“How could I not be moved by your teaching? … The Bible seems to come alive when you read and explain it…”
RCIA participant
“I just want to thank you for offering such a rich retreat on God’s mercy. … I saw the presence of Christ in you during the retreat [through] your genuineness.”
Retreat participant
“I just wanted to thank you for such a super First Communion class for the parents! I really learned a lot, but it was so much more–a parenting class and a reaffirming time in my faith. You truly have a gift for inspiring and genuinely encouraging others!”
Parent in First Communion Class
“I wish you could have felt my heart after your retreat last night, so full of joy and peace and purpose. Thank you for being such an excellent minister for Jesus.”
Participant of School Staff retreat
“You walked us through the journey of faith with such gentle wisdom and inspired us to continue our faith with courage and intention. I appreciated the Biblical stories, personal reflection time, and the guided meditations… such a splendid retreat!”
Women’s Retreat participant
“You are so knowledgeable and always presented things in a way that was interesting and easy to understand. I have learned a lot.”
Parent in First Communion Class
Marie Bricher
To inform, inspire and nurture Catholic faith
Let’s talk about how I can serve your community–adults, families or young people. I am eager to offer a special retreat experience, faith-formation event, or workshop for your parish, school staff, religious organization or diocese. I promise to provide an excellent, well-designed, faithfully Catholic, inspiring experience. I commit to upholding the teachings of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church–with enthusiasm, patience and love for those who are seeking.
I have worked in parish and school ministry for over 30 years. I have served as Director of Religious Education, Director of Faith Formation, Coordinator of Youth Ministry and as the Religion Specialist and 7th grade Religion teacher at a Catholic School. I earned an M.A. from the University of Washington and completed coursework for a Masters in Ministry from Seattle University. I possess extensive knowledge of Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Sacraments.
I have taught adult education and intergenerational courses on a wide variety of topics, including RCIA and Bible Study sessions for over 25 years. I have created and presented the parent education component of Sacramental Preparation courses for Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. I have led retreats and workshops for school staff and volunteer catechists. I have organized multi-generational and youth retreats and have worked with children in kindergarten through high school.
My strengths include a talent for explaining and applying Doctrine and Scripture. I love using stories from the lives of the saints or from my own personal experiences to get people thinking and praying. I bring energy and applicability to the truths of our faith. I am faithfully and joyfully Catholic–and I want to encourage others to prioritize and embrace their faith. I include prayer, presentation, and discussion time during my events, while providing beautiful handouts for participants and PowerPoint presentations (when applicable) with inspiring art.
My speaker fee usually ranges from $200-750 depending upon the length of the event and number of participants, plus travel reimbursement. I am willing to work within your budget and timeline, so don’t hesitate to ask!
Retreat Offerings
- “Time for a Faith Lift”–what faith is, how to grow and share it
- “Fan Into Flame”–exploring what steals our passion for Christ and ways to rekindle the flame
- “Conceived in Her Heart”–studying Old Testament images that point to Our Blessed Mother and God’s plan of salvation
- “Holy, Holy, Holy”–connecting the Archangels of Scripture with the actions of Holy Mass
- “A Letter From a Friend”–Faith lessons from St. Paul’s Letters
- “Fight Like a Girl”–lessons about Spiritual Battle from Our Blessed Mother
- “The Face of Mercy”–defining Biblical mercy and using Gospel stories to help us understand how mercy works in our lives
- “New Life in Christ”–facing the world’s lies about who we are and embracing the truth of our identity in Christ
- Advent and Lenten Retreats including “Invitations to the Manger” and “The Landscapes of Lent”
Faith Formation Offerings
- The Eucharist and the Mass
- The Sacrament of Penance
- The Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation
- Genesis 3 and the Nature of Sin
- Faith Lessons from St. Paul’s Letters
- Growing Godly Virtues
- Introduction to Your Bible–a user’s guide
Have a different topic in mind? Contact me–I’d love to work with your vision and meet your needs. I am happy to provide references or to work with your Diocese/Archdiocese to meet their requirements for presenters.
Contact me at (541)914-6193 or mariebricher@gmail.com
Flourish Catholic 