SATURDAY SESSIONS
Deacon Anthony - Hike the Path to Jesus' Way of Happiness
Blurb: In the movie "Chosen", Jesus asked Matthew to help Him draft a map. What is this Map about, and where will it lead us? Retreatants will go on a short hike on Hiwatha Trail (where weather permits). There will be a couple of stops along the way, and we will explore the secret of Happiness the Jesus way. So get ready, put on your hiking shoes, and bring a water bottle. Some might even prefer to bring two loaves or five fish.
Bio: Cardinal Thomas Colin ordained Deacon Anthony Wong five years ago at Saint Michael Cathedral. He holds a diploma in Theological Studies and has been assigned to Saint Francis Xavier Church in Mississauga. Professionally he is an Architect, Planner and Urban Designer. He is currently one of the facilitators for the Joy-Filled Marriage preparation course for couples for the Archdiocese of Toronto. He runs the RCIA program at his church. His Diaconate ministry is with a retirement home. In September 2018, he walked the last 100km of the Camino Portuguese from Tui to Santiago de Compostela. In January 2024, he plans to travel from Santiago de Compostela to Cape Finisterre, Spain.
Adrienne Wong and Aleks Niedra + Deacon Michael Lewis and Lorei-An - Couple’s Panel
Bio: Deacon Mike & Lorei-an Lewis were married in June 1983 and this year they celebrated 40 years of marriage. They have 2 children and are blessed with 5 grandchildren.
Blurb: Got questions about the vocation of marriage, relationships, and romantic feelings? Come join the lovely couples panel where couples: Adrienne Wong and Aleks Niedra, and Deacon Michael Lewis and Lorei-An speak about their experiences of relationships and what marriage takes. Here, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about dating, relationships, and marriage as the couples share their personal experience.
Sr. Theresa Samson - Deepening Your Prayer Life (session repeated on Sunday)
Blurb: “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 17:6) Are the demands of your daily life making it challenging to prioritize prayer? Or do you find yourself uncertain about what to say in your prayers? Join Sr. Theresa as she unravels the profound significance of prayer in strengthening your bond with God. In this enlightening session, discover how you can entrust your struggles to God and find beauty in presenting your everyday moments to Him as you would a good friend.
Bio: Sr. Theresa Samson was raised in California and is the oldest of 13 children. She joined the Salesian Sisters while she was in college. She taught in elementary school, junior high school, was a Vice Principal, Principal, and part of a pastoral team at the Newman Center at the University of Illinois where she offered retreats and spiritual direction. She is beginning her 6th year in residence at Don Bosco Center in Markham, Ontario, where I give spiritual direction, retreats, talks, teach religious Ed, and run the Duc In Altum program.
Peter and Vivian Sinn - Four Levels of Happiness - A Practical Workshop to Help Prioritise Our Lives
Blurb: Aristotle said that happiness is the one thing we desire in and of itself, everything else is desired for the sake of happiness. He laid out 4 levels of happiness: Laetus, felix, beatitudo and sublime beatitudo. Through a fun activity, we reflect on how different levels of happiness can dominate our lives & determine the depth & endurance of our happiness. We hope this exercise will help you prioritize your life & pursue "Makários - A happiness fulfilled only by Christ"
Bio: Peter and Vivian were participants at GT in the late 80s and early 90s where their faiths were awakened. Since then, their services and ministries within the Church have become more meaningful and vibrant. They helped found an independent school rooted in the faith in Ottawa and have seven children, some of whom are past and current GT’ers.
SUNDAY SESSIONS
Fr. Raphael Ma - Wrestling With Temptation
Blurb: "Bless me Father, for I have sinned..." do you ever feel uncomfortable or ashamed going to confession? Do you ever wonder why go at all? Join Fr. Raph as he explores the baggage we often have about sin and temptation, what the Church actually teaches, and how to see this part of our Christian life in the healthy way God intended. And some practical tips too!
Bio: Fr. Raph grew up at St. Patrick's parish in Markham, graduated from the University of Guelph in 2010, entered seminary for the Diocese of Hamilton the same year, joined his religious community, the Resurrectionists, in 2015, and has been a priest for 4 years, and is currently doing vocations ministry for the Congregation of the Resurrection. (Follow him on Instagram: @frraph.cr)
Deacon Peter Fan - Navigating Being a Contemporary Catholic
Blurb: “Navigating Being a Contemporary Catholic” explores the possibilities for us, as Catholics in the contemporary world, of taking care of our own growth and the needs of others basing on the great commandment: “You shall love…God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31)
Bio: Deacon Peter Fan has been a lifelong teacher/educational administrator and was ordained as a permanent deacon in 2008. He dedicates himself, both in work and study, to the development of the person. This workshop is part of his lifelong journey with us.
Deacon Michael Lewis - "If you wrestle with God, you are in good company"
Blurb: Deacon Mike’s talk will explore the lives of Saints who wrestled with the idea of God or wrestled with what it is called to be a saint and how their lives can give us hope in our daily struggle.
Bio: Deacon Mike was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in October 2020 and serves at St James Parish in Colgan. Deacon Mike loves serving the Lord wherever God calls him.
Sr. Theresa Samson - Deepening Your Prayer Life (repeated session)
Blurb: “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 17:6) Are the demands of your daily life making it challenging to prioritize prayer? Or do you find yourself uncertain about what to say in your prayers? Join Sr. Theresa as she unravels the profound significance of prayer in strengthening your bond with God. In this enlightening session, discover how you can entrust your struggles to God and find beauty in presenting your everyday moments to Him as you would a good friend.
Bio: Sr. Theresa Samson was raised in California and is the oldest of 13 children. She joined the Salesian Sisters while she was in college. She taught in elementary school, junior high school, was a Vice Principal, Principal, and part of a pastoral team at the Newman Center at the University of Illinois where she offered retreats and spiritual direction. She is beginning her 6th year in residence at Don Bosco Center in Markham, Ontario, where I give spiritual direction, retreats, talks, teach religious Ed, and run the Duc In Altum program.