October 11th, 2024 - Anthony Brannan
September 13th, 2024 - Jeff Schiefelbein
June 14th, 2024 - Dr. Phil Chavez
May 10th, 2024 - Michael Danks-Ferguson
April 12th, 2024 - Suzanne Bohlson
March 8th, 2024 - Lisa Hendey
Our Friday, March 8th breakfast speaker, Lisa Hendey, last spoke to our club on May 13, 2011 (almost 13 years ago!) and has since moved from Fresno to Southern California. Besides that, Lisa has kept very busy and we are delighted she agreed to drive back up to Fresno to update us on all she's been doing! |
February 9th, 2024 - Jonna Schuster
Our February 9th breakfast speaker, Jonna Schuster, is Co-Founder and Director of
Catholic Revival Ministries, which she launched in 2019 with her husband, Jim. Together, they serve the Church by equipping Catholics to bring supernatural impact to all areas of life by partnering with the Holy Spirit in power and love. They have served a variety of parishes, ministries, and audiences world-wide, including Endow, Metanoia Catholic, Pray More Novenas, TAM NOVA, Awaken Kingdom , the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, CA, the Diocese of Peoria, IL, and the Diocese of Austin, TX.
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December 8th, 2023 - Melita Mudri-Zubacz
November 10th, 2023 - Robert Renzi
October 13th, 2023 - Valerie Staples
September 8th, 2023 - John Johnson
Our exciting September 8th breakfast speaker, John Johnson, is coming to us from Sacramento. John is a lay Catholic businessman and educator with a philosophy degree from St. Mary's College and a Master's degree in Theology from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology where his work focused on the beatific epistemology of St. Thomas Aquinas. |
June 9th, 2023 -Christopher Check
Christopher Check is president of Catholic Answers - the largest lay-run Catholic apologetics and evangelization organization in the English-speaking world. He holds a degree in English Literature from Rice University. |
May 12th, 2023 - Brenda Garcia
From falling off of bridges and piers as a stunt actor in Hollywood to building bridges as a Catholic broadcaster, our May 12th breakfast speaker, Brenda Garcia, is most passionate about emphasizing the need of truly living out the commandments - especially by fulfilling the first two. Part of her mission includes living the Corporal Works of Mercy, in which instruction is one of her favorites as an orator. Brenda realizes that a lot of our problems today consist not only because of a lack of belief in Jesus, but also because people "bottle in" their emotions and sufferings all too often. |
April 14th, 2023 - Chéri Ballinger
Our April 14th speaker, Chéri Ballinger, began her career in film after being discovered as a young girl and cast in the 1998 remake of the iconic Walt Disney classic "The Parent Trap:" |
March 10th, 2023 - John Gerardi
Our March 10th speaker will John Gerardi, who is an attorney, the Executive Director of Right to Life of Central California, and co-founder and CEO of the Obria Medical Clinics of Central California. He is the host of “The John Gerardi Show” and “Right to Life Radio,” both on Powertalk 96.7 KALZ in Fresno, and available on Apple Podcasts. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School. John and his wife Holly live in Clovis with their five children, Madeleine, Sophia, John, Elizabeth, and James. |
February 10th, 2023 - John Zanoni
After winning election last June, John Zanoni was sworn in as Fresno County Sheriff on January 3rd, 2023, succeeding Margaret Mims, who had served as sheriff for 16 years. |
December 9th, 2022 - Annual Christmas Party | Joan Bouchard
Our Friday, December 9th breakfast will be our annual
Christmas Party!! Once again, we'll welcome Our Lady of Perpetual Help School choir members under the direction of Melita Mudri-Zubacz and we'll also hear about Catholic Education in our Diocese from Superintendent for Catholic Education, Joan Bouchard. We invite all CP&BC members to bring your checkbooks for direct donations to both the OLPH student choir and the Office of Catholic Education. |
November 11th, 2022 - Joe Heschmeyer
Our exciting November 11th breakfast speaker, Joe Heschmeyer, is traveling to Fresno from Kansas City. (Thanks be to God for Southwest Airlines service to Fresno!) |
October 14th, 2022 - Dr. Pat Santy
Our Friday, October 14th breakfast speaker will be Patricia Santy, M.D., O.P., who our members may recall served as the flight doctor for the crew of the ill-fated U.S. Space Shuttle Challenger mission. |
September 9th, 2022 Orlando Javien, Jr.
Our kick-off speaker for CP&BC Fresno's fall season is the dynamic Orlando Javien, Jr. coming to us from San Diego. |
June 10, 2022 Tim Staples
Tim Staples is Director of Apologetics and Evangelization at Catholic Answers, but he was not always Catholic. Tim was raised a Southern Baptist.
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May 13, 2022 Fr. Alex Chavez
Our May 13, 2022 speaker is Fr. Alex Chavez, pastor of Visalia's Good Shepherd Parish and called by Bishop Joseph V. Brennan to lead the parish in the completion of construction of the parish's new, 3,100 seat St. Charles Borromeo Church. The massive church is being built in a mission style architecture with the familiar cross-shaped floor plan, but utilizing modern design and building techniques necessary to build at a significantly larger scale. |
April 8, 2022 John Martignoni
John Martignoni, our April 8th speaker, is traveling to Fresno from Birmingham, Alabama. Born Catholic, but never learning the Faith growing up, John left the Church when he went off to college. |
March 11, 2022 David L. Gray
Our March 11th, 2022 speaker is traveling to Fresno from Belleville, Illinois, just outside of St. Louis, Missouri.
David L. Gray is a Catholic Theologian, Author, Speaker, Radio Host, and President and Publisher of Saint Dominic's Media. He is best known for his uncompromising proclamation of the Catholic Church's prohibition against Freemasonry, his passionate defense of life in the womb, and his inspiring lessons on how to live our lives in continuity with the Catholic liturgy of the Mass. |
February 11, 2022 Billy Arcement
Kicking off CP&BC's spring 2022 speaker lineup on Friday, February 11th is “The Candid Cajun," Billy Arcement, traveling to us all the way from Prairieville, Louisiana! |
December 10, 2021 Christmas Party
It’s time for our annual Christmas Party breakfast! |
November 12, 2021 Joelle Maryn
CP&BC's November 12th, 2021 in-person speaker is the dynamic Joelle Maryn. Joelle is an Actress, Speaker, and TV Host. With over 20 years of experience in public speaking and performing arts, Joelle shares her message of God's healing love, which has radiated hope and purpose in life to many around the world. |
October 8, 2021 Lisa A. Smittcamp
Lisa A. Smittcamp was elected Fresno County District Attorney in June 2014 with the overwhelming support of local law enforcement and the prosecutors and investigators in her office. She was sworn into office in January 2015, after being a respected fixture in the Central Valley’s legal community for over twenty years. |
September 10, 2021 Hugh Blane
To kick-off our exciting 2021/22 in-person Catholic Speaker line-up, Hugh will be traveling to Fresno from Seattle, Washington to join us for breakfast at Pardini’s on Friday, September 10th at 7:15am. |
June 11, 2021 Bug Hall
Our final speaker before our summer break will be Zooming in to our June 11th breakfast meeting from his home in Toledo, Ohio.
At the age of eight, Bug Hall went from living in a one room duplex with his mother, step-father, and three siblings to starring as Alfalfa in Steven Spielberg's THE LITTLE RASCALS. From a rundown Fort Worth suburb to the neon lights of Hollywood. From a school playground to A-list parties and fame, where who you are is what you are, truth is relative, and the only rule is "don't let the paparazzi find out". A chance meeting with an exorcist would begin Bug's long road to the Truth... Incarnate. |
May 14, 2021 Cheryl Sarkisian
Ms. Cheryl Sarkisian, was appointed Chancellor of the Diocese of Fresno on May 19, 2020. In addition to her duties as Chancellor, she will continue to serve as the Victim Assistance Coordinator, a position she has held since July 1, 2012. With a strong desire and commitment to serving in pastoral ministry, education has been a constant thread woven throughout her professional, personal and spiritual life for over 40 years. |
April 9, 2021 Chris Faddis
Our Friday, April 9th Zoom breakfast speaker, Chris Faddis, will be joining us from his home in Phoenix, Arizona. |
March 12, 2021 Vicki Quade
Nuns4Fun Entertainment was created by Chicago playwright and producer Vicki Quade, who has performed live for us before at CP&BC. Vicki will be our Friday, March 12th Zoom Breakfast speaker and will present an original Easter-themed morning of fun. |
February 12, 2021 Joseph Warren
Our Friday, February 12th speaker, Joseph Warren, will be Zooming into our 8am meeting from Tampa, Florida. Members who RSVP will be sent a unique Zoom Meeting ID and Password prior to the event. |
December 11, 2020 Christmas Party with Bill Thornbury via Zoom
CP&BC’s December 11, 2020 member breakfast meeting via Zoom will be our annual Christmas Party! |
November 13, 2020: Duane R. Roberts
Our Friday, November 13th meeting speaker, Duane Roberts, will be joining us on Zoom from Irving, Texas. |
October 9th, 2020: Kendra Von Esh
Our October 9th speaker,
Kendra Von Esh, will be Zooming into our 8am meeting from Chicago, Illinois. |
September 11, 2020: Elvis Grbac
Thanks to you, our generous renewing members, CP&BC’s kick-off speaker for our 2020/2021 online Zoom breakfast meetings is Elvis Grbac! |
June 12, 2020: Rebecca Kiessling
Our Friday, June 12th speaker, Rebecca Kiessling, will be connecting to our Zoom meeting from her home in Detroit, Michigan. Rebecca has been a pro-life speaker since 1995 and has shared her powerful testimony throughout the world. |
May 8, 2020: Luke Spehar
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Luke began writing songs at the age of sixteen and composed all of the music on his debut album, “Be Still,” before he graduated from high school. He continued to write music throughout his college years, and in 2010 he recorded and released “Be Still,” followed by his second album, ”No Other Way,” in 2011. |
April 10, 2020: Matthew Leonard
Great News! Our Good Friday (April 10th) speaker, Matthew Leonard, has graciously agreed to present his talk to CP&BC Fresno and Visalia chapters via Zoom. We will start the virtual meeting at 8AM. |
March 13, 2020: Cy Kellett
Our March 13th breakfast speaker is Cy Kellett, host of *Catholic Answers Live*. He formerly hosted *The Bright Side with Cy Kellett* on the Immaculate Heart Radio network. |
February 14, 2020: Rev. Dr. Gregory Zubacz, J.D., Ph.D.
Our February 14th breakfast speaker is Rev. Dr. Gregory Zubacz, J.D., Ph.D., Associate Provost of Fresno Pacific University and Professor of Business Law. He served previously as Director for Center of Peacemaking and Conflict Studies and the program director of the Criminology. He has taught in the areas of Criminology, Criminal Justice Administration, Restorative Justice, Evidence, Criminal Law, Corrections, Church Conflict, and Mediation and Conflict Management. He has published two books, and is currently writing a chapter for an international law book regarding recent legal developments on the seal of confession in the United States. |
December 13, 2019: Christmas Party
CP&BC's fun annual Christmas Party is coming up on Friday, December 13th. |
November 8, 2019: Patrick Coffin
Our November 8th speaker is Patrick Coffin, whose mission is to inspire and support people of faith—and of reason—who are tired of the increasingly aggressive secularism and political correctness that surrounds them. For nearly eight years he hosted the top-rated Catholic radio show in America, Catholic Answers Live, and the podcast, Catholic Answers Focus. |
October 11, 2019: Chris Bray
Our October 11th breakfast will feature full-time Catholic speaker and
musician Chris Bray, who is coming to us all the way from London, Ontario. |
September 13, 2019: Dan DeMatte
Back by popular demand, the dynamic Catholic speaker Dan DeMatte will fly into Fresno from Columbus, Ohio to kick off our 2019 - 2020 line-up on Friday, September 13th. |
June 14, 2019: Karlo Broussard
Our June 14th speaker, Karlo Broussard, is a native of Southern Louisiana who left a promising career in Cajun music to devote himself full-time to the work of Catholic apologetics. As a staff apologist for Catholic Answers, he travels the country giving talks on the Bible, theology, and philosophy. |
May 10, 2019: Diana Marie Wehbe
Our May 10th breakfast speaker is traveling to Fresno from Moreno Valley, California. |
April 12, 2019: Rose Sweet
Do you have a relationship that needs to be put back in order? Are you tired of being frustrated, angry, overly worried, or even depressed about your family or friends? Have you been emotionally abandoned by someone or suffered from divorce? |
March 8, 2019: Jon Leonetti
Our March 8th speaker is Jon Leonetti, an international Catholic speaker, best-selling author and radio host who conveys a message of lasting fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jon will be flying into Fresno from Des Moines, Iowa.
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February 8, 2019: Jim Cruise - The Spoon Man!
Our Friday, February 8th, breakfast speaker is Jim Cruise - the Spoon Man! |
December 14, 2018: Christmas Party
Back by popular demand, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help School choir, under the direction of Melita Mudri-Zubacz, will perform Christmas carols at our Friday, December 14th Christmas breakfast. |
November 9, 2018: Robert Hutchinson
For the past 30 years,
Robert J. Hutchinson has worked as a full-time professional writer. He has won numerous awards from the Catholic Press Association and Associated Church Press and has contributed essays and syndicated columns to such outlets as Fox News, The Blaze, Catholic Exchange, Christianity Today, Human Events, the National Catholic Register, Catholic Digest, Our Sunday Visitor and many more. |
October 12, 2018: Mel Kennedy
CP&BC Fresno is proud to bring
Mel Kennedy to our club for its October 12th
breakfast meeting! Mel is a Catholic musicianary (musician and missionary)
who focuses on creating an up-lifting experience at her presentations and
uses her gifts of an extraordinary voice, dynamic presentation, and
infectious spirituality to capture the hearts of all who hear her. She has
shared her ministry at conferences, retreats, prayer services, and concerts
across the country. |
September 14, 2018: Matthew Archbold
Matthew Archbold will be flying into Fresno from Philadelphia to kick off CP&BC Fresno's 2018/2019 Breakfast Meetings. Matt is a father of five
children, an author and a columnist for several prominent Catholic
publications. |
June 8, 2018: Deacon Lawrence Klimecki
Do you have a sense that there is something wrong with the world? Even
more, do you think that you should be able to do something about it?
Are you are not sure where to begin? Do you feel a little lost? |
May 11, 2018: Mark Price
Our Friday, May 11, 2018 breakfast speaker, Mark Price, is traveling to
Fresno from San Diego. |
April 13, 2018: Donna Heckler
Donna Heckler jokes that God gave her a timeout when she injured her leg.
However, because she didn’t fully learn to sit quietly with him, he gave
her another, bigger time out - stage 3 cancer. She will be flying in from
St. Louis, Missouri to speak at our April 13th breakfast meeting. |
March 9, 2018: Chris Mueller
Chris Mueller is traveling to our March 9, 2018 breakfast meeting from San Diego, where he serves as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at Saint Martha Parish in Murrieta. His presentation will communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that resonates with teen and adult audiences alike. |
February 9, 2018: Matt Allner
Matt Allner married his wife Jessica in 2000 and they have three amazing
children. He has 17 years experience in public education as a science
teacher and five years as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Graduate
School level. He received his Master’s in Space Studies from the
University of North Dakota in 2009 and has worked extensively as a research
scientist from 2005-12 where he was also a finalist in the NASA Astronaut
Selection Process three times (2004, 2008, and 2012). |
December 8, 2017: Christmas Party
Our December 8th breakfast at Pardini's will be our annual Christmas Party! This year, we welcome back the talents of Mr. Bill Thornbury and the student choir from St. Helen’s School, who will perform Christmas carols to carry us through the holiday season. |
November 10, 2017: Deacon Bill Lucido
For over 1,000 years pilgrims have been traveling from Europe, and today from all over the world, to retrace the traditional steps of the apostle James along the Camino de Santiago. |
October 13, 2017: Jim Bartko – Fresno State Athletic Director
We hope you will join us at our October 13th breakfast when our speaker
will be Fresno State Athletic Director, Jim Bartko, who will share his
moving story of holding firm in faith and the healing power of God's
infinite mercy. |
September 8, 2017: Nancy Hollingsworth
CP&BC members will not want to miss our kick-off breakfast for the new season featuring a topic that is a top issue in our country and for our businesses - health care. |
June 9, 2017: Kelly Wahlquist
Our June 9, 2017 speaker is Kelly Wahlquist - a wife, mother of three, inspiring Catholic author and dynamic speaker. She is the founder of WINE: Women In the New Evangelization, Assistant Director for the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute, and has been a contributing writer for Catholicmom.com. She has a gift for weaving personal stories and Scripture together with practical advice that empowers men and women alike to be witnesses of our faith and part of the New Evangelization. She talks about how God said to St. Francis "Rebuild My Church" and how she, through her prayers, also takes that to mean: Heal My Body - the Body of Christ, which is all-too-often today battered, bruised and broken. When you are working in your gifts, she says, you are helping to heal the Body of Christ. |
May 12, 2017: Matthew Arnold
Matthew Arnold has produced dozens of popular Catholic audio and video presentations including Our Catholic Faith and Fire & Sword: The Crusades. He has appeared often on EWTN Radio where he co-hosted Scripture Matters LIVE with Dr. Scott Hahn. His enlightening and popular CDs, DVDs and brochures on the Catholic Faith are currently available in over six thousand parishes around the United States through Lighthouse Catholic Media where he enjoys the distinction of having the most CD titles in their catalogue (after Scott Hahn). |
April 7th, 2017: John Gerardi
John grew up in Clovis and is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (Class of 2010) and Notre Dame Law School (2013). At Notre Dame, John met his lovely wife Holly, and they were married in 2013. They have two daughters: Madeleine (21 months) and Sophia (3 months). |
March 10th, 2017: Dick and Martha Lyles
As co-authors of ANSWER YOUR CALL: RECLAIM GOD'S PURPOSE FOR FAITH, FAMILY AND WORK, Dick and Martha have positioned themselves at the forefront of the New Evangelization. Through this book and through Dick's efforts as host of THE CATHOLIC BUSINESS HOUR every Saturday morning and evening on EWTN's global Catholic Radio Network and Martha's inspirational columns on the religion page of The Huffington Post, they have touched millions of people in a spiritually uplifting way. |
February 10th, 2017: 20th Anniversary Breakfast
Come join us to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Catholic Professional & Business Club. Take a walk down Memory Lane with us. Pardini’s will provide a special steak and champagne breakfast. Cost for members is $17 and non-members is $22 (no cost for clergy). Attendance is limited to prepaid reservations only. A drawing will be held for fabulous prizes. Reservations for Tables of Ten are available now. For questions or reservations call (559) 999-9153 or email [email protected]! |
December 9, 2016: Christmas Party
Our December meeting will be our annual Christmas Party! Please bring an unwrapped toy as a Christmas present for a needy child for distribution though Catholic Charities.
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November 11, 2016: Sam Saladino
It all began in 2005 when Sam Saladino sold his successful financial services business and started an independent investment management company intending that the Catholic faith would be an integral part of the business. He knew God was calling him to this. For Sam, that was a great leap of faith. "I went to church, but my faith was a Sunday thing," he recalls. But it wasn't that easy. Clients didn't come and desperation started to set in. On top of it all, Sam had to have emergency open heart surgery. He felt like the whole world was against him. However, this medical crisis was a blessing in disguise: he felt the Virgin Mary's presence, and she restored peace to his heart. Then clarity came to him. His firm's focus would be not only on the Church's social and moral teachings but would also include dynamic work to change society. He wanted to make sure the companies he invested in respected human dignity, were good stewards of the earth, and strove for the common good. Sam really had taken a leap of faith with his business venture, but he wholeheartedly believes that through personal holiness and integrity in the workplace, Catholics can lead families, companies, and the country back to God. The greatest and hardest lesson Sam has learned is to trust God in all things. This will bring true happiness and true conversion to humanity even through the hardest of times. Our faith will see us through. |
October 14, 2016: Kenneth Cramer
The Latin phrase Ad Astra Per Aspera (to the stars through adversity) perfectly explains Kenneth Cramer's dedication to helping Catholics work though life's struggles and transitions in order to discover God's abiding presence and unfathomable love. Abused as a child, Kenn sank into drug addiction and a life of sin, ultimately facing a life-or-death decision. Following a profound experience of God's grace, he worked his way out of despondency and discovered the truth that he is deeply loved by our Father in heaven. In 2015, he and his wife Laura answered a call to serve as missionaries on the Ft. Belknap Indian Reservation in north central Montana, where he continues to help others become aware of that same Love in their lives. Kenn holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. Two years after college, Kenn discerned a call to the priesthood and spent one year at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, CO. After his time at seminary, he completed a master's degree in counseling psychology from Regis Jesuit University and founded a Catholic psychotherapy practice called St. Raphael Counseling, which he led for seven years. He is currently working on his second master's degree in theology through the Augustine Institute. He is also in diaconate formation for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, with an expected ordination in 2018. Kenn has been speaking publicly since 2006, beginning in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Denver. Most notably, he was featured on the EWTN program "The Journey Home" and in the video series "One Billion Stories." |
September 9, 2016: Gary Zimak
As we begin our new fall line-up of exciting Catholic speakers, CP&BC's kick-off is the dynamic Gary Zimak flying in all the way from New Jersey for our September 9th breakfast! In 2008, Gary was working as a project manager when he felt the call to form Following The Truth, an apostolate dedicated to teaching the truths of the Catholic Faith. Initially performing his work for the Lord on a part time basis, a job layoff in 2012 gave him the opportunity to make a bold move. After much prayer, Gary decided to "step out of the boat" and become a FULL TIME Catholic lay evangelist. Gary is now a frequent speaker and retreat leader at parishes and conferences, has an international radio following and is recognized as the leading Catholic speaker on the topic of overcoming anxiety. Gary has appeared on several EWTN television programs including Women Of Grace, At Home With Jim And Joy,Bookmark and The Journey Home. Gary is the host of The Gary Zimak Show on BlogTalkRadio and a regular guest on Catholic Answers Live, EWTN's The Son Rise Morning Show, Catholic Connection and numerous other radio programs. His talk is entitled From Fear To Faith. Are you tired of worrying? After struggling to overcome anxiety for many years, Gary has learned that Jesus Christ is the ultimate answer to winning the battle. In this talk, based on his best-selling books, A Worrier's Guide To The Bible and From Fear To Faith, Gary will share his step by step approach for moving from anxiety to peace! |
June 10, 2016: John Abbate
Our June speaker is John Abbate, a Catholic Pro-Life real estate developer and franchisee of twenty-three McDonalds restaurants in the Central Valley. He is a much sought-after speaker on numerous topics usually focused on his three passions: Faith, Family and Business. For our final breakfast of the season, John will speak to us about how hope, happiness and legacy are all connected to the theology of self-gift. Since men and women are created in the image and likeness of God, Vatican II taught us that "man, who is the only creature on earth which God willed for itself, cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself" (Gaudium et Spes 24). Flipping the "I want to be first" attitude of many in the business world on its head, John will discuss how Christian anthropology shows us that God has invited us to participate in His Divine Life and how love for the purpose of self-gift is the true path to achieving our own highest purpose as human beings. John resides in the San Joaquin Valley along with his wife Kaaren and their three children: Matthew, Kathryn, and Andrew. He holds a BBA in Economics from the University of San Diego, an MBA with a concentration in finance from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza School of Business, and a Master of Arts in Catholic Theology from the Augustine Institute. |
May 13, 2016: Robert Stackpole
An American by birth, Robert Stackpole earned a B.A. in History from Williams College in Massachusetts in 1982, and a Masters degree in Theology from Oxford University in England in 1988. Robert was an ordained Anglican pastor before becoming a Catholic in 1994. After his conversion, he married a Catholic Canadian, and they went to Rome together, where Robert obtained a Doctorate in Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (the "Angelicum") in 2000. Upon returning to North America, in 1997 he began work as the Research Director, and later Director, of the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy based in Stockbridge Massachusetts, a position he continues to hold. In that capacity, he has been a speaker at many conferences, and the author and editor of numerous journal articles and books on the Divine Mercy message and devotion, including Divine Mercy, A Guide From Genesis To Benedict XVI (Marian Press, 2009). He regularly contributes articles to the official Divine Mercy website. Robert has a special academic interest in ecumenical dialogue with Evangelical Christians, an interest that grew during his 10-years of teaching Theology to undergraduates at Redeemer Pacific College (Trinity Western University) in Langley, BC. Robert also enjoys reading and writing about the works of CS Lewis, and describes himself as an incurable "Narniac." Whenever possible, Robert often travels to Poland where his wife and teen-aged daughter, Katherine and Christina, presently live and care for Katherine's father. |
April 8, 2016: Jay Fagnano
Our April 8, 2016 speaker is Jay Fagnano. On July 27th, 2014, Jay and his wife Mary lost their only child Nick to a freak lightning strike at Venice Beach, California. Nick was an extraordinary young man, and was only a few weeks away from starting as a transfer student to his dream college, USC. Nick was a young man of deep faith and conviction, and he touched many lives in his short time on earth. As Jay likes to say, "We could have gone home and closed the door." However, Mary and Jay chose to move forward with their lives and honor their son by forming the Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation. The foundation's mission statement is, "Encouraging and rewarding character through education and recreation," and is focused on working with children both home and abroad. Jay and Mary will soon be making their sixth trip to the Dominican Republic, where they work with a school in the most depressed neighborhood in Santo Domingo as well as an orphanage that currently takes care of over 40 children, 17 of whom are HIV Positive. This is more than a story of a child's loss and the charity work that comes from it. Jay will also speak about his own faith journey as he learned so much and continues to learn so much from Nick since he's gone to be with his Heavenly Father. Jay and Mary live in Los Angeles and invite you to join them on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. They guarantee it's a trip you'll never forget. |
March 11, 2016: Mike Koelzer
Our March 11th speaker is Mike Koelzer, the Catholic Pro-Life pharmacist who has been featured on ABC World News with Charles Gibson and in The Washington Post after stopping the sale of all contraceptives in his third-generation family-owned pharmacy. After taking a year off from pharmacy studies to discern a potential calling to the priesthood at the Redemptorist seminary in St. Louis, MO, Mike returned to continue his pharmacy studies at Purdue University. He graduated from pharmacy school in 1991 and joined his father at their family-owned pharmacy. Mike married his college sweetheart that same year. After nearly five years working in the pharmacy with his father, Mike was surprised to find out from a friend that birth control pills could act as abortifacients. After much scientific research, prayer and studying the Catholic Church's stance on the evils of contraception, Mike decided to approach his father with this information to see if his dad would agree to stop selling contraceptives. The response Mike received from his father was a disappointing "no". But that is only the beginning to his amazing story - one that would catch national attention and shake the country. Today, Mike encourages people to make right choices when they are faced with challenges in their own careers and personal lives. He challenges us to become the person God is calling us to be, no matter the cost. Mike lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, Margaret and ten children. |
February 12, 2016: Rudy Ruettiger
CP&BC Fresno's February 12th breakfast speaker is Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, who in twenty seven seconds, carved his name into history books as perhaps the most famous graduate of the University of Notre Dame. The son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success. In 1993, TRISTAR Productions immortalized his life story with the blockbuster film, RUDY. The critically acclaimed RUDY received "Two Thumbs Up" from Siskel and Ebert and continues to inspire millions worldwide. Today, Rudy speaks to international corporate audiences, school children, university students, and professional athletes with a unique, passionate, and heartfelt presentation style. Rudy has appeared on various high profile, nationally televised talk shows and radio shows across the country. He received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Our Lady of Holy Cross College, the Distinguished American Award, A Proclamation from the Governor of Nevada granting an Official Rudy Award Day, was inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame, and spoke at the White House during the presidencies of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. In addition to his motivational speaking, Rudy has co-authored several books and co-founded the RUDY FOUNDATION, whose mission is to strengthen communities by offering scholarships in education, sports, and the performing arts. Rudy has two children; Jessica Noel Ruettiger and Daniel Joseph Ruettiger. |
December 11, 2015: Annual Christmas Party
Our Friday, December 11, 2015 meeting will be our annual Christmas Party! This year the St. Helen's School choir, under the direction of Mr. Bill Thornbury, will perform Christmas Carols for us and we'll hear a special message from Bishop Armando Xavier Ochoa, D.D. The educational program at St. Helen's Catholic School is grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Students at St. Helen's Catholic School are called to love God, to treat others respectfully, to work to the best of their abilities, and to have reverence for all of God's creation. The faculty and staff members of St. Helen's Catholic School strive to teach as Jesus did and assist parents and guardians in their role as the primary educators of their children. A lover of music and scenic arts since his childhood, Bill Thornbury graduated from the California State University at Fresno with a teaching degree in music. In 1978, at 26 years old, he portrayed the character of Jody Pearson, elder brother of Mike, the young protagonist of Phantasm (1979). He reprised this role in 1994 and 1998. Bill is a professional singer/songwriter and has been a staff songwriter for 20th Century-Fox in Los Angeles and MTM Records in Nashville. In addition to recording albums, Mr. Thornbury also performs with the critically acclaimed band The Sons of the San Joaquin, but his passion is teaching music to the next generation of music lovers at St. Helen's. |
November 13, 2015: Terry Barber
Terry Barber is an international speaker and has been instrumental in founding three Catholic organizations - Saint Joseph Communications, Inc., The Catholic Resource Center and Lighthouse Catholic Media. St. Joseph Communications is the largest international lay Catholic audio and video reproduction and distribution company in the United States with offices in Covina, California and distributors in Canada, England, Australia and the Philippines. Terry has recorded numerous podcasts on Saint Joseph Podcasts called *Culture Warriors for Christ* and *GodLoveYou*, addressing many of the social issues affecting our culture today. He has over 3 decades of experience in broadcasting and is considered a true pioneer of Catholic media evangelization. He has been instrumental in helping promote Catholic radio since the 1980s, at which time there were only 5 Catholic stations across the country. He currently co-hosts *The Terry and Jesse Show,* a live apologetics program, on EWTN Radio, heard on over 170 Catholic radio stations and throughout the U.S. on SiriusXM satellite radio channel 130. Over the past 31 years, Terry has also distributed over 25 million inspirational Catholic audio CDs and DVDs. Terry and his wife Danielle have 4 children, and before working full time to promote the Catholic Faith he was one of the top real estate producers in the state of California. Terry has come to share his enthusiasm and to encourage us to embrace our calling as Catholic men and women to share the Good News of Christ and the Catholic Faith with our family, friends and the whole world. |
October 9, 2015: Luke Spehar
CP&BC Fresno's October 9th, 2015 speaker is actually a Catholic singer. Twin Cities native, Luke Spehar, crafts Catholic folk music with his intricate finger-picking guitar style and raw lyrics that draw the listener deeper into the dynamic journey of life lived in the light of God's love and create a unique space for prayer and reflection. Luke grew up in a small rural community north of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, and began writing songs at the age of 16. He composed all of the music on his debut album, Be Still, before he graduated high school. Be Still chronicles his triumphs and struggles in his Catholic faith throughout high school. He continued to write music throughout his college years, a time he devoted to discerning a potential call to the Catholic priesthood. The songs from his second album, No Other Way, were born during this challenging time of growth and reflection through adoration and philosophical formation. Following seminary, Luke felt drawn and inspired to use his gift of music to participate in the New Evangelization. Since then, he has performed for audiences in churches, cafes, and university auditoriums; for youth groups, colleges and for U.S. military events. In 2012, Luke was honored to open for Grammy Award-winning musician Ben Harper on tour in both the U.S. and Canada. In September 2014, Luke released the much-anticipated third album, All Is Gift!, co-produced by Ben Harper and Sheldon Gomberg. In January 2015, he married Elizabeth Yetzer, and together, they are traveling the country sharing All Is Gift! |
September 11, 2015 - Bear Woznick
CP&BC is kicking off another great year on Friday, September 11th, with a thrilling speaker you won't want to miss!
Bear Woznick cannot be categorized as just an athlete and an adventurer. His creed is "The most radical thing that you can do in life is abandon yourself to the wild adventure of God's will." He is a novitiate oblate at the Benedictine Monastery on O'ahu, he has a certificate in Catechesis, and his bishop gave his book the Nihil Obstat. He is faithful to the magisterium of the Church.
Bear is a private pilot and holds the very rare Ninja black belt. He has run with the bulls in Pampalona. He has pedaled his bicycle across the United States from San Diego, CA to Jacksonville, FL. He has rappelled out of his twenty fifth floor condo in Waikiki. He has paddled his surfboard across the treacherous twenty weight mile channel between the islands of Molokai and Oahu. He has surfed the twenty four foot faces of big surf at Waimea Bay and other big wave spots. He has surfed the tidal bore twenty miles up a river in Bordeaux France. He skydives, spear fishes, paddles outrigger canoe, sails and rides his Harley with the "Sons of Hawaii Motor Cycle Club."
Please make your reservations early for this exciting breakfast!
June 12th, 2015 - Dale Ahlquist
Our June 12th speaker is Dale Ahlquist, one of the most respected G.K. Chesterton scholars in the world. Dale is President of the American Chesterton Society, and publisher of its flagship publication, GILBERT. Dale is also the creator and host of the popular EWTN series The Apostle of Common Sense, and he is the author of three books on Chesterton including G.K. Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense, Common Sense 101: Lessons from G.K. Chesterton and The Complete Thinker. His books deliver Chestertonian perspectives on such topics as faith, education, love, and marriage, and unpack the wisdom of Chesterton to explain why modern man has lost his ability to think clearly. He has also edited eight books of Chesterton's writings.
An internationally renowned speaker, Dale Ahlquist has given more than 600 lectures at men's conferences, diocesan events, and prestigious institutions including Yale, Columbia, Cornell, Notre Dame, Oxford, the Vatican Forum in Rome, and the House of Lords in London.
Dale has been interviewed by the New York Times, First Things, Catholic News Agency, Catholic Herald (U.K.), BBC News and BBC Radio, Zenit, Breitbart, The Independent (U.K.), Ignatius Insight, Catholic Answers Live!, Relevant Radio, Catholic World Report, and EWTN Radio.
Dale is also the co-founder of Chesterton Academy, a new high school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which has been rated one of the "Top 50 Catholic Schools" in the nation by the Cardinal Newman Society. His pioneering work in classical, integrated education has helped develop a curriculum that is capturing the minds of parents across the country.
May 8th, 2015 - Fr. Christopher Alar - Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Fr. Christopher Alar, MIC, lives and works on Eden Hill in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, home of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, where he serves as "Fr. Joseph, MIC," the director of the Association of Marian Helpers.
Before becoming a priest, Fr. Chris received his BS in industrial engineering and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
After working several years at a Fortune 500 company, he began his own consulting company in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2000. After answering the Lord's call, he attended Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, for his philosophy studies and earned his Masters of Divinity from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut.
Over the past several years he has been mentored by the world's leading experts in Divine Mercy, and he has spoken at over 100 parishes to date.
April 10, 2015 - Mona Faulkner
Our Friday, April 10th speaker will be our new Superintendent for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno schools, Ms. Mona Faulkner.
After five years as Superintendent of 13 schools for the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, serving nearly 2.300 students, Mona comes to Fresno, where our 21 diocesan schools serve over 5,500 students.
Mona earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from College of St. Benedict and her M.A. in Human Development from St. Mary's University.
Mona has two masters degrees, one in human development and the other in parent education; she also earned a postgraduate degree in educational administrative leadership and she is a certified leadership coach.
Mona has an extensive background in Catholic school administration with more than 40 years within the school system, 32 of which were at Catholic schools.
Previously, she has served as president of the St. Elizabeth Seton School, part of the archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis as well as Principal at two other Minnesota schools, St. John the Evangelist School and St. Stephens School.
In the Diocese of Fresno, the primary mission of Catholic School Education is to be an effective instrument of the Catholic Church in its ministry of teaching the Gospel message and assisting children to grow into fullness of life in Jesus. This mission supports parents in their role as the primary educators of their children.
March 13, 2015 - Kara Klein
As a prolific, award-winning Catholic songwriter, Kara's music has a unique blend of inspiring lyrics with an angelic and soulful sound that touches the heart.
One of Kara's many original songs, Beautiful Still, dedicated to Terri Schiavo, won the Unity Award for 'Best DVD/Video of the Year' in 2005. The title song from Kara's second original album, I Am Home, which was dedicated to Katrina victims, won for "Best Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year" with the video version winning "Best Video/DVD of the Year" in 2007. Kara has appeared on EWTN's "Life on the Rock", "Backstage" and "Knights of St Michael" TV series. She was also a featured artist at World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany.
Kara was born on Christmas Eve, 1985, in New Orleans and began writing songs when she was eight, and that interest was directed to Christian music when she won a contest to write and perform the theme song for the Abbey Youth Festival in Covington, Louisiana at age 13. After graduating with high honors in 2004 from St. Scholastica Academy, she received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Western Governor's University.
Kara is on a mission to help others rediscover the joy of living life in Christ and that life is truly worth living.
Her message combines her passionate faith in God with the challenge to surrender ever more deeply to Him, to rely radically on His Divine Providence, and to trust unwaveringly in His perfect plan.
February 13, 2015 - Kevin Reilly
Kevin Reilly's story is a tale of overcoming great adversities to become a true champion. Many well-meaning people were quick to point out what Kevin couldn't do after cancer surgery left him without his arm, four ribs and a large portion of his left shoulder.
Kevin joined the NFL in 1973 when he was drafted in the seventh round by the World Champion Miami Dolphins. Later that year, Kevin returned to his home in Wilmington, Delaware, and joined the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as captain of the special teams. Kevin's NFL career was cut short in 1975 when he was diagnosed with a rare desmoid tumor.
Fortunately Kevin went on to do things that make you marvel at the strength of the human will when confronted with a life- threatening - and life- altering - challenge. When a human being is forced to come to terms with a serious disability, the victories frequently happen during those dark hours in the middle of the night when no fans will cheer for you and your toughest adversary is yourself.
Kevin is the pre-game and post-game radio co-host for all Philadelphia Eagles games which broadcast live on 94.1 WYSP-FM, Sports Radio 610WIP-AM and WDEl. Kevin never gave up sports altogether- he is an avid runner and golf, two of the many things people told him would be impossible after his surgery. In addition Kevin is a Board member with Easter Seals nonprofit charitable organization.
DECEMBER 12, 2014 - Vicki Quade
CP&BC Fresno's December 12th breakfast Christmas Party will have you and your guests laughing out loud as we bring in Chicago's wildly funny Vicki Quade, who has written and produced a lot of popular (and participatory!) theater.
Vicki is best known for co-creating the one-woman show, Late Nite Catechism, which opened in 1993 in Chicago and holds the record for the longest running religious comedy in the city's history. She also created four other religious comedies: Put the Nuns in Charge! (a look at modern sins), Sunday School Cinema (a look at religion and Hollywood), Saints & Sinners (about church fundraising schemes) and her holiday show, Mother Superior's Ho-Ho-Holy Night.
In 2011, she started a line of bingo shows, including Bible Bingo, Christmas Bingo, Movie Bingo, Convent Bingo, and Saints & Sinners Bingo.
Occasionally Vicki also puts on the nun's habit, regularly appearing in special performances for corporate events and private parties. She also appears as Mrs. Mary Margaret O'Brien, her bingo character, around the country, including performances in Chicago, as well as in Kansas, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, and Wisconsin.
Vicki, a practicing Catholic, grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and started her career in journalism, working for daily newspapers, national magazines, and writing for just about every publication in Chicago. She also spent 10 years as a correspondent for Newsweek.
Vicki has three children, Michael, David, and Catherine, who keep her sane.
NOVEMBER 14, 2014 - Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR
Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR, comes to Fresno all the way from St. Felix Friary in Yonkers, New York. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen in 1967.
He is a member and co-founder of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, which was begun in 1987 by eight Capuchin friars desiring to work more definitively for personal and communal reform within the Catholic Church. Today, the Community has friaries located in New York, New Jersey, Texas, New Mexico, the United Kingdom, Nicaragua and Honduras. By living in poor neighborhoods, running homeless shelters, soup kitchens and youth programs, the friars strive to fulfill the command of the gospel and our Holy Father Pope Francis to live among the poor and provide for their physical and spiritual needs.
In his community, Fr. Andrew has served as Community Servant and Novice Director and has been active over the years producing and appearing in various TV series for EWTN. He has also been giving talks on various spiritual topics, many of which are available as videos, DVDs, CDs and tapes and has written numerous books and pamphlets.
At our breakfast, Fr. Andrew will talk about ways we may practice our faith in our professions by understanding the role lay men and women, who have been attracted to the holiness of St. Francis of Assisi for centuries, can play in serving the materially poor, most especially immigrants, the destitute and the homeless.
OCTOBER 10, 2014 - MICHELE FLEMING, M.A.
Michele is a Catholic counselor, radio host, blogger, and highly experienced motivational speaker on topics related to relationships and sexuality. Michele holds a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in integration of Theology. She is completing her doctorate degree, and she recently presented her research at the National Convention of the Christian Association for the Psychological Sciences. She also has training in human sexuality and the teachings of Theology of the Body.
Michele will speak on the universal question: What is Truth? Have you ever been challenged to really defend your faith? Did it leave you questioning? How do you know what is true and what is simply opinion? Have you ever thought you're the only one with these thoughts?
Michele explores this question through a detailed analysis of Jesus' discussion with Pilate in John's Gospel. Rather than asking us to try to memorize bible verses or cover every topic in Church teaching, Michele will leave us feeling more passionate and committed to the truth of our faith.
SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 - JOSEPH I.CASTRO, PhD., M.P.P.
CP&BC Fresno is kicking off our new fiscal year at our Friday, September 12th breakfast with an intimate interview with Fresno State president Dr. Joseph Castro.
Past CP&BC president, Pat Ogle, will talk one-on-one with Dr. Castro about his family upbringing, including where "church" was or wasn't a part. We will hear how Joseph and Mary Castro first met and enjoy a little background on their three children.
Dr. Castro will share details about how his personal Catholic faith has been, and remains, integral to raising his family and fostering professional relationships. We will also hear how the impact of a near-miss serious car collision was a wake-up call for him spiritually.
As the head of a state university, we will learn about the ways Dr. Castro can, and has, shared the importance of spirituality with students, faculty and staff and what organizations like CP&BC may exist in the academic/education sector for one to participate and share their faith with others.
Pat will also delve into how the Castros are involved with others away from campus in sharing their love for the Lord.
It will be exciting to hear what Dr. Castro believes are his impacts of his first year as president, especially considering he is the first California native and first Latino to lead Fresno State - just a few miles from his family home in Hanford.
Dr. Castro will conclude with what he would like to see Fresno State accomplish under his leadership during the current academic year and perhaps take a question or two from the audience, time permitting.
The September 12th breakfast is surely one you, your family and business associates will not want to miss.
JUNE 13, 2014 - FATHER DAN AVILA
Our June 13 speaker will be Father Dan Avila, Vocation Director for the Diocese of Fresno. He assists those men who are seeking to serve as priests and also helps to develop vocation awareness, promotion programs and activities in the diocese.
Fr. Dan will talk about his continuing discernment groups for young men who feel they may be called by God to do something more with their lives beyond just looking out for their own interests by considering a priestly vocation.
Fr. Dan will describe the solemn as well as the humorous steps along the journey in his light-hearted and approachable way. The whole Church needs to foster vocations – Fr. Avila will let us know how we can help within our own families and parishes.
MAY 9, 2014 - NOEL IRWIN HENTSCHEL
Noel Irwin Hentschel is Chairman, CEO and co-Founder of AmericanTours International (ATI), America's largest privately held, American-owned, inbound/outbound tourism and marketing organization. Serving one-million visitors annually, ATI is headquartered in Los Angeles and Orlando with regional offices in Miami, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Honolulu and Beijing.
One of California's largest woman owned businesses, ATI is one of the nation's largest tour operators for foreigners visiting the United States.
Hentschel served as advisor to seven Secretaries of Commerce, both Republican and Democrat. She is currently serving as Deputy Secretary General of the World Tourism Cities Federation headquartered in Beijing. She is active in strengthening America's international relations by working with government leaders in China, Cuba, Vietnam, Jordan and Israel.
Inspired by Mother Teresa, Hentschel established The Noel Foundation in 1988 to help those most in need around the world. Hentschel is a Franciscan-Mariologist, well versed on the Blessed Virgin Mother, Christology, Moral Theology, Spiritual Warfare and Comparative World Religions of Christianity Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Daoism. She is a pioneer opening doors with governments, businesses and ministries in China, Cuba, Vietnam, Jordan and Israel.
"I am looking forward to returning to my hometown of Fresno to share my recent amazing experiences in China and all the holy hidden treasures I discovered there from Inner Mongolia to Shanghai," says Hentschel. "Prayer leads to grace; grace inspires light; light offers clarity; clarity brings truth and humility and truth and humility affirms 'Trust in God for love, peace and eternal life."
APRIL 11, 2014 - DERRY CONNOLLY
Derry Connolly, Ph.D., President and one of the founders of the John Paul the Great Catholic University (JP Catholic) for media and technology in San Diego, will be CP&BC Fresno's April 11th speaker. His talk will focus on the vision and the promise of the JP Catholic and how it feels to work at a very large public and very liberal institution (UC San Diego) when you announce that you are planning to leave to build an orthodox Catholic institution.
Dr. Connolly will tell the "story of JP Catholic" thus far with all of its successes and challenges. The university offers a counter-balance to the frequently anti-Catholic positions of so many other institutions.
JP Catholic is strongly committed to being faithfully Catholic as it focuses on tackling the increasing decline in morality in the media. The university gives students the opportunity to acquire a deep and personal knowledge of Jesus Christ while encouraging and enabling them to become future media creators, entrepreneurs and leaders.
Dr. Connolly holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from Cal-Tech in Pasadena, CA and both an MSc & BSc in Mathematical Science from University College, Cork, Ireland. He holds 8 US patents and has numerous technical publications. Prior to UCSD, Dr. Connolly spent 15 years working in industrial Research and Development with IBM and Kodak.
Derry and his wife Lidy have five children and a growing number of grandchildren. They attend Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Rancho Penasquitos.
MARCH 14, 2014 - JESSE ROMERO
Where can you meet a former kickboxing champion and current EWTN Catholic radio host who will welcome you to "the Lord's gym with your spiritual fitness trainer?" At our next breakfast meeting, of course!
After rediscovering his Catholic roots, our dynamic March 14, 2014 speaker, Jesse Romero, studied and prayed his way back to a fervent on-going practice of the Catholic Faith. Through his experiences with non-Catholics and fallen-away Catholics alike, Jesse is well-versed on all Catholic issues and topics and, as a bilingual speaker, specializes in evangelization, youth events, apologetics seminars, conferences of all sizes and bible studies.
Jesse holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Mount St Mary's College in Los Angeles and he has a Masters Degree in Catholic Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. He and his wife Anita are proud parents of Paul, AnnMarie and Joshua.
Jesse has spent his time teaching, speaking, writing, and giving Bible studies and conferences on all matters Catholic. He is also serving at the parish level as the director of religious education at a small but growing parish 40 minutes north of Los Angeles, CA.
FEBRUARY 14, 2014 - David Casper
CP&BC Fresno's February 2014 speaker is David John Casper (born February 2, 1952 in Bemidji, Minnesota), a retired American football player who now travels the U.S. speaking on Faith, Sports and Business. He was a prominent NFL offensive lineman and tight end nicknamed "The Ghost." Today, Dave assists business owners with financial planning and consultation work.
Dave spent his first three years of high school at St. Edward Central Catholic High school in Elgin, Illinois. His final year of high school was at Chilton High School in Chilton, Wisconsin and played collegiate football at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned Honorable Mention All-America as a tackle in 1972. In 1973, he was named an All-American at tight end and earned his bachelor's degree in economics in 1974. He was also the captain of the Omecron Delta Epsilon Honor Society for Economics. He was drafted in the second round of the 1974 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders.
Casper caught the first touchdown of Super Bowl XI, a 32-14 Raiders victory over the Minnesota Vikings. As a Raider, Casper was selected to four straight Pro Bowls (1976-1979).
Casper finished his pro career with 378 receptions, 5,216 yards and 52 touchdowns. In 2002 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was the 13th Raider to be inducted.
DECEMBER 13, 2013 - Christmas Social
Our December meeting will be our annual Christmas Party! Holiday attire is encouraged. Please bring an unwrapped warm blanket, jacket or sweater as a Christmas present for a needy child or adult for distribution though Catholic Charities.
This year, "Santa Al" will be on hand to complement our traditional Christmas theme and fun networking program. We'll also hear a special Christmas message from our club's Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Timothy Cardoza, and Kelly Lilles, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Fresno Diocese will give us insight into the current needs of our needy neighbors in Fresno and will share important information about how CP&BC members can help with the Mission of Catholic Charities in particular.
This is always a well-attended event, so be sure to register early!
NOVEMBER 8, 2013 - Tom Carroll
Our November speaker is back by popular demand to present Part Two of his talk: Turkey and the Prospects for Religious Freedom in the Middle East.
The 20th century was a grim time for the freedom and safety of religious minorities in the Middle East, particularly Christians and Jews. And things have only become worse in many places over the past few years. It's easy to look at the daily outrages and simply give up. Indeed, pessimism may be the most realistic attitude when it comes to the future of Christians in the Middle East – but it is not the only attitude. There are glimmers of hope scattered across the region, and nowhere do they shine with more promise than in the Republic of Turkey. Join Tom Carroll, a former CIA officer with extensive experience is Islamic affairs, as we explore these possibilities.
Tom Carroll is a former officer in the Clandestine Service of the Central Intelligence Agency. He spent years under cover in the Middle East, and is a specialist in Islam and Middle Eastern affairs. Tom and his wife converted to Catholicism while living in Istanbul, Turkey.
OCTOBER 11, 2013 - Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers is a powerful and passionate evangelist and preacher whose no-nonsense, hands-on approach to living the Catholic faith will challenge and inspire you! Deacon Harold will speak to CP&BC Fresno on Catholic Families: The Model for a Culture of Love & Life
He is the Founder and Director of Dynamic Deacon, a Christian evangelization and apologetics organization dedicated to the dissemination and promotion of Catholic values, principles, and teaching in complete faithfulness and total submission to Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium. The goal of his apostolate is to bring as many people as possible to a deeper love of Christ and the Gospel by sharing the truth of the Catholic faith in love.
As one of the most sought-after speakers in the Church today, Deacon Harold is active in giving lectures, retreats, and seminars in parishes, workshops, and at numerous conferences across the nation and around the world. He has appeared in The Catholic World Report and The National Catholic Register, and on many national andinternational radio programs, including Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Connection,Kresta in the Afternoon, and Catholic Bookmarks. He is the author of The Mass in Sacred Scripture and is a frequent Eternal Word Television Network contributor. Deacon Harold has been featured on Life on the Rock, EWTN Live, EWTN Bookmark, and hosts several popular EWTN series, including "Behold the Man: Spirituality for Men", "Made in His Image: Family Life Today", "Christ the Servant: The Vocation of Deacons" and "Authentically Free at Last.
"Deacon Burke-Sivers holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master's degree in Theological Studies from the University of Dallas. Deacon Harold is a Benedictine Oblate of Mt. Angel Abbey, an associate member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars, a member of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, and a consultation team member for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops National Directory for Catechesis.
Deacon Harold is featured on The Greatest Commandments: A 40-Week Spiritual Journey for Married Couples, a vibrant marriage enrichment program rooted in Biblical values designed to help husbands and wives know God better, trust Him fully, and love Him completely throughout the journey of married life. Deacon Harold is also the President and CEO of Servant Enterprises, Inc., a nonprofit organization that also hosts an international institute for Catholic male spirituality, coordinates dynamic speaking tours and life-changing retreats, and develops products and services that support family life.
Most importantly, Deacon Harold is married to his wife Colleen and they have four beautiful children.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 - Dan DeMatte
CP&BC Fresno is proud to welcome Dan DeMatte as the kick-off speaker for our 2013/2014 year! Dan is a motivational speaker who has realized that there is truly no dream worth living for other than the dream of heaven. He preaches the GOOD News, not the mediocre news, or the 'I-hope-this-isn't-too-big-of-an-inconvenience' news. Dan knows that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only message worth living for, and worth dying for.
Dan witnessed to his radical lifestyle when he starred on A&E's hit reality TV show, God or the Girl. The show captured Dan's intense discernment process between the priesthood and the married life, along with three other men. In his discernment, Dan carried an 80lb cross on a 22 mile pilgrimage in order to better unite himself to the cross of Christ - the center of all vocations and the core of the Christian life. After discerning his call for three years, he heard the Lord calling him to the married life - God through the Girl as he puts it. Dan is happily married to Amber Marie and together they have three beautiful children: Sophia Therese, Giovanni Francis and Gemma Therese.
As a speaker and evangelist, Dan is very engaging, and gets the audience involved. His goal is to encourage all people to reject Sin and Satan, and to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a fearless and radical way. He believes that every person is called to be a saint. He believes that this world is in need of an intense renewal. He believes that the renewal begins with you!
MAY 10, 2013 - Tim DeRuyter
Tim DeRuyter, who was hired as the 17th head coach at Fresno State on Dec. 14, 2011, guided the Bulldogs to a 9-4 record, the Mountain West championship and a berth in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl on Christmas Eve.
On the day he was hired, DeRuyter promised to bring the Red Wave - Fresno State's loyal fan base - a conference championship. He delivered on that promise by leading the Bulldogs to a 7-1 mark in their first season of Mountain West play to capture the school's first conference championship since 1999, ending a 13-year drought. His nine wins are the most by any first-year head coach at Fresno State and he becomes the second Bulldog to guide a team to a bowl game in his first season.
A native of Long Beach, Calif., DeRuyter was born on Jan. 3, 1963 and graduated from St. John Bosco High School (Bellflower, Calif.) in 1981. He holds a bachelor's degree in management from Air Force (1985) and a MBA in market strategy from Regis University (1992).
Upon his graduation from the Air Force Academy, he served seven-and-a-half years of active duty in the Air Force. DeRuyter and his wife, Kara, have a son, Jake, a sophomore at the Air Force Academy, and a daughter, Christina, who is a senior in high school.
APRIL 12, 2013 - Jed York
Jed York became CEO of the San Francisco 49ers in 2010. His promotion of Trent Baalke to General Manager and the hiring of Jim Harbaugh as Head Coach put the 49ers back in the playoffs after a 10 season hiatus. York spearheaded a successful ballot measure for the first LEED certified NFL stadium in 2010. York secured financing in 2011 and obtained $200M of NFL support for the Santa Clara stadium in February 2012.
York graduated from Notre Dame with degrees in Finance & History. He sits on the boards of Tipping Point Community and the Commonwealth Club.
MARCH 8, 2013 - CHRISTINA CONDIT
Christina Condit will be speaking to the CP&BC about her mission to re-define the sexual revolution for the next generation and let us in on how she has been able to influence so many young people with her unconventional message in stark contrast to the pressures of today's society. As a young but fearless 18 year old girl, Christina began speaking in front of thousands of high school students in 2004 about her commitment to chastity and her trust in God.
She shows how saving sex for marriage is not weird, but is in fact beautiful. She pours her whole heart into uplifting the students with a POSITIVE, faith-filled message. Christina has the confidence and charisma needed to present on such an important matter. Thousands of students have accepted and embraced her words of encouragement to live a chaste lifestyle due to her understanding and honesty of the struggles we all face. Students gravitate toward Christina and many have trusted and confided in her about their struggles after her presentations or by writing letters, e-mails, and sending cards.
In 2011, Christina gave a year of mission work for the Catholic Church as a coworker for Regnum Christi. She currently designs and leads retreats for the program Pure Fashion, an international faith based program designed for girls 14-18.
Recent speaking engagements include:
- Everest Academy in Clarkston, Michigan
- Belmont Abbey College for a Youth Pilgrimage in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Alpharetta, Georgia at a Mother/Daughter Luncheon for the program, Butterfly Effect
- Life Teen Youth Rally in Buffalo, New York
- John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C.
- As well as interviews with EWTN and Catholic TV
- and many, many more appearances.
Still single and a virgin, this beautiful, dynamic, and outstanding young lady continues to steal the hearts of every audience and leaves behind a positive imprint in the lives of students, adults, and coworkers that will never be forgotten.
FEBRUARY 8, 2013 - BOB DOLAN
Our CP&BC Fresno February speaker, Bob Dolan, has been called a 'thoughtful and entertaining voice of the common Catholic'. He has appeared on dozens of national and local TV and radio programs, including Fox and Friends, to discuss his popular book Life Lessons From My Life With My Brother about Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York.
The latest edition Life Lessons, which will be available at the breakfast, is all-new edition and includes a new chapter on the 2012 Consistory. Timothy Dolan was elevated to a Cardinal on February 18, 2012 in Rome. This new edition has over 60 new color photographs of the Consistory in Rome and also contains some very intimate details of conversations Bob Dolan had that week in Rome with other Cardinals from throughout the world, and how many believe this could be the man that could very well be our next Pope.
Bob's second book, Waking Patrick, which will also be available at the breakfast, has recently been published. It tells the story of an ordinary man who asks many questions and admits to many doubts about faith, forgiveness, prayer and other important issues. The story is told with great wit and insight.
Bob Dolan has had a front row seat to the life of his brother Timothy M. Dolan for the past 50 years. The stories he tells are both heart warming and entertaining. CP&BC Fresno breakfast attendees will have a wonderful picture of the spirituality that is at the heart of this faithful servant of God. He speaks to us on a level that is rare in today's Catholic church and gives a refreshing and uplifting road map for following Christ.
NOVEMBER 9, 2012 - FR. CEDRIC PISEGNA, C.P.
Fr. Cedric Ministries is all about the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. His Houston, Texas-based ministry is an expression of the "New Evangelization" called for by our late holy father Pope John Paul II. Fr. Cedric preaches, writes and produces to help people of all faiths or even no faith come to know Jesus in a personal way. God has also called him to make known the imperishable riches of the Holy Spirit. The salvation and new life that comes from the Cross of Jesus is a major part of his proclamation. Fr. Cedric was touched by the grace of God when he was 19 years old. He surrendered his life to Jesus and had a life changing experience. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to have a desire to make a difference in people's lives. Since that time he dedicated his life to God as a Passionist religious and Catholic priest. He now travels across the U.S. and Canada preaching, writing, and producing for television. His message is practical, inspirational, and orthodox. He has written 16 books and will have a limited number available for purchase at our breakfast.
OCTOBER 12, 2012 - BARBARA NICOLOSI HARRINGTON
Originally from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Barbara Nicolosi Harrington is the Founder and Chair Emeritus of Act One, Inc., a nonprofit program to train and mentor Christians for careers as Hollywood writers and executives. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the new Galileo Studio at Azusa Pacific University, an on-line think tank that utilizes 3D video technology.
Barbara is a member of the Writers Guild of America-West and has written screenplays for several Hollywood production companies. Her most recent credit is as a co-writer with Benedict Fitzgerald on the 2013 Lionsgate release, Mary, Mother of the Christ.
Barbara has a Masters in Film and Television from Northwestern University, and a B.A. from the Great Books program at Magdalen College in Warner, NH. She has done further studies in documentary production and animation at UCLA. She has been a script analyst, production company executive, and consultant on scores of entertainment projects including the features The Passion of the Christ and That Evening Sun, and TV shows Joan of Arcadia (CBS) and Saving Grace (TNT).
SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 - CHRISTOPHER J. LEWIS
Five days after the launch of Sputnik in 1957, Chris Lewis was born into the world of show business. His father, Jerry Lewis, was the number one box office star in the world, and had just completed his 6th annual televised "Marathon" to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Jerry, as National Chairman, helped establish MDA in 1952, and to date has helped raise over 2 billion dollars for research and patient care. Chris became involved in the fundraising effort early in life, and has worked on the MDA Labor Day Telethon every year since 1972.
He studied film and video production at the California Institute of the Arts and became a writer for television and film concepts at Paramount Studios in the early 1980's. He spent years handling his father's film and television distribution, and then in 2000 came the opportunity to help create a worldwide wheelchair delivery mission.
Chris helped create and sustain a philanthropic mission that delivered over 760,000 wheelchairs to people in more than 150 countries, and in 2009 created the American Wheelchair Mission to continue and expand the outreach worldwide.
In just the past two years, Chris and his team have delivered wheelchairs and mobility aids into the lives of the poorest of the poor in American Samoa, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, Palestine, Panama, the Philippines, Rwanda, Vietnam, and to veterans throughout the United States with the Knights of Columbus.
Chris is a fourth degree Knight of Columbus, a member of the Rotary Club of Los Angeles, and lives with his family in Henderson, Nevada.
JUNE 8, 2012 - Bishop Armando Xavier Ochoa
Bishop Ochoa was born in Oxnard, California, in 1943, the second child to Angel and Mary Ochoa. He received his education at Santa Clara Elementary and Santa Clara High School, also in Oxnard, and graduated in 1961. In 1962 he entered St. John's Seminary College and having graduated, continued his studies at St. John's Seminary School of Theology. Bishop Ochoa was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on May 23, 1970, by Cardinal Timothy Manning. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Alphonsus Church in East Los Angeles; St. John the Baptist Church in Baldwin Park; and St. Teresa of Avila Church, Los Angeles. Bishop Ochoa was appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Los Angeles, in December, 1984. While an Associate Pastor at St. Teresa of Avila, he was named a Monsignor, Chaplain to His Holiness, in 1982.
Prior to his Ordination to the Episcopacy, in February, 1987, as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Regional Bishop of the San Fernando Pastoral Region, he served as a board member and later as co-director of the Permanent Diaconate Program for the Archdiocese. He also headed the Secretariat for Ethnic Ministry Services. Bishop Ochoa also served as a board member for both Don Bosco Technical High School and St. John's Seminary. On June 26, 1996, Bishop Ochoa was installed as fifth Bishop of the Diocese of El Paso in Texas.
Bishop Ochoa was installed as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno on February 1, 2012.
Throughout Bishop Ochoa's Episcopacy, he has held the following USCCB positions: Member of the Sub-Committee on Lay Ministry, Committee on Migration, Sub-Committee on Hispanic Affairs, Committee on Laity, Committee on Vocations, Committee on the Diaconate, Committee on the Millennium/Jubilee Year, Sub-Committee on Lay Ecclesial Ministry, CLINIC Board of Directors and Region XIII Administrative Committee. Bishop Ochoa has also been a Consultant on the Committee on Migration and Sub-Committee on Hispanic Affairs. Other National and International responsibilities have included member of the Alta/Baja California Border Bishops Council, United States Delegate to the Eucharistic Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, and member of the Texas Mexico Border Bishops' Council.
MAY 11, 2012 - LUKE BURGIS
Luke Burgis is a successful entrepreneur, a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and now a seminarian for the Diocese of Las Vegas. Before he entered St. John's Seminary, Luke was the founder of ActivPrayer, a popular faith-based fitness movement.
After graduating from New York University's Stern School of Business, Luke went on to work at major Wall Street investment banks (Morgan Stanley and Citigroup) and a venture capital firm. His career in corporate finance took him from New York to Thailand and Hong Kong. Just as his career was taking off, he quit his job to start a wellness company with his cousin.
Luke's companies – Healthy Vending and FitFuel.com – were started out of a spare bedroom in a Hollywood apartment. One of them grew to over $15 million in value in just four years. He was named "One of the Top 25 Entrepreneurs Under the Age of 25" in America by Business Week magazine in 2006. Despite the success, he later went through a bankruptcy with the same company.
Luke was the founder and now an advisor to ActivPrayer, an organization that designs faith-based fitness programs that help people achieve their fitness goals by addressing all four dimensions of the human person – physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. ActivPrayer fitness professionals and clergy often provide workshops and motivational seminars to get people on the road to optimizing their health by taking a spiritual approach to it.
APRIL 13, 2012 - MARK FAUST
Mark Faust is a Catholic growth and turnaround consultant, syndicated writer, professional speaker and executive coach to owners and CEOs. Since 1990, he has run Echelon Management International, a consultancy that works with both successfully growing companies and those in turnaround. His clients have included Proctor and Gamble, IBM, Monsanto, Apple, Syngenta, Bayer and John Deere as well as government agencies and nonprofit organizations. He has been an adjunct COO and has sat on many boards; he has been an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati and Ohio University and he speaks around the world on how leaders can accelerate business growth. In 2011, Mark's book Growth or Bust: Proven Turnaround Strategies to Grow your Business was released.
MARCH 9, 2012 - ANDREAS WIDMER
Our March 9, 2012 speaker will be Andreas Widmer, who will be joining us to discuss his book The Pope & The CEO: John Paul II's Leadership Lessons to a Young Swiss Guard.
Please plan on buying a personally-signed copy of Andreas's book at our breakfast for only $20.
About the book: John Paul II's witness to the reality of God's grace in the life of man, as divine presence and guidance, so inspired and touched the life of one of his body guards, a Swiss guard, that when the latter became an entrepreneur and a CEO, he set himself to emulate the virtues of leadership of the Pope. In his book, the Swiss-Guard-turned-CEO gives a personal witness to the successful application of the Pope's leadership virtues in the life of a CEO and offers the same to CEOs and his readers. The book is thus an excellent tribute to the memory of the Pope and a commendable guide to successful entrepreneurship.
Andreas served as a Pontifical Swiss Guard from 1986-1988, protecting Pope John Paul II. As a seasoned business executive with experience in high-tech and international business strategy consulting and economic development, he was an executive in residence at Highland Capital Partners, a venture capital firm. He served as CEO of OTF Group (formerly part of the Monitor Group) and helped lead Eprise Corporation, Dragon Systems and FTP Software.
An author on the connection between entrepreneurship, economic development and spirituality, Andreas blogs regularly at
www.faithandprosperity.com
FEBRUARY 2012 - 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Sign up early! Attendance will be limited to prepaid reservations only. Price $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Click here for details.
DECEMBER 2011 - CHRISTMAS PARTY
Our December meeting will be our annual Christmas Party! Please bring an unwrapped toy as a Christmas present for a needy child for distribution though Catholic Charities. This year, select members of the St. Helen's School choir, under the direction of Mr. Bill Thornbury, will perform Christmas Carols for us and we'll hear a special message about the Reason for the Season from our club's Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Timothy Cardoza. St. Helen's School Principal, Mr. Bob Peerson, will also give us an update on Catholic Education in the Diocese of Fresno as well as information about how CP&BC members can help with the needs of St. Helen's School in particular.
NOVEMBER 2011 - MIKE MCGARVIN
Mike McGarvin was born in Pasadena, California, where he attended Pasadena City College, studying graphic arts and management. He married Mary in 1970. They have two children, Clare and the late Michael Jr., and one grandchild, Tyler.
In 1966, while living in San Francisco, Mike met Father Simon Scanlon, a Franciscan priest. Overwhelmed by Father Simon's humility and kindness toward the "street people" in the Tenderloin District where the priest lived and worked, Mike decided to follow in his footsteps. He joined the Catholic Church in 1966 and studied for one year to become a Secular Franciscan, dedicating himself to the teaching and ways of Saint Francis of Assisi. In 1969, Mike achieved the rank of Shodan, a Black Belt First Degree in the martial art of Judo.
Upon coming to Fresno, he began working as a newspaper photoengraver, and would often see needy people on the streets near his workplace. He founded the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and was president for three years. During this time, he started distributing sandwiches to the poor and homeless, which was the beginning of Fresno's Poverello House.
In 1992, Mike retired from the newspaper to work full-time at Poverello House. Over the years, his dedicated service to the destitute has earned local and national recognition. Mike is also an accomplished photographer, and has taken portraits of the homeless since the early 1970s. A book of his photographic works, entitled On the Level: Walking the Streets with Mike McGarvin, was published in 1993. In 2003 Mike published his autobiography, Papa Mike.
For more information, please visit: http://www.poverellohouse.org/.
OCTOBER 2011 - TOM CARROLL
Tom Carroll is a former officer in the Clandestine Service of the Central Intelligence Agency. Tom spent years under cover in the Middle East, and is a specialist in Islam and Middle Eastern affairs. Tom and his wife converted to Catholicism while living in Istanbul, Turkey.
Today Islam is affecting our world like never before. For Catholics, this religion of 1.5 billion represents challenges — and opportunities — unlike anything else in the modern age. Catholics need to understand.
Islam as it actually is, beyond the clichés that dominate the popular media. Drawing on his personal and professional background in the Muslim world, Tom will introduce you to Islam in its most salient essentials, with clear and relevant connections to our own Catholic worldview.
For more information, please visit: www.tpcarroll.com.
SEPTEMBER 2011 - GEORGE RADANOVICH
George Radanovich served eight terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and has written a new book, "The New World Order Is the Old World Order" in which he advocates rebuilding the four institutions of faith, family, work and government as the cornerstones for real change in American society and governance.
According to an August 11, 2011 interview in the Mount Vernon (VA) Gazette, George said, "Sixteen years as a member of Congress in Washington have given me a clear view of what works and what doesn't. Americans have historically put their faith in their leaders to keep this nation on the right track, but I am convinced that politics is downstream from culture. We have seen the country and the world in a slow decline over the past decades, and Washington politicians are not going to correct that. It's not just a matter of giving the power to the right person or the right political party. Real reform begins not in Washington, but in our culture at home and in our communities."
"The New World Order Is the Old World Order" is available through Amazon.comBarnesandNoble.com, or through its publisher, Xulon Press. www.XulonPress.com/bookstore. It also can be ordered directly from Radanovich's website, TheFourInstitutions.com. The introduction to the book and George Radanovich's bio is also available at TheFourInstitutions.com.
June 2011 - Robert Abel
After losing more than $250,000.00 trading high-risk commodities, Robert Abel found himself emotionally devastated and angry with God. At the advice of his pastor, he went on a retreat to St Malo Center in Estes Park. After checking into his room, he laced up his hiking boots and climbed the tallest mountain peak available to have it out with the Almighty.
After praying for several hours and hearing nothing except the sound of the brisk mountain breeze, Robert returned to the retreat center broken and crushed. Lying on the floor crying, he surrendered his life to the Lord. From the depths of his heart he made a promise saying, "I will do whatever you want from here on out."
Since that time Robert has been living an exciting adventure with the Lord. He is the Director of African Missionaries and Hope Street Ministries. He spends his time serving the homeless on the streets of Denver and conducting mission trips to some of the most exciting parts of the world. He is the author of The Catholic Warrior, The Healing Power of Jesus, Healing Power for the Heart, Heavenly Treasure and Worldwide Adventure.
Come and experience Robert's life-changing testimony at the Catholic Professional & Business Club — June 10, 2011.
May 13, 2011 - Lisa Hendy
Our May breakfast speaker will be
Lisa Hendey, local author of the book The Handbook for Catholic Moms, and the founder and editor of
CatholicMom.com, a website that focuses on the Catholic faith, Catholic parenting and family life, and Catholic cultural topics. The site features columns by over ninety contributing columnists and is home to a Catholic Book Club featuring monthly fiction, non-fiction and children's selections by Catholic authors. Lisa heads a home based web design business and in addition to her work with
CatholicMom.com, she is also employed by St. Anthony of Padua parish as webmaster for the parish web site. As a freelance writer, Lisa is a regular contributor to Catholic Exchange, Catholic Online, The Integrated Catholic Life and Catholic.net and countless other Internet publishers. Her articles have appeared in the National Catholic Register, Our Sunday Visitor, Faith and Family Magazine, Canticle Magazine, Grapevine Magazine and Kids' Ark Magazine. Lisa, her husband, and two sons live in Fresno and are members of St. Anthony of Padua parish.
April 8, 2011 - Thomas Augustine O'Toole
Our April speaker, Thomas Augustine O'Toole, was born in Chicago and grew up in a devout Catholic family with five brothers and two sisters. After attending Catholic grammar and high school, he was accepted into the University of Notre Dame. Tom majored in English, but also made the Irish varsity tennis team as a walk-on (a feat statistically rarer than Rudy's) and later became the sports editor of Notre Dame's Scholastic magazine, where his story
Reflections on the Game won the award for Best Sports feature for the Indiana Collegiate Press Association. Tom's innovative writings on the connection between faith and sports ("Cathletics") has been praised by the Papal Nuncio, and his groundbreaking book
Champions of Faith: Catholic Sports Heroes Tell Their Stories is one of the original volumes to be placed on the Vatican shelves where the Pontifical Council of Church and Sport meet.
In 2006, Tom published a number of articles on the prestigious
Catholic Exchange website, and started a blog
Fighting Irish Thomas which has been praised for its Catholic candor and humor. Currently, Tom is a frequent contributor to the websites
Spero News and
Renew America.
March 11, 2011 - Reverend Monsignor Myron J. Cotta
Our Diocesan Administrator and Moderator Of The Curia, Reverend Monsignor Myron J. Cotta, will speak about his new assignment and duties following the death of Bishop John Steinbock while still in office. Although the details have been published on the Diocese of Fresno's website, Msgr. Cotta will offer our club his personal perspective as the church follows its prescribed 4-step process for the selection of a new bishop, concluding with the final decision by the Holy Father in Rome. (Informally, we have been told that it may take a year or more for the Diocesan Bishop of Fresno to be selected.) This talk will give our members a rare glimpse into a fascinating tradition that involves pray m our U.S. bishops, but is ultimately under the sole purview of Pope Benedict XVI.
February 11, 2011 - Joe Condit
Our February speaker will be Joe Condit who has provided many of our national speakers in past years through his Catholic-Christian speakers bureau. Now it is time to hear Condit's own fascinating personal testimony from entrepreneur in online companies to restaurant ownership and venture capital portfolios. One of his most prized ventures has been his brainchild, CMG Booking, LLC, a Catholic-Christian speakers bureau promoting speakers of faith, helping organizations afford and book them. Currently, CMG Booking is one of the most visited websites in the country for Catholic speakers. In 2007, an unfathomable twist to Condit's business career unfolded which would change his life forever, teaching him priceless lessons of life, business and the power of God. A gripping story of going from everything an entrepreneur could want, unknowingly being tied to the second highest profiled Ponzi scheme recorded in American business history next to Bernie Maddoff, losing it all, and the journey of rediscovering the importance of his Faith and a second chance. In July of 2010, Condit's CMG Booking hosted and sponsored the renowned Fr. John Corapi before an audience of 10,000 faithful in Cincinnati, Ohio at which Condit gave the opening address.
Condit has become a highly sought after speaker sharing his experiences and inspiring audiences across the country with a messages of perseverance, faith in life and business.
DECEMBER 10, 2010 - ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
CPBC promises the same fun program as in past December breakfasts. There will be time for networking with special "icebreakers", singing led by a surprise choral group, and most importantly a message on the "reason for the season"!
November 12, 2010 - Rick Maya
Our November 2010 speaker is Rick Maya. This past January Rick joined the Diocese of Sacramento as a consultant for Catholic schools. He now serves as an executive director of various Catholic schools within the Diocese of Sacramento. Rick brings a variety of skills and experiences to the diocese and is focused on the long term growth and sustainability of its schools. For 18 years Rick served the Bank of America in northern California in numerous leadership roles before starting a new career in education administration. In his current work, Maya has been involved in the strategic growth of public charter schools aimed towards serving low income youth.
October 8, 2010 - Jennifer Naimo
Jennifer Naimo has been a Broadway and television actress and singer for over 20 years. One of her recent roles is that of Frankie Valli's wife in the Tony Award Winning Musical Jersey Boys on Broadway. Her other Broadway performances include roles in Les Miserables, Grease, The Full Monty, and Big River. In addition, she has performed with the late Christopher Reeve, "John Boy" Richard Thomas, Sigourney Weaver, Deborah Gibson, and Blythe Danner. Jennifer has several children's videos, the most recent being The Eucharist for Little Children. She has appeared on EWTN's Life on the Rock and Ralph Martins The Choices We Face. Jennifer lives in Los Angeles where she has worked on several TV shows and also commercials. How she has defended her faith and stood up in the midst of entertainment "giants" is something you won't want to miss!
September 13, 2010 - Hugh Hewitt
Plan on joining us at our September breakfast to hear Hugh Hewitt, host of a nationally syndicated radio show that can be heard locally on KYNO AM. He is a frequent guest commentator on cable news channels such as FOX and CNN and hosted the 1996 PBS series, Searching for God in America. Please see the insert for more information on Professor Hewitt and our list of sponsors. Be sure to make your reservations early for our September 10th breakfast!
June 11, 2010 - Most Rev. John T. Steinbock, D.D
Join CP&BC on June 11th to hear the annual State of the Diocese from our bishop John Steinbock. Bishop Steinbock was born in Los Angeles, California, July 16, 1937. He was ordained to the priesthood May 1, 1963. After serving in various capacities in East Los Angeles for 21 years, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Orange in 1984. He was consecrated as bishop on July 14, 1984, in the Diocese of Orange. He was appointed as the third diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Santa Rosa in 1987. On October 15, 1991, he was appointed as the fourth diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Fresno by Pope John Paul II, and installed on November 25, 1991.
April 9, 2010 - Laurel Boylan
John and Laurel Boylan of Clovis, California, founded God's Waiting Children, Inc. with the help and support of several other adoptive families. The Boylans currently have 5 children, all of whom entered their family through adoption. Laurel Boylan is now the Director of God's Waiting Children, Inc. She enjoys the personal contact with families and derives great satisfaction out of watching God's miraculous work in bringing families together forever. She also coordinates all of the volunteers who help with our mission and hosting programs. Her passion for helping children is evident in her work. She enjoys speaking to groups about life in the orphanages and educating them in how easy it is for people to make a difference. But most of all she enjoys spending time with children, both her own children and children living in orphanages. Her talk at the CP&BC will focus on her journey of faith with her husband as they traveled to Ukraine on their own to adopt their children.
February 12, 2010 - Pat McCaskey
The CP&BC is very proud to have Pat McCaskey, owner of the Chicago Bears as our February speaker. A proud Catholic, Mr. McCaskey has woven his Faith into his business, sports and family life and established an organization, Sports Faith International, to promote the value of sports in forming Christian virtue. He is an accomplished executive and sought-after speaker who's testimony on life, faith and success is unmatched. Mr. McCaskey is passionate about how God's plan may be found in football and how God may be given glory by a game well played. Did you know the Vatican has a sports office? Patrick McCaskey can tell you. He will speak about his experiences as a Catholic owner of an NFL pro football team, his unique and humorous observations growing up in the world of pro football, the importance of religion and sports at all levels and the faith-based initiatives he currently works with. This will be a very special breakfast. Don't miss this great opportunity - this February 12!