Behind the Scenes
The People Behind the Scenes
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Dave Nodar, Director of ChristLife
"I was responsible for the research and development of the teaching, as well as presenting them at our initial pilot courses and for the video course. I am also responsible for training Catholics to use the course."
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Fr. Erik Arnold, Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish
Fr. Erik's former parish, the Roman Catholic Church of the Crucifixion, hosted the very first Discovering Christ course. Fr. Erik presented half of the teachings on the DVDs.
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Phil Rosensteel, Video Producer, Wired Different Media
"For me, professionally, [Discovering Christ] was a real blessing because it was a chance to use my skills for something I believe in. It was a perfect match of my professional and personal life."
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Leo Rudegeair, Operations Director of ChristLife
Leo has served as the lead administrator at parishes hosting Discovering Christ, organizing meals, set up, and other behing the scenes responsibilities. He has also trained others to serve as administrators.
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Pete Ascosi, Young Adult Coordinator of ChristLife
"I assisted Dave in some of the research, writing and refining of the teachings. I taught at some of the young adult pilot courses; did man-on-the-street interviews for the video; helped with promotion, web design and graphic design to refine Discovering Christ."
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Discovering Christ Production Timeline |
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| 2006 |
Preproduction begins on the course. |
| April 2007 |
Discovering Christ debuts at The Church of the Crucifixtion in Glen Burnie, MD. |
| May 2007 |
St. Agnes Church in Catonsville, MD hosts Discovering Christ. |
| October 2007 |
University of Maryland Baltimore County Newman Club begins Discovering Christ. |
| April 2008 |
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Ellicott City, MD begins course. |
| Summer 2008 |
ChristLife develops handbook, refines resource material for future courses. |
| October 2008 |
St. Michael's in Exeter, NH hosts Discovering Christ. |
| Winter 2009 |
ChristLife receives a $12,000 grant from the AOB Endowment for Educational Excellence of the Catholic Family Foundation of the Archdiocese of Baltimore for video production. |
| June/July 2009 |
ChristLife presents and films the Discovering Christ course at St. Anthony's Shrine in Ellicott City, MD. |
| August 2009 |
ChristLife receives a $15,000 grant from the Our Sunday Visitor Institute for video production of Discovering Christ. |
| Fall 2009 |
ChristLife works on editing the video teachings, finalizing the handbook and preparing for the upcoming Discovering Christ Conference. |
| November 4 &5 2009 |
Discovering Christ Conference at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Ellicott City, MD. |
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Behind the Scenes Q&A with Dave Nodar
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Q. Why did ChristLife decide to create Discovering Christ?
A. It is our responsibility as Catholics to provide opportunities where men and women, including those who are outside of the parish, can examine the evidence of Christianity, discuss their unanswered questions, form lasting relationships, and be invited to know God in a personal relationship as members of his family.
In the past, we have used the Alpha course, a remarkable evangelizing course developed by our Anglican brothers and sisters at Holy Trinity Brompton, London, England. Since we recognize that some dioceses and parishes will not use the Alpha course, we felt it was important to develop a Catholic encounter course that would support those parishes in the mission of evangelization. Click here for the theological basis of Discovering Christ.
Q. How many times did ChristLife pilot the course and in what settings?
A. For two years we developed Discovering Christ for people to use to invite others to share a meal with us and encounter God's personal love in Jesus our Lord. ChristLife presented the course locally in parishes and on campus at a Newman Club. We have also helped implement the course with a men’s group in Naples, Florida and with two parishes in New Hampshire. Click here for testimonies and feedback from these previous courses.
Q. Who has been involved in the creation, development and execution of Discovering Christ?
A. Without the generous assistance of time, talent and financial contributions of many generous people, this course would not exist. Many people have contributed their time as small group leaders, kitchen staff, and prayer intercessors. Others have offered their musical talents to lead worship or given financially to the project. We have also received generous grants from the AOB Endowment for Educational Excellence of the Catholic Family Foundation (CFF) of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Our Sunday Visitor Institute.
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