"Presenters Background"

Fr. Sebastian Falcone: has been a Professor of Biblical Studies for over 40 myears. He was President of St. Bernard's Institute for 12 Years and served as Academic Dean for St. Bernard's for 20 Years. He has been a priest for over 50 years.

Dr. Bill Cook: has taught at Geneseo College for over 30 Years. The State of New York has awarded him the honor of "Distinguish Teaching Professor". He has taught at Attica Prison. He has helped raise over $70,000 for the Covenant House (a ministry for homeless teenagers). He is the Author of numerous books and articles. He is considered one of the top scholars on St. Francis of Assisi and Dante.

Dr. Terry O'Brien: has been a Marriage and Family Therapist for 22 years in the Syracuse area. He has been a speaker widely in demand. He has been married for 30 years and is the father of two children.

Fr. Peter Clifford: is currently the pastor of St. Michael's in Newark. He has been a priest for the Diocese of Rochester for 27 years. He has been on the Priest's Council and served as Regional Coordinator for the Yates-Ontario-Wayne region. He has generously served on many committees for the Diocese, including the Board of Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes.

Mark Hare: has been a metro columnist for the Democrat and Chronicle and has received several citations for editorial writing excellence. He is a popular speaker in the area. He began his career in reporting in 1978, after teaching Religion and Psychology at Nazareth Academy high school for six years. He is an author of an upcoming book. He is very active in his parish, Sacred Heart. He and his wife Kim have two sons.

Deacon Tom Driscoll: is the Director of Community Education, St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry. Tom was ordained a deacon in 1984 and has received a Doctor of Ministry degree. He has worked in parishes for 28 years. Tom and his wife, Michel have four children ages 14-27.

Fr. Bob Kennedy: is adjunct professor of Liturgical Studies at St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry. he is the former head of the Diocese of Rochester's Liturgy Office. he has been chair of the Board of Directors of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. He has been the author of books and articles in many area especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He is currently Pastor of Blessed Sacrament parish in Rochester.

Dr. Nancy Hawkins: is an Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry. She received her Ph.D from Fordham University. She is a Sister of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton PA. She has been an educator for over 25 years and is especially interested in the question of suffering and how it impacts the life of faith. She is also a spiritual director and gives presentations throughout the dicese.