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Catholic radio personality keynotes banquet

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
(Email Katie)

Walking back and forth across the stage the animated Dr. Ray Guarendi discussed parenting and questions he is commonly asked.

Guarendi was the keynote speaker at the 19th Annual Day of Prayer and Celebration June 27 at the Sioux City Convention Center hosted by Queen of Peace, Inc. and KFHC Catholic radio.

The speaker is a clinical psychologist, author, public speaker and radio host. He is an advocate of common sense approaches to child rearing and discipline issues. He has appeared on national TV shows and is a regular on KFHC 88.1 Catholic radio program “Catholic Answers Live” and “The Doctor is In,” produced by the Catholic lay apostolate Catholic Answers.

Parenting, discipline
As a psychologist, a question he commonly gets asked is if he has children. His answer is, “I have 10 and that’s kind of why I am here because right now it is quieter here than at my house.”

The speaker relayed stories about his children who range in age from 23 down to 10. He said they are all blessings through adoption.

“Why do you suppose people most often want to speak to me these days?” asked Guarendi. “The number one reason is discipline.”

He said that a difference in parenting now from when he was a child and even in raising his own children is that there are now “experts” who parents consult. He pointed out that every child will be disciplined, but by whom?

“If you don’t do it, it will be done - a judge, a landlord, an army sergeant, a police officer, an employer or a wife will teach them,” said Guarendi. “I have found that discipline without love may be harsh. Love without discipline is child abuse because ultimately the child will be crushed by them. Please don’t let the world discipline a child. The world doesn’t care.”

He also talked about boys and girls and their differences as well as how a woman parents different than a man.

“Little girls and women are more verbal than little boys and men. They talk earlier, they talk better and more often,” said Guarendi.

He painted the picture that when a little girl is playing by herself and doesn’t know someone is there, she talks like she has heard her mom or others talk. A little boy playing by himself will make truck or crashing noises.

Guarendi is the author of five books about the topics of parenting, discipline, family and adoption.

Recognition
Following the keynote speaker, Dr. Paul Wolpert, president of Queen of Peace, Inc., took the stage. He explained that this was the first year that Queen of Peace had partnered with KFHC for the dinner and to bring Guarendi to Sioux City.

“In recognizing the fine work of the radio station, we are honoring Father Cooper who is also the founder of Queen of Peace,” said Wolpert. “Because of the extraordinary growth in both organizations these past few years, some have observed that Father Cooper has certainly been busy since his passing. It could be said that he is our man upstairs.”

Wolpert said it was an honor to be able to recognize Beanie Cooper, retiring executive director, and Duane Sudbeck, retiring building and grounds director, for their years of service at Queen of Peace.

“I really appreciate this,” said Cooper. “There are six people in the room, a hundred people I could name, who I want to share this with because I wouldn’t be standing here receiving accolades if it wasn’t for the six I am talking about.”

He recognized two couples who have been involved at Trinity Heights and have helped along the way. He also had his wife, Ruby, and Subeck’s wife, Mary Margaret, stand to be recognized for all they have done.
“I am sure that today I am the luckiest guy in the world,” said Cooper. “Thank you all for everything.”

Sudbeck commented that he has been working in some capacity on the Trinity Heights land for about 72 years, having helped with the grounds when the high school and college were there.

Don Stevens was introduced as the new executive director of Queen of Peace, Inc. Don’s wife, Mary, manages the St. Joseph Center at Trinity Heights.

Earlier in the evening, master of ceremonies, Larry Walsh, who is a member of the Queen of Peace executive board, had all the board members, past and present, volunteers, priests, deacons and religious sisters stand to be recognized.

Bishop R. Walker Nickless gave closing remarks and a blessing.

“As you know, it [Trinity Heights] became a reality because of so many wonderful people, two of whom we honor tonight, Beanie and Duane,” said the bishop. “We are very grateful for all they have done for Trinity Heights. We all have something to be proud of at the holy place that is in our midst.”