Speakers Archive

LIVESTREAM Class
“The Theological Vision of Paul the Apostle”
Presented by Donald Senior, C.P.

Wednesdays, September 6, 13, 20, October 4, 11, 25, November 1, 8, 15, December 6
7:00-8:30 pm
Cost: $100 for entire course or $10 per night

Paul remains a dominant voice in the New Testament. His ardent love for the Crucified Christ, his deep and abiding roots in Judaism, his apostolic sufferings on behalf of the gospel, his dynamic sense of mission, and his vision of an inclusive and compassionate church – all of these are fundamental motifs of this remarkable follower of Jesus and a foundation of the Church’s life and mission today. This course will study the life of Paul within the context of Judaism and the Early Church and consider his major letters.

For more information, contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org


“Religion and Terrorism in the 21st Century”
Presented by Ahmad Sadri, Professor of Islamic World Studies at Lake Forest College

Thursdays, September 14 and 28, 2017
7:00-9:00 pm
Cost: Suggested donation of $10 per evening
Contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org to register.


Bible Journey Fall Session
“The Gospels and Jesus of Nazareth”
Presented by Jerry Leitner

Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1 & 8, 2017
9:45 am-10:45 am (one hour of small group discussion and one hour of lecture with Jerry Leitner)
Cost: $35
Contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org to register.


“Intriguing Women in Scripture”
Presented by Dawn Mayer, Vice President of Mission Integration and Pastoral Care for Franciscan Ministries

Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 2017
7:00-9:00 pm
Cost: Suggested donation of $10 per evening
Contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org to register.


Bible Brunch
“God So Loved the Cosmos, But Do We?”
Presented by Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., Ph.D.

Saturday, October 21, 2017
9:00 am-12:00 noon
Cost: $20 (includes brunch)
Contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org to register.


“An Introduction to Journaling as Spiritual Practice”
Presented by Carol LaChapelle

Monday, November 6, 2017
6:30-8:30 pm
Cost: $49 per person

Carol LaChapelle is a writer, teacher, and the author of Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Stories (Marion Street Press, 2008). Her essays have appeared in America magazine, The Writing Group Book, and on www.nextavenue.org. She has taught writing and journal writing workshops for the past 30 years, including at the Newberry Library; the Cathedral Counseling Center; and at several local universities and colleges.

Pre-registration is required for this program and there is limited seating. Please contact Mary Whiteside to register at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org

Richard Rohr WEBCAST presentation
“The Universal Christ: An Archetype for Everything”

Tuesday, July 11, 2017
7:00-9:00 pm
Free will donations appreciated.
Contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org to register.


Book Discussion – Seven Last Words: An Invitation to a Deeper Friendship with Jesus by James Martin
Discussion will be facilitated by Marsha Adamczyk, Director of Adult Faith at Holy Family
Tuesday, April 4
9:45-11:15 am

Please join our stimulating book discussion held before Holy Week. Books may be purchased directly from Amazon.com or in person at the Adult Faith Office for $12. Please read the entire book before the first meeting on Tuesday, April 4.

James Martin, SJ, a New York Times bestselling author gives us a clear portrait of Jesus’ compassion for our own struggles in this book, and reassures us that we can turn to Jesus completely – in mind, heart and soul.

To reserve a spot, please contact Marsha Adamczyk at 847-907-3458 or madamczyk@holyfamilyparish.org


Gospel of Mark
Presented by Fr. Tim Monahan

Tuesdays, May 2, 9 and 16, 2017, 7:00-9:00 pm
Suggested donation of $10 per evening.

To register, contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org


Richard Rohr Webcast
Trinity: The Soul of Creation

Wednesday, May 3, 2017
7:00-9:00 pm
Free will donations appreciated

Richard Rohr returns via webcast presentation to bring us a more in-depth understanding of the Trinity as the foundation and template for the entire universe. We will explore how our conscious engagement in loving communion opens us to being transformed at the deepest levels. Bring your heart, mind and body to this far-reaching, personal and life-changing conversation. All are welcome to this deep journey, wherever you are on the path!

To register, contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org

The Dangers of Human Trafficking

Presented by Sr. Jean Okroi, IBVM and Mindy, a survivor of human trafficking
Monday, March 13, 2017
7:00-9:00 pm
Sister Jean Okroi is a member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Prior to her work on human trafficking, she was an educator, spiritual mentor, served in IBVM leadership and continues to assist religious congregations as they move toward the future.

Thirteen years ago, while participating in a human trafficking conference, she made a choice to focus her energy on a single justice issue – human trafficking. Since then she has raised awareness of this crime with university and parish groups, women’s organizations, medical students and social workers.

Sr. Jean initiated the Illinois Women Religious against Human Trafficking Committee seven years ago with the assistance of LCWR Region 8. The collaborative committee of ten women religious congregations and their associates raise awareness, advocate and assist survivors of Human Trafficking. Sister and committee were recognized for the work they do by the Paluch Family Foundation in 2016.

Along with Sr. Jean, we welcome Malynda Osantowski-Hughes, a courageous survivor of Human Trafficking, who will share her story with us.

Ms. Osantowski-Hughes is the author of Exposing the Darkness: From a Small Town Where People Don’t Talk or Tell. Books will be available for purchase on the night of the presentation. This program is for mature adults only.

Cost: Suggested donation of $10 appreciated
To register, contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org


Parish Mission 2017 “Open Your Hearts to the Lord”
Presented by Fr. Britto Berchmans

Sunday, March 19, Monday, March 20, and Tuesday, March 21, 2017, 7:00-8:30 pm.

Join us for our Parish Mission as we prepare for Lent and Easter as we enjoy three nights with Fr. Britto Berchmans. On Sunday evening, “Love Scripts,” we will begin our spiritual journey by recognizing that God not only loves us, but is in love with us. We need to develop the capacity to recognize God’s handwriting as He sends us love notes every day.

Monday evening, “Prayer: Getting in touch with the God Within” we will heed the command of the Lord to pray always, we seek to give expression to the groans and longings of our hearts. Prayer is basically our response to the God who has taken the initiative to love us unconditionally.

Finally, Tuesday night, “Rejoicing: Happiness and Fulfillment in Life,” will explore the elusive desire for happiness we have. In this talk, Fr. Britto outlines a simple approach to living our lives to the fullest. Drawing insights from positive psychology, spiritual life and common wisdom, he attempts to provide concrete steps to live more fully our everyday lives. There is no cost to attend the Parish Mission and registration is not necessary.

Parish Mission – Fr. Britto Berchmans 2017


Homosexuality and the Catholic Church

Thursdays, February 23, 2017 with Fr. Jim Halstead from DePaul University and March 2, 2017 with Friar Johnpaul Cafiero and a panel from the AGLO and One in Love Ministries, 7:00-9:00 pm.

Two night series devoted to helping promote understanding and awareness around the issue of homosexuality and Catholicism. The first night with Fr. Jim Halstead will focus on an understanding of the Church teaching, and the second night with Friar Johnpaul Cafiero facilitating a panel discussion, will focus on the reality and challenges faced by gay Catholics today. Cost: Suggested donation of $10 per evening. To register, contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450.


photo - Jim Papandrea, Ph.D.“Handed Down: The Catholic Faith of the Early Christians”
Presented by Dr. Jim Papandrea

Jim Papandrea will be sharing from his recent book Handed Down: The Catholic Faith of the Early Christians. This book is the result of his study of early Christianity, his exploration of Catholicism, and his conversion to the Church from his former life as a protestant minister. Parishioners of Holy Family might remember that Holy Family was Jim and Susie’s first parish after his conversion, and where he came into the Church. Shortly after that, Jim joined the staff of Holy Family as Director of Adult Faith Formation, and gave a number of talks on “Catholic Answers to Protestant Questions.” Those talks were the beginning of this book, published by Catholic Answers Press.

Come for four Wednesday nights to hear Jim talk about Scripture and Tradition, Faith and Works, Mary and the Saints, and the Church and the Papacy. Each session will include plenty of time for Q & A.

Wednesdays, September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 2016, 7:00-9:00 pm

To register, contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org


photo - jpcafiero with a lamb“The Triptych of Love: Christ Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”
Presented by Friar Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM

Friar Johnpaul will lead us in a reflection on the Advent message in his engaging and informative style. His storytelling and humor bring to life the message of Jesus’ birth for us, his disciples today. Night one looks back to the Infancy Narratives of Matthew and Luke’s gospels. The second night we look forward to the message of the Book of Revelation. The final night is focused on living the gospel today. An enjoyable and faith strengthening experience for teens as well as adults! Come, and bring a friend!

Wednesdays, November 2, 9 and 16, 2016 7:00-9:00 pm

To register, contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org


photo-fr-john-kartje-ph-dBible Brunch
“In the Beginning…There were Gravity Waves: Using New Science to Illuminate Eternal Truth”

Presented by Fr. John Kartje, Ph.D., S.T.D.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
9:00 am – 12:00 noon (brunch included)
Cost: $15

We believe that Sacred Scripture expresses eternal truth. How interesting it will be to listen to Fr. John Kartje as he explores how religion and science are not mutually exclusive. He will explain how new discoveries in science help us to more deeply understand Creation in the Book of Genesis – and how our faith leads us to greater appreciation of God at work in the scientific world.

Fr. Kartje is uniquely qualified to lead this Bible Brunch. He worked as an Astrophysicist for several years, having earned a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Chicago. When he was drawn to the priesthood, he chose to study Sacred Scripture, earning a S.T.D. from Catholic University of America. Fr. Kartje is currently the Rector/President of Mundelein Seminary.

To register, contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org


photo - Nora BratholFacebook Training Session
Presented by Nora Brathol, Social Media Professional

This presentation is for anyone interested in learning more about how to navigate Facebook. You may want to use it to communicate with the young people in your life, or you may want to connect with or share photos with relatives and friends who live far away. Facebook offers great opportunity to connect, but understanding how it works and how privacy settings are set is key. Join us for this informational session and bring a friend!

Wednesday, June 29, 2016 3:30 pm-5:00 pm

To register, contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org

There is no charge for this program.


photo - mary deeley“What the Old Testament Tells us about God and Ourselves”
Presented by Mary Deeley, Ph.D.

Mary Deeley will examine many well-known and not so well-known stories with humor and insight, helping us to understand how they contribute to understanding God and ourselves. She will discuss Sarah, Abraham, Elijah, Rahab, Ruth and others, and will help you connect their stories to your life stories.

Tuesdays, May 10 and 17, 2016, 7:00-9:00 pm

Cost: Suggested donation of $10 per night

To register, contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org


Photo - fr. tim monahan“Mercy in the Bible” presented by Fr. Tim Monahan

Tuesdays, September 29, October 6 and 13, 2015, 7:00-9:00 pm.
Cost: $25 per person or $35 per couple.
To register, contact Mary Whiteside at 847-907-3450 or mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org.


photo - terry nelson-johnsonParish Mission 2016 – “Running the Paschal Mystery”
Presented by Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson

March 13, 14 and 15, 2016, 7:00-8:30 pm (followed by hospitality until 9:00 pm)

Free will donations welcome

What if the Paschal Mystery isn’t just something that Jesus went through a couple thousand years ago, but something that we’re all invited to live every day? Through his gift of storytelling with humor and depth, Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson will show us how to look at our own lives through the lenses of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter. The Paschal Mystery is still happening…right here, right now, in your life. Bring your family and friends. This is food for the soul.

No registration is required and there is no fee. Just come and be fed.

For more information about Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson, visit his website at www.soulplayonline.com


photo - Vanessa White“Spiritual Practices to Live: Whole Life to Holy Life”
Presented by Vanessa White, M.T.S., D.Min.

Saturday, April 23, 2016, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (brunch included)

Cost: $15

“Take it easy! Spend a relaxing, refreshing morning with Dr. Vanessa White as she offers “Spiritual Practices to Live: Whole Life to Holy Life” on Saturday, April 23, 9:00am to 12:00pm. Dr. White is Assistant Professor of Spirituality and Ministry at Catholic Theological Union. She will explore the deeper message of God’s will in our lives.


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