The Illinois Catholic Homeschool Conference had an excellent Teen Track this year.  All three of my teens attended an opening pizza party with ice breakers, fellowship, and all the ice cream sundaes they could eat...a sure way to get a teen's attention! 

Following the fun, they shared Adoration, Rosary and a spiritual talk given by Father Pablo Straub.  Father has spent the last twenty years in rural Mexico, where he helped found two new missionary and contemplative religious orders. In the United States, Mexico and Guatemala, Father Straub directs missions, retreats, and Marian Eucharistic Conferences, and is a frequent presence on Mother Angelica’s EWTN and on Mexican Catholic television.  The kids thoroughly enjoyed his talk about the Glorious Mysteries of our Faith and his work in Mexico.

A teen Catholic Dance and Theater Troupe entertained us with a highly professional and beautifully choreographed show to close the evening.

On Saturday, the teen's keynote speaker was Father Burke Masters on "Discerning God's Call,"  followed by a workshop titled, "How to Promote a Culture of Life."

After more good food and ice cream, the teen boys had the opportunity to meet with Father Frank "Rocky" Hoffman.  Ordained as a priest for Opus Dei in 1992 by John Paul II, he holds a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Rome), a B.A. from Northwestern in History and an M.B.A. from Notre Dame.   He talked with the boys about "Being Catholic & American: The Best of Both Worlds."   Their closing workshop was "Chivalry: Become Knights in Shining Armor."   I can only say, I haven't opened a door since then!

My teen daughter enjoyed an interactive adventure with Regina Doman  (the author of one of my daughter's favorite books),  discovering the relationship between Faith and creativity.  They talked about writing faith-based stories, using Christian symbols of "good" and "evil" and the use of  "light" and "dark" in conveying a meaningful message through literature.  My daughter loves to both read and write, and appreciated this discussion.

She also had the opportunity to meet with Fr. "Rocky" and other teen girls to discuss, "Living for God, Living for Others, Living for Christ" following the examples of Our Lady, St. Martha and St. Mary Magdalene.  Fr. Rocky's question he posed to the girls:  "Why in Genesis, did Satan choose the woman to tempt?"  After much discussion, he explained, "If Satan can bring the woman down, he can bring the whole family down with her."  She was very impressed with this insight.  She also wrote in her notebook, "I can choose my actions, but not the consequences."

Mom's quiet response, "Amen!"

Catholic Homeschool Conference: Part I

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Posted by Maureen :)

My daughters absolutely fell in love with Fr. Straub. And the lovely missionary nun from New Mexico too. Boy conferences are worth it just so our teens can meet holy priests and nuns!

And it was wonderful to see you Maureen!

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Posted by Liz

Hi. I enjoy reading your blog and as I was catching up today I ready about the Illinois Cath. Conference. I was there too!! Although I don't live in Illinois (I was visiting from NC), I had a wonderful time and especially enjoyed the Mass by Fr. Straub. Wish I would have been able to say hello to you! I was the lonely mom with a 9 month old (a nice break from my other kids, though!). I'm easy to pick out since I think I was the only Hispanic there (that I saw!). I had a nice time at the conference. I'll actually be attending the IHM Catholic Conference in Washington, D.C. next week. It's nice to read your blog!! Hope you don't mind if I post a link here from my blog.
Liz
http://hfclassicalacademy.blogspot.com/

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