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Catholic Lay Preachers was established as a non profit, tax exempt corporation by John Moreno in 1995. It was originally established for the purpose of organizing and promoting a group of lay people who were experienced speakers on religious topics. The services of the members could then be offered to religious groups seeking speakers for their functions.
Tom Cook, who had developed his own apostolate offering his talk on the Passion of Christ and had worked with John in the police department, joined the newly formed corporation.
In 1998, with the help of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Catholic Lay Preachers received permission to put on programs at the Emmanuel Marianist Retreat House. Located on the third floor of Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, New York, the School and the retreat facility are operated by the Marianist Community of priests and brothers.
Taking advantage of a marvelous opportunity, the focus of the apostolate turned from seeking speaking engagements to organizing, promoting and running retreat weekends, evenings of recollection and workshops in Catholic apologetics.
As the programs were being held all the talks were taped. We now have a collection of recorded presentations by some excellent Catholic preachers including Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Fr. Andrew Apostoli and Monsignor William Smith. These are offered for sale in tape or CD format. Check for the full list and prices.
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John Moreno
Mr. John Moreno was born and raised in New York City. In 1951, he married Eileen McTiernan, his childhood sweetheart. They have three daughters and five grandchildren. In 1955 he joined the New York City Police department and retired at the rank of lieutenant in 1984. While on the job he earned an Associate Degree in Police Science and later a Bachelor Degree in Theology.
Upon retiring, John accepted a position on the staff of the Bishop Molloy Retreat House, working with the Passionist Community of priests and brothers. While working there, he went on to earn a Masters Degree in Catholic Doctrine. After leaving that position he became associated with the Marianist Community organizing, promoting and offering spiritual programs at their Emmanuel Marianist Retreat House. He is founder of Catholic Lay Preachers, a small group of experienced lay speakers offering their talents to religious organizations. |
Tom Cook
Tom has been married to his wife Eileen for over fifty years. They have eight children, twenty grandchildren and recently had their first great grandchild. He spent thirty years with the New York City Police Department, retiring as a sergeant. While on a retreat for police officers, Tom was graced with the idea for a talk on the Passion of Christ. He titled the presentation, “Abba,” the word Jesus used to speak to His heavenly Father and translates to Daddy.
He built an apostolate around the talk, offering it throughout the Brooklyn and Rockville Center Diocese. The talk was recorded and distributed by Trinity Communications. Among his many letters of praise and thanks is one from the late Bishop John Broadman in which he writes, “Surely Christ lives in you, in your home and in your family."
After leaving the Police Department, Tom worked in Anthony House, a home for homeless men. He and Eileen are active with the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He is on the board of directors for the Life Center and is on staff for counseling men involved in abortion issues. He is also on the development board of Mother of Good Counsel House, a home for pregnant women. Tom still finds time to devote his talents to Catholic Lay Preachers. Tom and Eileen Cook are one of those rare couples truly who live the Gospels.
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To contact Catholic Lay Preachers, please follow the directions below:
By Mail:
Catholic Lay Preachers
461 Roosevelt Ave
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
By Telephone:
(516) 799-4358
By E-mail:
laypreach@verizon.net |
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