Catholic school speakers are important people who help make the education and spiritual life at Catholic schools richer. They include religious leaders like priests and deacons, who lead Masses and retreats to help students connect with their faith. Theologians and religious educators explain Church teachings and offer practical advice on living out Catholic values. Motivational speakers inspire students to chase their dreams while staying true to their faith. Community and social justice advocates talk about helping others and addressing social issues through Catholic teachings. Parents and alumni share their personal experiences with Catholic education, and special guests bring unique insights from notable Catholic figures. These speakers cover topics like understanding faith, making good choices, helping others, and personal growth, all of which contribute to a well-rounded and meaningful school experience.
Religious Leaders
Catholic school speakers, such as priests and deacons, play a vital role in Catholic schools. They help guide students in their faith and are central to the school’s spiritual life. Priests and deacons often lead daily Masses, which are special church services where students come together to pray and reflect. These Masses are not just routine; they are designed to help students connect with their faith on a deeper level and understand its importance in their daily lives.
Priests and deacons also lead retreats. These are special events, often held on weekends or special days, where students step away from their usual school activities to focus on their faith. During retreats, Catholic school speakers like priests and deacons provide a space for students to reflect on their beliefs, discuss important spiritual topics, and engage in activities that help deepen their understanding of Catholic teachings. Retreats are a time for students to connect with each other and with God in a meaningful way.
Sometimes, bishops, who are high-ranking Church officials, visit Catholic schools. As Catholic school speakers, bishops share important messages from the Church and discuss how students can live out their faith. Their visits offer students a chance to learn about the broader mission of the Church and understand how their Catholic education fits into the larger picture of their faith and the Church’s work in the world.
Theologians and Religious Educators
Theologians are another type of Catholic school speaker who brings a deep understanding of Church teachings. These experts explain complex ideas about Catholic beliefs, such as Church history, important religious practices, and the lives of saints. They make these concepts easier to understand for students, helping them grasp the richness of their faith.
Religious educators, another category of Catholic school speakers, focus on teaching students how to apply their faith in everyday situations. They provide practical advice on making moral decisions and dealing with challenges in a way that reflects Catholic values. For example, a religious educator might discuss how to handle peer pressure or make ethical choices at school. By using real-life examples, these speakers help students see how their Catholic teachings can guide their actions and decisions.
Both theologians and religious educators play important roles in Catholic schools. They help students understand their faith more deeply and apply it in their daily lives. This guidance helps students integrate their religious beliefs with their actions and choices, making their faith an active part of their everyday experience.
Motivational Speakers
Catholic motivational speakers are invited to Catholic schools to inspire and encourage students and staff. These speakers use their experiences and stories to motivate others to live fully and pursue their dreams, all while staying true to their Catholic values. They often share personal stories of overcoming obstacles and achieving success with the help of their faith.
For example, a Catholic motivational speaker might talk about their journey through difficult times and how their faith helped them stay strong and focused. They might offer advice on how to overcome challenges and stay motivated in the face of adversity. Their stories provide inspiration and practical advice, helping students see how they can use their faith to achieve their goals.
Authors who write about Catholicism or personal development also often serve as Catholic school speakers. They might discuss their books, share insights from their writing, and offer practical tips based on their experiences. These talks can provide students with new perspectives on their faith and motivate them to apply what they learn to their own lives.
Community and Social Justice Advocates
Community and social justice advocates are Catholic school speakers who focus on the importance of helping others and addressing social issues. They discuss how Catholic teachings relate to modern problems like poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges. These speakers emphasize that living out one’s faith involves taking action to improve the world and support those in need.
For instance, a Catholic school speaker focused on social justice might talk about their work with organizations that help the poor or advocate for environmental protection. They might explain how their faith inspires them to work for social change and encourage students to get involved in similar efforts. By highlighting real-world examples, these speakers show how Catholic values can lead to meaningful actions and make a difference in the community.
These talks also help students understand the Church’s teachings on social justice, such as caring for the poor and promoting peace. By connecting these teachings to current issues, Catholic school speakers help students see how their faith can inspire them to become active and compassionate members of society.
Parents and Alumni as Catholic School Speakers
Parents and alumni are also valuable Catholic school speakers who share their experiences with current students. Engaged parents might talk about how Catholic education has positively impacted their family’s faith life. They could discuss how their children have grown spiritually and morally through their education and how being part of a Catholic school community has influenced their family values.
Alumni, or former students, also play an important role as Catholic school speakers. Many alumni return to share how their Catholic education has helped them in their careers and personal lives. They might talk about the skills and values they gained from their education and how these have contributed to their success. Hearing from alumni provides current students with real-life examples of how a Catholic education can shape their future and inspire them to make the most of their own education.
Catholic Special Guests
Special guests who are prominent figures in the Catholic world sometimes visit Catholic schools as guest speakers. These guests might include well-known members of religious orders or influential Catholic personalities. Their visits offer students and staff a unique opportunity to hear from people who have made significant contributions through their faith and work.
For example, a special guest Catholic school speaker might talk about their experiences in global missions or their contributions to Catholic education. Their stories can provide students with a broader perspective on how faith can be lived out in different ways. These visits help connect students to the larger Catholic community and show them the diverse ways in which faith can be expressed and practiced.
Topics Typically Covered
Catholic school speakers cover a wide range of topics to support students’ growth in faith and character. Some common themes include:
Faith Formation: Catholic school speakers help students understand and grow in their Catholic beliefs. This includes learning about key teachings, such as the sacraments and the life of Jesus, and how these beliefs shape their lives.
Moral and Ethical Guidance: Catholic school speakers provide advice on making ethical decisions and handling challenges in ways that reflect Catholic values. They offer practical guidance on living a life of integrity, honesty, and compassion.
Service and Charity: Catholic school speakers emphasize the importance of helping others and making a positive impact. They discuss Catholic social teachings and encourage students to participate in community service and charitable activities.
Personal Development: Catholic school speakers focus on building character, resilience, and leadership skills. They provide advice on developing qualities like courage, empathy, and perseverance, which help students succeed both personally and professionally.
These topics help students see how their faith can guide their actions and decisions. By covering a variety of subjects, Catholic school speakers support students in becoming well-rounded individuals who live out their Catholic values in meaningful ways.
How Schools Engage Speakers
Catholic schools use different methods to bring in Catholic school speakers and enhance the educational experience. Some common approaches include:
- Assemblies and Masses: Catholic school speakers might address the entire student body and staff during school-wide assemblies or Masses. These events provide an opportunity for everyone to hear important messages and participate in discussions.
- Retreats and Workshops: Schools may organize retreats or workshops where Catholic school speakers lead focused sessions on specific topics. These events allow for deeper exploration of subjects and provide students with time to reflect and discuss in smaller groups.
- Parent and Community Events: Catholic schools also invite speakers to events for parents and the local community. These occasions help families and community members connect with the school’s mission and learn more about the role of Catholic education in their lives.
By using these approaches, Catholic schools aim to create a rich and supportive environment where students can grow in their faith and personal development. Engaging Catholic school speakers in these ways helps enhance the learning experience and strengthens the connection between the school and its community.
TEEN TRUTH’s Catholic School Speakers
Jamar Root, Brandon McCall, Jordan Meyer, and JC Pohl are influential Catholic school speakers at TEEN TRUTH, each bringing unique experiences and insights to their roles.
Jamar Root is a passionate speaker and recent Temple University graduate who connects with students through his personal journey as a high school athlete and cancer survivor. Since joining TEEN TRUTH in 2022, he has used his experiences to inspire students to overcome challenges and embrace their faith.
Brandon McCall is a motivational speaker and youth football coach who also joined TEEN TRUTH in 2022. His compelling story of overcoming adversity in a tough inner-city environment and personal family tragedy fuels his mission to help students make positive choices and find their voice.
Jordan Meyer is a great Catholic school speaker and TEEN TRUTH’s #1 mental health speaker. Having joined TEEN TRUTH in 2024, his story of resilience and faith inspires all students and staff to overcome personal challenges and find growth in adversity..
JC Pohl is a seasoned producer and Catholic school speaker with TEEN TRUTH, known for creating impactful programs like TEEN TRUTH and RISING UP. With experience reaching millions of students and consulting for major brands, JC focuses on building positive school culture and empowering students through his innovative approach and extensive background in educational content.
Together, these speakers enrich Catholic education by addressing key issues, fostering personal growth, and inspiring students to live out their faith in meaningful ways.
Catholic Speaker – Jamar Root
Jamar Root is a prominent Catholic school speaker and a dedicated member of TEEN TRUTH. A recent graduate of Temple University, Jamar brings a powerful and relatable voice to his presentations. His journey to becoming a top speaker began with his experiences as a high school baseball player and a cancer survivor. These experiences taught him invaluable lessons about perseverance, leadership, and living life to the fullest.
As a Catholic school speaker, Jamar uses his personal story to connect with students, helping them navigate their own challenges and find their voice. Since joining TEEN TRUTH in 2022, he has become renowned for his ability to inspire young people by sharing his struggles and triumphs. Jamar’s approach focuses on encouraging students to embrace their faith and use their experiences to make a positive impact in their school communities.
Catholic Speaker – Brandon McCall
Brandon McCall is a Catholic school speaker and motivational youth football coach with TEEN TRUTH. His compelling story of overcoming adversity provides a strong foundation for his work with students. Growing up in a challenging inner-city environment, Brandon faced numerous obstacles and witnessed the harsh realities of life. An important moment in his youth, when his brother’s actions led to serious consequences, inspired him to change his path and seek positive influences.
Brandon’s role as a Catholic school speaker involves sharing his journey of transformation and encouraging students to make positive choices. His personal experiences, combined with his passion for coaching, enable him to connect deeply with young audiences. Since joining TEEN TRUTH in 2022, Brandon has dedicated himself to helping students build resilience, find their voice, and stay true to their faith despite life’s challenges.
Catholic Speaker – Jordan Meyer
Jordan Meyer’s journey is a testament to resilience and hope. At 16, he was on the brink of a promising athletic career, with scholarships on the horizon and a future brimming with potential. However, a devastating accident abruptly altered his trajectory, leaving him paralyzed and grappling with the sudden loss of his dreams. The confidence, charisma, and athleticism that once defined him seemed like distant memories.
The phone calls started soon after. “Hello, Mr. Meyer, this is Coach from Arizona State. We regret to inform you that your scholarship was contingent on your ability to play football.” Calls from other prestigious programs, including Colorado State, Texas, Nebraska, and Stanford, followed with similar news.
Yet, Jordan’s story did not end there.
Determined to overcome his circumstances, Jordan gradually learned to walk again and proudly crossed the stage at his high school graduation. His journey of healing continues, but his mother’s unwavering support became a beacon of hope during his darkest times. With her encouragement, Jordan redefined his identity and embarked on a path of resilience and self-discovery. Today, he stands as a source of inspiration, sharing his powerful story with schools and young people nationwide.
Jordan’s talks center on overcoming adversity, finding hope amid trials, and embracing a renewed sense of self. His message resonates deeply with young audiences, motivating them to face their own challenges with strength and optimism. Through his work, Jordan helps teens find their inner light, even in the toughest moments, and believe in the potential for a brighter future.
In his professional role, Jordan has become a skilled mental health and trauma counselor. As TEEN TRUTH’s Best Mental Health Speaker and a CMHC/CCTP, he provides invaluable counseling services in Salt Lake City, Utah. His commitment to helping students feel loved, valued, and connected remains at the core of his impactful work.
Catholic Speaker – JC Pohl
JC Pohl is an influential Catholic school speaker and producer at TEEN TRUTH, with a remarkable track record of reaching over 11 million people across more than 7,000 schools. His work includes creating impactful programs like TEEN TRUTH and RISING UP, which are designed to empower students and enhance school culture. JC’s extensive background in producing content for major organizations, including Warner Brothers and ESPN, complements his role as a speaker.
In his capacity as a Catholic school speaker, JC Pohl brings a wealth of experience and innovative ideas to his presentations. His focus is on building positive school environments and helping students develop resilience and self-confidence. Through TEEN TRUTH, JC inspires students, educators, and parents to engage in meaningful conversations about faith, personal growth, and school culture. His contributions have made a significant difference in countless school communities.
Jamar Root
Top Catholic Speaker
Brandon McCall
Top Catholic Speaker
JC Pohl
Catholic School Speaker
Jordan Meyer
Top Catholic School Speaker
JC Pohl, LMFT
President & CEO, TEEN TRUTH