Catholic speaker and worship leader Chris Padgett will speak at SMC during a special assembly on Wednesday, November 4 beginning at 9:10 a.m.
Mr. Padgett is a convert to the Catholic Church and brings with him a great desire and ability to share the faith with young people through his music and inspiring talks. For over a decade, he has been doing ministry around the country and is a founding member of seven-year-old Scarecrow and Tinmen, a popular Christian band. He has four solo albums to his credit: Follow, Golden, Wonder (Joyful Desperation) and The Encounter. In 2005 his song "Wonder" won the Unity Award for Rock Song of the Year. His latest project, Someone Who Will Sing with Me, was released in late 2006.
One of the most effective champions of family life in the church today, Padgett speaks from experience. He's been married to Linda, his high school sweetheart, for over 15 years and has eight children. Chris and Linda recently published their first book, Not Ready for Marriage, Not Ready for Sex: One Couple’s Return to Chastity. Recounting their journey from courtship to marriage, the book speaks to young people about maintaining chastity in the midst of a culture that encourages otherwise.
Padgett holds a master's in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, and has begun doctoral work in Marian studies at the International Marian Research Institute in Dayton, Ohio. He is also a veteran of three World Youth Days (Rome, Toronto, and Cologne; planning on Australia) and has ministered at many diocesan youth events. His television appearances include "Life on the Rock" with Jeff Cavins and "Living His Life Abundantly" with Johnette Benkavick, both on EWTN. He has spoken on numerous radio shows and appeared at several Steubenville youth conferences. Upcoming projects include a best-of compilation of live performances, an iTunes project with some of the funniest stories and messages from his talks, and a DVD.
Members of the public are invited to Chris Padgett’s presentation in the high school commons located at 1050 Zephyr Drive, Neenah.
St. Mary Central, a regional Catholic high school, is part of Twin City Catholic Educational System (TCCES). The system also includes St. Margaret Mary and St. Gabriel Elementary Schools in Neenah, as well as St. Mary Elementary and Seton Catholic Middle School in Menasha. TCCES is dedicated to the individual development of each student by providing an education focused on faith, academics and service.
