Previous Speaking Events
Sharing the Good News with St. Mary of the Knobs
Gary shared the Good News with his home parish of St. Bernadette
St. Bernadette
We focused on God's Hope for us and our parish at my home parish of St. Bernadette. Near 250 showed up to Learn, Live, and Share the Good news of Jesus Christ, which is the Hope we live. We also celebrated the feast day of our patron saint, St. Bernadette and the 10 year anniversary of our parish. Of course we also shared some "Fun!" with stories and experiences of growing and putting energy and excitement into our faith experience. "It's fun to be Catholic!"
St. Bernard
"Fill the Pews" was the purpose of the Sunday morning gathering at St. Bernard in Liberty, Kentucky ... and they did. Once the Church was filled I shared the Good News of "It's Fun to be Catholic!" We shared the Hope, the Love, and the Opportunities that God provides for us as we work to fulfill his Mission for us. Father George smiled throughout the presentation so I knew we were traveling the right path. What a joy for Judy and me to spend the day with the wonderful people of St. Bernard.
Flaget Alumni
What fun sharing a message with the Flaget Braves! Of course we sang the Flaget fight song and I had the opportunity to renew relationships with some friends I had not seen in a long time. I attended Flaget High School for two years before moving out of the area. This Flaget Alumni group has created an endowment of over one-million dollars and provides scholarships to young men and women who wish to attend a Catholic High School. These men continue to live and share the mission of the Catholic Church and Flaget High School although the school closed in 1974. It's a joy to spend time with committed individuals like the Flaget Braves. Go Braves!
St. Mary of the Knobs "Spiritual Re-Boot"
St. Mary of the Knobs called and said they needed a "Spiritual Re-Boot" so we created a mini-Mission centered around the "It's Fun to be Catholic!" theme. We inserted some energy and excitement into our Catholic Faith just as we did in that eighth-grade classroom while teaching Sunday School for twenty-five years. We laughed, dug into scripture, explored how Christ comes alive for us in our lives, our families, our church and our relationships. We shared stories of success and challenge and reached to find the Light, become the Light, and give the Light away. It's a great formula to Re-Boot and discover "It's Fun to be Catholic!"
St. Pius, Owensboro KY and St. Dominic, Springfield, KY
Presented a couple of Confirmation Retreats with both the Candidates and Sponsors on hand. The retreat gives the sponsors some material to use as they help the Candidates prepare for the Sacrament. It's also a great avenue to help both young and old see the joy, excitement, and "Fun" when we live, grow, and find peace in ourselves through our Catholic Faith!
Father/Son Breakfast St. Albert the Great Church
Dads and sons gathered at St. Albert to focus on deepening relationships and growing as men of faith. Gary shared what great leaders do as a guide for what great dads and sons can share ... #1 solve problems, #2 share hope #3 build leaders. Toss in the simple thought of what a great coach does ..."convince someone they can be better than they think they can be..." and then put Jesus Christ in the center of the relationship and both Dads and Sons have a bond built on trust, respect, and most of all ...love. What a great day!
Immaculate Conception Confirmation candidates and sponsors
An inspiring opportunity for sponsors, parents, and Confirmation candidates to come together and grow in their Faith. The Candidates are at the center of the preparation process but the parents and sponsors also grow during the inter-active presentation. It's fun-filled, faith-filled, and educational.
Holy Trinity Lector Training
Shared presentation ideas with the talented lectors at Holy Trinity Church. The attendees learned valuable tips and grew as presenters of the Word of God ...plus gained insight to become a better presenter in all walks of life. Part of the learning was to critic many of the lectors ... a great way to grow in confidence and presentation skills. The Holy Trinity lectors are poised and talented in their ministry
"Mission Beyond" with St. John Paul II, Sellersburg, In
What a joy to spend the evening with Father Tom and the wonderful folks at St. John Paul II as they kick off their "MISSION BEYOND" initiative. We enjoyed the band "Hush Harbor" shared a meal and then focused on living in hope, deepening our relationship with Jesus and sharing the "Good News" with all we encounter. Of course the message "It's Fun to be Catholic!" was a big part of the night as St. John Paul II Church steps out to share their Mission Beyond!
Radio interview on the Catholic Channel "Seize the Day"
Gus Lloyd who hosts the show, "Seize the Day," on the Catholic Channel (Sirius Radio channel 129) invited me on to share time with him on his radio show and discuss my second book, "It's fun to be Catholic."
What a blessing to be heard around the United State and beyond sharing the Good News ..."It's Fun to be Catholic!"
If you would like to listen to the interview it's post here on my website.
"It's Fun to be Catholic" book celebration and signing
What a blast to share my latest book with so many friends, family and new acquaintances. There were so many visitors who took the time to visit, say hello, and offer congratulations. It was a humbling experience.
I continue to hear from folks who could not attend but want to share in the Good News of the new book.
Thanks everybody. It was a Fun day.
Community Action Programs of Kentucky
The Community Action Programs of Kentucky had Gary inspire and encourage their audience and teach Leadership Communication during a training session.
Texas Farm Bureau Youth Conference
Gary worked with the Texas Farm Bureau Youth Conference to teach presentation skills and share the I CAN PLAY message at their closing banquet.
Mission Retreat with St. Anthony Padua
Traveled to Grand Rivers, Kentucky for a 3-day Mission Retreat with St. Anthony Padua. We shared the "Light of Christ" Mission and I had the opportunity to meet the wonderful people of St. Anthony.
Christ is the Light Mission-- Annunciation Church, Shelbyville, KY
Gary shared the three night Christ is the Light Mission at Annunciation Church in Shelbyville, KY February 14, 15,16
March 7, 8, 9 St. Joseph Church in Leitchfield, Ky hosted Gary
and St. Peter Church in Lexington was the site of the Christ is the Light Mission March 14, 15, and 16.
Christ is the Light Mission - St. Lawrence, Lawreneburg, KY
A joy filled three nights of sharing the "Good News" with the wonderful individuals at St. Lawrence. During the Mission we shared our stories, laughter, prayer and scripture. We stepped deeper into sharing the "Fun of being Catholic" as we find, become and give away the Light of Christ.