Deacon Wally Calabrese is a seasoned Catholic presenter specializing in apologetics, men's spirituality, the sacraments, and various aspects of Catholic living. With a deep passion for teaching the faith, he helps individuals and groups understand and defend Catholic doctrine, empowering men to embrace their spiritual leadership roles within their families and communities. Through his presentations, Deacon Wally explores topics such as the importance of the sacraments, the call to service, and living a Catholic and moral life in today’s world. He also offers powerful insights on the domestic church, the spiritual significance of marriage, and the unique vocation of the deacon. His engaging approach combines theological depth with practical application, making complex topics accessible and relevant to all, while inspiring others to deepen their relationship with Christ and live out their faith with integrity.
Deacon Wally Calabrese is a passionate Catholic speaker whose mission is to help individuals live out their faith with conviction, purpose, and authenticity. With a focus on apologetics, men's spirituality, and the sacraments, Deacon Wally combines deep theological insight with practical, real-world application in his presentations. Drawing from his personal journey as a deacon and his extensive background in military service, he understands the challenges that families, men, and communities face in today’s rapidly changing world. His ability to connect timeless Catholic truths with modern life inspires his audiences, motivating them to strengthen their relationship with Christ and live out their faith more fully.
With over 15 years of experience in ministry, Deacon Wally is deeply committed to the formation of men in their spiritual roles, providing both guidance and encouragement to help them embrace their vocation. Having served as a deacon and facilitated countless retreats, parish missions, and men’s events, he is uniquely qualified to address the challenges men face in living a life of faith and leadership. His academic background in theology and spiritual formation further enriches his talks, allowing him to draw from both personal experience and scholarly insight. Deacon Wally’s expertise spans a wide range of topics, including defending the faith, fostering spiritual growth in men, and exploring the transformative power of the sacraments. He has spoken at diocesan events, and parish missions, earning a reputation for his engaging, thought-provoking, and relatable approach. Whether delving into the beauty of the sacraments, the importance of apologetics in defending Catholic truth, or encouraging men to lead with strength and humility, Deacon Wally brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to every presentation.
Deacon Wally Calabrese holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from St. Joseph’s College in Maine, equipping him with a deep academic foundation in Church teachings and pastoral ministry. He is the author of The Apostles and Me, a reflective exploration of the lives of the apostles and their relevance to modern-day discipleship. In addition, Deacon Wally has written two insightful booklets, Confirmed and Ready, which helps young Catholics understand and embrace the full meaning of their Confirmation, and Living a Catholic and Moral Life, a practical guide to living out Catholic moral teachings in today's world. His upcoming book, Embodied in Service, Emboldened by Grace, is set to be released soon and delves into the theology and mission of the diaconate, exploring how deacons are called to embody Christ’s service to the Church and the world.
Various Presentations include the following by category:
Sacraments
Why the Mass is so much MORE!
Explores the 700-year development of the Mass, highlighting its key elements, significance, and the importance of posture, prayers, and readings.
Marriage in the Catholic Church!
Addresses the true meaning of marriage within the Church, emphasizing its sacramental nature beyond a ceremonial event.
Confirmed and Ready!
Clarifies the role of Confirmation in the faith journey, addressing misconceptions and explaining its biblical foundation and requirements.
Catholic Life
The Domestic Church
Discusses the role of families as the "domestic church," their responsibilities, and their impact on society.
Living a Catholic and Moral Life
Examines contemporary moral issues such as abortion, transgenderism, and pornography, and how they conflict with Catholic teachings.
Catholic Families & Living the Catholic Faith
Offers guidance for parents on navigating challenges in raising children in the faith amidst modern societal pressures.
Understanding Mary and Our Salvation
Explores the significance of Mary in salvation history, emphasizing the importance of honoring her to grow closer to Jesus.
Catholic Education & Society
Analyzes the role of Catholic educational institutions in preserving human dignity and advancing the common good, advocating for a return to faith-based teachings.
Men's Spirituality
Being & Living as a Catholic Man
Encourages men to build a strong relationship with God, emphasizing their role as spiritual leaders in their families and communities.
What Does it Mean to Serve?
Reflects on the call to service, drawing inspiration from Christ's example of serving others.
Youth & Young Adults
Confirmed & Ready
Addresses the significance of Confirmation, its biblical roots, and the responsibilities it entails for young Catholics.
What Does it Mean to Serve?
Discusses the importance of service in the Christian life and how young adults can live out this calling.
Living a Catholic Moral Life
Guides young adults in understanding and adhering to Catholic moral teachings amidst contemporary challenges.
Diaconate Formation
Believe What You Read, Teach What You Believe, Practice What You Teach
A retreat for deacons and their wives, focusing on the foundational words spoken at every diaconal ordination and their lasting meaning.
Embodied in Service, Emboldened by Grace
A retreat inspired by Deacon Wally's book, exploring the beauty, unity, and mission of the diaconate through the lens of Christ the Servant.
Liturgical Living
Ordinary Time is Really Extraordinary
Highlights the extraordinary aspects of the "ordinary" times in the Church calendar, emphasizing the graces received during these periods.
Are There Really 12 Days of Christmas?
Explores the twelve days of Christmas, from the Nativity to the Epiphany, and the significance of each.
The Day God Joined Our Humanity
Reflects on the profound mystery of the Incarnation and the implications of God becoming human.
Understanding the Season of Christmas and Our Participation
Encourages deeper participation in the Christmas season, focusing on its spiritual significance beyond commercial aspects.
Understanding the Triduum
Provides insights into the Easter Triduum, marking the end of Lent and the celebration of Christ's death and resurrection.
Easter Octave Means What?
Explains the Octave of Easter, including its eight days of celebration culminating in Divine Mercy Sunday.
Understanding the Season of Easter and Our Participation
Focuses on the importance of the Easter season and how Catholics can engage more fully in its celebrations.
Advent
Deacon Wally offers various presentations to help individuals and communities prepare spiritually for the Advent season. These talks focus on themes such as anticipation, preparation, and the joyful expectation of Christ's coming.
