The Catechetical Institute brings together the world-class faculty of Franciscan University’s Catechetics Program with key collaborators from all levels of ministry. These skilled professionals teach our Franciscan at Home online courses and speak at our St. John Bosco Conference, academic conferences, and other events around the country. Through the Catechetical Institute, they can also assist your diocese, parish, institution, or local community in achieving greater excellence in passing on the faith.
To invite one or a team of our presenters or faculty, please email us at: [email protected].
Franciscan University Catechetics Faculty and Staff
Scott R Sollom, STL, PhD
Scott R Sollom, STL, PhD
Scott Sollom is an associate professor of theology and the Director of the Catechetics Office at Franciscan University. He has conducted RCIA training workshops around the country and the world, including presentations with the Association for Catechumenal Ministry and Symbolon. Before returning to Steubenville, he served as DRE in Stillwater, MN; DRE in College Station, TX; and youth minister in Hudson, Wisconsin. Scott and his wife, Mary, have five wonderful children.
Petroc Willey, STL, PhD
Petroc Willey, STL, PhD
Petroc Willey BD, PhD, STL, PhD, is married to Katherine and has four children – Charis, Benedict, Nicholas and David - and eight grandchildren. He is Professor of Catechetics at Franciscan University, Steubenville. He studied theology at King’s College, London and philosophy at Liverpool University, where he received his doctorate. He later received his S.T.L. from the Pontifical University, Maynooth and an ecclesiastical doctorate from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. He worked in English Catholic higher education, in Oxford and in Birmingham, for more than twenty-five years, in seminary and lay institutions, and in both traditional and distance education. From 1985-1992, he was Lecturer in Christian Ethics at Plater College, Oxford. From 1992-2013, he worked at the Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, where he first directed the Masters Programme and then went on to be Deputy Director and the Dean of Graduate Research. He then helped to establish a center of formation for the new evangelization, the School of the Annunciation, in Buckfast, England, where he was Reader in the New Evangelization, before moving to Franciscan University. Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI a Consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization in Rome, Petroc was for more than twenty years editor of a journal for catechetical leaders, The Sower. He also hosted the EWTN catechetical series, Handing on the Faith. He has authored numerous study texts in philosophy and theology at undergraduate and graduate levels as well as Become What You Are: The Call and Gift of Marriage (HarperCollins), with his wife, Katherine Willey. Recent publications include Speaking the Truth in Love, co-edited with Scott Sollom (Emmaus Academic),The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Craft of Catechesis co-authored with Barbara Morgan and Pierre de Cointet, and with an introduction by Christoph Cardinal Schönborn (Ignatius Press); chapters in The Pedagogy of God (eds. Caroline Farey, Sr M. Johanna Paruch and Waltraud Linnig, Emmaus); ‘The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the New Evangelization’, in Paul Grogan and Kirsten Kim (eds), The New Evangelization: Faith, People, Context and Practice (Bloomsbury T & T Clark), Reading the Catechism (Catholic Truth Society).
Ron Bolster, PhD
Ron Bolster, PhD
Ron Bolster is an assistant professor of theology on the faculty of the Catechetics Office at Franciscan University. The former director of that Office, he also served the Diocese of Peoria before joining the faculty at Franciscan in 2004. He holds a PhD in Education from the University of Notre Dame, Australia, an MA in Theology with Catechetical Certification from Franciscan and a BS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Cornell University. He serves on the Confirmation Team for the parishes of the City of Steubenville and has experience in RCIA, the Neocatechumenal Way and catechist training. He is co-author of Ascension Press’ “Chosen: Your Journey to Confirmation” program. Ron and his wife, Andrea, reside with their children in Steubenville.
James Pauley, STD
James Pauley, STD
Dr. James Pauley is Professor of Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University. He is author of the book, Liturgical Catechesis in the 21st Century: A School of Discipleship (Liturgy Training Publications, July 2017). In 2014, Dr. Pauley was appointed editor of The Catechetical Review, Franciscan University’s journal dedicated to the new evangelization. Dr. Pauley began working as a parish catechetical leader in 1989 and has served professionally in parish, diocesan and university catechetical formation for more than twenty-five years. Having received his Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in 2014, he is a frequent speaker in dioceses and parishes nationwide. James is married to Katrina and they are blessed with three beautiful daughters.
Bob Rice, PhD
Bob Rice, PhD
Bob Rice is an associate professor of catechetics at Franciscan University, and he ministers to over 10,000 people each year through hosting conferences, giving talks, teaching workshops, leading worship, and performing original music. Bob’s creative use of humor, personal stories, and extensive knowledge of the faith have made him an internationally sought-after speaker for people of all ages. He lives in Steubenville with his wife, Jennifer, and seven children. Learn more at www.bob-rice.com.
Amy Roberts, PhD
Amy Roberts, PhD
Amy Roberts taught high school for 13 years and served as chair of the religion department for 10 years before accepting a teaching position with the Catechetics faculty of Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2011. Prior to joining the FUS faculty, she also assisted Aquinas College with catechist training and taught adult faith formation classes for the Diocese of Knoxville. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a master’s degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University, and a Ph.D. from The University of Notre Dame Australia in Sydney. Her dissertation, Encountering the Living God: the Integral Formation of Teachers in Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, examined the Church’s vision for the formation of teachers as witnesses. She regularly speaks at in-services for teachers in Catholic schools.
Eric Westby, PhD
Eric Westby, PhD
Dr. Eric J. Westby is the Director of the Institute of Catholic Theology in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the Director of Parish Catechesis at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, coordinating Christian initiation for adults, teens and children. He teaches theology for Franciscan University of Steubenville, specializing in the areas of foundational doctrine, evangelization and catechetics. Through his studies at the Maryvale Institute of Birmingham, England, he received his doctorate from Liverpool Hope University, with his thesis entitled "Equipping the Catechist of Catechists: A Critical Discussion of Seminary Formation in Light of Priestly Ministry in Catechesis." He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University in Steubenville, from where he was the first student to complete the graduate specialization in catechetics. He holds a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center for Ministry Development, and has been involved in full-time catechesis since 1988. He is a regular presenter at the summer St. John Bosco Catechetical Conference at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has published articles in the Catholic University of America's International 'Journal of Evangelization and Catechetics'; in Franciscan University's 'Catechetical Review'; and in Emmaus Academic's In Speaking the Truth in Love: The Catechism and the New Evangelization. He has developed OCIA and youth ministry curricula, available through the Institute of Catholic Theology. Most importantly, he is husband to Nikki, is the father of five beautiful girls, has one son-in-law, and has one grandchild.
Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM, PhD
Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM, PhD
Sister M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM, PhD grew up in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. She is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. Sister Johanna earned an undergraduate degree in deaf communication. She holds a BA in theology and elementary education from St. Louis University and an MA from the Angelicum, awarded after completing studies at Notre Dame Catechetical Institute. She also earned the Pontifical Catechetical Diploma. She has completed her doctorate at Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, England. In 1999, Sister Johanna joined the Theology faculty of Franciscan University of Steubenville. She specializes in catechetics, and teaches both graduate and undergraduate students. Besides her teaching duties, Sister Johanna travels throughout the country presenting workshops on catechist training, catechist retreats, and catechesis for persons with disabilities. She is a regular contributor to the Catechetical Review. In addition to her catechetical ministry, Sister Johanna is engaged in research on the role of Catholic sisters in the American Civil War.
Catechetical Institute Team
Scott R Sollom, STL, PhD
Scott R Sollom, STL, PhD
Scott Sollom is an associate professor of theology and the Director of the Catechetics Office at Franciscan University. He has conducted RCIA training workshops around the country and the world, including presentations with the Association for Catechumenal Ministry and Symbolon. Before returning to Steubenville, he served as DRE in Stillwater, MN; DRE in College Station, TX; and youth minister in Hudson, Wisconsin. Scott and his wife, Mary, have five wonderful children.
William Keimig, D.Min
William Keimig, D.Min
Dr. Bill Keimig is the Deputy Director of the Catechetical Institute (CI) at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. For 15 years, he served as the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary’s of Piscataway Catholic Church in Clinton, Maryland. Along with this work, Dr. Keimig served as a master catechist in the Hearts Aflame and Faith Foundations catechist formation programs for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. Dr. Keimig has served as a speaker in many other settings, including at the annual St. John Bosco Conference in Steubenville for over two decades, and at major venues in over 85 dioceses. He served for nine years as the Director of the Association for Catechumenal Ministry (ACM), which assists dioceses in training clergy and laity to do RCIA ministry, and was the managing editor of ACM’s series of RCIA texts currently used in thousands of U.S. parishes and in many other countries. He also served for nine years as a volunteer counselor for a local crisis pregnancy center. Dr. Keimig holds a Doctorate in Ministry from the Catholic University of America, and a Master’s Degree in Theology and Christian Ministry with a Certification in Catechetics from Franciscan University. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Management from the University of Maryland in environmental policy. He and his wife, Heather, have six children running around: Rose, William, Julianna, Theodore, Elizabeth, and Gregory.
Mark E. Ginter, PhD
Mark E. Ginter, PhD
j+m Praised be Jesus Christ! I am blessed to be married to Diane for over 35 years. We have 7 children and 6 grandchildren so far. Six members of our family have attended FUS. Near the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, I graduated from St. Henry's Prep Seminary in Belleville, IL. Then, I graduated with a B.A. in psychology from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN as a seminarian at St. John Vianney College Seminary. Taking some time off to discern celibacy, my first teaching job was a religion and psychology teacher at Mater Dei High School in Breese, IL. I paid for my rent of a mobile home and the boarding of my buckskin horse called "Rosanna" on a small farm by milking dairy goats. Also, I was the Director of the RCIA (experimental status) at St. Mary's Parish in Trenton, IL while also serving as the Assistant Diocesan Liaison for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. After attending the Charismatic Leader's Conference at Franciscan University in 1986, I decided to apply to the M.A. in Theology and Christian Ministry. Beginning in summer 1988, I finished by the end of 1989 and taught Christian Marriage as an adjunct. In 1990, we moved to Milwaukee, WI so that I could attend Marquette University, but I spent a year selling Encyclopaedia Britannica before becoming a full time doctoral student. In 1994, I began teaching full-time at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, WI. With the support of my wife, I defended my dissertation in Jan. 1997, "Conscience and the Holy Spirit: A Theological Anthropology Applied to Mental Health Care Ethics." We moved to southern Indiana in July 1997, so that I could take a position as Assistant Professor of Moral Theology at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. During the next 13 years at Saint Meinrad, in addition to teaching seminarians, lay people, and permanent deacon candidates, I co-wrote the Youth Liturgical Leadership Program known as One Bread, One Cup; I led the reaccreditation of the Seminary; I published numerous scholarly and popular articles; and I spoke throughout the country. Unfortunately, the Great Recession brought many external and internal changes to the Seminary. After Saint Meinrad, I ran a small family apostolate near by called St. Joseph's Holy Family, Inc. As a result, I worked more closely with many dioceses and parishes in their catechist formation. Also, I co-founded John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Jasper, IN; thankfully, we were able to keep it open for 3 years. The challenges of running a Catholic apostolate, though, led me to look elsewhere for full-time employment. After a small time in the Diocese of Venice, FL, FUS wanted to hire me as an adjunct online faculty member for the M.A. So, we moved to the Memphis area IN 2017, to help our married daughter who was expecting her first child. When St. Benedict at Auburndale High School heard that I was in the area, they invited me to teach theology. I accepted and taught high school again, 35 years after my first time. I loved bringing to school fresh cut flowers from our large garden so that faculty and students could share their beauty with each other and their families. Returning to teach high school at the beginning of this school year was more than I could handle, but, under the new leadership of Fr. Dave Pivonka, the CI asked me to join their staff full-time in Nov. 2019, in a remote capacity as Strategic Partnership Liaison Fellow. I will be focusing my energies on extending our services to the southern part of the U.S., but I will not be limited to this territory. Simply put, I wish to provide for my family by serving the Lord with abandon however he wills.
Petroc Willey, STL, PhD
Petroc Willey, STL, PhD
Petroc Willey BD, PhD, STL, PhD, is married to Katherine and has four children – Charis, Benedict, Nicholas and David - and eight grandchildren. He is Professor of Catechetics at Franciscan University, Steubenville. He studied theology at King’s College, London and philosophy at Liverpool University, where he received his doctorate. He later received his S.T.L. from the Pontifical University, Maynooth and an ecclesiastical doctorate from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. He worked in English Catholic higher education, in Oxford and in Birmingham, for more than twenty-five years, in seminary and lay institutions, and in both traditional and distance education. From 1985-1992, he was Lecturer in Christian Ethics at Plater College, Oxford. From 1992-2013, he worked at the Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, where he first directed the Masters Programme and then went on to be Deputy Director and the Dean of Graduate Research. He then helped to establish a center of formation for the new evangelization, the School of the Annunciation, in Buckfast, England, where he was Reader in the New Evangelization, before moving to Franciscan University. Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI a Consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization in Rome, Petroc was for more than twenty years editor of a journal for catechetical leaders, The Sower. He also hosted the EWTN catechetical series, Handing on the Faith. He has authored numerous study texts in philosophy and theology at undergraduate and graduate levels as well as Become What You Are: The Call and Gift of Marriage (HarperCollins), with his wife, Katherine Willey. Recent publications include Speaking the Truth in Love, co-edited with Scott Sollom (Emmaus Academic),The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Craft of Catechesis co-authored with Barbara Morgan and Pierre de Cointet, and with an introduction by Christoph Cardinal Schönborn (Ignatius Press); chapters in The Pedagogy of God (eds. Caroline Farey, Sr M. Johanna Paruch and Waltraud Linnig, Emmaus); ‘The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the New Evangelization’, in Paul Grogan and Kirsten Kim (eds), The New Evangelization: Faith, People, Context and Practice (Bloomsbury T & T Clark), Reading the Catechism (Catholic Truth Society).
Stella Marie Jeffrey, PhD
Stella Marie Jeffrey, PhD
After my enlistment in the army, I joined NET Ministries, an evangelization team that challenges young Catholics to receive the love of Jesus Christ and embrace the life of the Church. My desire to study about religion was ignited, and I was thrilled to find out that a lay person could obtain degrees in theology and philosophy and catechetics. I recently completed my PhD on redemptive anthropology at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute. I also hold an MA in Theology and a Pontifical Catechetical Certification from FUS.
Over the years, I have held a variety of positions. I have taught at a women’s Catholic high school and served as an adjunct professor at a small Catholic College. At the parish level, I served as a youth minister, DRE, evangelist, RCIA coordinator, catechist, and liturgy coordinator. At the diocesan level, I served as Youth Director and was later appointed Director for Catechesis and Evangelization. In 2001, with the help of several young adults, I founded a ministry called the Young Disciples (a summer apostolate that equips young adults to go out as evangelizing catechists for children, teens and adults in rural parishes and reservations in the upper Midwest). On the national level, I served on the CACE Advisory Committee and the NCCL Representative Council. I also had the opportunity to work on the National Directory for Catechesis, the National Adult Catechism, and the national dialogue concerning the restored order of the sacraments of initiation. In addition to delivering numerous workshops, keynotes, missions and radio broadcasts, I have been a guest on the EWTN television series Handing on the Faith and Franciscan University Presents.
Recently, a friend of mine wrote, “Whether leading a small group or engaging one-on-one with clients, people find in Stella Marie a deep spirituality, love for the Church, and an ability to lead people to holiness. She is also gifted with a disarming honesty characteristic of the agrarian Catholic culture in which she was raised. (If you need your cow milked, or chickens butchered, she can do that too).”
My response, “Well, thank you and may I live up to your expectations.”
My hobbies include playing guitar, choir, social dancing, reading, and community improvement. I pray that whatever I do will be a means for all to grow in our love, understanding, and passion for the Jesus Christ and His Family, the Church. May we increase our ability to “speak the Faith in a conversional way” to everyone we meet.
Katrina Herlambang, MA
Katrina Herlambang, MA
Katrina Herlambang first encountered the Catechetical Institute in the Summer of 2016 when she was still a student, and she has been sticking around since then. Currently, she serves as the Educating in Christ project coordinator, video content editor, motion graphic creator, and partnership liaison for the Asia & Oceania region. In 2019 she finished her Masters of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry with a Catechetics Specialization Program from Franciscan University of Steubenville, while previously she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Aquatic and Fishery Science with a minor in Marine Biology from the University of Washington, Seattle. Up to high-school, Katrina grew up in Indonesia and prior to coming to Franciscan she had some experiences creating and facilitating retreats, talks, and formation for all ages in multiple countries. She is grateful for the time God has allowed her to keep growing through her involvement with the work of the Catechetical Institute, and is amazed seeing how the Lord has been transforming her from being a fisherman into a fisher of men!
Madison McCalister
Madison McCalister
Madison McCalister works as the Artistic Development Coordinator for the Catechetical Institute and is blessed to have a job which can incorporate both her love of art and catechesis. Madison has received her bachelor of arts degree at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Theology, Catechetics, and the Humanities and Catholic Culture. Currently, she serves as a catechist for Confirmation preparation, and she hopes to spend the rest of her life serving Christ and His Church in whatever way she can. Madison currently lives in Steubenville, Ohio, and in her spare time she enjoys art—from writing to drawing to music. She also loves God’s incredible creation and the wonderful blessing that is her family and friends.
Mary Ann Wiesinger, MA
Mary Ann Wiesinger, MA
Mary Ann worked for 12 years in Evangelization and Catechesis at the diocesan level forming catechists and lay leaders in California and Florida. She heads up the Spanish language initiatives for the Catechetical Institute for Franciscan University. She is married and lives in Houston, Texas with her beautiful family. Mary Ann trabajó por 12 años en la evangelización y catequesis a nivel diocesano en California y la Florida, formando a catequistas y líderes laicos. Dirige las iniciativas en español para el Instituto Catequético en la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville. Actualmente vive en Houston, Texas con su esposo y hermosa familia.
Amy Pequignot
Amy Pequignot
Originally from Greenville, Ohio, Amy came to Franciscan University as a graduate student in 2016 to study Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. Since coming to Franciscan, she has taken many classes in both the counseling program as well as the theology/catechetics program. Although she hasn't completed a masters degree yet, her goal is to continue learning and encourage others to see the connection between Mental and Spiritual health.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Liberty University, and was able to complete the entire program by taking courses online. While taking courses online, she worked for the local YMCA and volunteered as an assistant youth minister at a nearby parish. It was through her work and ministry experiences that sparked the deeper desire in her heart to one day make a positive impact within the foster care system.
Becca McCue, MA
Becca McCue, MA
Becca hails from the land of ten thousand lakes. After serving in the world of youth ministry for twelve years, she journeyed to the Ohio Valley to pursue her Bachelor's degree in theology and catechetics. Through her time of working with youth, she developed a great love for young people, relational ministry, theology, evangelization, and catechetics. Although she loved the young people she was working with dearly, she felt the Lord calling her to Franciscan in order to receive more formation. She believed she would complete her degree and return to her parish to continue serving the youth, but the Lord had other plans. During her second year at Franciscan, she decided to pursue her master's degree in theology as well, and began taking Master's theology classes while still pursuing her undergraduate degree. In 2020, she graduated with her Master's degree in Theology and Christian Ministry. In 2018, Becca began working for the Catechetical Institute as a student worker, and was hired as a staff member in 2020 as a content editor. When Becca is not swimming in the world of content, she enjoys the wonders of creation by simply being in nature. She also enjoys spending time with people that she loves, traveling, hiking, kayaking, going on adventures, spending time with her dog, Strider, watching movies, writing, and reading.
Brady Webb, MA
Brady Webb, MA
Brady Webb was brought up in a supportive and formative protestant environment in Bemus Point, New York. Through high school he was heavily involved in many youth and young adult ministries. Soon after High School, and at the time he was working toward an associate’s degree in fine arts, he was introduced to the truth and beauty of Catholicism. After a year of prayer and discovery, Brady entered the RCIA and was received into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 2014. Since then, he has graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in theology and a master's degree in theology with a specialization in catechetics. He moved on to be a Director of Religious Education in West Virginia for two years before he and his wife, Christine, moved back to their home diocese of Buffalo. After two more years of directing religious education, he is currently working remotely for Franciscan University as the Webmaster and Partnership Assistant for the Catechetical Institute. Brady is a member of the Catholic Family of the Holy Rosary and is the head of the family's Inreach/Outreach pillar. He and his wife are heavily involved in volunteering at their home parish of Immaculate Conception in Eden and are both part of the music ministry each Sunday. Brady is also a contributing member of a faith formation steering committee for the diocese of Buffalo. An avid Chestertonian, Brady began a local chapter of the Society of G.K Chesterton, called the Southtowns Chesterton Society, which gathers to read and discuss Chesterton's writings and promote his cause for canonization. He and his wife currently live in Hamburg, NY. In his free time Brady is often playing fingerstyle guitar, fishing, and reading books aloud to Christine. As of Fall 2024 Brady is beginning the journey of formation toward becoming a permanent deacon and would appreciate prayers toward that end.
Hunter McDonnell
Hunter McDonnell
Hunter McDonnell serves as the primary video editor for the Catechetical Institute, a role which includes editing CI's workshop videos (shocker) and doing various other media-related and video editing-adjacent tasks. Having been raised in coastal southern Maine and born in California, Hunter's dad says it's a crime he still doesn't know how to surf—meanwhile, everyone else just makes fun of him for not liking seafood (I know, I know...). After studying video production at Franciscan University and serving in various ministries growing up, working for the Catechetical Institute is a fine blend of Hunter's creative interests and passion for the Catholic faith. When he's not holed up in his video editing cavern, surviving off coffee, granola bars, and the grace of God, you can probably find Hunter talking with someone in a conversation that has lasted far longer than either party had planned for, ranging in topics from fiction to physics and everything in between (including fictional physics!). If he hasn't brought up airplanes yet, give it a few more seconds. He's sure to find a way to smoothly and effortlessly incorporate the topic (and no, he definitely didn't hamfistedly shoehorn the subject into conversation at the earliest possible opportunity, why would you even suggest that?).
Noemi Romanowsky
Noemi Romanowsky
Noemi Beltran Romanowsky was born and raised in Murcia in south-eastern Spain. She earned her M.A. in International Business Management in 2001 at Escuela de Negocios, Fundación Universidad Empresa. She worked as a Client Support Specialist and Market Analyst at the Trade Commission of Spain, Embassy of Spain in New York City from 2001-2012, and as a freelance translator and copyeditor at the Archdiocese of Baltimore from 2014-2020. Currently, she is serving as the Hispanic Workshop Dubbing Coordinator for the Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University. She is married and lives with her family in Steubenville, Ohio. Noemi Beltrán Romanowsky nació y se crio en Murcia, en el sureste de España. Obtuvo su Master en Administración de Negocios Internacionales en el 2001, en la Escuela de Negocios de la Fundación Universidad Empresa de Murcia. Trabajó como especialista en atención al cliente y analista de mercado en la Oficina Comercial de la Embajada de España en la ciudad de Nueva York del 2001 al 2012, y como traductora y editora independiente en la Arquidiócesis de Baltimore desde el 2014 hasta el 2020. En la actualidad, trabaja como Coordinadora de Doblaje del Taller Hispano para el Instituto Catequético en la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville. Está casada y vive con su familia en Steubenville, Ohio.
Jack Rook
Jack Rook
Jack served the ministries of Franciscan University from 1988 through 1999 as Director of Christian Outreach. The programs that Jack had been involved with at the University attracted and served well over 190,000 guests in those 11 years. From 1995 to 2002, Jack served as the Administrator for FIRE (A Catholic Alliance of Faith, Intercession, Repentance and Evangelism). He coordinated 55 Rally’s, each in a different city. These Rally’s attracted approximately 65,000 people. In 2003, Jack and his wife, Marlene began an 8-year engagement with Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida coordinating programs and events that would result in the University becoming known and better known. Jack’s “active” retirement years consist of assisting with sacristan duties at their parish (Holy Family, Steubenville); coordinating communication for the Community of God’s Love (Steubenville); and developing relationships with Diocesan department leaders on behalf of the Catechetical Institute and the Outreach Office of Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is committed to practicing and sharing the Catholic faith with an emphasis on prayer, Scripture study, building relationships and service. His inspiration is summed up as “One beggar sharing with other beggars where he’s found food” attributed to D.T. Niles (1908-1970). Jack and his wife, Marlene recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. Their 3 married children who are alums and they each married alums. They are grandparents to 15, 2 of whom are current students.
Jessica Littler
Jessica Littler
Jessica Littler is an Australian, but has been living in the United States for several years. She began working for the Catechetical Institute while studying for her undergraduate degree in Catechetics and Theology at Franciscan University. She is now studying for a Masters of Theological Science from the University. Her desire in studying and in working for the Institute is to become better equipped to draw those who are vulnerable and broken into an encounter with Christ's healing love through the ministry of catechesis. In her free time, Jessica enjoys playing the violin, knitting, reading (especially Carmelite authors), and spending time with her pet guinea pig, Primrose.
Mary Kiss
Mary Kiss
Meet our Coordinator for Administration and Institutional Engagement, Mary Kiss!
A native of Memphis, TN, she graduated from Franciscan University in 2019 with her degree in Business Management and a desire to serve the Church. Since joining the CI team in Fall of 2019, Mary has enjoyed learning the myriad of roles necessary to “get things done” and to take care of everyone in the office. Outside of her work with CI, she loves serving as a music minister for liturgies and Franciscan’s Summer Conferences, spending time mentoring students in songwriting and leading worship, pranking her coworkers’ offices with life-size pictures of St. John Paul II, being the proud owner of a farm of squeaky rubber ducks and pigs (and one very large plastic duck named Frank), and exploring the beautiful roads, hills and lakes around the Ohio Valley!
Daniel Rivera
Daniel Rivera
Daniel Rivera was born and raised in Belize, Central America, to a Salvadoran father and a Guatemalan mother. Growing up speaking Spanish at home and English at school, he is fluent in both languages. An avid chess player and musician, he enjoys intellectual and artistic pursuits. He converted to the Catholic faith in 2015 during his senior year of high school, inspired by the guidance of mentors and friends. After earning a Liberal Arts degree from John Paul II Junior College in Belize, he joined the local SOLT mission, dedicating three transformative years to serving small communities and his parish, where he met his wonderful wife. Now settled in Steubenville, Ohio—his wife’s hometown—they are raising their first son. Daniel currently serves as the managing editor for the Catechetical Review, and as part of the Hispanic post-production team.
Daniel Rivera nació y creció en Belice, Centroamérica, de padre salvadoreño y madre guatemalteca. Hablando español en casa y aprendiendo inglés en la escuela, domina ambos idiomas. Apasionado por el ajedrez y la música, siempre le ha gustado aprender algo nuevo cada día. Daniel se convirtió a la fe católica en 2015 durante su último año de secundaria, inspirado por la fe de maestros y amigos. Tras obtener su título en Artes Liberales en John Paul II Junior College, se unió a la misión local de SOLT, dedicando tres años transformadores a servir a pequeñas comunidades y a su parroquia, donde conoció a su maravillosa esposa. Ahora, viven en Steubenville, Ohio, creciendo a su primer hijo. Daniel trabaja como editor gerente del Catechetical Review, además de asistir en proyectos de postproducción en español.
Gabriella Duo
Gabriella Duo
Gabby is originally from Gibraltar (our Assistant Director notes that we would be remiss not to mention the native monkeys there, the miles of tunnels in the Rock, and the seven-century-long war over this British colony at the southern tip of Spain). She graduated in May 2023 with a Degree in Theology from Franciscan University. Before moving to the United States to begin her studies, she spent two years as an administrative assistant and catechist in training at The Saxum Institute in Gibraltar, where she encountered the deep need felt throughout the Church for solid formation and catechesis. Seeking to become part of the answer to this need, she has joyfully served as a part of the CI team as a student worker since Fall of 2020. In her spare time, she adores spending time with her loved ones, reading novels, and is an avid fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
Marie Higgins, MA
Marie Higgins, MA
Marie is a researcher and mentor evaluation assistant for the Catechetical Institute, working at-distance from Roanoke, Virginia. Marie has her BA and MA in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. She directed the Catechetical School for the Archdiocese of Denver for two years. She is currently involved in her parish, and teaches the Catechism of the Catholic Church to Catholics in her area.
Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Ph.D
Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Ph.D
Born in Newark, NJ in 1960, I was raised in a nominal Catholic family and joined the Navy after high school. After the eight years in the Navy, I was honorably discharged and studied theology. I am currently Director of Diaconal Formation for the Diocese of Joliet, Editor of Our Sunday Visitor’s The Deacon magazine, and Director of Diaconal Ministries. I have taught theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Duquesne University of the Holy Ghost, and Holy Apostles College and Seminary. I have 30 years of experience in catechetical and pastoral ministry on both the diocesan and parish levels. I possess a BA in Theology from Franciscan University, a MA in Theology from Duquesne University. In 2009, he was awarded a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the Graduate Theological Foundation. Ordained in 1995 as the first permanent deacon of the Diocese of Steubenville at the age of 35, I am a national speaker, author, and retreat master. Beyond many scholarly papers and popular articles, I've published a book entitled, In the Person of Christ the Servant, A Theology of the Diaconate Based on the Personalist Thought of Pope John Paul II. I have just completed a second book entitled, Encountering Christ the Servant: A Spirituality of the Diaconate, available in the Fall of 2020 from Our Sunday Visitor Publishing. Recently, I have been named by Pope Francis to an international papal commission on women and the diaconate. I and my wife Judith have been married for 38 years and we have seven children and many grandchildren.
Kristi Scheerbaum
Kristi Scheerbaum
Sister Mary Michael Fox, OP
Sister Mary Michael Fox, OP
Sr. Mary Michael Fox, OP, has been a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, in Nashville, for over thirty years. During that time, she has been blessed to teach all ages, from three to ninety-three. She received a master of arts degree in education from Northwestern State University and a master of arts degree in theology with a specialization in catechetics from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Sr. Mary Michael conducted doctoral research into the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and the pedagogy of Dr. Maria Montessori and Dr. Sofia Cavalletti at the Maryvale Institute of Birmingham, England. She holds a PhD through Liverpool-Hope University in Liverpool, England. She has been trained in all three levels of the Catechesis of the Shepherd and has served as a Level One catechist. She has published articles in The Sower, The Catechetical Review, and Catechist. Sr. Mary Michael serves as a catechetical consultant and is a popular speaker at catechetical conferences.
Bobette Huzovic
Bobette Huzovic
Bobette works for Diocese of Steubenville as Coordinator of Catechesis and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. She mentors about 40 catechists and catholic school teachers and works part-time for the Catechetical Institute with Eastern Europe.
Julia Seeley
Julia Seeley
Julia Seeley is a recent graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville with a degree in Clinical Psychology (and throw in a minor in theology for good measure). Apparently, she is a glutton for punishment because she has returned to Franciscan for her Master's in Mental Health Counseling. She helps CI (especially Madison;) with whatever jobs need to get done. She originally hails from the great county of Carroll County in northern Maryland where her family of 10 resides. She has worked in catechesis, relational ministry, and retreat planning. In her spare time, you can find her reading, writing, baking & cooking, hiking, and going on adventures with friends/household or her introverted self.
Maggie Peppiatt
Maggie Peppiatt
Maggie Peppiatt is a senior theology major at Franciscan University of Steubenville. She helps out at CI as a student worker. Raised in Northern Virginia, Maggie lives in the town of Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley. She likes sacred art and is interested in helping people encounter God through beauty. This past summer, Maggie published The Gospel with Sacred Art, a book that allows people to experience the life of Christ through paintings. Maggie loves hiking, being outdoors in God's creation, reading, baking, cooking, and spending quality time with her friends. She may or may not pursue a master's in theology after graduation.
Marian Guaderrama
Marian Guaderrama
Marian Guaderrama is an Education Major at Franciscan University of Steubenville. She comes from El Paso, Texas, which is a border city with Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Marian grew up speaking Spanish at home and learning English at school, therefore she is fluent in both languages. After concluding her Bachelor’s Degree in education, she wishes to pursue a Master’s Degree in Montessori Education. Marian was a part of the Diocese of Cd. Juarez and she participated in different ministries such as Cathequises of the Good Shepherd, Agrupacion de Esposas Cristianas, and Juventud y Familia Misionera. She joined the Catechetical Institute team with the goal of helping in the Spanish division. Her main focus is to make catechesis available to those whose native language is not English. Marian believes that evangelization should be available in all languages and no person should feel like they do not belong in the Church because of a language barrier. The Church is universal, therefore anyone is welcome and everyone should have the opportunity to be a part of the Church. Marian enjoys learning various languages, such as French and Italian as well as spending time with her family and feasting on a good Mexican home-cooked meal.
Marissa Johnson
Marissa Johnson
Marissa Johnson studies Catechetics and Evangelization, Theology, and Spanish at Franciscan University and is so close to finishing her bachelor's degree. She originally hails from Racine, Wisconsin (the home of Kringles and all things cheese) and has several years' experience volunteering for various ministries at her local parishes—including the Pastoral Council, the Evangelization and Christian Formation Commission and Youth Music Ministry. She chose to pursue higher education at Franciscan because she hopes to be a Director of Religious Education some day and there is no better place to soak oneself in dynamic Catholic orthodoxy than the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Marissa spent this last year answering God's call to serve as Assistant Director of Religious Education at Holy Family Parish in Steubenville, being heavily involved in their children's ministry or "PSR" program. The work of CI is the latest in the trail of breadcrumbs the Lord has left throughout her life and Marissa could not be more excited to have joined the team of student workers. She works in Outreach and focuses on Learner Support; if you email CI or call the phone number, you are more than likely to meet Marissa and she would love to help answer any questions you might have!
Marissa estudia Español también y siempre busca oportunidades para practicar su Español. Ella es la persona que a menudo contesta el teléfono de CI. Aunque su Español no es "el mejor," le encantaría la oportunidad para ayudarle en Español si ése sería mejor para usted.
Her favorite scripture verse comes from the Gospel of her confirmation saint: "For I have come to set the earth on fire, and oh how I wish it were already blazing!" (Luke 12:49) The Holy Spirit needs only a spark to set the world ablaze; let us be the spark that ignites the dry bones of the spiritually hungry!
Martin Sanchez
Martin Sanchez
Born and raised in Oceanside California, Martin Sanchez is a senior math major at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He believes in the power and impact of good catechesis, and hopes to help its spread through his witness and work at the Catechetical Institute. He has a passion for ministry and has taken advantage of all the opportunities Franciscan has to offer. He has served in music ministry, helped with Tuesday night praise on campus, Born of the Spirit retreats, SENT, and led the Ecuador Spring medical mission. At the Catechetical Institute he works in meta data organization and management, and occasionally prepares workshops for editing. In his free time Martin likes to read, write, and contemplate mathematical paradoxes.
St. John Bosco Conference Track Managers and Online Workshop Presenters
Mary Jo Smith, MA
Mary Jo Smith, MA
Mary Jo Smith received her masters of theological studies from the University of Dallas Institute of Religious and Pastoral Studies. As a member of the faculty of the St. John Bosco Conference, she coordinates the catechist certification track. Mary Jo is also a marketing representative for Ignatius Press. She has co-authored the pre-school, kindergarten, and first grade curricula of the Image of God textbook series and was general editor of the series. She hosted a national cable TV series for children which appeared on EWTN. For 25 years Mary Jo was director of the pre-school/kindergarten religious education program for St. Raphael Parish in Crystal, Minnesota. Currently she is the RCIA coordinator for that parish.
Gloria F. Zapiain, MA
Gloria F. Zapiain, MA
Gloria F. (“Gigi”) Zapiain has been involved in catechetics on the parish and diocesan levels for more than 25 years, having served as a parish DRE and catechetical consultant for the Archdiocese of Washington and diocesan director of faith formation for the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota, and Bridgeport, Connecticut. She holds an MA in religious studies and a pontifical catechetical diploma from the Notre Dame Institute of Arlington, Virginia. She is currently director of catechesis and adult faith formation for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, a board member for the Association for Catechumenal Ministry, and an adjunct professor of catechetics at the University of Dallas.
Gary Norris, MA
Gary Norris, MA
Gary has been leading RCIA teams for the past twenty five years in the Archdiocese of Denver, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, and most recently in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He studied Theology and Catechetics at Maryvale Institute in Birmingham England and earned certification in RCIA at the St. John Bosco Conference in the early years of the conference. Gary is a member of The Association of Catechumenal Ministry, ACM, working as the current chairman of the board and a presenter for team training and catechist training. He has worked alongside his wife Patty coordinating the St John Bosco Conference RCIA Track for many years. Gary and Patty have six children and ten grandchildren.
Mary Ann Wiesinger, MA
Mary Ann Wiesinger, MA
Mary Ann worked for 12 years in Evangelization and Catechesis at the diocesan level forming catechists and lay leaders in California and Florida. She heads up the Spanish language initiatives for the Catechetical Institute for Franciscan University. She is married and lives in Houston, Texas with her beautiful family.
Mary Ann trabajó por 12 años en la evangelización y catequesis a nivel diocesano en California y la Florida, formando a catequistas y líderes laicos. Dirige las iniciativas en español para el Instituto Catequético en la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville. Actualmente vive en Houston, Texas con su esposo y hermosa familia.
Patricia Norris
Patricia Norris
Patty is the Director of Religious Education at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Milford, OH. Involved in adult formation for many years, she specializes in the RCIA process as a speaker and seminar director for the Association for Catechumenal Ministry (ACM). She is a regular contributor to the Catechetical Review and through her column, Practically Speaking: Notes from the Parish, addresses the reality of parish life and catechetical leadership. With her husband Gary, she coordinates the RCIA Track at the St. John Bosco Conference in Steubenville, OH.
Gina Bauer, MA
Gina Bauer, MA
Gina Bauer is a dynamic presenter to audiences of all ages. She has 30 years of experience serving the Church as a youth director, religious educator, and speaker. She is able to convey Catholic teachings in a compassionate, down-to-earth style that reaches hearts of listeners. She speaks to audiences of youth, women and youth ministers nationwide. Gina is passionate about sharing Christ through a variety of topics, while remaining faithful to the Church and the truths she espouses. Her inspirational speaking style moves her listeners and equips them with practical tools to live holy lives in today’s culture. Gina has trained and mentored youth ministers throughout the country. She has designed and implemented an effective Eucharist-centered youth ministry program. She is gifted at spiritual formation and team cohesion amongst adults and youth. She has an authentic heart and knowledge for the dignity and vocation of women in the Church, inspired by Bl. John Paul II writings. Gina Bauer earned a master’s degree in pastoral theology from the University of Dallas Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies, as well as a bachelor’s degree in theology from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Currently, Gina is the senior high youth director at St. Joseph in West St. Paul, MN. She and her husband, Duane, have four children.
Jim Beckman, MA
Jim Beckman, MA
Jim Beckman has been involved with youth ministry and the evangelization of teens for more than 20 years. He graduated from Franciscan University in 1987 and has served in various roles of leadership in national, regional, and local youth ministry ever since. A dynamic and passionate speaker with a great love for young people, Jim has built solid and thriving youth ministry programs in several parishes over the years. He is an Associate Professor of Leadership for the Augustine Institute in Denver, CO. Jim and his wife, Meg, live in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, with their five children, Aaron, Claire, Daniel, Jonathan, and Brian.
Marc Cardaronella, MA
Marc Cardaronella, MA
Marc Cardaronella is Director of the Office of Discipleship & Faith Formation at the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO. He graduated from Franciscan University with a Master’s Degree in Theology and Catechetics, and served for 12 years as a parish director of religious education. Marc is the author of Keep Your Kids Catholic: Sharing Your Faith and Making It Stick, published by Ave Maria Press. His articles have appeared in CATECHIST, The Catechetical Review, and numerous websites including National Catholic Register, AmazingCatechist.com, and CatholicMom.com. Marc blogs about discipleship, catechesis, and parenting with faith at MarcCardaronella.com. He lives in Olathe, KS with his wife Shannon and their two boys John and David.
Martha Drennan, MA
Martha Drennan, MA
Martha Drennan is the director of Adult Faith Formation & Liturgy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville, Virginia. She directs parish faith formation for the adults in a 4,000-family parish in the Northern Virginia suburbs. Her work involves setting up parish missions, parish retreats and pilgrimages, guest speakers, adult formation classes, and RCIA. She also coordinates the parish liturgy, which involves working with hundreds of volunteers who serve in the various liturgical ministries. She also coordinates all parish funerals. Martha holds a bachelor’s degree in General Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. In 1998, she graduated from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with a master’s degree in Theology and Christian Ministry with a specialization in Catechetics. Martha has served in three dioceses in their catechist formation process. She has also revised the 7th Grade Image of God textbook series, both the Catechist and Student books, working under the direction of the General Editor, Mary Jo Smith. Martha is a presenter at the St. John Bosco Catechetical Conference and a member of the DRE track faculty.
Dino Durando, MA
Dino Durando, MA
Dino is an instructor and the Director of the Office of Family Life, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. He holds a B.A. in Theology and Philosophy and an MA in Theology and Christian Ministry from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He began his professional service to the Church as Director of Religious Education in a 5,500 family parish where he served for almost a decade. He has taught and mentored more than 1,000 catechists and other Church leaders. A contributor to the RCIA Leader’s Manual (Association for Catechumenal Ministry, Liturgical Training Publications), he has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Sacramento and trained Master Catechists for the Diocese of Oakland. In the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, he has been an adjunct professor for the Bishop Helmsing Institute and a facilitator for the Adult Faith Formation Team training process for 20 parishes. Raised Methodist, he was received into full communion with the Catholic Church in 1995. Dino and his wife Cathy have 9 children and live on a small farm near Kansas City, Missouri.
Steve Greene, MA
Steve Greene, MA
Steve Greene is Director of the Kino Catechetical Institute for the Diocese of Phoenix, and co-host, with his wife, Becky, of The Catholic Conversation radio show heard weekly on Immaculate Heart Radio in Phoenix, and podcasted on iTunes. He holds a Master’s degree in Catholic Thought and Life from St. Meinrad School of Theology. Steve has taught and presented on Catholic philosophy, morality and theology for over 15 years, and has made frequent guest appearances on Catholic radio and television programs to discuss the Catholic Faith. He has also written for Crisis Magazine and The Catechetical Review. Most importantly he is a husband, and father to five wonderful children, with one little intercessor in Heaven.
Michael Hall
Michael Hall
Michael Hall is the director of Training for Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO), Ottawa, Ontario, a university student movement dedicated to evangelization serving on campuses across Canada, and has been a missionary with CCO since 2003. He also serves as a co-director of the Summer Institute in the New Evangelization, a joint initiative between CCO, St. Paul University, and Mission of the Redeemer Ministries. Michael lives in Ottawa, Ontario, with his wife, Amy, and their four children.
Chris Hoag, D.Min
Chris Hoag, D.Min
Dr. Wm. Christopher Hoag has ministered in diocesan, school, and parish settings for over 20 years in the areas of catechesis and liturgy. He is currently is the Associate Director of Catechesis for the Office of Catechetical Formation and Education with the Diocese of Cleveland. He concurrently serves as adjunct professor of Church History at St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School (Wickliffe, Ohio) in Theology as well as Lecturer in Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is a past adjunct professor in Theology at Notre Dame College of Ohio. Additionally, Dr. Hoag has taught religion at the high school level as well as religion, history, English, and Latin at the junior high school level.
Dr. Hoag received his Doctor of Ministry degree from St. Mary Seminary in 2013 where his doctoral dissertation examined the implementation of Summorum Pontificum in the Cleveland Diocese. Dr. Hoag holds additional graduate degrees in Theology from John Carroll University and Church History from the Catholic University of America. His areas of theological interest include catechesis, liturgy, and ecclesiology.
He was certified as a lay ecclesial minister for the Diocese of Cleveland in 2009. Dr. Hoag holds membership in the National Catholic Education Association, the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, the Society for Catholic Liturgy, the American Catholic Historical Association, the Tolkien Society, and the Mythopoeic Society. He is also a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus as well as a member of the Confraternity of St. Peter and the Marian Catechist Apostolate.
Ann Lankford, MA
Ann Lankford, MA
Ann Lankford is the Director of the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization for the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin. She has held this position for eight and a half years. She received a Bachelor of Arts in French and Education from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. She received her MA in Theology and Christian Ministry with a specialization in Catechetics from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1998 and received the St. John Bosco Conference Certification in the Apostolate of Director of Religious Education.
Joshua Miller, PhD
Joshua Miller, PhD
Dr. Joshua Miller is the co-founder of Inscape, which is devoted to helping people discover and embrace their own personal vocations. He is a leader in the field of narrative based motivational assessment and for the last 18 years has applied his expertise in a variety of applications, including coaching, executive search, and talent management. Dr. Miller helped build The Center for Leadership at Franciscan University of Steubenville where he currently serves as a vocation coach and vocation coach trainer for faculty and staff of the institution. He has a PhD in Philosophy from Duquesne University. You can catch Dr. Miller on www.inscapevocations.com where he blogs and leads a podcast series called Inscapes: Stories of Personal Vocation. He and wife Brooke live in Steubenville, and have six children.
Ken Ogorek, MA
Ken Ogorek, MA
Ken Ogorek, currently the Director of Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, has given numerous presentations to a variety of Catholic conferences and workshops throughout the country. For over 20 years Ken has been involved with religious education in nearly all its facets. Having earned a masters degree from the Pontifical Center for Catechetical Studies he serves as an archdiocesan staff person while authoring religious education resources for a broad range of age groups. His most recent book is “The Gospel Truth: A Lectionary-Based Catechism for Adults.” Born in 1965, and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Ken lives in Indianapolis with his wife of 19 years and their three children.
Lucas Pollice, MA
Lucas Pollice, MA
Lucas Pollice is the Associate Professor of Theology and Catechetics for the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado. He previously served as the director of Catechesis for the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas. He holds a BA in theology from Franciscan University and a master’s in theological studies from the Institute of Pastoral Theology at Ave Maria University. Lucas has worked in catechetical ministry, the RCIA process, and adult faith formation at both parish and diocesan levels. He is the author of Open Wide the Doors to Christ: Discovering Catholicism, a complete curriculum for RCIA published by Emmaus Road Publishing. Lucas and his wife, Mary, have five children and live in Denver.
Rania Saade, MA
Rania Saade, MA
Rania Saade has been handing on the faith in Catholic high schools for 10 years. After earning her MA in theology and Christian ministry with a specialization in catechetics from Franciscan University of Steubenville, she went on to teach at St. Pius X High School, a co-ed archdiocesan school on Albuquerque, New Mexico. For the last four years, she has been teaching at Jesuit High School, an all-boys college preparatory school in Tampa, Florida. Rania has taught a variety of courses in theology and has taught students in every grade level of high school.
Greg Schutte, PhD
Greg Schutte, PhD
Dr. Schutte achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Ohio State University. He also has an Independent License in Social Work. For over 22 years, he has worked as a Therapist in many different fields of counseling. These include: Hospital Discharge Planner, Hospice Counselor, Crisis Counseling, Mental Health Therapist, & Marriage/Family Therapist. Currently, he is the Director of Marriage Works! Ohio which is a department of Elizabeth’s New Life Center in Dayton, Ohio. The Elizabeth New Life Center received the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) third largest grant, in 2006, and one of the four largest grants, in 2011, in the United States to do Marriage Enrichment. With this, they created and continue to run Marriage Works! Ohio. In 2009, Marriage works was selected by the federal Office of Family Assistance as one of eight Promising Practices in Marriage Education in the United States. Over the past several years, Greg has had a passion for building healthier relationships and reducing the divorce rate and domestic abuse in America. He is actively doing this in his role at Marriage Works! Ohio. Greg has spoken at numerous marriage conferences, locally and nationally, on many different topics regarding marriage and family. He hosts the radio program “Living Out the Sacrament of Marriage” on Radio Maria, every Monday from 11am-12pm EST. He has been married to Stephanie for over 23 years and they have 7 children
Catechetical Institute Mentors
Alfred H. Yuen, PhD
Alfred H. Yuen, PhD
Alfred H. Yuen, BA, MDiv (McMaster), PhD (Aberdeen), BEd (OISE/Toronto), MPEd (SpecEd, Western Ontario). PostDoc 2012-2013 (Blackfriars, Oxford). Ontario Certified Teacher since 2015 (Canada). Thanks to the fine examples and friendships of my mentors in Christ, I am passionate about God through Jesus, our love for the Church, our sacramental and prayer life as Catholics, and the radiant beauty of our faith. My PhD was a bibliological study of the Swiss theologian Karl Barth, and in my postdoctoral work at Blackfriars, I looked at the magisterial teachings on Scripture, especially Dei Verbum. Prior to returning to the classroom, I served in archdiocesan roles for Scripture, Catechesis, and Special Education in two languages for 4.5 years. As a Catholic teacher in Canada, I have taught nearly every grade from kindergarten to grade 12. I hold qualifications in Religious Education, Math, and Special Education. In my Master's degree in Special Education, I focused on the interfaces between cyclical learner profiling and teacher responsiveness in differentiated instructional designs and practices. I enjoy the outdoors and sports, especially running. I’ve completed four marathons, with hope for more to come.
Dane Kirk
Dane Kirk
My name is Dane Kirk, and I am a proud husband and father. I have been married for 5 years to my amazing wife. We have three children and hope to have as many as the Lord wants to give to us. I am 29 years old. I am a convert to the faith, for a little over five years now and have loved every second of it. If I could describe my faith right now and my passion for teaching and mentoring, I would utter the words of the Psalmist, "zeal for thy house has consumed me" (Ps 69:9). I am presently assist teaching a few online courses at Franciscan University; I am the Youth Minister at my parish and I teach Faith Formation classes at my local parish, anywhere from 8th to 11th grade. I have run Bible studies, Catechism studies and have done numerous guest lectures on my conversion and other topics on the Faith. I have a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Rockford University. Also, I received my Master's degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2022. Viva Christo Rey!
Justin Antoine Fontenot
Justin Antoine Fontenot
Justin currently serves as the Director of Confirmation, Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Carson, California. He has over ten years of ministry experience where he volunteered as a catechist, youth leader, retreat coordinator, and assistant youth minister. He has always found joy in evangelizing the youth which is what made him choose to attend Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. Justin graduated from Franciscan with a Bachelors in Theology and Catechetics with a concentration in youth ministry. His hobbies and interests include Marvel Comics, music, poetry, cooking, and spending quality time with his beautiful wife Jackie.
Justin Frato
Justin Frato
Justin is the Adult Faith Formation and RCIA Coordinator at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, TX. He holds an M.A. in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville and has been in professional catechetical work for over 20 years. Driven by his passion for the New Evangelization; Justin speaks, writes, and has co-hosted a radio show on this topic. He and his wife, Meghan, have been married seventeen years and have five children.
Katie Dubas
Katie Dubas
Katie Dubas is a mid-westerner through and through. She grew up in Kearney, Nebraska and currently resides in Imperial, NE after having lived in Ohio, North Dakota and South Dakota. She began ministry work at age twenty by serving on NET Ministries and traveling all over the states. After finishing her BA in Theology and Catechetics from Franciscan University, she jumped into various parish ministries – RCIA, K-12 children’s catechesis, sacrament prep, summer VBS, Bible Studies, and she also worked at the diocesan level in evangelization and catechesis for eight years before following her heart back to Nebraska. She currently works as a regional Youth Minister for a sparsely populated rural Deanery containing nine small parishes, four priests and six youth groups within the Lincoln Diocese. When she isn’t doing ministry you may find her digging in the dirt of her flower beds, on a road trip to see extended family or play with her godchildren (Peter, James, John and Sarah!), lounging around, reading a good book, surfing Facebook, out on a walk, planning her next vacation or trying to round up some people to play Phase 10 with her. She also has a great love for singing in the church choir and shares her gift as often as possible.
Kristofer D. Cowles, I
Kristofer D. Cowles, I
I was born in New Hampshire and lived with my Grandmother outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania after my parents divorced in Vermont when I was six. I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at thirteen during the eight years I lived in Ohio with my divorced father and brothers and sister, all older than me. My entire time in Ohio was spent in poverty, including several winters going without heat in the house. Not knowing the Natural Law that personal responsibility and one's decisions pave the path before a man, I left home at 18 (and vowed never to go back, which I didn't), a year and a half after moving to Texas with my father (who left Ohio to escape many things aside from just the poverty), heading to college objectively ill-equipped to be an adult. An avowed atheist, misogynist, liberal and moral relativist by this time, I eagerly participated in the immoral lifestyle of a person without scruples or virtue. The time I spent with my Grandmother is where the seeds for my grace-filled life and apostolate, ManHusbandDad were planted, and on summer and holiday visits to her from Ohio those seeds would be watered and nurtured, eventually starting to show growth above the dirt after I had finished four years of college and had determined that my lifestyle, for some reason I did not know, wasn't right.Those four years were spent walking in the shadow of a building on my college campus that had words inscribed on it that I finally read and accepted as a challenge to me personally from God: "Ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free." (This link will show you the picture from my web site) I read these words for the first time ten days before I transferred from this school that supported my immoral lifestyle to another school one hundred miles and a completely different world away. The events leading up to reading those words is a great story of God's intervention and nudging. So I spent the next four years facing off against God's challenge (When I had read those words I said out loud, as an atheist, "Okay, God, if you exist, let's see who knows the truth. I accept."). I was an honest skeptic seeking the Truth through myriad books and faith traditions, counting the Bhagavad Gita, Koran, Torah, Talmud, Bible, Book of Mormon, I Ching and their incumbent religions among them, but the list is exhaustive. I visited every house of worship I could, and stood outside those I wasn't allowed in, asking questions constantly. Eventually I found the Catholic Church, convinced intellectually of its founding by Jesus Christ when I read Mathew 16:18: And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church This revelation of the succession of Popes throughout history, of which I am a proud student, was the final piece in a journey of Catholic discovery that had started with a very physical, personal and real experience with God two years earlier, a blessing that does not give me the option of any doubt of His existence. I was baptized, confirmed, and came into full communion with the Holy Catholic Church on April 15, 1995; 11 days shy of my 26th birthday. Life began anew for me that day. I left universitya month later with over 160 credit hours, eight years, and no degree, though 11 more hours would qualify me for a tripe degree in English, History, and Speech Communications. Much of that education was due to me seeking the Truth, and once the Truth set me free, God instructed me to leave school and start my own business. Through countless miracles in the millennia prior to my baptism and the 19 months after, I married Beth on November 9, 1996, and God has continued to shower miracles upon us daily, blessing us with three boys and a dog (our second, and we had a cat for a year). I live in Texas and smoke a mean brisket. I am fond of a good cigar, especially when there is a good porch and good conversation accompanying it, and a cold beer or few fingers of Jack Daniels would top off that perfect evening. I also fancy myself a pretty good No Limit Texas Hold 'Em poker player, having finished eleventh out of 300 in the only casino tournament I ever entered. I started speaking from the stage in 1993, when I stopped feeling sorry for myself and what I thought was a bad hand that life had dealt me. Inspired by the teachings of Stephen Covey, who taught me that if I know my past I can change my future instead of blaming my past for my lot in life, I quickly became a professional motivational speaker, being paid obscene amounts of money (at least for a 24 year-old) for presentations that my Speech professors were giving me Bs for...! Today, chronically ill and now blind in one eye, I see opportunity in life where once I saw nothing but hopelessness. And I like to share that with people, as well as my philosophy and concrete guidelines on how to not just make it through life, but to succeed in a way that can only mean God has something special only you can do. In 2013, twenty years after showing me that His gift to me was the talents of writing and speaking, God gave me the vision for ManHusbandDad . I like to say that God gave me a talent for writing and public speaking, and made me aware of it before I even believed in Him. It just took almost two decades for Him to train me on what he wanted me to write and speak about - being a Man, Husband, and Dad. And it took several more years for him to bring my training to a point here I could share what He wanted me to share. This conclusion was not an easy discernment. Who was I to teach others how to be a Man, much less a Husband and a Dad? I had grown up in abject poverty; sexual, physical, emotional and mental abuse; a broken and dysfunctional family life; subjective agnosticism and atheism; misogyny; and moral relativism that justified all of it including divorce, abandoning children, and degenerate and purposeful lack of parenting. Combined with a constant fear of not knowing when or where the next meal would come, or if I would be allowed to eat it, I not only started out with no training in how to be a Man, Husband, or Dad, but actually had a diametrically opposite idea of what those vocations were - though I had no clue they were vocations, or even what a vocation was or that such a thing even existed. At the time that I discovered my talents for speaking and writing, the only thing I could speak and write about in that genre was how to break all Ten Commandments and how to best avoid being a Man, Husband, or Dad, which of course would only be profitable at a convention fo pornographers. Which is why my motivational speaking career of the 90s failed, since all I could do was mimic the great speakers like Covey, Ziglar, and Nightingale; I had no foundation in Truth back then. I was a parrot while I was slowly, through the inexorable patience of God, learning. I have been around a couple of blocks, some of them more than once. And I've had a fair share of rodeos, too. Whether being an On-Air Radio personality or selling Radio advertising; delivering newspapers, ice, t-shirts, pizza, or custom photography; designing web sites; fixing computers; DJ'ing; steel and road construction; slinging burgers at McDonald's or a beach concession stand; or running legal files and consulting on Parliamentary Procedure issues, training organizations on membership recruitment and retention, and social media and traditional marketing and owning several businesses that provided these products and services, I have professional experiences that mix with my personal life experiences to provide a Pandora's box of topics and presentations that not only teach, but inspire (and I can also write really long sentences apparently!). And I haven't even told you about my personal experiences during my eight years of misguided college life - I think your imagination might not be able to think of everything. I hope not, anyway. There are broken souls in my wake. I have paved my way down a path that God has shown and led me down, making the way a bit less bumpy for those who follow - starting with my Wife - Mama - and our three boys - The Boyz. Growing up without guidance on so many fronts that a Man, Husband, and Dad must be able to meet head-on, I took the vocations seriously from the start, studying successful ManHusbandDads and purposefully applying the success to my own life and family; when I met my future Father-in-Law I kept a small notebook in my pocket to write down everything he did because I could tell he was exactly what a ManHusbandDad should be, though I did not even know that concept yet. Everything I do is my own making revealed by God as the path to take, including specifically rejecting the way I was raised in order to forge a new family tree from those seeds my Grandmother planted. I am not a self-made Man - God made me. I am a self-discovered ManHusbandDad, chiseled out of the vision I had of myself into the vision God has for me. My oldest son is a Dean's List student at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and my wife has earned her Master's degree from Franciscan as well. I've run my business from home for the last 20 years, and I have been the lead educator in our home school since 2010, since my oldest son was in fourth grade. Our family eats dinner every night at the dining room table and that alone will tell anybody what else our family is and does. To see me today is a vigorous denunciation of who I was half a lifetime ago, and the only one who recognizes me is the God who saved me and the woman who married me. I owe it to Him to share his love, that I have seen most perfectly echoed through Beth, with the nations, starting with my family. So I may not have the formal training to do it, but I have helped my parish and deanery and diocese in ways that tell me it is time to help others in tandem with my Wife and Boyz, so here I am, Lord. Far from perfect, I seek that goal of perfection in the Biblical sense. I make many mistakes daily and still drop the ball in relationships. But I continue to improve by remembering that defeat only happens if you don't get up one more time. What you see is what you get with me, and hopefully that makes me someone you can relate to. But in the long run, I know that I am turning the ship of multi-generational dysfunction from my own past and setting the right path for my children as what Stephen Covey would call a transitional parent - and while that is not what I planned for my life, I am very comfortable knowing that I am following God's plan for me to be a Man, Husband, and Dad. And you're invited to walk along that path with me. That path continues to unfold before us, and in Spring of 2019 God led Beth, our Boyz, and me to combine our professional, volunteer, and ministerial activities into an organization called Holy Owned and Operated. SInce then, and with the advent of the coronavirus shelter-in-place situation much of the planet finds itself in, we have been offering catechesis and faith formation as a team for free, by subscription, and with donor support.
Lori Smith
Lori Smith
What an exciting time to serve in the Church and what a blessing and privilege it is to be working with you and the Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University! My name is Lori Smith and I have been serving in the field of evangelization and catechesis since 2000, primarily in the apostolate of Christian Initiation (RCIA). With God's abundant grace, I am honored to work with a wonderful team to introduce Christ and His Church to children, teens, and adults with an emphasis on families at St. John the Baptist Parish in Chico, California in the Diocese of Sacramento. Having directed the transition from a school year model to a year-round process with a team approach, I am happy to share what I have learned along the way with you- both the successes and the failures! As the Formation Chair of our Diocesan Christian Initiation Committee, I oversee the formation of RCIA coordinators and teams in our diocese and assist in the preparation for our Rite of Election at the Cathedral. I also serve as the RCIA Assist Person for the parishes in the northern part of our diocese. After twelve years of service as a full-time RCIA Coordinator, I have recently been blessed to develop and implement a Christian Initiation for Families process which focuses on unbaptized children/teens and their parents. As a result of the formation I received in both the Lay Mission Project and Marian Catechist Apostolate, I have become passionate about assisting families to become communities of disciples who are formed to be sent as apostles into the world to help build God's kingdom on earth. A graduate of the Catechumenal Ministry Track at the St. John Bosco Conference, a task writer for the Catechetical Institute, and a St. John Bosco Conference RCIA Track presenter, I am grateful to Franciscan University for the excellent formation I have received in Catechumenal Ministry, the model for all catechesis. An avid snow skier, I also enjoy swimming and hiking. What energizes me most is using my charisms of evangelism and leadership while cooperating with God's grace for the building up of the Body of Christ and the coming of His Kingdom in its fullness! I look forward to working with you in our Father's House!
Magdalena Gutierrez
Magdalena Gutierrez
Magdalena Gutierrez studied music and business at the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She began her ministry at St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland and then served as the Coordinator of Evangelization and Hispanic Christian Initiation for the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. She is presently in D.C. working as an outreach and evangelization consultant.
May Y. Seman
May Y. Seman
Maysoun has been a mentor for the Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University since 2017. She is a seasoned catechist with 20 years of catechetical experience and currently serving at different levels of youth and family ministry at her home parish in Michigan. Born in the Christian village of Telkeppe in the Nineveh Plains of Iraq, Maysoun is multilingual. She is literate in the Arabic language and speaks her native tongue of Aramaic fluently. As a lead catechist in faith formation for the Eastern Catholic Re-evangekization Center (ECRC), Maysoun taught Prayer and Spirituality, Morality and The Role of the Catechist in the catechist certification program serving the Chaldean Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle. She is a sworn Vincentian, and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for her local Saint Vincent DePaul chapter #706. She is a gifted sacred artist. Her painting "Mary and Elizabeth-The Visitation" was awarded People's Choice Award in 2018 at the Seventh Juried Catholic Art Exhibition. Her art has been featured in Our Sunday Visitor , The Chaldean News and St. Vincent Arts. Maysoun is married with four grown children and is most proud of her most prestigious title as Nana to her three tiny munchkin grandkids. A gallery of her artwork can be viewed on her social media accounts: IG account @myseman.art , fb Blue Skies Art Studio, Etsy BlueSkiesArtStudio https://etsy.me/2XRCSLW
Tawnya Stanus (Arsenault)
Tawnya Stanus (Arsenault)
Tawnya Arsenault is a catechism teacher and Assistant at the Precious Lambs Early Learning Centre in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Development and an Ecclesial Magister in Religious Studies. She has experience working in the Philippines, Chile, and Mexico, as a speaker, teacher, and formation instructor.
Andrea Patch, MA
Andrea Patch, MA
My name is Andrea Patch and I love being Catholic. I'm passionate about sharing my faith with others through relational ministry. Once a relationship is formed, it is so fruitful to accompany people in their walk of life to find purpose and happiness through the Catholic Church. I met my husband in 2009 through a young adults group at our parish, apparently I caught his eye while I was in Eucharistic Adoration. We were married in 2012 and have been blessed with 3 children: Claire (2013), Katherine (2015), and Matthew (2019). I have been involved in many different ministries over the past ten years including: teaching Theology of the Body, diocesan and parish youth ministry, parish religious education for youth and adults, sacramental preparation, and archdiocesan evangelization and discipleship. I am currently coordinating the Totus Tuus Program, writing the religion standards for our parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and creating a culture of discipleship for Principals and DREs.
Beth Cowles, MA
Beth Cowles, MA
Beth grew up in Southeast Texas attending the local Catholic School from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Since there was no local Catholic High School, she joined the High School CYO at her parish and became a member of the Emmaus Retreat Team after Confirmation. This Team led retreats for their peers (mostly Confirmation retreats). She also became a Lector. After High School she attended Texas A&M University and became involved at St. Mary's Catholic Center. After graduating and marrying her husband, Kristofer, in 1996, she continued to work with the RCIA Team at St. Mary's and she and Kristofer also worked with the Marriage Preparation Team, putting on day-long Pre-Cana retreats with a dozen or so other couples. Beth taught Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Math in secondary schools for 10 years before transitioning to full-time ministry in the Church. She worked at St. Anthony Parish in Bryan, TX for 10 years as the Coordinator of Elementary Religious Education, did a two year stint as the High School Youth Minister, was the Deanery Rep for DREs for the Diocese of Austin for 7 years, offering training and support to catechists. Beth completed the Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization online program at Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2019. She is also a task-writer for the CI workshops. Beth and Kristofer launched a non-profit ministry, Holy Owned and Operated, Inc. in April 2020 "Helping Anyone Grow in their Catholic Faith" bringing faith and life together in ways that anyone can use whether married, single, have children or not, in ministry or not. Beth and Kristofer's oldest son is a student at Franciscan and they homeschool the two boys remaining at home. Other things that keep Beth busy are her love of cooking and baking, visiting with her extended family and friends, reading and crafting.
Brittany Doucette, MA, MTS
Brittany Doucette, MA, MTS
Brittany Doucette earned Master’s degrees in Catechetics (MA, Franciscan University of Steubenville) and Theology (MTS, Saint Meinrad), as well as a Certificate in Youth Ministry and Master Catechist Certification. She also holds a state teaching license in English and a postgraduate Certificate in Classical Learning (University of Dallas). Brittany is a proud Navy officer’s wife and mother to four children. She has lived in nine states thus far, presently stationed in North Carolina. Along the way, she has been active in Catholic education in many roles and a variety of settings, including parishes, schools, and online. She enjoys the unique opportunity at Franciscan to accompany learners from all over the world in meeting their catechetical certification and personal formation goals.
Caroline Farey, PhD
Caroline Farey, PhD
I have been working in the field of adult formation and catechist formation in particular, for 20 years. For this I have designed, written and lead parish catechetical courses, a BA in catechetics, a Licence in Catechetics and Doctoral supervision in catechetics. I received the 'message for catechists' from Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 for the Year of Faith, which was a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Deyanira Pena, MA
Deyanira Pena, MA
My name is Deyanira Pena. I married my husband, Victor, 20 years ago and have two kids: Mariana (17), and Sebastian (15). I just finished the Master's program in Catechesis and Evangelization from Steubenville and right now I am looking for a job. My priority being my kids and family, all my work in the catechetical field has been volunteer work in parishes and at a diocesan level. I enjoy sharing my faith with others, and proclaiming God’s love and His invitation to all people to participate in Jesus life has been my passion since I had my personal encounter with Him.
Gail Polselli (Toto), MA
Gail Polselli (Toto), MA
Gail Polselli (Toto) is the Director of Parish Services and Youth Ministry in Norristown, Pennsylvania. She has worked for 15 years in youth ministry and 8 years as a teacher, with additional years of catechist and liturgy coordination in-between. Her education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Theology, and a Mastery’s Degree in Theology and Pastoral Ministry.
Gary Norris, MA
Gary Norris, MA
Gary has been leading RCIA teams for the past twenty five years in the Archdiocese of Denver, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, and most recently in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He studied Theology and Catechetics at Maryvale Institute in Birmingham England and earned certification in RCIA at the St. John Bosco Conference in the early years of the conference. Gary is a member of The Association of Catechumenal Ministry, ACM, working as the current chairman of the board and a presenter for team training and catechist training. He has worked alongside his wife Patty coordinating the St John Bosco Conference RCIA Track for many years. Gary and Patty have six children and ten grandchildren.
Gloria F. Zapiain, MA
Gloria F. Zapiain, MA
Gloria F. (“Gigi”) Zapiain has been involved in catechetics on the parish and diocesan levels for more than 25 years, having served as a parish DRE and catechetical consultant for the Archdiocese of Washington and diocesan director of faith formation for the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota, and Bridgeport, Connecticut. She holds an MA in religious studies and a pontifical catechetical diploma from the Notre Dame Institute of Arlington, Virginia. She is currently director of catechesis and adult faith formation for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, a board member for the Association for Catechumenal Ministry, and an adjunct professor of catechetics at the University of Dallas.
Jason Spoolstra, MA
Jason Spoolstra, MA
Howdy! My name is Jason Spoolstra and I reside in Ohio. I was born and raised in Fort Worth, TX and by the grace of God am a cradle Catholic. My deep love for Jesus Christ was planted by my family and extended family. My initial conversion occurred while in High School and have never looked back since. I have been serving the Church since 2007 in several areas (youth, young adult, campus ministry, pilgrimages) and currently serving as the Associate Director of Marriage and Family for the Diocese of Columbus. I received my bachelors in History from the University of North Texas and my Masters in Catechesis and Evangelization from Franciscan University. My wife, Becky, and I have been married since 2008. We have 4 children: (Clare, Catherine, Elizabeth, and Gregory) as well as 3 children (Helen, Michael, and Margaret) in Heaven due to miscarriage. I enjoy spending time with my family, making content (podcasts, videos, and catechetical resources).
Jessica Valera, MA
Jessica Valera, MA
Jessica Valera currently resides in Leominster, Massachusetts and serves as a youth minister within the Archdiocese of Boston. After being involved in both national and international mission trips and catechetical opportunities as an undergraduate student at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Jessica felt the Lord calling her to pursue a deeper studying of the faith and sharing of His love with others. Therefore, after earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, she then went on to study and complete her Master of Arts degree in Catechetics and Evangelization through Franciscan University of Steubenville as well. In her leisure time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, camping, reading, traveling, sharing a good cup of coffee, and ultimately enjoying each day God blesses her with!
Jill Kerekes, MA
Jill Kerekes, MA
Jill Kerekes lives in central New Jersey with her husband and four children. She has volunteered and worked in the area of catechesis for many years and holds a Master of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Biblical Theology from the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado as well as a Master of Arts degree in Catechetics and Evangelization from Franciscan University of Steubenville (Aug 2017). In her spare time Jill is a voracious reader and loves to quilt.
Joann Roa, MA
Joann Roa, MA
I am the Director of Adult Faith Formation and the Coordinator for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. I am bilingual and have a passion for evangelization.
John Knutsen, MLitt, MA
John Knutsen, MLitt, MA
A native of Northern California, John lives with his wife and daughter in Arlington, Virginia. Baptized as an infant and raised a nominal Catholic, he drifted away in his early teens and spent many years in the wilderness of indifference and atheism, returning to the Church in 1998. His conversion story has been featured on EWTN’s The Journey Home, in short videos by the Coming Home Network, and on various Catholic radio shows and podcasts.
John holds a BA in History from the University of the Pacific, an MLitt in Ancient History from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and an MA in Theology from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in California. He has an extensive background in RCIA, adult faith formation, and catechist training at the parish and diocesan levels. John is a certified Master Catechist and has given many presentations and workshops at parishes and diocesan conferences since 2006. He served the Catholic Diocese of Arlington as Coordinator for Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation for six years, prior to which he was Director of Admissions and Recruitment at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology. Following a short detour in the federal government, he now works for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington DC.
Having discerned a religious vocation in both between 2000 and 2005, much of John's intellectual and spiritual formation has taken place within the Dominican and Cistercian traditions. He has also been deeply influenced by the early Fathers of the Church - particularly the Desert Fathers - and by Eastern Christian spirituality both Catholic and Orthodox. These days he has a particular passion for the great Christian writers of the late 19th and earlier 20th centuries such as G. K. Chesterton, Hilaire Belloc, Msgr. Ronald Knox, Frank Sheed, C. S. Lewis, St. John Henry Newman, Dom Hubert van Zeller, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Christopher Dawson, and George MacDonald.
John loves discovering obscure saints and browsing second-hand bookstores, and he has a personal library he will never be able to read through in this lifetime. He also loves travel and silent monastic retreats, but with a child at home he hasn’t been able to do either for a very long time.
Katie Torrey, MA
Katie Torrey, MA
Katie Torrey is a wife, mother, grandmother, Coordinator of Religious Education, former teacher, and someone who is passionate about formation. Born and (mostly) raised in Maryland along with four brothers, she graduated from the University of Steubenville in 1984 with a degree in Education. Following graduation she married, taught for a year, and began a family. She and her husband Dave have three adult kids and five grandchildren. Her work as a Religious Education Coordinator is a joy and a challenge; she describes it as a privilege to be allowed into the spiritual lives of her parishioners. She earned the St. John Bosco Conference DRE Certification in 2016 and is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization at Franciscan University. In her ‘spare’ time she enjoys hiking with her husband, playing with her grandchildren, reading, and travel.
Katrina Herlambang, MA
Katrina Herlambang, MA
Katrina Herlambang is currently working for Catechetical Institute as a graphics, copyrighting, and outlining assistant. She really enjoys working with the people that she is now working with. She is also currently helping out a youth ministry group in one of the local Parish in Steubenville while working on her Masters of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry with a Catechetics Specialization Program from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Previously she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Aquatic and Fishery Science with a minor in Marine Biology from the University of Washington, Seattle, and she worked in a related business field for a year. She then did full time mission work for another year before she came to Franciscan, creating and facilitating retreats, talks, and formation for all ages in multiple countries. She is happy to share what she has learned and to converse with people that she met. Katrina is looking forward to seeing how the Lord will transform her from being a fisher-(wo)man into a fisher of men!
Katrina Oteyza, MA
Katrina Oteyza, MA
Katrina Oteyza is working for the Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Mary Washington, where she served as a campus missionary with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) for two years. She is working towards a Master’s Degree in Catechetics and Evangelization from Franciscan University Steubenville. She graduated from The Catholic University of America with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, a minor in Theology with a Certification in Pastoral Ministry. She previously worked as Regional Coordinator for the Office of Social Ministries in the Diocese of Richmond. She also enjoys painting, admiring beauty in nature and spending time with others. She’s a big fan of our Blessed Mother, St. Therese of the Little Flower, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. John Paul II and other inspiring saints.
Lucas Pollice, MA
Lucas Pollice, MA
Lucas Pollice is the Associate Professor of Theology and Catechetics for the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado. He previously served as the director of Catechesis for the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas. He holds a BA in theology from Franciscan University and a master’s in theological studies from the Institute of Pastoral Theology at Ave Maria University. Lucas has worked in catechetical ministry, the RCIA process, and adult faith formation at both parish and diocesan levels. He is the author of Open Wide the Doors to Christ: Discovering Catholicism, a complete curriculum for RCIA published by Emmaus Road Publishing. Lucas and his wife, Mary, have five children and live in Denver.
Marc Cardaronella, MA
Marc Cardaronella, MA
Marc Cardaronella is Director of the Office of Discipleship & Faith Formation at the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO. He graduated from Franciscan University with a Master’s Degree in Theology and Catechetics, and served for 12 years as a parish director of religious education. Marc is the author of Keep Your Kids Catholic: Sharing Your Faith and Making It Stick, published by Ave Maria Press. His articles have appeared in CATECHIST, The Catechetical Review, and numerous websites including National Catholic Register, AmazingCatechist.com, and CatholicMom.com. Marc blogs about discipleship, catechesis, and parenting with faith at MarcCardaronella.com. He lives in Olathe, KS with his wife Shannon and their two boys John and David.
Marie Higgins, MA
Marie Higgins, MA
Marie Higgins has her BA and MA in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. She directed the Catechetical School for the Archdiocese of Denver for two years. She is currently involved in her parish, and teaches the Catechism of the Catholic Church to Catholics in her area.
Mark E. Ginter, PhD
Mark E. Ginter, PhD
j+m Praised be Jesus Christ! I am blessed to be married to Diane for over 35 years. We have 7 children and 6 grandchildren so far. Six members of our family have attended FUS. Near the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, I graduated from St. Henry's Prep Seminary in Belleville, IL. Then, I graduated with a B.A. in psychology from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN as a seminarian at St. John Vianney College Seminary. Taking some time off to discern celibacy, my first teaching job was a religion and psychology teacher at Mater Dei High School in Breese, IL. I paid for my rent of a mobile home and the boarding of my buckskin horse called "Rosanna" on a small farm by milking dairy goats. Also, I was the Director of the RCIA (experimental status) at St. Mary's Parish in Trenton, IL while also serving as the Assistant Diocesan Liaison for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. After attending the Charismatic Leader's Conference at Franciscan University in 1986, I decided to apply to the M.A. in Theology and Christian Ministry. Beginning in summer 1988, I finished by the end of 1989 and taught Christian Marriage as an adjunct. In 1990, we moved to Milwaukee, WI so that I could attend Marquette University, but I spent a year selling Encyclopaedia Britannica before becoming a full time doctoral student. In 1994, I began teaching full-time at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, WI. With the support of my wife, I defended my dissertation in Jan. 1997, "Conscience and the Holy Spirit: A Theological Anthropology Applied to Mental Health Care Ethics." We moved to southern Indiana in July 1997, so that I could take a position as Assistant Professor of Moral Theology at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. During the next 13 years at Saint Meinrad, in addition to teaching seminarians, lay people, and permanent deacon candidates, I co-wrote the Youth Liturgical Leadership Program known as One Bread, One Cup; I led the reaccreditation of the Seminary; I published numerous scholarly and popular articles; and I spoke throughout the country. Unfortunately, the Great Recession brought many external and internal changes to the Seminary. After Saint Meinrad, I ran a small family apostolate near by called St. Joseph's Holy Family, Inc. As a result, I worked more closely with many dioceses and parishes in their catechist formation. Also, I co-founded John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Jasper, IN; thankfully, we were able to keep it open for 3 years. The challenges of running a Catholic apostolate, though, led me to look elsewhere for full-time employment. After a small time in the Diocese of Venice, FL, FUS wanted to hire me as an adjunct online faculty member for the M.A. So, we moved to the Memphis area IN 2017, to help our married daughter who was expecting her first child. When St. Benedict at Auburndale High School heard that I was in the area, they invited me to teach theology. I accepted and taught high school again, 35 years after my first time. I loved bringing to school fresh cut flowers from our large garden so that faculty and students could share their beauty with each other and their families. Returning to teach high school at the beginning of this school year was more than I could handle, but, under the new leadership of Fr. Dave Pivonka, the CI asked me to join their staff full-time in Nov. 2019, in a remote capacity as Strategic Partnership Liaison Fellow. I will be focusing my energies on extending our services to the southern part of the U.S., but I will not be limited to this territory. Simply put, I wish to provide for my family by serving the Lord with abandon however he wills.
Martha Drennan, MA
Martha Drennan, MA
Martha Drennan is the director of Adult Faith Formation & Liturgy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville, Virginia. She directs parish faith formation for the adults in a 4,000-family parish in the Northern Virginia suburbs. Her work involves setting up parish missions, parish retreats and pilgrimages, guest speakers, adult formation classes, and RCIA. She also coordinates the parish liturgy, which involves working with hundreds of volunteers who serve in the various liturgical ministries. She also coordinates all parish funerals. Martha holds a bachelor’s degree in General Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. In 1998, she graduated from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with a master’s degree in Theology and Christian Ministry with a specialization in Catechetics. Martha has served in three dioceses in their catechist formation process. She has also revised the 7th Grade Image of God textbook series, both the Catechist and Student books, working under the direction of the General Editor, Mary Jo Smith. Martha is a presenter at the St. John Bosco Catechetical Conference and a member of the DRE track faculty.
Mary Ann Wiesinger, MA
Mary Ann Wiesinger, MA
Mary Ann worked for 12 years in Evangelization and Catechesis at the diocesan level forming catechists and lay leaders in California and Florida. She heads up the Spanish language initiatives for the Catechetical Institute for Franciscan University. She is married and lives in Houston, Texas with her beautiful family. Mary Ann trabajó por 12 años en la evangelización y catequesis a nivel diocesano en California y la Florida, formando a catequistas y líderes laicos. Dirige las iniciativas en español para el Instituto Catequético en la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville. Actualmente vive en Houston, Texas con su esposo y hermosa familia.
Mary E. Mosher, MA
Mary E. Mosher, MA
Mary Mosher, Auburn, N.H. As a young girl and as a teen I clearly remember two things that I really wanted to do with my life. I wanted to be married and to have many children and I wanted to serve God and His people. As I look back over my life of 70 years God has certainly blessed me with my heart’s desires and so much more! I have been married to the most wonderful man in the world for over 50 years and God has blessed us with 5 beautiful children who are all married and who serve God in their own lives. I am the grandmother of 21 grandchildren ranging from ages 23 to less than a year old. God has also granted me an adult life time of ministry in my family and in His Church. My passion in ministry is truly to catechize parents and support and teach about Catholic family life. I have formally taught the faith as a volunteer for over 37 years. I have had the privilege of writing and teaching, in my parish, a program of catechesis (The Family Program) built on the pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for 26 years. The Family Program was purchased by Sophia Press and has been adapted to suit families everywhere in our country. Sophia Press has named it "A Family of Faith". I retired from the director of family catechesis in my parish in 2017. I also served as the Director of Christian Formation for my parish and our sister parish for three years. Another area of ministry that God called me to was to be a founder of a private, Catholic, classical school that teaches children in grades 7 -12. I served as the chairman of the board of trustees as well as the Executive Director of the school. The school opened in the Jubilee Year 2000 and I retired from this ministry in 2014. It was such a joy to assist Catholic families in raising their children for Christ through this ministry. In the midst of all of these open doors, as my children were getting older, God made a way for me to attend the Franciscan University where I studied and completed my MA in theology and pastoral ministry with a concentration in catechetics. I am also certified in catechetics by the University. Currently, I serve as a team member, catechist and trainer for the RCIA. In my spare time I love to garden and to spend time with my husband and family.
Mary Jo Smith, MA
Mary Jo Smith, MA
Mary Jo Smith received her masters of theological studies from the University of Dallas Institute of Religious and Pastoral Studies. As a member of the faculty of the St. John Bosco Conference, she coordinates the catechist certification track. Mary Jo is also a marketing representative for Ignatius Press. She has co-authored the pre-school, kindergarten, and first grade curricula of the Image of God textbook series and was general editor of the series. She hosted a national cable TV series for children which appeared on EWTN. For 25 years Mary Jo was director of the pre-school/kindergarten religious education program for St. Raphael Parish in Crystal, Minnesota. Currently she is the RCIA coordinator for that parish.
Mona Anne Niedbala, MA
Mona Anne Niedbala, MA
Mona Anne Niedbala is an academic librarian by profession and worked in college and university libraries for fourteen years. She obtained a Catechetical Diploma from Catholic Distance University in 2016 and is currently a student in the Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization program with the Franciscan University of Steubenville. She lives with her husband in Norwich, Connecticut, and she belongs to the Cathedral of Saint Patrick parish where she is a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Minister of Care, and Catechist. She teaches middle school religion at Saint Joseph School in Baltic, Connecticut. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to classical music, gardening, and hiking.
Natalie Lacey, MA
Natalie Lacey, MA
Natalie Lacey is a ten-year ministry veteran who has the incredibly amazing gift to make awesomely terrible mistakes in ministry… and then learn from them! Her experience in the trenches, combined with a Masters in Theology, Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies, and Certification as Youth Ministry Leader from NFCYM, has given her a heart to reach out and encourage and form lay ministers in the important work that they are doing for our beautiful Jesus.
Paco Gavrilides, STL
Paco Gavrilides, STL
Francisco (Paco) Gavrilides received his Licentiate in the New Evangelization from Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He served at Sacred Heart as Homiletics Instructor for seminarians and Permanent deacons-in-formation for 10 years. Previous to his time in the Seminary, Paco was Evangelization Coordinator in the Archdiocese of Detroit. He was emcee for ten years for the Detroit Archdiocesan Catholic Men’s Conferences. Paco is cofounder of New Leaven, a ministry of discipleship and transformation to individuals and couples seeking a deeper transformation in Christ. Previous to his service in the diocesan and parochial structures of the Church, Paco gave 20 years of his life to lay missionary work, helping to form small ecclesial communities throughout Latin American, Spain and the United States.
Patricia Christensen, MA
Patricia Christensen, MA
Patricia Christensen lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband. She holds a BA from Virginia Tech in hospitality management and an MA in Catechetics and Evangelization from Franciscan University. Patti is the coordinator of children’s and adult formation as well as teaches sacramental preparation classes for First Communion and Reconciliation. She has been involved in starting a MOMS ministry, taught Pre-Cana classes, worked with engaged couples, and directed small group Catholic book discussion groups. She enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter, hiking, reading and cooking. Patti and her husband credit the gift of their daughter to the intercession of the Blessed Mother.
Patricia Norris
Patricia Norris
Patty is the Director of Religious Education at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Milford, OH. Involved in adult formation for many years, she specializes in the RCIA process as a speaker and seminar director for the Association for Catechumenal Ministry (ACM). She is a regular contributor to the Catechetical Review and through her column, Practically Speaking: Notes from the Parish, addresses the reality of parish life and catechetical leadership. With her husband Gary, she coordinates the RCIA Track at the St. John Bosco Conference in Steubenville, OH.
Phyllis A Sower, JCD
Phyllis A Sower, JCD
Married to John. 3 grown sons. 5 grandchildren. B.A. from Western Kentucky University in 1971 in Political Science, History and French. Grad school in Ancient History at University of Ky. J.D. from UK College of Law in 1976. Private practice of law 40+ years in estate planning, probate. Masters in Theology from Franciscan. Co-founded an independent school for Catholics which is now recognized by the diocese (am retired therefrom as administrator and teacher). Taught high school religion and parish summer apologetics courses for adults for many years. Taught some RCIA classes. Participated in community education and various organizations and protection services for children at risk. Authored a few publications - legal as well as review of parish ministry programs. Received J.C.L. from Catholic University of America in 2021 and currently in private practice of canon law alongside civil law practice.
Regina Rheingrover, MA
Regina Rheingrover, MA
Regina is a writer and online mentor for the Catechetical Institute. She has served as a parish coordinator of Adult Faith Formation, a CCD teacher, an RCIA catechist, and a family retreat leader. She currently leads a Catholic women’s study group with a focus on the Carmelite tradition. Certified as a catechist with the Archdiocese of Washington, she is working on a Master of Arts in Theology from Franciscan University. Regina holds a BS in Education from Florida State University, an MA in Special Education from the University of Maryland, and she completed a Special Education traineeship at the Georgetown University Hospital Child Development Center. She worked for twenty-five years as a librarian in a busy public library, serving patrons of all ages and walks of life, and has for many years held a monthly book discussion group for the residents of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington, DC. Her poetry has appeared in Liguorianmagazine and she published a book for children on the birth of a sibling with Down syndrome. She enjoys taking long walks, reading, family dinners with her husband and sons, and touching her feet whenever possible on the “gracious green” of Ireland.
Teresa Hawes, MA
Teresa Hawes, MA
Teresa grew up on a dairy farm in rural New York State, and has retained a love of the outdoors. She went to high school in southern Pennsylvania and attended college and graduate school in Michigan, earning a BA in English and French, and an MA in English. She then spent 25 years in France, teaching English and Religion, and completing doctoral studies in French before returning to the States via the Philippines in 2003. Certified as a K-12 French teacher in Vermont, she taught French and Religion in a parochial school setting for thirteen years, before turning to parish work, and now serves as DRE at Saint Monica Parish, Barre, Vermont. She also facilitates retreats and gives workshops on prayer in the Carmelite tradition. Alba House and Our Sunday Visitor have published her translations. Since 2004, she has regularly participated in the Franciscan University Bosco Conference, earning Certificates in the Catechist, Youth Ministry I and Youth Ministry II tracks, and is currently pursuing DRE certification. Hiking, singing and reading are hobbies she enjoys. Teresa has been a member of Our Lady of Life Institute since 1978. Its members are totally consecrated to God, called to become contemplative apostles in the world.
William O'Leary, PhD
William O'Leary, PhD
William O'Leary has been in catechetical ministry for 20 years and currently serves as the Director of Religious Formation for a large Parish in Overland Park Kansas. He is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney, Australia.
