Fr. Steven Bell, CSP, is a priest with the Missionary Society of St. Paul known also as The Paulist Fathers. Originally from Washington, DC, he was ordained in the Nation's Capital in June of 2008. He has been active in parish ministry, Newman Center ministry, and Busted Halo Ministries. He serves now as mission preacher leading parish missions and revivals, diocesan and institutional workshops, and lectures nationally and internationally focusing mainly on relational reconciliation, practical discipleship, and authentic spirituality. Alongside, he has been serving as both a faculty and board member for the seminary program of FASPE (Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics) where he engages with clergy members and professionals on ethics and decision making in the workplace and the public square.

Julianne Stanz, Storyteller, author and encourager- Julianne Stanz has been profoundly influenced by her life growing up in Ireland and is a nationally known speaker and retreat leader. Her life, like most people’s, is a wild messy place where God is at work. Julianne is the Director of Discipleship and Parish Life for the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin and is a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization. She is the author of five books including “Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace” and “Start with Jesus: How everyday disciples will renew the Church” published by Loyola Press.

Hna. Rosalía Meza, VDMF. Es la Directora de Educación Religiosa de la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles y miembro de la comunidad Verbum Dei. Ha servido en el ministerio de formación de la fe en Estados Unidos por muchos años y ha sido directora de capacitación educativa en su nativo México y también en Brasil y Colombia. Hizo su doctorado en el área de misionología en la Facultad Jesuita de Teología en Berkeley, CA, dónde también recibió su maestría en teología (M.Div) y su licenciatura en teología sagrada (S.T.L.). Actualmente es la Provincial de su comunidad.

Sr Nancy Usselmann is a Daughter of St Paul and Director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Los Angeles. She is a Media Literacy Education Specialist, writer, theologian, speaker, film/TV reviewer, and author of A Sacred Look: Becoming Cultural Mystics. Sr Nancy has a Masters in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and is working on a Doctorate of Ministry in Liturgical Catechesis from Catholic University of America. She has been on many film panels including at Sundance and a judge on the Catholic Jury at the Venice Film Festival. Sr Nancy hosts a web series called, A Catholic Lens: Sharing the Journey of Catholics in Media.

Lorraine Hess is a national published Catholic composer with GIA Publications. She is a singer, speaker, and recording artist born and raised in New Orleans; and, her music is strongly influenced by the eclectic music styles of Southern Louisiana. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University and has a master’s degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, New Orleans. She is Director of Music Ministry at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in New Orleans and has been in music ministry since the age of sixteen. Lorraine has six solo albums of original liturgical and sacred music, and produced the music video, With a Father’s Heart for the year of St. Joseph. She has performed at various national Catholic conferences such as Los Angeles Religions Education Congress, Mid-Atlantic Congress, National Association of Pastoral Musicians Conference, and has facilitated parish missions, retreats, concerts, and liturgies in the United States, Canada, and Europe. She has performed in John Angotti’s musical, JOB, The NOW Testament, and has appeared on the nationally televised shows The Power of Love hosted by the late Fr. Michael Manning, SVD and Live With Passion with Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P. She is also an ambassador for Jubilate Tours and leads pilgrimages overseas. Lorraine’s greatest vocation is that of wife and mother of four sons.

Nació en la ciudad de México. Llegó a Estados Unidos para predicar misiones parroquiales y ofrecer recursos al Ministerio Hispano. Obtuvo sus títulos académicos en la Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca en España. Escribió su tesis doctoral sobre el Ministerio Hispano en el contexto de las ciudades de Estados Unidos. En colaboración con Carmen Hernández y el Instituto Fe y Vida ha escrito materiales para el Ministerio Hispano de Estados Unidos que se han vuelto muy populares en USA y en América Latina como es la serie, Diálogos Semanales con Jesús, (Verbo Divino). Fue consultante y acompañante de RECOSS por 15 años y colaboró como consultante para el Primer Encuentro Nacional de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana. Por los últimos diez años ha trabajado en la formación continua de los sacerdotes de la Diócesis de San Bernardino, además, colaborando con todas las diócesis de California, Nevada, y Hawái, ha creado programas para que los sacerdotes estén major capacitados para servir a sus comunidades, pero se retiró de este ministerio el 31 de diciembre de 2022. Ha dado clases en programas de formación para líderes laicos en prácticamente todas las (Arqui)-Diócesis de California y Nevada, o la Región XI. Fue el director editorial para “Libros Liguori”, creando publicaciones en español para el ministerio pastoral y programas de formación de liderazgo. Enseña actualmente en el programa de Maestría en Estudios Pastorales en español de la Universidad de Santo Tomás en Houston, TX y en los programas del Centro de Estudios para la Religión y la Espiritualidad en la Universidad Loyola Marymount en Los Angeles, CA. Colabora con la Universidad de Santa Clara en California en el desarrollo de iniciativas para servir al Ministerio Hispano.

Matt Reichert directs the Center for Learning, a division of OCP, providing professional development and formation for pastoral ministers. He also co-directs the One Call Institute, co-hosts the "Open Your Hymnal" podcast, and works as a leadership consultant for the Catholic Leadership Institute. Matt has served the church in a variety of capacities. As an educator, Matt has been an administrator, board member, middle and high school teacher, and undergraduate professor. As a pastoral musician and liturgist, Matt has worked in parishes, schools, and university campus ministry. Matt is a frequent workshop leader and has presented at parishes, dioceses, and conferences across the country including NPM and NCEA conferences, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. He formerly served as director of outreach and engagement at GIA Publications and was the founding host of NPM's "Ministry Monday" podcast. Matt holds his B.A. in history and English from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and two master’s degrees from the University of Notre Dame in education and leadership. In addition to teaching and consulting, Matt is an avid reader, gardener, beekeeper, and woodworker. Matt lives in Richmond, Minnesota, with his wife and four daughters.

Deacon Art Miller, author, radio, and former television host, Viet Nam era veteran and veteran civil rights worker. Deacon Miller is the retired owner and president of A. Miller investments. Miller was ordained for the Archdiocese of Hartford in 2004. He recently retired as the director of the Office for Black Catholic Ministries. Besides his assigned parish, he is the Adjunct faculty for Holy Family Retreat Center in West Hartford CT, Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center in Farmington, CT, and The Josephinum Diaconate Institute, Columbus Ohio. Deacon Miller is a certified trainer in Dr. King’s nonviolence philosophy as well as a Certified Spiritual Director, a board member for Connecticut Center for Nonviolence, Connecticut against Gun Violence org, and consultant with New England Public Schools. Has received awards for his work for peace from Anti-Defamation League, National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, Connecticut 100 Black Men, Archdiocese of Hartford Award for Social Justice, Hartford Courant Newspaper’s Hometown Hero Award, Connecticut Peace Center Man of the year and several others. To this day he continues to address 21st-century examples of the societal tendency to embrace violence. Echoing the thoughts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he believes that as part of the great human experience, no one can sit idly tolerant of the great injustices that happen anywhere in the world. If God were to give us an 11th commandment,” Deacon Miller proposes, “I believe it would read: Thou shall not be a bystander.”

Doug Tooke is the Vice President of Mission and Creative Development for the Renovo Media Group. With Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Philosophy and Theology and a Masters in Pastoral Ministry he has over twenty-five years of professional ministry experience. He has traveled to over 100 Diocese in the past 25 years teaching, keynoting conventions, and training ministers. He is a recipient of the National Catholic Youth Ministry Award from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Doug is married to his wife Becky and lives in Helena, MT with their five daughters.

Amy McEntee earned her MA in Theological Studies from the University of Dayton and has ministry experience in the areas of faith formation for children, youth, and adults. Amy has presented locally, nationally and virtually particularly in the areas of catechist formation, young adult ministry and technology in ministry. Currently she is the Publisher for RCL Benziger, a reluctant runner and avid reader. She lives with her husband, Patrick, in Dayton, Ohio.

Michael Ruzicki is the training and events manager at Liturgy Training Publications and the director of sacred music and liturgy for St. Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Chicago. He is a former team member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. Michael is the author of Guide for Training Initiation Ministers: An Introduction to the RCIA (LTP) and serves as the emcee and coordinator of LTP’s National Gathering on Christian Initiation. He studied at the Catholic University of America and the Washington Theological Union.

Steve Botsford is Vice President, Catechetical Learning for William H. Sadlier, Inc. He holds a master of religious education degree from Loyola University, New Orleans; a master of business administration through the University of Phoenix; a certificate of church management from Villanova University, and is a master catechist in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. After converting to the Catholic faith in 1992, he became a catechist to help others learn about God’s love—the same love he experienced during his conversion. He served over ten years in parish ministries as a youth minister and DRE. As a blogger, Steve explores catechesis and technology at www.Transforming Catechesis.com, and contributes to We Believe and Share, published by Sadlier. In addition, Steve was part of the Digital Disciples Network committee which developed the Digital Disciple Technology Competencies for Ministry.

Kathy Hendricks is a National Religion Consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc. and a contributing writer for their Christ In Us and We Believe catechetical program and other resources. She has over 25 years of experience working in Catholic schools, parishes, and dioceses, and is a certified spiritual director. She holds a bachelor of arts in elementary education from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in adult Christian community development from Regis University in Denver. She received her certification as a spiritual director from Benet Hill Center. Kathy is author of several books, including Seeking Spiritual Balance in an Off-Kilter World and Forming Families in Faith. Her articles have appeared in numerous magazines. Kathy brings her audiences on a profound and deeply personal journey through the heart and soul of catechesis. Her many years of working with families give her the tools to present clear and practical ways for parents and children to recognize the presence of God in their homes and in their lives. Her talks are filled with real-life examples, solid theology, and an abiding sense of spirituality that acknowledges the sacred in everyday life. Kathy is equally adept at keynote presentations, retreats, catechist and teacher training sessions, parent gatherings, and workshops for pastoral ministers. She presents a model of Catholic discipleship that is compassionate, inspiring and fully grounded in Church teaching.

Koren Ruiz ha estado involucrado en el ministerio Hispano durante los últimos 20 años, principalmente con los jóvenes y la música. Él ha sido consultor de Corresponsabilidad durante la última década y es presidente de su propia compañía de consultoría, la cual se enfoca principalmente en implementar el concepto de corresponsabilidad con la comunidad Latina en la Iglesia Católica. Koren y su esposa Jessica son directores de coro en la parroquia de Ascensión en Portland Oregón; también son compositores, artistas y presentadores de talleres con la Editora de Oregon Catholic Press (OCP). Koren actualmente sirve como Director de Iniciativas Hispanas para OCP y tiene una licenciatura en Administración de Empresas y otra en Psicología Organizacional de la Universidad Western Oregón; también posee una Maestría en Administración de Empresas de la Universidad de Portland.

Erika De Urquidi is Bilingual Editor for Pflaum Publishing, a division of Bayard, Inc. Erika grew up in Mexico and arrived in the United States after getting married, 27 years ago. She has a Law Degree from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. Erika has many years of experience in teaching, both in public and Catholic schools in Mexico and in the United States. Since her high school years, she has actively served the Church as a catechist, speaker, member of her Parish Council and leader of her Diocese´s Youth Ministry. Erika collaborates with different divisions of Bayard, Inc. She is responsible for the translation and inculturation of Pflaum Publishing Group resources. Erika lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her husband, Tomás, and their two children, Tomás and Sofía.

Leticia S. Perez es la coordinadora arquidiocesana de Iniciación Cristiana para la Arquidiócesis de Los Angeles. Su trabajo es proveer recursos, entrenamientos, retiros, materiales, crear eventos arquidiocesanos, contestar dudas y apoyar en las diferentes situaciones que pudieran surgir a los coordinadores de las diferentes parroquias de la Arquidiócesis de Los Angeles. Ella también es presentadora de diferentes ministerios litúrgicos de su arquidiócesis. Mas de 17 años de experiencia en Iniciación Cristiana. Tiene varios certificados de LMU, participo en FORUM y es Máster Catequesis por la Arquidiócesis de Los Angeles. Presentadora en diferentes Congresos de la Arquidiócesis y de LTP.

Dr. Joseph White converted to the Catholic Faith while in graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He later studied Catholic Theology at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. Dr. White served as a parish Director of Faith Formation for two years, and then worked for seven years as Director of Family Counseling and Family Life for the Diocese of Austin, Texas. He now works as Associate Publisher for Catechetical Resources for Our Sunday Visitor Publishing. Dr. White has written twelve books and numerous articles about catechesis, Catholic education, spirituality and ministry, including Listening for God in Everyday Life and the Companion to the Directory for Catechesis. He is co-author of the Allelu and Alive in Christ religion series.

Carisa Lopez-Ramirez has the honor of serving at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada for more than 24 years. Her career started in 1999 as a Case Manager for the St. Vincent Apartments. She transferred to the Meals-on Wheels Program to begin a pilot position as a Care Coordinator serving homebound seniors. This position led to her first management position in which she provided guidance and oversight to the following programs: Medical Nutrition Therapy, Senior Medication Program and Commodity Supplemental Food Program. She was offered the directorship position for the agency’s Migration and Refugee Services in November 2005 and shortly promoted to Vice President of Immigration and Migration Services (VP). As the VP, she is responsible for the overall operation of the agency’s Adult Education Services, Immigration Services, and Migration and Refugee Services. In this role, she coordinates and gives guidance to all refugee service providers statewide in the capacity as the Nevada State Refugee Coordinator.