Presentations for Adults
The Real Presence.
It takes great faith for us 21st century Christians believe that the Eucharist really, truly is the body and blood of Jesus. But what about the very first Christians, who were Jewish--how did they come to believe in the Real Presence? Before you answer, keep in mind that Jewish law strictly forbade the consumption of blood (see Leviticus 17:14). How did these faithful Jews make the leap from "consuming blood is an abomination" to the belief that they must consume Jesus' body and blood in the Eucharist? If we understand how they made this incredible leap of faith, our own belief and faith will be strengthened.
Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done.
Help your parishioners grow in holiness and prepare for Christ's coming with this presentation based on St. Alphonsus de Liguori's work, Uniformity with God's will. David teaches how we can experience Christ's full and everlasting joy (John 16: 22,24) as well as a peace that "passes all understanding" (Phil 4:7) when we unite our will with God's. (This one-hour presentation can stand alone or be incorporated into a parish mission or evening of reflection with reconciliation/adoration.)
Mother of God
Wait a minute! Yes, Mary gave birth to Jesus in his humanity but clearly she's not the mother of His divinity. So why do Catholics call her the Mother of God? And, what's up with all this talk about perpetual virginity when the Bible talks of Jesus' brothers? While I'm at it, where does the Bible say that Mary was assumed into heaven and that she's the co-redemptrix? In this session, David explains the major teachings about our Blessed Mother and kindles the desire to know her, love her, and rely on her to lead us to her Son. While this presentation can be condensed into one hour, it is best done in a two-hour session or over two consecutive evenings.
The Victory
In John 16, Jesus tells us, "In the world you will have trouble..." He didn't say, "Some of you will have trouble." He said, "you WILL have trouble." There are two kinds of people in the world: those who know trouble and those who will know trouble. It's a fact of life. Fortunately for us, Jesus quickly adds, "Take courage, I have conquered the world." While this presentation is good for any time of year, it's especially helpful for a Lenten Mission/night of reflection. David explores what Jesus did for us on the Cross and how we can respond by clinging to the Cross as our anchor of hope (cf. Hebrews 6:19).
In God's Image and Likeness
The word “dignity” has become a buzzword thrown around quite liberally and is used to defend a variety of positions in political, ethical, and religious discussions. The problem is that most assertions made are based on incorrect definitions of dignity! The Church’s understanding of Dignity is that it is the immeasurable value and surpassing worth of man and woman based on the fact that they are created in God’s image and likeness and are called to know and love God. In this presentation, David explains what it means that we’re made in God’s image and likeness and how this is the basis of man’s dignity. Further, he’ll explore how our dignity does not remain stagnant, but increases or decreases depending on how we respond to God’s call to communion.
When God Says "No."
Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in my name I will do it (John 14:13); you will receive all that you pray for, provided you have faith (Matt 21:22).” Despite these promises, God often seems to be silent when we need Him most, leaving people wondering why God didn't hear or answer their prayer.
The truth is God does invite man to approach Him with “filial boldness” and petition Him in Jesus’ name (CCC, 2621). The truth is that “Jesus always responds to a prayer offered in faith” (CCC, 2616). And, the truth is that God is “our Father” who is love (1 Jn: 4:8) and as love, He always wills what is best for His children (cf. 1 Jn 3:1). In this presentation (based on John Paul II's Salvifici Doloris, the Catechism, and the documents of Vatican II), David teaches what prayer of petition should entail, what it means to pray in Jesus' name, and the role suffering can play in the life of God's children. (This one-hour presentation can stand alone or be incorporated into a parish mission or evening of reflection with reconciliation/adoration.)
Keeping Your Kids Catholic
Teenagers are bombarded every day with a flurry of negative influences from the media, the culture, and their peers. What's a parent to do? How can parents compete with TV, movies, the internet, and pop culture? The Church teaches that in order to carry out the task of leading people (including our kids) to Christ, we must "scrutinize the signs of the times and interpret them in light of the Gospel." That's precisely what David Rinaldi will do in this presentation. After examining the current trends in teen spirituality, David will give some time-tested tips on raising your kids to be faithful Catholics.
"Interesting...thought provoking...great for inter-generational events." Therese, St. Bartholomew Church, Wayzata, MN
"My 70 year old mom, my 11 year old daughter, and I listened to David at St. Casimir's in St. Paul. We all enjoyed his presentation... What a blessing he is to so many!" Kristine, St. Paul, MN.
It takes great faith for us 21st century Christians believe that the Eucharist really, truly is the body and blood of Jesus. But what about the very first Christians, who were Jewish--how did they come to believe in the Real Presence? Before you answer, keep in mind that Jewish law strictly forbade the consumption of blood (see Leviticus 17:14). How did these faithful Jews make the leap from "consuming blood is an abomination" to the belief that they must consume Jesus' body and blood in the Eucharist? If we understand how they made this incredible leap of faith, our own belief and faith will be strengthened.
Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done.
Help your parishioners grow in holiness and prepare for Christ's coming with this presentation based on St. Alphonsus de Liguori's work, Uniformity with God's will. David teaches how we can experience Christ's full and everlasting joy (John 16: 22,24) as well as a peace that "passes all understanding" (Phil 4:7) when we unite our will with God's. (This one-hour presentation can stand alone or be incorporated into a parish mission or evening of reflection with reconciliation/adoration.)
Mother of God
Wait a minute! Yes, Mary gave birth to Jesus in his humanity but clearly she's not the mother of His divinity. So why do Catholics call her the Mother of God? And, what's up with all this talk about perpetual virginity when the Bible talks of Jesus' brothers? While I'm at it, where does the Bible say that Mary was assumed into heaven and that she's the co-redemptrix? In this session, David explains the major teachings about our Blessed Mother and kindles the desire to know her, love her, and rely on her to lead us to her Son. While this presentation can be condensed into one hour, it is best done in a two-hour session or over two consecutive evenings.
The Victory
In John 16, Jesus tells us, "In the world you will have trouble..." He didn't say, "Some of you will have trouble." He said, "you WILL have trouble." There are two kinds of people in the world: those who know trouble and those who will know trouble. It's a fact of life. Fortunately for us, Jesus quickly adds, "Take courage, I have conquered the world." While this presentation is good for any time of year, it's especially helpful for a Lenten Mission/night of reflection. David explores what Jesus did for us on the Cross and how we can respond by clinging to the Cross as our anchor of hope (cf. Hebrews 6:19).
In God's Image and Likeness
The word “dignity” has become a buzzword thrown around quite liberally and is used to defend a variety of positions in political, ethical, and religious discussions. The problem is that most assertions made are based on incorrect definitions of dignity! The Church’s understanding of Dignity is that it is the immeasurable value and surpassing worth of man and woman based on the fact that they are created in God’s image and likeness and are called to know and love God. In this presentation, David explains what it means that we’re made in God’s image and likeness and how this is the basis of man’s dignity. Further, he’ll explore how our dignity does not remain stagnant, but increases or decreases depending on how we respond to God’s call to communion.
When God Says "No."
Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in my name I will do it (John 14:13); you will receive all that you pray for, provided you have faith (Matt 21:22).” Despite these promises, God often seems to be silent when we need Him most, leaving people wondering why God didn't hear or answer their prayer.
The truth is God does invite man to approach Him with “filial boldness” and petition Him in Jesus’ name (CCC, 2621). The truth is that “Jesus always responds to a prayer offered in faith” (CCC, 2616). And, the truth is that God is “our Father” who is love (1 Jn: 4:8) and as love, He always wills what is best for His children (cf. 1 Jn 3:1). In this presentation (based on John Paul II's Salvifici Doloris, the Catechism, and the documents of Vatican II), David teaches what prayer of petition should entail, what it means to pray in Jesus' name, and the role suffering can play in the life of God's children. (This one-hour presentation can stand alone or be incorporated into a parish mission or evening of reflection with reconciliation/adoration.)
Keeping Your Kids Catholic
Teenagers are bombarded every day with a flurry of negative influences from the media, the culture, and their peers. What's a parent to do? How can parents compete with TV, movies, the internet, and pop culture? The Church teaches that in order to carry out the task of leading people (including our kids) to Christ, we must "scrutinize the signs of the times and interpret them in light of the Gospel." That's precisely what David Rinaldi will do in this presentation. After examining the current trends in teen spirituality, David will give some time-tested tips on raising your kids to be faithful Catholics.
"Interesting...thought provoking...great for inter-generational events." Therese, St. Bartholomew Church, Wayzata, MN
"My 70 year old mom, my 11 year old daughter, and I listened to David at St. Casimir's in St. Paul. We all enjoyed his presentation... What a blessing he is to so many!" Kristine, St. Paul, MN.