican groups (East Lansing and Ann Arbor). He and his wife Susana have a two year old daughter, Catherine.

2 JEN BROWN Topic 6 Faith (8/20) Jen Brown serves as the Coordinator of Evangelization and Discipleship at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lansing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Bachelor of Science in Human Services, and coursework towards Masters at Franciscan University. Jen has worked for nearly twenty years in ministry including youth ministry, campus and young adult ministry and has a particular interest in ministry to women of all ages. She loves talking about Jesus Christ, his Holy Church, superhero movies and her nieces and nephews. In her down time Jen enjoys being with friends and debating the catechetical value of the TV show Lost. TIM CARPENTER Topic 8 Creation and Incarnation (8/14) Tim Carpenter is currently the Director of Faith Formation at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Howell/Hartland, MI. He has a Masters Degree in Christian Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Tim is committed to professing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by word and action. He has successfully lead many forms of Adult Formation like Bible studies, Apologetics courses and Catechist Formation classes for the Diocese of Lansing. Tim has enjoyed 12 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Lindsay. They have three daughters, Maeve, Haydn and Josephine. JANET CASSIDY Topic 13 Sacraments (8/11); Topic 6 Faith (8/13) Janet Cassidy is a Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education/RCIA at St. Mary Church in Mt. Morris, Michigan. She is a Lay Ecclesial Minster for the Diocese of Lansing and Formation Director of the St. Catherine of Siena Lay Dominican Chapter which meets at Holy Family, Grand Blanc. Janet authors a bi-weekly column for the Catholic Times and holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Madonna University. She lives with her husband in Grand Blanc, Michigan and has three adult children. FATHER PETER J. CLARK Topic 9 Jesus Christ (8/14; 8/21) Father Peter J. Clark is the Pastor of Saint Mary s Church, Williamston. After four years of study at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, he did post-graduate work at the University of Rochester and then travelled to Belgium to study medicine at the Free University of Brussels. After graduation with an MD degree, he moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan for specialty training in Internal Medicine at hospitals in Detroit and Ann Arbor. He practiced internal and geriatric medicine in private practice in

3 Milan, Michigan, during which time he was on staff at two local hospitals and served as a parttime faculty member at the University of Michigan. After five years of study at Mundelein Seminary of the Archdiocese of Chicago, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Carl Mengeling in Lansing on June 8, His first assignment was as parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist Church, Fenton, where he served until his assignment as pastor at St. Mary Church in Williamston. He has served on the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, the Diocesan Pastoral Council and as a curator for the Marriage Tribunal. As an adjunct faculty member at Siena Heights University, Fr. Clark enjoys teaching courses in the Ecclesial Lay Ministry Program of the Diocese of Lansing. He continues to pursue a Licentiate in Sacred Theology at Mundelein Seminary. Fr. Clark is an avid musician and postcard collector. SEAN COSTELLO Topic 21 Moral Development (8/21) Sean Costello is the Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Lansing. He received his B.A. in Philosophy and Catholic Studies from the University of St. Thomas. He has done graduate work at the Angelicum University, the University of Michigan, and at the University of Detroit-Mercy. He earned an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. Sean has been blessed with 13 years of marriage with his wife, Elisa. They have two children. SISTER THERESA FIFER, OSF Topic 20 How to Use the Bible with Different Age Groups (8/14; 8/21) Sister Theresa is the DRE at St. Patrick Parish in Brighon, Michigan. She earned her B.A. in Religious Studies from Lourdes College in Sylvania, Ohio and her M.A. in Systematic Theology from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Sister Theresa is a vowed member of the Sisters of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. She enjoys her family, friends, gardening and teaching. EMILY FRYBARGER Enrichment: Intro to Vatican II Emily Frybarger is the Director of Adult Faith Formation and RCIA at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Burton, Michigan. She received her Master's and Bachelor degrees in Theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. When prompted about her interests, she commented, "I could not imagine a better way to spend my life, than to talk about my faith. Joy is the key, 'Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.'"

4 TODD GALE Topic 16 Old Testament Themes (8/12, 8/20); Topic 17 Key People in the Old Testament (8/13, 8/20) Todd Gale has served Queen of the Miraculous Medal parish for the last sixteen years in Youth Ministry, Religious Education, Young Adult Ministry, and Adult Formation, Todd is married to Amy, his bride of 22 years, father to three amazing kids, and a Commissioned Lay Ecclesial Minister. He calls himself a born-again, Bible-believing, Spirit-filled Roman Catholic with a passion for the Scriptures. DAWN HAUSMANN Enrichment: Theology of the Body co-presenter (8/15) Dawn Hausmann is the Director of Consecrated Vocations for the Lansing Diocese. She has a degree in Social Work from MSU and a Master in Theology from the Pontifical John Paul Institute for the Studies of Marriage and Family in Washington D.C. She has a passion for spreading John Paul II's Theology of the Body and helping people journey in vocational discernment. Her interests outside of these are in anything that has to do with enjoying the outdoors: hiking, biking, and being in nature. DEACON GENE HAUSMANN Topic 19 Acts & Letters (8/14; 8/21) Deacon Eugene Hausmann has been involved in ministry all his adult life, including more than thirty-five years of service as director of pastoral care at Holy Cross Children s Services of Michigan. Much of this ministry has been ecumenical, involving diverse religious backgrounds among the clientele, staff, and the many chaplain interns whom he trained and supervised. He was prepared for ministry at Notre Dame University, the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, and the Ecumenical Theological Seminary of Detroit, from which he received a Doctor of Ministry degree in He was certified as a chaplain in the National Association of Catholic Chaplains in 1993 and ordained deacon for the Diocese of Lansing in His book, Catholics Go by the Bible: Biblical Sources of Catholic Theology and Liturgy, was published in Deacon Eugene Hausmann and his wife, Jean, have been married for thirty-two years and have three grown children and three grandchildren.

5 MARINELL HIGH Topic 22 Catechesis and Catholic Social Teaching (8/15, 8/22); Virtus Training (8/22); Site Coordinator (8/19, 8/20); Festival of Faith 2013 Planning Committee. Marinell High is the Director of Religious Formation for children and adults at St. Joseph Parish in Dexter. She has a degree in Theology from St. Mary of the Woods College and she is a commissioned a Lay Ecclesial Minister for the Diocese of Lansing. She and her husband Tom have three children who, along with their spouses, have blessed their lives with ten wonderful grandchildren. DR. CAROL JADACH Enrichment: Invited, Initiated, Inflamed: An Introduction to the RCIA Dr. Carol Jadach has been involved in catechetical ministry for over thirty-five years, serving in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit and in the archdiocesan Office for Faith Formation/Catechetics. Currently she is an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary teaching courses in sacramental theology and catechetics. In addition to her teaching responsibilities Carol serves as Faculty Coordinator for Siena Heights University s Program in Theological Studies, which provides the educational component of the ministry formation program for the Diocese of Lansing. Carol also has a wonderful husband, three children, and seven awesome granddaughters! ADAM JANKE Topic 1 The Ministry of the Catechist (8/19); Enrichment: Christian Spirituality (8/20); Topic 11 Church (8/22) Adam Janke is currently the Director of Religious Education and Coordinator of Youth Ministry/RCIA at St. Mary Catholic Church in Williamston, MI. He also serves as the Vice-President and Program Director for St. Paul Street Evangelization. After converting to Catholicism from biblical fundamentalism, he obtained his BA in Theology and Catechetics and Masters in Theology and Christian Ministry from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. FATHER JOHN LINDEN Enrichment: Theology of the Body co-presenter (8/15) Ordained in 2007, Father John has a Masters in Divinity from Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He enjoyed three years as a parochial vicar at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Ann Arbor before becoming the Chair of the Formation Department for the Diocese of Lansing as well as the Director of Seminarians. Fr. John travels throughout the diocese giving presentations on topics including vocations and vocational discernment as well as Theology of the Body and its connection to both marriage and consecrated life.

6 FATHER RICHARD LOBERT Topic 7 The Mystery of the Triune God (8/21) Father Richard C. Lobert is a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, currently serving in his nineteenth year as Chaplain and Theology teacher at Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He graduated with an MA in Theology from Catholic University and obtained an MAT (Master in the Art of Teaching) from Marygrove College. He very much enjoys teaching high school students. Besides teaching he is passionate about the Liturgy and music. He pursues piano as a hobby and recently took up the cello. MARY MAHAR Topic 4 Effective Catechetical Techniques (8/12, 8/20) Mary Mahar is the Director of Faith Formation at St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton. She started her ministry as a catechist in Naperville, Illinois assisting the Preschool Director. She moved to Hartland where she became the Elementary Cordinator for six years, she was DRE at St. Joseph Parish in Dexter for two years and is now starting her fourteenth year of ministry at St. Mary Magdalen. She attended Siena Heights University for her theology classes. She and her husband Mike have been married for thirty-four years and they have four adult children. Being one of eleven children, Mary s parents raised her in faith to serve and through their example she is blessed to be able to share her faith with others as well! Families need to be able to identify Christ in their lives and catechists support parents by helping them to pass on the faith to their children. DR CONNIE McCLANAHAN Topic 10 Mary and the Saints, Eternal Life (8/15; 8/22) Dr Connie McClanahan has been a full-time Lay Eccelsial Minister in our diocese since January 1970, serving as a college campus minister/music minister, Pastoral Associate, DRE, CYM, RCIA facilitator, Pastoral Coordinator, and now as Director of Faith Formation (cradle to grave) at St. Matthew Parish, Flint. Connie has a B.A., M.R.E., M. Div. (equivalency), and D. Min. from three Catholic institutions, plus a diploma in Spiritual Direction from a Benedictine Abbey. She is the second oldest of nine siblings, loves to praise and worship God in song, and has been in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal since 1977.

7 GINA MOSKAL Topic 14 Prayer (8/11; 8/19) Gina Moskal has served the Church as a Catholic school educator and Director of Religious Education and RCIA for over forty years. She has a master s level of formation in both education and theology. Although retired, she continues to represent Saint Paul s (Owosso) at the local ministerial association. She also coordinates the women s jail ministry. Retirement has provided her with more time to continue piano lessons. In the summer you will find her in the gardens, on a bike or at a campground. She has explored various forms of art as prayer for about fifteen years. JOE PHILIP Topic 15 Overview of the Bible (8/19); Topic 13 The Sacraments; Topic 12 Liturgy (8/22) Joe Philip completed his BS in secondary education and holds an MA in Sacred Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. He has served as a DRE, youth minister, and RCIA director. With his wife, Joe and Tara regularly lead retreats for high school and college students throughout the country. He has a passion for G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, and all things Tolkien. Currently, he is a full time theology teacher and retreat coordinator for Powers Catholic High School in Flint, MI. BEN POHL Topic 18 The Gospels (8/13; 8/20) Ben Pohl directs Adult Faith Formation, RCIA and Social Ministry, while overseeing Faith Formation as a whole for St Michael, Grand Ledge. He attended St. John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul, MN for four years and received a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Catholic Studies. He is currently working on a Master's degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute. Outside of his work for the parish, he enjoys coaching basketball and spending time with family and friends. CRAIG POHL Enrichment: Discipleship (8/14; 8/21) Craig Pohl is the Director of New Evangelization for the Diocese of Lansing, MI. He holds a bachelors degree in Philosophy and Catholic Studies and a masters in Theology. From the moment of his encounter with the risen Christ at the age of 14 he has been passionate about spreading the good news of salvation.

8 MONICA POPE Topic 1 The Ministry of the Catechist (8/11); Topic 7 The Mystery of the Triune God (8/14) Monica Pope is the Director of Catechesis at Saint Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor. She received her advanced catechist certification through the Archdiocese of Detroit. She has been a catechist in parish programs and home school programs for 24 years. Monica has taught every age range from 3 and 4 year olds through adult. She created and taught catechetical and sacrament prep programs for persons with developmental disabilities. During the school year, she taught 4 th and 5 th grade religion in St Thomas School. She currently leads the Confirmation Prep program and team-teaches in the St Thomas catechetical program. Her current project is the creation of two different syllabi based on The Youth Catechism (YouCat) She is married to Tracy and is the mother of ten children, ages 7 through 34. Saint Thomas the Apostle is their parish. SISTER JOHN DOMINIC RASMUSSEN, OP Topic 5 Education in Christian Virtue [previously titled Managing Student Behavior ] (8/13; 8/20) Sr. John Dominic Rasmussen was born in Berkley, California and moved to Nashville, Tennessee at the age of five. She converted to Catholicism during her sophomore year and entered the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in In 1997, she and three other Sisters founded the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sister has been involved in Catholic education for over 27 years as both a teacher and administrator. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee and a Masters degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. In the beginning years of the community, Sister worked with Sr. Mary Samuel to found and establish Spiritus Sanctus Academies in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She also coauthored with Carol Kennedy, Remain in Me, a Faith Formation curriculum for catechetical instruction. Sister is also developing Disciple of Christ, Education in Virtue, a curriculum aimed at providing a systematic instruction in the virtues and the gifts for children and adults. In addition to her work in Catholic education, Sister oversees the temporal affairs of the community and schools. To maintain a healthy balance of life, Sister enjoys playing basketball, walking and reading (of course, praying). PAT RINKER Enrichment: Confirmation as a Sacrament of Evangelization (8/15) Pat is current Director of Youth, Young Adult & Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Lansing. He is the recent published author of the scripture devotional, You re Worth It, for teens and young adults. He has been in youth and young adult ministry for over forty years. He has been married to Karen for 37 years, has three children and five grandchildren. He has never been out of youth ministry and loves working

9 with teens and those who serve them. He received his BA from Aquinas College in Theology, English, with a certification in secondary education. His MA is from Regis University in Denver, in Adult and Family ministry. He has served on many committees at the diocesan, province and national levels. He has done retreats for youth and adults in states throughout the Midwest as well as keynotes, days of reflection, and training in youth & young adult ministry. He has taught in Catholic high schools, served in parish ministry and has been a diocesan leader for twenty years, serving also in Sioux City, IA. His first World Youth Day was in Denver in 1993 and sees celebrating this event as a significant part of our Catholic experience and identity. JACKIE ROSALEZ Topic 2 The Learning Process and Faith Development (8/11; 8/19) Jackie Rosalez has a teaching degree from Central Michigan University and a Master in Religious Education from Loyola University New Orleans. She is the Director of Religious Education for St. Martha Parish in Okemos. Before that she taught in several Catholic Schools, including 8 years at St. Therese in Lansing. Jackie loves sharing her faith with children in fun, creative ways and really enjoys the opportunity to help others who are working to do the same. RITA THIRON Topic 12 Liturgy (8/15) Rita Thiron is the Director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Lansing. She holds a masters in Theology with a concentration in Liturgical Studies from the University of Notre Dame. She and Mark have two grown children and three adorable grandchildren. AL WEILBAECHER Topic 3 Lesson Planning (8/11, 8/19) Al Weilbaecher has been in full time pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Lansing since 1977, is a Commissioned Lay Ecclesial Minister, and currently serves as Director of Faith Formation for St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing, MI. He spent 10 years in seminary formation with the Vincentian Community, received a Master's Degree in Counseling and completed graduate course work in Theology. Al and his wife, Janet, have three grown sons, and thoroughly enjoy their four wonderful grandchildren.

10 Let us pray that every person within the Catholic Diocese of Lansing will come to know and love our Lord Jesus Christ in a personal way, grow in maturity as a disciple of Christ, become actively engaged in the full life of the Church, and joyfully utilize his or her gifts for building up the Kingdom of God and the salvation of souls. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever enjoy his consolations. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. DIOCESE OF LANSING Office of Catechesis 2013