North Texas Conference 2011

Before being ordained on June 10, 1972, he had also earned a Master’s in Theology from his studies in Lyons, France. In 1975, Father Fessio earned his Doctorate in Theology from the University of Regensburg, West Germany. His thesis director was Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), with whom a lasting friendship was developed that continues to this day.Father Fessio has had a distinguished career as an educator. He taught Philosophy (1966-69) and Systematic and Spiritual Theology at the University of San Francisco (1974-1998). From 1988-91, Father served as editor of 30 Days in the Church and the World, an international Catholic magazine, and became publisher of The Catholic World Report in 1991. Since 1995, he was publisher of Homiletic & Pastoral Review, as well as Catholic Dossier, Catholic Faith (until 2002).

In 1976, Father Fessio founded St. Ignatius Institute and, in 1978, became founder and editor of Ignatius Press. Father has been a solid orthodox voice in Catholic publishing since its founding. In 1995, he co-founded Adoremus: Society for the Renewal of the Sacred Liturgy. Three years later, he founded the Catholic Radio Network and, in 2002, he founded Campion College of San Francisco. That same year he became Chancellor of Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida, and later its Provost.

Dr. Aquila’s central focus has been in the design and implementation of the institution’s core curriculum, especially reform at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ave Maria College, and the University of St. Francis. Dr. Aquila is also a trustee and chair of the Council of Scholars of the American Academy of Liberal Education, a member of the Board of Directors of Wyoming Catholic College, and an active participant and lecturer in the national Fides et Ratio seminars. In June 2007, he received the Spes Nostrae Award for service to Catholic Education from the National Association for Private and Independent Catholic Schools.

Dr. Aquila has a Bachelors Degree in Music from The Juilliard School, an MBA from New York University, and a Doctorate in History from the University of Rochester and the University of South Africa. Prior to pursuing his career in higher education, Dr. Aquila performed as a timpanist and percussionist with the New York City Opera, the American Ballet Theatre, the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as number of Broadway shows. Dr. Aquila and his wife, Diane, are parents of eleven children.

Dr. Guarendi has been a regular guest on national radio and television, including Oprah, Joan Rivers, Scott Ross Prime Time, 700 Club, Gordon Elliot, and CBS This Morning. He’s appeared on regional radio and television shows in over 40 states and Canada. He has been the program psychologist for Cleveland’s Morning Exchange, Pittsburgh 2-Day, and AM Indiana. He has written several books, including You’re a Better Parent Than You Think!, now in its twenty-first printing, Back to the Family and Discipline That Lasts a Lifetime.

A founding sponsor for the first homeschooled chapter of the American Red Cross Youth Chapter, Mrs. Arnold was award the American Red Cross Youth Sponsor of the Year Award 2008-2009. She was a founding member of the Laura Recovery Center for Missing Children.

Mrs. Seuffert has appeared on EWTN, and has spoken at numerous Catholic family conferences throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is the author of various articles on home education, particularly stressing the teaching of virtues and discipline. Mrs. Seuffert wrote the chapter on “Home Management” in Dr. Mary Kay Clark’s book, Catholic Home Schooling: A Parent’s Guide. Her new book is entitled Ginny’s Gems: Home Management Essentials.

Many parents who are investigating the possibility of homeschooling wonder how well their children will make the adjustment. This talk will offer a concrete look into that process and how you and your children can renew and refresh a real love of learning together.

Drawing on insights from Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation, The Christian Family in the Modern World, this talk covers the particular ways in which homeschooling families can effectively fulfill their mission to contemporary American society as they also fulfill their primary vocation to educate their own.

Too busy with day-to-day details to see the light at the end of the tunnel? Learn how what you are doing today will bring real rewards in the future. The habits and virtues your children learn in the home mold them into adults of character and integrity, bringing great joy to you, their parents.

Having trouble balancing schoolwork, caring for babies, and housework? The key to getting it all done, while remaining serene and confident, is to simplify. Clutter-free rooms, regular household routines, an orderly curriculum, and straightforward discipline really work.

Anyone who works with children today is having his confidence, peace of mind, and authority undercut by widespread myths of “experts” and the media. Dr. Ray identifies several of the most pervasive of these myths, and helps moms and dads realize they are better parents and teachers than they might think.

Looking for the secrets to homeschooling? I can’t promise all of the answers, but as a homeschooling mom of 5 children, I will share tips and overviews learned in 20 years of homeschooling. Some topics covered will be: short term vs. long haul homeschooling; reasons to homeschool for high school; and mom vs. mom teacher tips.

Some good, solid basics of discipline will give you the confidence and authority to discipline with quiet resolve, and thus to punish less often. Discipline is an important way to love children, and teaching them self-control is a gift that will last a lifetime.

Pope Benedict has made very clear what his desires are for the way Mass should be celebrated. He is not, however, imposing them on the Church. He’s hoping for a “new liturgical movement”. What is it he hopes to achieve?