JPG Morning Convocation: Recent Episodes
St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School
Morning Convocation at St. John Paul the Great is a brief, 5 minute address given to students at the beginning of every school day. The purpose of Daily Convocation is to provide our students with a multitude of witnesses communicating their relationship with Christ and the Church.
This morning Jim Beckman shared a powerful story about resting in your identity as sons and daughters of the Lord, the King of the universe!
This morning Mr. Duncan urged the students to embrace their summer and make something of it rather than waste it away doing nothing.
This morning Ed Lugo shared words from our faculty and staff recounting the attributes they will miss within our senior students.
This morning former Machebeuf teacher, Mr. Schoepflin shared a message about working through the day to day challenges and perseverance through high school.
This morning former latin teacher, Helen Blaine, came and shared about her time in a cloistered convent with the Poor Clares.
This morning, we welcomed back former teacher John Coats to share convocation. He delivered an inspiring message about not being nervous and truly embracing who we are.
This morning we got to hear from Jeff Kummer, our new president as we search for our next president.
This morning we were honored to welcome back our founding principal, Erin Heule, for convocation. Her vibrant testimony resonated through all of us!
This morning Senior, Zach, shared a meaningful talk about chivalry and upholding the dignity of the human person.
This morning our Dean of Formation shared his story of encountering the magnitude of beauty in the things he has seen time and time again.
This morning Dr. Maschue came in and shared about the importance of pursuing truth and finding God at the pinnacle of truth.
This morning Mr. Duncan shared about the unity of the Byzantine and Roman Catholic Churches despite some of their differences!
This morning Senior, Lily Moreno shared a beautiful talk about not only loving the people around you, but loving yourself as well!
This morning our music teacher Mrs. Ridder shared an incredible reflection from Shakespeare and then performed a song that she wrote herself!
Senior, Nicole shared her incredible story and how she balanced her faith and school work.
This morning Senior, Blake shared his testimony about seeing God even in the fluctuating circumstances that life brings.
This morning our convocation was given by our "City on a Hill" speech winner, Lily Credeur. She shared about how Henry Ford was a shining emblem of a city on a hill!
This morning Didi shared a powerful reflection from the Gospel reading this Sunday on Lazarus rising from the dead. Thank you Didi for your witness!
This morning one of our very own seniors shared a moving testimony about God making our brokenness beautiful!
This morning Deacon Mike Daly gave an encouraging talk about dating and how to navigate it maturely!
This morning Caroline Vierow, a JPG Parent, shared of the healing power of Christ and how it appeared different than what she had prayed for.
This morning Sr. Simone shared the impact a young catholic girl had on her family and her vocation.
Fr. Nathan Cromly was one of our very first convocators when JPG opened 4 years ago. This morning he gave a heartfelt message about the moments we feel like we are not the "chosen ones" by society.
This morning Fr. Martin shared about his call to the priesthood and how the Lord sometimes alters the paths that we are on.
This morning our Development Coordinator, Brianna Massey, shared about saying yes to God's invitation.
This morning our student body was blessed to hear a powerful testimony from one of our very own seniors, Xander Gerle. Do not miss out on his story of God showing up in his life.
This morning it was an honor to hear from Matt & Anne Williamson speak about the legacy of our grandparents for grandparents Day at JPG!
This morning Latin teacher, Waylon Duncan, encouraged the students to seek the Lord with everything they have and to not be relaxed in the Christian life.
This morning Lexi Cole shared her testimony about how God met her in the middle of a very hard season and how she came to know the surrender novena.
This morning Sr. Simone, one of our teachers, encouraged students to walk in holiness and consider all the things that are good.
This morning students got to hear from attorney, Michael Dill, share his vocation story and his powerful encounter with Our Lady while being at the Lourdes grotto in France.
This morning students had the honor of hearing from Sam Malinski, defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, about persevering in the Christian life and following the Lord.
This morning Madison Gonzalez shared with students about Jacob wrestling with God and her own moments she wrestled with the Lord.
This morning Austin Habash gave students 3 very practical tips on engaging others in evangelization.
This morning Ted Mast shared with us a radical idea of remaining dependent on Christ, an idea that is seemingly anti-American. Our society praises independence, but Christ calls us to counter independent lives with humility and trust.
This morning Brother Levi shared his powerful testimony how God met him in a moment he didn't believe in God.
This morning Wyck Brown shared about sharing our faith in the workspace and aligning our careers with Christ.
This morning Mr. Lanciotti shared his experience of his time in Peru and how God met him there.
Brett Lempe shared his testimony about finding his purpose in life and finding his identity in the Lord. His story can resonate with many people who have wrestled with the faith at some point.
This morning Fr. David Hall shared a powerful reflection of Christ breaking through the fabric of the world and bringing salvation to souls.
Dcn. Johnson, a captain of Denver Fire Department, shared about the premise of Christian sacrifice. You don't want to miss out on this incredible story.
Thank you Matt Smeby for calling JPG students into a deeper relationship with our Lord!
This morning Kailash Duraiswami shared convocation with our students. He spoke about the life of St. John Paul the Great and how he was a man for adventure but also a deep interior life. He encouraged us to take on the attributes of our patron!
This morning we reflect on the heroic things our Veterans have done for our country. Richard L. Sanchez came and shared about his life as a veteran and his work with non-profits to help veterans enter back into normal life.
This morning Daniel Sasala, Director of Operations with Creatio, shared with students the simple message of changing the world by loving our families. Thank you Daniel!
This morning Brendan Moran came to JPG and shared about how he grew up in Ireland and the uncomfortability he faced and how he saw that God was there through it all.
We had the honor of having Msgr. Shea, president of the University of Mary, share his wisdom with our students today. He spoke about his experience of St. John Paul the Great.!
Mary Lynn Baird came in this morning and shared with students about her journey of learning iconography. She also shared about the process it takes for artists to create the beautiful sacred icons.
This morning Deacon Daniel Rivas shared with our students the story of how his mother almost aborted him while he was in her womb. He shared of the protecting power of God and how God was looking out for him and his future.
This morning our Principal, Ralph Pesce, gave convocation and shared with our students about the purpose of our faith and the importance of all saints day!
This morning Owen Chase, seminarian at the Arch Diocese of Denver, shared about courageously falling in love with the Lord.
This morning the Zapkas shared their testimony about the powerful encounter of a kind co-pilot. Their conversion story was so simple yet profound on every degree. Thank you for your testimony.
This morning Ed Lugo, Dean of Formation, shared with students about the freedom that comes when we are honest with ourselves and our shortcomings.
This morning one of our teachers, Mr. Negulescu shared with students about the importance of remaining close to Jesus through our lives.
This morning Emma Ramirez, Director of Respect Life at Catholic Charities, came in and shared about her nearness with the Lord and encouraged our students about having a reverence for Christ and for others. She also witnessed the beauty of family life and what is looks like to be a mother and a disciple of Christ
This morning Casey Splane came in and addressed the students about embracing challenges that come in our day to day lives.
This morning Andrew Castillo, from the Arch diocese of Denver, came and shared about his vocation of marriage and answering the Lord's call to adopting their now daughter.
This morning Zoe shared about her conversion in high school and how the sisters at her school were witnesses of the joy of God.
Senite Sahlezghi shared with our students her story about being a consecrated virgin and how she has the opportunity to commit her whole life to Jesus.
Vince shared with us how the Lord has taken him on so many unexpected and exciting adventures. He shared that he didn't always want to "go" but the Lord always provided, something that resonates with many of us.
This morning Callie Gubera shared about her calling to become a missionary with Annunciation Heights and how she learned how to discern the calling of Christ for her.
Sr. Mary Gemma shared with our students how to have hope in light of our struggles in life and that the Lord always provides a light to us!
This morning Jonathan Kuplack shared a powerful talk about the call to sainthood and how everyone can fulfill the call today.
Mrs. Pries shared about her story of finding out she had cancer. She talked about how it is in our struggle and in our crosses that saints are made.
This morning Brother Simon shared his testimony with our students. He highlights how the Lord is always drawing us back to a relationship with Him, even when we are running astray from the Gospel!
Sr. Simone shared her testimony of her resistance to church when she was a young girl and how the Lord drew her back in with His love and mercy!
Listen to Deacon Michael Baird as he shares powerful stories and insights from his work in prison ministry. Through faith, compassion, and the hope of Christ, he reflects on the transformative encounters with those who are incarcerated and how the Gospel brings light into even the darkest places.
We are honored to have our President, Steve Pries, give our first convocation of the school year!
This morning, Danika Greiner gave a great convocation on a very difficult loss in her life. Through the experience she learned, and encouraged our students, to trust that God has a bigger and better plan for your life, even when it is hard to believe. Thank you so much Danika!
This morning, Joe Orrino joined us for convocation and shared with our students how to suffer well. He was faced with a situation where he was embarrassed and could have reacted poorly but instead, decided to trust in the Lord and his plan.
This morning Steve Bell joined us for convocation and spoke on growing up Catholic, but the faith not being his own until he was 37. He realized that he did not want to settle for cultural Catholicism but instead wanted to live a life of intentional Catholicism.
Thank you Steve for sharing your witness!
This morning Fr. Sean joined us for convocation. He spoke about his high school experience and how throughout his four years, he had his conversion. Each year was in a different way, but by the end, he was ready to answer God's call for his life. Thank you Fr. Sean!
This morning, Fr. Joe McLagan joined us for convocation and spoke about being able to see clearly. Not just physically, but when you can get to a point of seeing clearly in your humanity is when you truly see. Seeing with depth, color, and nuance to further dive into your humanity. Thank you Fr. Joe for joining us!
Today, Mrs. Avery Coats, wife of math teacher Mr. Coats, gave us a wonderful convocation about her choice to live her faith daily. She was faced with this choice in college, she could choose to live her life for God everyday, or not. She still consciously makes this choice, and each of us can as well. Thank you Avery!
This morning, Seminarian Luke discussed we all will go through a "moment of existential crisis that imposes a choice upon you", particularly in your faith. You have the choice to remain on the fence or go all in, but if you remain on the fence, you can't go to Heaven. He also discussed that in order to live, you must continue to change and want to be more like God. Thank you Luke for your witness!
Today, current JPG junior and president of our Mountaineers for Life club, Ellie Abegg, gave convocation about her personal experience on the March for Life this past week. She talked about how important it is to value each life, and how a specific video touched her communicating the fact that “Never before and never again will someone like me ever be.” Thank you Ellie for sharing your experience and being a voice for the unborn!
Brother Joseph Paolucci shares how his adventurous spirit and the phrase "Be Bold" guided him on his journey to Spain and in his faith life.
Mr. Glassman, the Executive Director of Annunciation Heights, reflects on the well-known quote: "The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort; you were made for greatness."
Mr. Kummer shared how the greatest blessings of his life have occurred when he has been invited by the Lord to give up control.
Samantha Kelley, founder of FIERCE Athlete, gave an extended convocation on the beauty of authentic femininity in sports and the gift of the differences between men and women.
Today our awesome Front Desk Receptionist, Mrs. Shaleane Abegg, share about how the Lord worked through tragedy to present a simple invitation to her and her future husband, which changed the trajectory of their lives.
Mrs. Jeannine Duffield, Director of Respect Life for the Archdiocese of Denver recounted how she's only found peace and clarity in her life and career when she has put God at the center.
The local Missionaries of Charity sisters joined us for an extended convocation to share the beauty of the journey to their vocations. This episode is an excerpt from one of the sisters.
Mr. Dominic Paolucci shared about how his quest for friendship and struggling with loneliness even in the midst of friendship ultimately drew him to a deep and intimate friendship with Jesus.
Mr. Pries, our second president, shares the powerful story of Jan Tyranowski to encourage our students on their path to sainthood.
David encourages us to reflect on the beautiful connection between the Divine Mercy St. Faustina tells us about and the crucifixion.
Dan, the Resident Coordinator at Cathedral Plaza Apartments, speaks of being open to God's plans for us instead of our own.
Director of Varsity Catholic, Thomas, emphasizes to our students that the choices they make in their youth—both today and in the present moment—shape their future selves and future decisions.
Emily emphasizes the transformative power of embracing a holy, ordinary life, illustrating how even seemingly hidden lives can change the world.
Kyle Washut, President of Wyoming Catholic College, shares his journey of discovering what following and serving the Lord truly meant for him.
Mr. Lugo's poignant decision to burn his old journals brought him face-to-face with the stark reality of life's brevity.
After a near-death experience, Joe discovers that great tragedy and suffering can ultimately lead to the greatest blessings in life.
Maggie Mahr shares her journey of coming to find freedom, joy, and peace after a toxic cycle of tirelessly seeking to be known and loved outside of Christ.
Doug reflects on the sufferings and death of Christ by sharing about his journey of being his parents' caretaker in their final months.
Jim Beckman challenges us to consider that the notion of pretending leads us to a deeper understanding of our relationship with God the Father.
Kari Palmer shares how speaking of her faith with coworkers in a secular workplace resulted in a healthier integration of work and life.
Mary Margaret beautifully speaks about the power of Christ-centered friendships and the importance of good friendships during high school.
Annie Powell, founder of Camp Wojtyla, shares how discovering her mission statement at a young age led to the founding and flourishing of the camp.
Our music teacher, Dr. Shawn Mollenhauer, unravels the distinction between natural gratitude, born from absence, and the profound depth of supernatural gratitude, rooted in presence.
Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., founder of Ignatius Press, reflecting on his own high school experience invited our students to delve into the profound question: 'Why am I Catholic?'
Andrew Brinker from Camp Wojtyla, shared about the immense impact Camp Wojtyla had on his reversion during his time in college and how it turned his life around.
Fr. Chris emphasizes the importance of routine and repetition not only in sports but also in living a good Christian life.
Fr. Daniel recounts two of his most profound encounters with Christ involving swimming pools and cinnamon rolls.
Latin teacher, Waylon Duncan delves into the theological virtue of Hope. He shares a practical and creative method for nurturing and cultivating Hope through the power of imagination.
Illustrated through his personal experiences, Landon Baird reflects on the significance of cultivating Christian friendships during high school, emphasizing how these shape our journeys toward Heaven.
Our principal, Mrs. Heule, addressed the concept of the orphan spirit and the three lies the devil aims to instill in us. She stressed that through Jesus' crucifixion, all abandonment is overcome, and we are heirs to His love and Kingdom, dispelling the notion of anyone being an orphan.
Kristen Lanier shares her personal journey of coming to know the famous quote by St. Teresa of Avila, "God writes straight with crooked lines." This helped her understand that the Lord has a unique plan for each individual, and although we may have personal aspirations, God ultimately fulfills them in His own time and in the best way.
Father Brian Gross emphasized the significance of invoking the name of Jesus—He stressed that the name of Jesus encapsulates his presence and power, serving as a means to invite Him into our lives in every circumstance.
Software engineer Michael Bianco recounts his powerful encounter with God as Healer and the power of clear, honest communication with Him. Discover how his faith now shines as a light in the world of engineering, where belief in God is rare.
Eric Lanier shares about the transformative Camino de Santiago pilgrimage he and his wife embarked on, reminding us that in life, like on the Camino, we're all pilgrims taking one step at a time, one day at a time, guided by faith and the knowledge that we are all pilgrims on the journey to Heaven.
This morning one of our Math teachers, Mrs. Ruth Bartlett, gave a beautiful reflection on how a stolen umbrella helped G.K. Chesterton understand the Catholic Church and how this story informs our approach to one another.
Our President, Mr. Jeff Kummer, closed the school year with a personal reflection about time, remembering our death, and making the most of the time we have in preparation for eternal life.
Mr. Curtis Burch shared how God’s plan through a friend during a time of brokenness brought him to a Catholic School where the generosity of priest gave him the opportunity to thrive.
Mr. Anthony Welch spent 6 years as a CFR Brother in the Bronx. Today he connected how an experience of cooking a fish for someone at 11pm is the same call from the Lord to “go therefore and make disciples” in his current role working in the software industry.
Ms. Megan Ward works as a financial statement auditor at Deloit and shared how the Lord has invited her to live out her faith working in the corporate and secular world.
Ms. Sophia Van Horn is a Christ in the City Missionary and shared how an experience trying to help a woman living on the streets helped her better understand gratitude.
Ms. Shayla Elm shared about how hearing the small whispers of the Lord ultimately led her to become a missionary at Christ in the City.
Ms. Betty Goodwin, Program Director at Christ in the City, recounted the story of her 52-mile walking pilgrimage to Chimayo, NM and the connections it revealed about the spiritual life.
Our head Women's Basketball Coach, Jen Finegan, shared about times where working through setbacks and selfishness on the court turned out to be opportunities to grow in virtue and relationship with the Lord.
Mark Bocinsky from the Amazing Parish connected a story from his own life to how when we invite the Father's voice into our anxiety and expectations, our heart shifts from worry to courage, peace and confidence.
Ms. Becca Caudle, our VP of Admissions shared how a plethora of "unsuccessful" novenas was actually the Lord inviting her to grow in relationship with Him, which ultimately helped her discern the Lord's path bringing her to JPG.
Mr. Tommy Myers, the Director of Development at Annunciation Heights joined us to brag about his vanity and fear of public speaking to help our students understand 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Ms. Bit Racca joined us and connected the community of prayer that we all have available to us with the story of the miraculous healing of her younger brother 10 years ago.
Ms. Bernadette Buches is the Hospitality Manager at Annunciation Heights. Today she shared how letting go of the "should's" allowed her to let the Lord speak into discernment of her vocation.
Mr. Sam Bittner is a professional chef and Diaconate formation. Today he invited our students to view life through the lens of opportunity as he recounted changes in life that he now recognizes were actually opportunities.
Fr. Brian Larkin explained how his prayer for years was “Lord, I will do whatever you want, just don’t make me a priest,” until a beautiful and surprising moment when he broke down and the Lord gave him more than he realized that he wanted.
Mrs. Mary Pott explained how the Lord has revealed his promise from Jeremiah 29:11 in her life by unfolding his plan in ways that she could have never foreseen.
Today Mr. Kummer recounted a moment when, as an unmotivated and underachieving high school student, an encounter with a teacher ignited an internal fire that changed the course of his life.
Mr. Nick Verdoni, a 2nd year missionary with Christ in the City shared a personal story where a small struggle in his heart one day turned into a moment when something in his heart changed forever.
Thomas Wurtz, founding director of Varsity Catholic, spoke to the misconception he had as a young man that his worth was based upon achievements, until the Lord spoke to his heart that his worth was based solely on being God's beloved son.
Mrs. Danika Griener is an account in the aerospace industry and today she shared how her journey into the Church and into a deeper faith has carried her through tragedies in her life.
Mr. Eric Nydegger works as a rocket scientist at Lockheed Martin and today he explored the topic of prayer from the perspective of one of the great quotes of G.K. Chesterton: "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly."
Jayden Jones is a Creatio missionary and for her convocation today she recited a beautiful poem that she wrote while visiting the tomb of St. Therese of Lisieux.
Mr. Alex Adamson joined us today and shared how the unexpected suffering that he found in high school revealed how we find God and why God encounters us in the midst of suffering.
Deacon Mike's godson, Mr. Steve Tuttle, recounted the story of a miraculous healing he experienced in 2017 which began his conversion and how since then the Lord has used him to help others to know the Lord also.
Mr. Lenzini taught high school theology for 25 decades in Denver. Today he invited us to seriously consider Christ's question "What do you seek?" in the Gospel of John and to share the desires of our heart with Him.
Clare is a FOCUS missionary who joined us today and recounted a time where God gave her exactly what she needed, even though it was the last thing she wanted.
Br. Andrew Brébeuf, of the Servants of Christ Jesus, connected a story from his poverty pilgrimage in Switzerland with how Christ prepares us to do great things through faithfulness in the small, daily things.
Sr. Mary Louise Marck, a Carmelite who teaches at Sts. Peter and Paul shared about the impossible work God has done in her life and challenged our students to take their prayer lives seriously.
In addition to alluding to some hilarious antics in his high school years, John shared about the opposition he faced expressing his faith as a major in evolutionary biology and how his career in biology has revealed the harmony between faith and science.
Mrs. Lisa Heule joined us this morning to share the beautiful experience of God inviting her to take up painting in retirement and ways that His inspiration has allowed her to partake in sharing His blessing with others.
Mr. Sean Dalton has been on a lifelong mission of forming disciples through FOCUS and the Augustine Institute. Today he shared the lesser-known the story of how a simple and saintly man helped form one of the greatest saints of the the 20th century.
Mr. Harris Moriarty, Program Director at Annunciation Heights Camp joined us and shared about how to discern God's will in your life.
Mr. James Joseph joined us this morning and took us through the beautiful story of God inviting him to discern his vocation and find happiness by letting go of his desire for control.
Mr. Lugo shared about the time he left a Rockies playoff game with a black eye and what it teaches us about how to confront someone.
Mr. Edmundo Reyes, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Detroit, shared how asking the question "what if it's real?" as a 17 year old on a retreat guided him to discover the beautiful plan that God had for his life.
Mr. Randy Aust, JPG Theology & Humanities teacher, explored the concept that courage is the testing point of every virtue.
Deacon Mike Daly, VP of Infrastructure & Security, shared how a simple invitation from someone he had never talked to before changed his life Sophomore year of high school during a challenging period of his life.
Mrs. Langfield, JPG Literature and Humanities teacher, explored the concept of why we allow fear to exert control in our lives and why the Lord so frequently invites us to not be afraid.
Mr. Nathan Crankfield joined us to share his story of his lieutenant colonel challenging him to be the Derek Jeter of his battalion.
Fr. Nathan shared his experience at World Youth Day in 1993 and the words of St. John Paul the Great asking a question that changed his life.
Mr. Coats shared the story of the most important person in his high school journey and the man he would spend 4 years chasing down.