Catholic Apostolate Center

Featured Webinars

Grace & Bias: Forming Catholic Leaders around Issues of Race Webinar Series

Below are three webinars in the series focusing on Grace & Bias: Forming Catholic Leaders around Issues of Race. These webinars, produced in conjunction with SLI Connect, are titled "Implicit Bias: Tools for Self-Development", Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue about Racism", and "Theological Reflection on Racism". 
​​Implicit Bias: Tools for Self-Development

​Implicit Bias: Tools for Self-Development

​A free webinar series from Saint Luke Institute and the Catholic Apostolate Center. Ministry leaders will learn skills for examining their own personal biases and strategies for engaging others in meaningful dialogue about race. This first webinar discusses how the ever-growing diversity of the Church and our world continues to enrich and challenge pastoral ministers in new ways. Implicit bias, or the attitudes and stereotypes that affect our behavior in an unconscious manner, can impact our ability to successfully manage intercultural interactions and diverse ministry environments. Understanding the implicit biases we hold and how personal identity and cultural experiences impact our worldview can facilitate personal growth and development as an effective pastoral leader.
​Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue about Racism

Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue about Racism

​​Many of us find it challenging to talk about uncomfortable topics, especially when there is potential for offending someone or creating interpersonal conflict. This is especially true with conversations about race and racism. So how do we learn to broach difficult topics and also foster an environment for authentic dialogue in a ministry setting? In the current climate where race, culture and racial dynamics are at the forefront of our society, A. Mechelle Haywood, Psy.D., offers skills for engaging in conversations about racism and other issues of difference.
Theological Reflection on Racism

Theological Reflection on Racism

Racism is a moral and spiritual problem. Jesus Christ made it clear that all kinds of vices flow from the human heart. (Mark 7: 20 – 23) If we do not seek to convert our own hearts as well as the hearts of others in our efforts to overcome racism, then we will be left with “tolerance” between the races and not the real “reconciliation and healing” that is truly needed. Pastoral leaders need to first deal with what might be contained in their own hearts regarding racism, before seeking to help others to overcome racism. This Theological Reflection on Racism will make use of sacred scripture to guide a spiritual reflection on how we can proceed to overcome racism in our own hearts and in the hearts of others.

Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. on The Son Rise Morning Show

​In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. shares some considerations on how suffering can assist the growth of holiness when it is united to Christ’s suffering on the cross.
​In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. offers insight into how suffering can have redemptive qualities when united to Christ on the cross.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and Its Foundation in the Economy of Salvation: Catechism of the Catholic Church #1500-1513.

On Mission Podcast: Self-Care

In this episode of On Mission, Kate, Chris, and Fr. Frank discuss self-care with special guest, Dr. Kristin Witte.

Art of Accompaniment: Humanity as Medium for Evangelization
In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis invites the Church to learn and practice the “art of accompaniment” (169). In this presentation, Center Coordinator of Formation Programs Colleen Campbell will explore how the art of accompaniment allows us to use the gifts of our humanity as a medium for fruitful and compassionate evangelization. In addition, we will consider how accompaniment calls us to be good stewards of the gift of our own humanity through ongoing formation and self-care. ​

Self Care for Parents

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused parents to be stretched and challenged in ways most of us did not think possible. This presentation, given by two working moms, will discuss the concerns and stress parents are facing, but will provide support through a focus on self-care, accompaniment, and finding community. The presenters are Dr. Kristin Witte, D.Min, Advisor, Catholic Apostolate Center and Monica Thom Konschnik Assistant Director of Administration, Catholic Apostolate Center. 

Strategies for Handling Remote Work During COVID-19

Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. of the Catholic Apostolate Center and Matthew Manion Faculty Director of Villanova University Center for Church Management discuss how to handle working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
​Strategies for Handling Remote Work During COVID-19
PowerPoint Presentation

 Resources for Self-Care During COVID-19 from SLIConnect

Spiritual Growth in Times of Crisis

Managing Coronavirus Anxiety

How to Pray in Times of Crisis

​Participating in the Sacraments during Social Distancing

Webinars on Self Care in collaboration with SLIconnect

Overview
Charism is a gift of the Holy Spirit to build up the Body of Christ for its mission of salvation. The men and women who serve the Church as lay ecclesial ministers have a unique calling, informed by the particular way God invites them to give their lives for others. Rev. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap., S.T.D., Psy.D., discusses the lay charism and how it is expressed in lay ministry.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
  1. Explore the theological basis of the lay charism;
  2. Discover spiritual practices for maturing in one’s charism; and
  3. Identify ways to express the lay charism through ministry.
Reflection Questions
Questions for reflection and discussion prior to the learning session are provided below.
  1. What is my understanding of charism, both theologically and personally?
  2. In what ways have I struggled with my identity as a minister?
  3. How does my spiritual life cultivate my personal commitment to serve the Church?
Overview
Ministry life revolves around interpersonal relationships, and even the most challenging people deserve care and attention. Some personality types, however, require so much energy that we are left feeling depleted and even defeated. Developing key emotional intelligence skills and putting healthy boundaries in place can help you stay afloat when navigating complicated ministry relationships.

Emily R. Cash, Psy.D., offers emotional intelligence and self-care tools for ministering to people with difficult personalities.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
  1. Explore challenging personality types commonly encountered in ministry life;
  2. Learn skills for setting healthy boundaries and ensuring appropriate self-care; and
  3. Identify strategies for intervention and support through case study scenarios.
Reflection Questions
  1. What are my “triggers” when dealing with a difficult person? What tends to make me the most angry or upset?
  2. Do I have healthy boundaries in my ministry relationships?
  3. What are the limits for difficult behavior? At what point should I ask for outside help?
​Overview
Stress in ministry life is part of the job, but we can learn healthier, more proactive ways to respond to daily challenges. Becoming more aware of stressors and developing specific strategies for handling them as they arise positively impacts mental health and wellness and helps us minister more effectively to others.

Emily Cash, Psy.D., identifies healthy ways to manage our response to stressful situations. Part of the Self Care for Healthy Ministry webinar series for lay ministers, sponsored by the Catholic Apostolate Center.
​Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
  1. Discuss common stressors and their impact on emotional and physical health;
  2. Conduct a personal stress self-assessment; and
  3. Learn practical strategies for responding to everyday stress in a healthy way.
Reflection Questions
  1. What chronic stressors do I experience now? What types of stressors may occur in the future?
  2. What are some of the healthy and unhealthy ways that I cope with stress?
  3. Do I know anyone who is a good model for stress management? What characteristics does that person have?
​OVERVIEW
While some people are naturally resilient, the ability to bounce back from adversity is also a skill that we can learn over time. Building your personal resilience and learning to model resilience for others are essential tools for avoiding burnout and finding fulfillment in your ministry.

Taryn Millar, Psy.D., offers skills for building personal resilience and preventing ministry burnout. Part of the Self Care for Healthy Ministry webinar series for lay ministers, in collaboration with SLIconnect.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
  • Learn the characteristics of a resilient mindset;
  • Explore the connection between resilience and avoiding ministry burnout; and
  • Identify strategies for building your personal resilience and encouraging it in others.
Reflection Questions
Do I have the ability to face adversity without falling apart physically or emotionally?
​
Are there habits or behaviors that consistently keep me from bouncing back from difficult circumstances?
How can I model resilience for others?
​OVERVIEW
While focusing on yourself may seem overly indulgent or impossible in the midst of hectic ministry life, Jesus taught important lessons of self-care through his own example. Taking time to pray and to rest is essential for ministering to others.

Rev. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap., S.T.D., Psy.D., explores strategies for spiritual and emotional self-care to support healthy, sustainable ministry. Part of the Self Care for Healthy Ministry webinar series for lay ministers, in collaboration with SLIconnect.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
  1. Identify Scriptures that refer to Jesus encouraging spiritual renewal;
  2. Learn a method for evaluating spiritual self-care; and
  3. Develop two concrete, attainable goals for improving your spiritual life.
Reflection Questions

Resources from SLIconnect, the Education Ministry of Saint Luke's Institute

  • ​Connections
  • ​Renew and Reflect
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Trauma: Extraordinary Challenges and Opportunities
Tips on how to properly minister to those who experience Trauma in their lives and how to find help for those who need it.

Tips for Managing Anxiety 
Michael Pollard, LCSW offers tips to battle panic and rising anxiety.

Prayer and Spiritual Life in Times of Stress
Sr. Pat Parachini, SNJM is a spiritual director and a member of the spiritual formation team for the St. Luke Institute. Here, she offers tips on different styles of prayer that help in stressful times. 

Successful Sleep Habits
Dana Dowd, MSPT offers tips on maintaining good sleep habits, a challenge that can present itself in ministry. 
The Healing Charism
Grief video series with Fr. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap, S.T.D., Psy.D discussing coping and healing methods.

The Importance of Self-Compassion
When we so often hear about self-care it is easy to forget about self-compassion. This reflection examines what self-compassion is and how it is important. 
​Humor: Health for You & Your Ministry
Humor is important for not only you, but who you minister to as well, it can help you get your message across by creating laughter and lightening the mood. This reflection lists positive effects of humor,both individually and in a group setting.

LukeNotes

Recognizing and Treating Trauma
Jeff Martens, PhD writes and explains methods of recognizing PTSD and Trauma in victims and how to increase awareness in signs.
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