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Global Celebration of Young People! 

Middle School Day - Sat, Feb 8, 2025
High School Day - Say Feb 15, 2025

Ministry leaders, save spaces today for your group with the Group Registration form!
Cost is $20 per person - youth and chaperones. It covers the entire event: event swag, snacks, two breakout session plus tours, plus lunch! You can bring additional money for the gift shop which has other snacks, drinks, books, and gifts. 

For more information
Contact Cheryl Hentz cheryl@thecasa.org 

Schedule is the same for both MS and HS days! 

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9:00 am – welcome/sign in tables open 

10:00 am – opening sessions with praise and worship

11:00 am – first breakout sessions

12:00 pm – Lunch 

12:30 pm – second breakout sessions

1:45 pm – time to explore – tours or prayer spaces, exhibition tables, gift shop, and yard games.

2:30 pm – closing session with adoration

4:00 pm – Mass with OLA community

After Mass – Goodbyes

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Speakers for MS Day!

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The Penny Pledge
​Francine Sumner

In this workshop, participants will hear the impactful story of Zach Sumner, who was tragically lost to suicide, and explore the role stigma played. The organization’ssignature program, The Penny Pledge, offers a personal call to action, empowering individuals to reach out to others, care for their own mental health, and becomesafe, compassionate people for others to confide in. The Penny Pledge is designed to strengthen communities by initiating meaningful conversations, buildingprotective factors, and enhancing awareness of mental health resources, fostering advocacy for both ourselves and one another. By taking the Penny Pledge,individuals build strength and resilience, one person at a time.

Francine Sumner is the founder and CEO of Kid in the Corner, an organization dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and supporting the “Kid in the Corner,” whoever that may be. Francine, a mother of three, tragically lost her youngest son, Zach, to suicide on June 13, 2017, following a brief struggle with mental illness. In the wake of his passing, she realized that his story held the power to save lives, and in September 2017, Kid in the Corner was established. Since then, the organization has reached over 30,000 people through its Penny Pledge Program, which aims to dismantle stigma and normalize conversations around mental health. Beyond her work with Kid in the Corner, Francine serves on the board of Mental Health America of Arizona and co-founded the Mental Health Matters Arizona Coalition. Her contributions have earned her recognition, including the 2022 Phoenix Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business, the Arizona Capitol Times 2023 Women of Achievement, and a Congressional Recognition Award.

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#GoodNews: Following Jesus in a Digital World
Sister Hosea Rupprecht, FSP

Be a superhero for God in the digital universe! Digital technology is a huge part of our lives, from the way we learn, to the way we communicate, to the way we see ourselves. Jesus is an even bigger part of our lives, the most important. This interactive presentation explores the integration of Catholic identity and digital authenticity.

Sister Hosea Rupprecht, FSP, a Daughter of St. Paul, holds a Masters of Theological Studies from the University of St. Michael’s College and an MA in Media Literacy from Webster University. Sr. Hosea is a Media Literacy specialist and associate director of Pauline Media Studies based in Los Angeles. She is a speaker, author, film critic, and regular contributor to Our Sunday Visitor News on media and faith topics. For the past 20 years, she has facilitated various film dialogues for both children and adults, as well as given presentations on integrating culture, faith, spirituality, and media on the parish, diocesan, and national levels.

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Can I have faith if I’m anxious?
Mitch Krmpotich, LCSW

Many young Catholics struggle with anxiety. In this presentation, Mitch Krmpotich, a licensed clinical social worker, will discuss the definition, function, and treatment of anxiety. How can it coexist with faith? How does it show up in a world where we have more access to information than ever before? What can you do about it? Have any saints struggled with anxiety? We will discuss these questions and more!

Mitch Krmpotich is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received his Master’s of Social Work from Arizona State University. He specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, especially religious OCD and scrupulosity. In his free time, Mitch loves spending time with his wife and daughters. He also enjoys basketball, music, and Dune.

Catholic Faith and Astronomy: The Wonder of the Heavens
Deacon Joe Stickney

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Science and faith are connected by the experience of wonder. In this session, Deacon Joe will present how he has experienced wonder in his exploration of the skies and will ask what causes you to wonder about the planets and the stars. He will share how he has been helped by Vatican Observatory astronomers in the past and the present and how Catholic teaching on science and evolution is hope-filled and encouraging.

Deacon Joe is a deacon at St. Louis the King, parish in Glendale and volunteers with a Vatican Observatory team in Phoenix. After 32 years, he retired as a Theology teacher at Brophy Prep in Phoenix. He has hosted night sky viewing events for youth and adult groups.

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Hope, Faith, and The Pursuit of Greatness

A.J. Carter

We all want to become great at something, sports, school, arts, politics, the list goes on.
Is this what God wants for our life though?
Maybe...
We sometimes think that God's Plan for our life is a boring, miserable, and scary thing but that isn't the case. God's plan is for us to life a fulfilled and abundant life doing whatever it is that He has created us to do.
Does this mean that God will make you rich?
Maybe so, maybe not.
What I do know is that when we follow God's Plan for our life, we receive things that even the richest person in the world can't buy.
Come out and join us to find out what those things are, and how to "figure out" God's Plan for our life with former NCAA D1 Football player, Actor, Coach, Youth and Young Adult minister, A.J. Carter

A.J. Carter is the Youth and Young Adult minister at St. Thomas the Apostle. He is also a coach, an actor, and a former NCAA D1 college athlete. A.J. is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana but lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Mary, and their two children, Gemma and Jude.

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Don't Forget About the Poor

Dulce Valdez

"Don't Forget About the Poor" were the words whispered to Pope Francis soon after being elected as our next pope. These are words that we too must listen to when God plants them in our hearts. But what can you do for the poor if you are young? How can you bring change or meet the needs of those suffering in our homes, neighborhoods, communities and in our state? Join this session to hear stories, learn what Catholic Charities is doing for the poor and how you can join the mission of doing good in this world.

Dulce Valdez is the Parish and Diocesan Engagement Manager for Catholic Charities Community Services, the social service arm for the Diocese of Phoenix. Her work is to bring awareness to more than 20 programs and services to the Catholic community and community at large in northern and central AZ. Her mission is to partner and create long lasting commitments with the community to put their faith into action in helping God’s vulnerable children. She manages service projects by middle school students called, Miracle Projects, to bring light to Catholic Social Teachings and helping the poor locally. She has actively been part of increasing the participation of young adults in the work of Catholic Charities, by partnering with Young Catholic Professionals in Phoenix. In addition, she has started an ambassador program called Champions, inviting people from their own parishes to learn about the work the agency does and in sharing it with others.
Dulce has a B.A. in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Bilingualism. She is a graduate of a 5-month program named Tepeyac Leadership Initiative-a formation for young Catholic Professionals to take a stronger stand and a mission in secular society. She is currently the Chair for the Catholic Charities USA Parish Social Ministry Leadership Team. Dulce is a wife, a mother of 4 children, which 2 are adopted, and is grateful to work for Catholic Charities and its ministry to the 
poor.

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Speakers for HS Day!

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#GoodNews: Following Jesus in a Digital World
Sister Hosea Rupprecht, FSP

Be a superhero for God in the digital universe! Digital technology is a huge part of our lives, from the way we learn, to the way we communicate, to the way we see ourselves. Jesus is an even bigger part of our lives, the most important. This interactive presentation explores the integration of Catholic identity and digital authenticity.

Sister Hosea Rupprecht, FSP, a Daughter of St. Paul, holds a Masters of Theological Studies from the University of St. Michael’s College and an MA in Media Literacy from Webster University. Sr. Hosea is a Media Literacy specialist and associate director of Pauline Media Studies based in Los Angeles. She is a speaker, author, film critic, and regular contributor to Our Sunday Visitor News on media and faith topics. For the past 20 years, she has facilitated various film dialogues for both children and adults, as well as given presentations on integrating culture, faith, spirituality, and media on the parish, diocesan, and national levels.

272778277_3153482378209013_6106642634747.jpg

The Penny Pledge
​Francine Sumner

In this workshop, participants will hear the impactful story of Zach Sumner, who was tragically lost to suicide, and explore the role stigma played. The organization’ssignature program, The Penny Pledge, offers a personal call to action, empowering individuals to reach out to others, care for their own mental health, and becomesafe, compassionate people for others to confide in. The Penny Pledge is designed to strengthen communities by initiating meaningful conversations, buildingprotective factors, and enhancing awareness of mental health resources, fostering advocacy for both ourselves and one another. By taking the Penny Pledge,individuals build strength and resilience, one person at a time.

Francine Sumner is the founder and CEO of Kid in the Corner, an organization dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and supporting the “Kid in the Corner,” whoever that may be. Francine, a mother of three, tragically lost her youngest son, Zach, to suicide on June 13, 2017, following a brief struggle with mental illness. In the wake of his passing, she realized that his story held the power to save lives, and in September 2017, Kid in the Corner was established. Since then, the organization has reached over 30,000 people through its Penny Pledge Program, which aims to dismantle stigma and normalize conversations around mental health. Beyond her work with Kid in the Corner, Francine serves on the board of Mental Health America of Arizona and co-founded the Mental Health Matters Arizona Coalition. Her contributions have earned her recognition, including the 2022 Phoenix Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business, the Arizona Capitol Times 2023 Women of Achievement, and a Congressional Recognition Award.

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Moral Scrupulosity and its Treatment
Mitch Krmpotich, LCSW

Many young Catholics struggle with moral scrupulosity. In this presentation, Mitch Krmpotich, a licensed clinical social worker, will discuss the definition and treatment for moral scrupulosity. How does it differ from a healthy sense of guilt? How does it show up in a world where we have more access to information than ever before? What can you do about it clinically and spiritually? Have any saints struggled with scrupulosity? We will discuss these questions and more!

Mitch Krmpotich is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received his Master’s of Social Work from Arizona State University. He specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, especially religious OCD and scrupulosity. In his free time, Mitch loves spending time with his wife and daughters. He also enjoys basketball, music, and Dune.

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Catholic Faith and Astronomy: The Wonder of the Heavens
Deacon Joe Stickney

Science and faith are connected by the experience of wonder. In this session, Deacon Joe will present how he has experienced wonder in his exploration of the skies and will ask what causes you to wonder about the planets and the stars. He will share how he has been helped by Vatican Observatory astronomers in the past and the present and how Catholic teaching on science and evolution is hope-filled and encouraging.

Deacon Joe is a deacon at St. Louis the King, parish in Glendale and volunteers with a Vatican Observatory team in Phoenix. After 32 years, he retired as a Theology teacher at Brophy Prep in Phoenix. He has hosted night sky viewing events for youth and adult groups.

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Contemplation in the Desert

Michael Powell and
Patti Sills-Trausch

The Contemplation in the Desert program enables participants to be introduced to contemplative prayer and reflection as we consider our relationship to all of God’s creation. The program consists of an opening prayer, land acknowledgement, a shared reading from Laudato Si: Care for Our Common Home, and a short reading to prepare for the time of stillness and "wandering."

Then, an extended time is given to wander the Franciscan Renewal Center grounds, possibly finding a spot to sit in stillness and listen for the quiet voice of God as you open your heart and pay attention with your soul. After this time period, all will regather, share with one another our experiences, and close with a short reading. St. Francis of Assisi considered all of God’s creatures his brothers and sisters. Spending contemplative prayer-time in nature can help us come to a similar awareness.

Michael Powell is a member of the Care for Creation Ministry within Faith in Action at the Franciscan Renewal Center. In addition, Michael has helped create and facilitate many formational programs within the Faith In Action Ministry. Every Monday participants gather at 7 am - 8:15 am from May - October and 11 am -12:15 pm from November - April for Contemplation in the Desert.

Patti Sills-Trausch is the retired Director of the Faith in Action Ministry at the Franciscan Renewal Center. She now leads efforts to implement the goals of Laudato Si: Care for Our Common Home, an encyclical written by Pope Francis within the Casa and in partnership with other care for creation organizations within the Catholic Church and other ecological nonprofit organizations.  

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Artificial Intelligence is not real

Jim Renn, Vatican Observatory  Foundation

I will address a different approach to the concept of Creation as suggested by scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson who have commented on the possibility that we are living in a Simulated Universe.

My series on Creation at the CASA has included discussions of both the Judeo-Christian concept of Divine Creation and the opposing view that Creation is purely a physical phenomenon that does not involve a Creator.

Now, the evolving field of Artificial Intelligence has stimulated a discussion that our Universe is not a natural or a Divine phenomenon but that it is the product of a computer simulation.

I believe it is necessary to put this concept into its proper perspective; that it is wrong and a denial of God.

Artificial Intelligence offers the prospect of providing many benefits to humanity, but it is critical that we must not substitute our understanding of reality for a belief in an artificially created Universe.

A long-time Californian, Jim Renn first became interested in astronomy at age ten. His interest developed further when as a young man he studied at the College of San Mateo. That study was the spark which led Jim to first begin lecturing on astronomy.

 After earning a degree in Government at the University of San Francisco, Jim spent a career in manufacturing. After moving to the Phoenix area with his wife, Jean, Jim rekindled his interest in astronomy after attending a lecture in Phoenix by Fr. George Coyne, then Director of the Vatican Observatory. Jim then furthered his interest in astronomy by attending lectures at the Vatican Observatory in Tucson.

In recognition of his interest and support of the Vatican Observatory, Jim subsequently served two terms as a board member of the Vatican Observatory Foundation. The Foundation is the entity which supports the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope on Mt. Graham outside Tucson.

Having completed his terms of office, Jim now serves on the Council of Advisors.

In recent years, Jim resumed lecturing on astronomy. Jim feels privileged that Fr. William R Stoeger, s.j. a famed cosmologist, gave Jim his own notes on cosmology. Jim now uses those notes in his lectures. 

Since 2018, Jim has given more than 25 lectures on astronomy in the Phoenix area on behalf of the Foundation.

Jim and his wife, Jean, a District President for St. Vincent de Paul Society, live in Anthem. Jim and Jean are members of St. Francis Xavier Parish, where Jim is also a lector. 

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Antioch Retreat

Vincenzo Torsiello

Join us and hear about the Antioch Retreat: a peer-led, exciting encounter retreat that takes place annually here at the Franciscan Renewal Center. Hear from our team leaders who facilitated the retreat this year, and learn about the model of discussion, witness, and Jesus's personal connection to each of us in our lives. Perhaps you will be inspired to participate, lead, or create an Antioch of your own in your home parish!

Vincenzo Torsiello is the Youth Minister at the Franciscan Renewal Center, serving ages 12-18 in the local community and beyond. His Antioch Retreat team consists of high school youth ministry members Kaitlyn Markham, Chantel Newman, and Sally Prince.

What FRC will provide for this year’s events:

  • Provide young people to grow closer to Christ though worship, creation, and each other.

  • Prayer experiences throughout the Franciscan Renewal Center property.

  • Times available for Mass, Adoration and Reconciliation.

  • Contemporary Christian music for praise and worship.

  • Tour of the Franciscan Renewal Center grounds.

  • Exhibitor hall for organizations to share their work with young people and opportunities for young people to participate in those organizations.

  • Breakout session topics will cover our theme on Hope in the Lord! including Q&A with Franciscan Friars, practical steps young people can take to put their faith into action, servant leadership, and mental health.

  • Provide a “Call to Action” for young people to do in their home parishes.

In 2020 Pope Francis called for a renewal of global celebrations of young people in our local churches and across the universal Catholic Church. As part of this renewing World Youth Day would transfer from Palm Sunday to Christ the King Sunday. The center of the World Youth Day celebration remains the Mystery of Jesus Christ the Redeemer of Man, as Saint John Paul II, had initiated as the patron of World Youth Day.

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The global Catholic Church calls this annual celebration “World Youth Day” to remind people that every year is an opportunity to celebrate and accompany young people. However, because the term “World Youth Day” is often associated with the major international event that has taken place every two or three years since, we in the United States refer to the Christ the King Sunday experience as the “Global Celebration of Young People.”

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The purpose of holding a festival of faith for young people each year is to give them opportunities to grow in their relationship with God and give them knowledge and tools to be “doers” of the Word. We want to recognize their importance in our global Church and empower young people to understand they are not only the future of our Church. They are the NOW!

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As part of our Franciscan values, we recognize the dignity of each individual and work to identify legitimate needs and share our resources generously. The Franciscan Renewal Center is an ideal location for this event. Established in 1951 as a place for spiritual growth, healing, and renewal, it offers numerous meeting rooms for our breakout sessions. Additionally, the grounds have ample space and place to experience the peace of our God. Participants can visit the Blessed Sacrament or the Meditation Chapel for quiet time to talk with God. The Healing Garden and Labyrinth are both favorite places of prayer time for our attendees as well. We are fortunate to have a property which makes it possible beautiful opportunities for people of all ages. â€‹â€‹

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