Roncalli High School winter theology courses continue Feb. 4

Roncalli High School, part of Roncalli Catholic Schools, will hold “Learning on the Journey: A winter series of courses on faith, practices and perspectives” again Feb. 4. 
 
The series, which will run each Tuesday through Feb. 11, is open to the public and there is no admission fee. Sessions will be held at the high school, 2000 Mirro Drive, Manitowoc, on Tuesday nights from 6-7 p.m. with a social to follow. Refreshments will be served. Attendees should enter through the Fine Arts Center doors. 
 
People may attend as many or few session dates as they’d like. No reading or homework will be required to participate. Child care services will be provided, but families hoping to utilize this service must provide at least a week’s notice to ensure sufficient number of volunteers are available. Registration is not required, but appreciated, to attend the sessions. Please contact 920-682-8801 or [email protected] for child care and registration.
 
The series is presented with support from the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Green Bay, Inc. and the Koch Foundation.
 
Participating event presenters include: 

• The Rev. David Beaudry, M.A.
• Michelle Bishop, M.S.
• The Rev. Matt Colle, M.S.
• Taylor Geiger, M.A.
• Callie Hynek, M.A.
• Janine McIlheran, Ph.D.
• Emily Rudolph, M.F.A.
• Paul Schweigl, Th.D. 
• Dianne Vadney, M.T.S.

 
Each session typically features four speakers, however, the Feb. 4 session will feature the following five speakers:
 
The Anointing of the Sick presented by the Rev. David Beaudry, M.A. 
There is much confusion regarding the meaning, purpose and celebration of this Sacrament, even with its very name. The session will focus on the evolving pastoral practice of the Sacrament through the centuries and our understanding today.
 
A graduate of Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and a priest of the Diocese of Green Bay for 42 years, Fr. Dave Beaudry currently serves as pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Newton and Roncalli Catholic Schools as Director of Mission and Discipleship. He also completed 25 years as Instructor with the former Holy Family College, Manitowoc.
 
In Accordance with the Scriptures presented by Paul Schweigel, Th.D.
Each time we recite the Nicene Creed, we assert that Christ’s resurrection was “in accordance with the Scriptures.” This session will explore where/how the Old Testament foreshadows Christ’s victory over death.

Paul Schweigl is a Roncalli alumnus, holding degrees from St. Norbert College, the University of 
Notre Dame, and La Salle University. He has taught theology at Roncalli since 2011. He lives in Sheboygan with his wife and three children and is a member of Holy Name of Jesus parish.  

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Lily of the Mohawks presented by Callie Hynek, M.A.
This session will explore the inspiring life of Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, who exemplified profound faith and devotion amidst the challenges of her time. We will delve into her unique cultural background, her commitment to prayer and her role as a bridge between Indigenous and Catholic traditions. Discover how her story reflects themes of resilience, spirituality and the universal call to holiness.

Callie Hynek joined the Roncalli staff in 2021 after serving in youth and parish ministry with the Diocese of Green Bay for several years. She graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2019 with a master’s degree in catechetics and evangelization and is currently pursuing certification from the Theology of the Body Institute. In the classroom, she currently teaches sophomore theology and a senior elective while also serving as co-campus minister with Mr. Taylor Geiger. She resides in Two Rivers with her husband and two sons.
 
Saint Ignatius of Antioch presented by Taylor Geiger, M.A.
The Eucharist is often described as our "food for the journey" and rightly so! But the Eucharist is also our participation in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. We will explore this reality through the eyes of St. Ignatius of Antioch, as well as explore the effects the Eucharist has on our own spiritual lives.
 
Taylor Geiger was born, raised, and still lives in Manitowoc with his wife and their three daughters. He graduated from Holy Family College with a degree in theology in 2015 and earned an M.A. in Theology from the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado in 2022. Geiger serves on the Mission and Theology team at Roncalli High School as a freshman theology teacher and campus minister.

The Sacred in Stained Glass: The Process and Its Local Examples presented by Emily Rudolph, M.F.A.
As one of the most unchanged crafts of our time, stained glass has been included in church architecture for thousands of years. Often consisting of Biblical scenes and icons, stained glass allows for the scenes to come alive with its brilliant colors and glimmering light. Focusing on local stained artwork, this presentation examines the history, the symbolism and the artistry of stained glass. 

Emily Rudolph, an artist and art teacher, has been teaching at Roncalli High School since 2023. After graduating from DePauw University with a bachelor’s degree in art, she attended the University of Wisconsin for her M.A. and M.F.A. with a focus in painting and drawing. Outside of the classroom, she can be found in her art studio creating. She currently resides in Manitowoc and is engaged to be married this summer.

Remaining date, topics and presenters:
 
Feb. 11:           
Samwise Gamgee: Coming Home (McIlheran)
Pilgrimage to Rome (Colle)
Saint John Baptist de La Salle (Schweigl)        
The Word of God at Vatican II (Geiger)