Our Speakers for 2023
Vocations Ministry
The Diocese of Reno
Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford
Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford found Jesus Christ in a powerful way in college and have devoted their lives to sharing the joy of his truth ever since. They speak frequently across the country (and in Europe, Australia, and the Philippines) on dating, marriage, the moral and spiritual life, St. John Paul II, and Sacred Scripture. Together, they are the authors of Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships and cohosts of Ascension’s What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith, filmed in Rome. Sarah is the author of Emotional Virtue: A Guide to Drama-free Relationships and cohost of EWTN’s At the Heart of Relationships. She is also a contributor to Ascension’s Chosen. Andrew is Professor of Theology at Benedictine College and author of What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith and A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament, both published by Ascension. He is also general editor and contributor to Ascension’s Great Adventure Catholic Bible and host of Ascension’s Bible studies on Romans and Hebrews. Andrew and Sarah live in Atchison, KS with their six children. You can find more information on their website: theswaffords.com.
Fr. Pablo Gadenz
Father Pablo Gadenz is associate professor of Sacred Scripture at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD, where he also works as a formation advisor and spiritual director. He is the author of the volume, The Gospel of Luke, in the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture series. He holds a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and a licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute. Ordained in 1996, he is a priest of the Diocese of Trenton and has taught in seminaries since 2008.
Padre Pablo Gadenz es profesor asociado de Sagrada Escritura en el Mount St. Mary’s Seminary en Emmitsburg, MD, donde también trabaja en la dirección espiritual y formación de los seminaristas. Es el autor del volumen, The Gospel of Luke, en la colección Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Es doctor en teología por la Pontificia Universidad Gregoriana y licenciado en Sagrada Escritura por el Pontificio Instituto Bíblico. Ordenado en 1996, es sacerdote de la Diócesis de Trenton y enseña en seminarios desde 2008.
- KEYNOTE : Friday 7pm Spanish – El camino hacia y desde Emaús: Escritura, Eucaristía y Misión
- KEYNOTE: Saturday 11am English – The Road to and from Emmaus: Scripture, Eucharist, and Mission
Aly Aleigha Band
Aly Aleigha is a full-time Indie-Folk Singer/Songwriter and Worship Leader based in Duluth, MN. A 2015 graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, Aly’s studies in Theology and catechetics, along with her adventures & her personal, heartfelt stories have served as inspirations for her songwriting, which both rattle and comfort the soul of the listener.
Madeleine Dobrowski
Maddie Dobrowski is a cradle-Catholic from the great Midwest, who currently resides in Spokane, WA. She spends her time reading, teaching literature, studying philosophy, and enjoying the PNW with her husband. She has served in various parish ministry roles throughout the years and is passionate about helping people encounter the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Her most recent adventures include studying for her MA in Philosophy at Holy Apostles College and Seminary and working on various writing projects, including her new book, The Lord of the Rings and Catholicism.
Katherine Angulo
*This session will be in spanish
Como directora del Programa de la Iniciativa Prosperando en el Ministerio, Katherine dirige cuatro importantes esfuerzos para promover esta iniciativa, tres de los cuales cuentan con el apoyo de Lilly Endowment, Inc. Katherine trabaja para preparar líderes pastorales a largo plazo, con los cimientos sólidos para un líder católico en el ministerio pastoral en la Iglesia; proporciona renovación intelectual y espiritual para los sacerdotes diocesanos invitados al Programa Bishop John M. D’Arcy para la Renovación Sacerdotal; y se está asociando con Iskali para crear culturas de afiliación en la Iglesia católica hispana en los Estados Unidos a través del Young Adult Innovation Hub. La cuarta iniciativa, generosamente apoyada por Gibney, busca volver a proponer a la Sagrada Familia de Nazaret como fundamento para la renovación catequética dentro de la Iglesia hispana doméstica. Este programa se está poniendo a prueba en la Arquidiócesis de San Antonio y la Diócesis de Raleigh.
As the Program Director of the Thriving in Ministry Initiative, Katherine directs four important outreach efforts, three of which are supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc. Katherine works to prepare pastoral leaders for long-term ministry in the Church in the Strong Foundations for Catholic Leaders program; provides intellectual and spiritual renewal for invited diocesan priests in the Bishop John M. D’Arcy Program in Priestly Renewal; and is partnering with Iskali to create cultures of affiliation in the Hispanic Catholic Church in the United States through the Young Adult Innovation Hub. The fourth initiative, generously supported by Gibney, seeks to re-propose the Holy Family of Nazareth as the foundation for catechetical renewal within the domestic Hispanic Church. This program is being piloted in the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the Diocese of Raleigh.
Fr. Chuck Durante
Fr. Chuck Durante is currently rector at St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral and Vicar General for the Diocese of Reno. A native of Reno, Nevada, Fr. Chuck has served in various parishes and ministries in Reno and Carson City, including high school chaplain, Diocesan Vocation Director, parochial vicar and pastor. He is the chair of the Life, Peace & Justice Commission of the Diocese of Reno.
-Fr. Chuck Durante, Vicar General of the Diocese of Reno
Fr. Peter Fonseca
Fr. Peter Fonseca, a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, holds an MA in theology, a MS in bioethics and a MDiv. He serves as the director of continuing formation for priests in the Archdiocese of St. Louis while pursuing doctoral studies. Additionally, he serves as a consultor to various parties in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the greater St. Louis area on bioethical issues while teaching bioethics to high school seniors. Fr. Fonseca has presented at various conferences / seminars across the country and has contributed to local television and national radio programs. He is frequently called upon to provide consultations for health care systems, private corporations, and individuals across the country on various bioethical issues.
- Death with Dignity: A Catholic Perspective FRI 101
- Accompanying Women Facing a Crisis Pregnancy: Upholding the Church’s teachings while assisting the mother in need. FRI 303
- Saturday Parent Track: Male and Female He Created Them: Sound Ethical and Pastoral Guidance to Navigate Gender Ideology. SAT 205
Allison Gingras
Allison Gingras is a Deacon’s wife and mom of three. Allison is a Catholic new media specialist working with Catholic Mom, Family Rosary, and the Fall River Diocese. She hosts A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras podcast and is blessed to be a co-host of the Catholic Momcast.
Allison is an award-winning author who shares her faith with humor and honesty on ReconciledToYou.com, in books, presentations, videos, and retreats.
She developed the Stay Connected Journals for Women series including her two volumes — The Gift of Invitation and Seeking Peace: A Spiritual Journey from Worry to Trust. Her new book, Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (Ave Maria Press) recounts the remarkable adoption of her profoundly deaf daughter and how she taught her the faith through the Catholic Church’s sacramentals and devotions.
She has also contributed to a number of books, including The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers, Called by Name Devotional, and The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion. Coming January 2023, the Living the Word Catholic Women’s Bible (Ave Maria Press), of which she is a contributor—providing four reflections.
Messy Family Project Mike & Alicia Hernon
Michael and Alicia Hernon are on a mission to empower parents to embrace their sacred calling which they believe is the key to the renewal of the Church and our society. Their ministry, The Messy Family Project, began as a podcast and has grown into a multi-media platform that provides free resources to couples to help them nurture their marriage as well as build a Catholic culture within their home. Although the podcast reaches over 38,000 families every month, the Hernon’s also travel throughout the United States inspiring husbands and wives to have deeper conversations and giving them the insight, inspiration, and practical tools to do so. They reside in Steubenville, OH, and are parents to ten children and grandparents to five. Learn more about them & their ministry at www.messyfamilyproject.org
Dr. William Keimig
Dr. Bill Keimig is the Deputy Director of the Catechetical Institute 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 70 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.
- Teaching Catechesis for Conversion: For parish leaders, DREs, and catechists FRI 103
- Growing People in the Eucharist and Fostering Fruitful Missionary Disciples: How the Catechetical Institute can help your parish or school. FRI 304
- The Family as the Context of Catechesis: For parents & for those in the parish who serve them. SAT 305
Laura Kolbe
Laura Kolbe is a certified instructor with Healing the Culture, where she trains students and adults in the philosophical foundations of the pro-life movement. She previously worked as a high school theology teacher and campus minister in Washington State. Laura is a wife and mother of five children. She is a founding parent and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame, a joyfully classical Catholic high school in Spokane, WA.
Diana Macalintal
Diana Macalintal is the cofounder and codirector of TeamRCIA and Liturgy.life and is a widely recognized leader in the areas of the catechumenate and Catholic liturgy and music. With a Master of Arts in Theology from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, she served in campus, parish, and diocesan ministries for over 30 years. She is a prolific author and speaker, a published liturgical composer, and serves on the advisory boards of several national Catholic organizations. Find her with her husband, Nick Wagner, at TeamRCIA.com.
Michael Nizankiewicz
Michael Nizankiewicz – SVDPS International Territorial Vice President
Michal Nizankiewicz worked in executive and leadership roles with the non-profit sector for over 40 years and is now retired. He has been a member of the St. Vincent de Paul society since 1988, and Mike has served in multiple positions with increasing levels of authority and responsibility within SVDPS. He is one of twelve International Territorial Vice Presidents across the globe for the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Katie Patrizio
Katie Patrizio is a Catholic speaker and teacher best known for her talks on Scripture. She holds degrees in philosophy and theology and hosts a weekly podcast called Sunday Dive. She has worked in parish formation for over a decade and currently serves as Director of Faith Formation at St. Francis of Assisi in West Des Moines, Iowa, the largest Catholic parish in the state.
Matthew Schambari
Matthew Schambari currently serves as the President of Bishop Manogue Catholic High School and oversees the Catholic Schools Office for the Diocese of Reno. He has worked in Catholic high schools across three dioceses for over twenty years, working with thousands of teens throughout his career. Matt brings experience as a Campus Minister, Theology Teacher, Administrator, and Head of School. He has led countless retreats and workshops and offered numerous presentations around teens and teenage spirituality. He and his wife Sally have three children and reside in Reno, Nevada.
Joshua Snow
Hello! My name is Josh Snow and I’m the Team Director for the FOCUS Missionaries at UNR this year. I’m originally from Kansas City, MO, and this is my 8th year on staff with FOCUS. I graduated from Benedictine College where I met my wife, Annie, who is from Reno. We have 2 beautiful daughters, Lena (age 4) and Avonlea (age 1), and we are expecting a baby boy at the end of September! We feel blessed to serve the students at UNR and live close to family. I previously served with FOCUS at the University of South Dakota and Idaho State University before coming to UNR. I love food, playing ping pong and other sports, watching movies, and sharing the joy of the Catholic faith with people.
Nick Wagner
Nick Wagner is the cofounder and co-director of TeamRCIA.com. He has a gift for translating theological principles into simple and clear language that inspires joy, commitment, and passion for faith. With more than 35 years of experience, he has become a leading voice and trainer in Catholic liturgical and catechetical ministries. He has worked in campus, parish, and diocesan positions, as well as in religious publishing, and he holds a master’s degree from Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota. Nick is the author of many publications including Field Hospital Catechesis: The Core Content for RCIA Formation.
- “Go. Heal the Wounds” — Become a Field-Hospital for Faith FRI 104
- Seek the Living God — Five Questions for Conversion FRI 203
- Six principles for turning seekers into missionary disciples. SAT 103
Fr. Donald Wolf
Fr. Wolf is a native of Wheatland, OK. He holds Bachelor of Philosophy and a Master of Divinity degrees from St. Meinrad School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Seabury-Western School of Theology, Chicago. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in 1981 and has served in a variety of parishes throughout the Archdiocese. Fr. Wolf is currently the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish and Rector of the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City. In addition, he hosts ‘Living Catholic’, a weekly radio program, and serves as Moderator and Spiritual Director of the Cursillos de Cristiandad in the archdiocese.
El Padre Wolf es nativo de Wheatland, OK. Tiene una Licenciatura en Filosofía y una Maestría en Teología de la Escuela de Teología St. Meinrad y un Doctorado en Ministerio de la Escuela de Teología Seabury-Western, Chicago. Fue ordenado sacerdote para la Arquidiócesis de Oklahoma City en 1981 y ha servido en una variedad de parroquias en toda la Arquidiócesis. El Padre Wolf es actualmente el párroco de la Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón y Rector del Santuario Beato Stanley Rother en la ciudad de Oklahoma. Además, presenta ‘Living Catholic’, un programa de radio semanal, y se desempeña como moderador y director espiritual de los Cursillos de Cristiandad en la arquidiócesis.
- “Bread for the Journey” – The Eucharistic Missionary Pilgrimage of Blessed Father Stanley Rother FRI 102
- “Bread for the Journey” – The Eucharistic Missionary Pilgrimage of Blessed Father Stanley Rother SAT 201
- EM-S “El Pan Para el Camino” – La Peregrinación Misionera Eucarística del Beato Padre Stanley Rother SAT-307