Parish Speaker Series Continues At St. Hyacinth Church

Amarillo—Noted Catholic author and speaker Dr. John R. Wood will speak at St. Hyacinth Church as part of the Parish Speaker Series at the church. Dr. Wood will speak on the subject Called to be Saints Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:00pm in the newly-renovated Monsignor DiBenedetto Parish Hall at 4500 West Hills Trail.

Dr. Wood is the author of Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission: 5 Steps to Winning the War Within, and will speak about applying the genius of Catholicism to every aspect of life, according to St. Hyacinth parishioner Joe Tepera, who helps coordinate the speaker series.

“Whether it be prayer and spirituality, work, dating and marriage, personal finances, health and well-being or parenting, Dr. Wood will talk about Catholicism can be applied to everyday life,” said Tepura. “His presentations are noted for a passion that is contagious and engaging for those searching for a faith home or for our young people. This is an opportunity to be energized in the Faith for the Advent season.”

A native of southwest Ohio, Dr. Wood first discovered the war within on the sporting field. He was an Ohio High School state champion in track and field in 1998 and he continued that success at the University of Findlay, where he became the 2002 NCAA All-Ohio indoor track champion in the 800m run and a provisional qualifier in the NCAA Division II track and field national championships in the 800m run.

Dr. Wood and his wife Kristin’s dedication to the Faith earned them the 2011 Centurion Award from the Diocese of Toledo. He teaches and speaks on a variety of topics, including Theology of the Body, the Saints, the Church, Mary, the Great Adventure Bible Study and Saints in the Making University.

Dr. Wood’s presentation will follow the 5:00pm Mass at St. Hyacinth and a meet-and-greet with Dr. Wood. His presentation will mark the third year the parish is offering the parish speaker series, according to Tepera.