FOCUS North America invites you to join us for a conference celebrating:
20 YEARS OF YES
When?
November 8th through 10th
Where?
Austin, Texas
Who?
Adults of all ages from the YES and FOCUS communities, and from Orthodox parishes across the country.
Theme:
Overcoming the Obstacles to Service
Topics and Speakers
How to Share the Burdens of Others Without Being Overwhelmed
How to Serve When Perspectives Differ
How to Make an Impact When the Problem Feels too Big
Father Michael Nasser
Grand Rapids, MI
Fr. Michael Nasser is enjoying his ministry assignment as the Pastor of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church since 2015. He served previously as a mission priest in both Bowling Green, KY and Tijuana, Mexico, as well as was blessed with a decade of ministry as both a camp director and in the field of campus ministry. He has been married to Vicky since 1994 and they are blessed with three wonderful children: Maria, Joshua and Elena. Fr. Michael studied at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in Crestwood, NY before finishing his M.Div. at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, in Brookline, MA. He also received his Th.M. following studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Beverly, MA, in the fields of Missions and Youth Ministry. Fr. Michael enjoys kayaking and backpacking, following politics and current events, and spending time with his faithful beagle-mix, Buddy.
Elissa Bjeletich Davis
Austin, TX
Elissa Bjeletich Davis is an author and podcaster who loves Orthodox ministry for all ages. She writes for children and adults, works on curriculum projects, teaches Sunday school, and speaks at women’s and family retreats. Elissa has been involved in YES for more than a decade, first by bringing YES trips to her Austin, Texas, parish, and then by serving on the Advisory Board. To Elissa, “YES is absolutely the best youth ministry program in the Orthodox Church, because it immerses young people in the Kingdom of God, empowering them to bring the joy of the Kingdom and their love of Christ into every human relationship. It’s a course in practical Christian love, and it transforms everyone it touches.” She and her husband, Chris, live in a house full of kids near Austin, Texas.
Jason Catanese
Phoenix, AZ
Jason Catanese teaches seventh and eighth grade math, algebra, and geometry at Pueblo Del Sol Elementary School in the Isaac School District in Phoenix, is a member of the Arizona State Board of Education, and co-founder and CEO of Camp Catanese. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Education degree from Arizona State University. After college, he began teaching first-generation students in Maryvale, a neighborhood in Phoenix, through Teach For America and has taught there for the last 13 years. Jason believes in equity and access for all students. To that end, he created a comprehensive year-round college access program, Camp Catanese, with many of his friends from Antiochian Village and other church camps around the country, which has helped hundreds of first-generation students go to college. Jason loves creating opportunities full of hope, love, teamwork, and determination!
Registration Information
- Early Bird Registration: $95 until May 20th. Please use the early bird discount code “20YEARS2004” at checkout.
- The registration fee is $125 after May 20th.
Conference Highlights
- Outreach in the City
- Walking Prayer Tour at the State Capitol
- Interactive Workshops
- Celebration Banquet
- Social Gatherings in Hotel Lounge
Hotel Information
Hotel: Element Austin Downtown Address: 109 E 7th St, Austin, TX, 78701
20-minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Get our excellent group rate when you book by October 11th!
Room Options:
- Guest Room, 1 King Room
- Studio, 1 King and 1 Sofa Bed
- Studio, 2 Queen(s), Sofa Bed
- Bedroom Suite, 1 King and 1 Sofa Bed
20 Years of YES Video Ad-Book
In honor of celebrating 20 years of YES, we invite you or your business to be part of our Video Ad Book!
To participate, donate $100 through the link below and submit your 30-second video!
Instructions for your video:
- Please film your video horizontally and keep it at or under 30 seconds.
- Share your message to YES from you or from your business.
- Please email your video, company logo if applicable, and contact information to Wadeed Fakhoury, YES Program Manager, wfakhoury@focusna.org. The subject line should read: 20 Years of YES Video Ad Book.
If you have any questions about the conference, please email:
Katrina Bitar
Director of YES and Local Initiatives
kbitar@focusna.org
