Rev. D. Agustín Mateo Ayala
St. Rose of Lima
Párroco de la iglesia Santa Rosa de Lima en Gaithersburg, MD. Nació en Navarra, España, en 1963 y fue ordenado sacerdote en 1990 en la Diócesis de Calahorra-La Calzada, Logroño, La Rioja, España. Más de treinta años de servir en Estados Unidos. En septiembre del 2003 fue incardinado como sacerdote de la Arquidiócesis de Washington. Ha fungido como párroco de Nuestra Señora Reina de las Américas, Washington, DC (2004 - 2008) y San Gabriel, Silver Spring, MD (2008 – 2014). Se ha desempeñado como vicario parroquial de la Catedral de San Mateo y de St. James. Entre sus múltiples contribuciones al ministerio hispano se destacan su rol como director espiritual de la Renovación Carismática, de Encuentros Matrimoniales; profesor del Instituto del Nordeste, Instituto Pastoral de la Universidad Católica, Instituto Laico Teológico de Virginia, Instituto Laical de Washington, DC, programa catequético de Corazones Ardientes y colaborador del Tribunal Eclesiástico. El padre Agustin también ha sido columnista de El Pregonero. En su tierra natal fue vicario parroquial de la iglesia San Miguel en la Rioja y notario del Tribunal Matrimonial en la Diócesis de Calahorra, La Calzada-Logroño. En Alemania fue párroco y capellán de comunidades inmigrantes italianas, portuguesas e hispanas, y también capellán de cárceles.
Sister Nancy Bauer, OSB
The Catholic University of America
Sr. Nancy is a Sister of Saint Benedict of Saint Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota and is on the faculty of the School of Canon Law at The Catholic University of America.
T.J. Berden
ODB Films
T.J. is VP of Development and Production for ODB Films, dedicated to artfully made, spiritually rich films. After graduating from Loyola University Chicago, T.J. moved to Hollywood working on the marketing campaigns for speciality films such as Expelled, The Stoning of Soraya M., Waiting for ‘Superman’ and The Tree of Life. In 2014, alongside President/CEO of ODB Films Eric Groth and Writer/Director Andrew Hyatt, T.J. produced Full of Grace, an award-winning film distributed via Cinedigm. In 2018, he produced Paul, Apostle of Christ that was released by Sony Pictures, earning 22m+ world-wide.
Sr. Faustina Bianchi
Sisters of Life
Originally from CT, Sr. Faustina is the youngest of eight children and has a twin sister. She studied psychology and nursing prior to entering the Sisters of Life in 2009. She currently serves as the assistant Vocation Director. She loves life, all things rustic, but Jesus most of all! And yes, Jesus I trust in You, is her motto.
Mitch Boersma
Leonine Forum
Mitch Boersma is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Leonine Forum, and COO of the Catholic Information Center. He lives in Fairfax, Virginia with his wife Rosie and three children.
Javier W. Bustamante
The Catholic University of America
Javier is the Director of the Center for Cultural Engagement at The Catholic University of America. He is responsible for implementing, coordinating and supporting a comprehensive program of social, cultural, intellectual, spiritual, governance and community service programs that complement the academic mission of the university.
Fr. Shawn Carey
Archdiocese of Boston's deaf Apostolate
Fr. Shawn Carey is one of the few Deaf priests in the United States and now works as the Director for the Archdiocese of Boston's deaf Apostolate and as a Parochial Vicar for the Braintree Collaborative (two parishes in one town). He also has led and coordinated Deaf Catholic Youth on World Youth Day pilgrimages - Sydney 2008, Madrid 2011, Rio de Janeiro 2013 and Krakow 2016. In his spare time, Fr. Shawn enjoys CrossFit, cycling, skiing, playing soccer, reading, movies, and traveling.
Robert Christian
Millennial
Robert Christian is the editor of Millennial, an online periodical by millennial Catholics on religion, politics, and culture. His writing has appeared at the Washington Post, Time Magazine, Catholic News Service, the National Catholic Reporter, Our Sunday Visitor, Crux, Commonweal, US Catholic, and various other publications.
Kim Daniels
Georgetown University
Kim Daniels is the Associate Director of Georgetown University's Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life. Kim is a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication and has been an advisor to the U.S. bishops and Catholic organizations on issues such as immigration, human life and dignity, religious liberty, and care for creation. She is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Chicago Law School, and she and her husband have six children.
Leonard J. DeLorenzo
University of Notre Dame
Leonard J. DeLorenzo, Ph.D., is director of undergraduate studies at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, where he also teaches in the theology department. Among his areas of expertise are the theology of the communion of saints, Christian spirituality, young adult faith formation, and character development. He is the author of four books, including one on the communion of saints ('Work of Love', UND Press 2017) and empowering young Catholics for life's big decisions ('What Matters Most', Ave Maria 2018). Visit him online at leonardjdelorenzo.com.
Aaron Dominguez
The Catholic University of America
Aaron Dominguez is the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and an Ordinary Professor of Physics at The Catholic University of America. His main area of research is in using particle colliders to search for new physics, including the recently discovered Higgs boson. He received his undergraduate degrees from Whitman College and Caltech, his Ph.D. in physics from UC San Diego and was a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. As the Dean of the School of Arts and Science, Dr. Dominguez leads 17 departments and seven interdisciplinary programs in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences at the University.
Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C.
Catholic Apostolate Center
Fr. Frank is Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center. He also teaches and does pastoral ministry at The Catholic University of America.
Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville
Archdiocese of Washington
Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1985. His pastoral ministry has included parishes in the Archdiocese of Washington, serving as vice president for mission for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington and director of the Spanish Catholic Center, as well as adjunct spiritual director for St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington. He was named an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington by Pope Francis in 2015 and in this capacity, he serves the Archdiocese as moderator of Ethnic Ministry.
Msgr. Ray East
St. Teresa of Avila Parish
Msgr. Ray East is a nationally recognized speaker and Pastor of St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Washington, D.C.
Elise Crawford Gallagher
Catholic Women in Business
Elise Crawford Gallagher is the Founder & CEO of RINGLET Studio. RINGLET is a digital marketing agency that serves women-owned small businesses in the D.C. area. She is also the Co-Founder & President of Catholic Women in Business, a non-profit with the goal of providing Catholic women business owners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders with the educational and spiritual resources they need to excel in their vocation to business.
Abigail Galván
Religious Freedom Institute
Abigail Galván is Director of Development at the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI), a non-profit that works to advance religious freedom around the world. Prior to joining the RFI, she helped devise, finance, and launch the Bethlehem Museum for Heritage and Culture in Bethlehem, Palestine. The proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, Abigail holds a B.Sc. in International Politics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.
Dulce Gamboa
Bread for the World
Dulce Gamboa is a native Mexican, who currently resides in Washington D.C. She studied political science at Centro de Investigacion y Docencia Economicas (CIDE) in Mexico City and received her Master’s degree in Political Management from George Washington University. Currently, she works at Bread for the World (Bread) as Latino Engagement Associate. Bread is a Christian-advocacy organization based in Washington D.C. that urges Congress to eradicate hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world.
Eric Groth
ODB Films
Eric Groth is President/CEO of ODB Films. He has served as directory of high school campus ministries at Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford, IL and coordinator of evangelization programs for Cultivation Ministries. ODB Films is an award-winning not-for-profit Catholic video production ministry. Over the past 13 years, ODB has produced 250 short films, including the 60-film Video Catechism series for teens. In January 2016, ODB released its first feature film, Full of Grace. The film received a Gabriel Award for “Best Family Feature” in June 2016. Partnering with Sony AFFIRM Films, ODB launched its first theatrical release, Paul, Apostle of Christ.
Ryan Hehman
A Simple House
Ryan Hehman is the Washington, D.C. Director of A Simple House of Sts. Francis and Alphonsus, a Catholic inner-city mission that serves the poor through friendship evangelization. Ryan has been a missionary with A Simple House since he graduated from Catholic University in 2006.
Joanna and Edward Herrera
Pontifical John Paul II Institute
Joanna and Edward are both graduates of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute. Edward is the Director for the Office of Marriage and Family Life in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Joanna homeschools their three children. They reside in Parkville, MD with their children, Max, Lucy, and Grace.
Jeanné L. L. Isler
Faith in Public Life
Jeanné is dedicated to building bridges between groups to find new ways to build just and empowered communities. Her Roman Catholic faith informs how she does this. In addition to her work at the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, she has served in various ministry capacities at St. Augustine Parish in Washington, D.C. and currently serves as a board member of Faith in Public Life.
Br. John-Mary of Jesus Crucified
Discalced Carmelite Friar
Br. John-Mary is a Discalced Carmelite Friar studying theology at Catholic University in D.C. Originally from Alabama, he studied Wireless Engineering at Auburn University before answering God's call to Carmel in 2015. Following in the footsteps of Saints John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, he has devoted his life to contemplative prayer and apostolic service in union with Jesus Christ.
Sarah Kaczmarek
Alpha Catholic
Sarah is the Associate Director of Alpha Catholic, co-founder of the Millennial Church Conference, and the Director of Pastoral Care with Encounter Ministry School. She holds a BA in English Literature from John Carroll University and an MA in Counseling from Oakland University. She believes and prays passionately for the evangelization of this generation.
Timothy P. O'Malley
University of Notre Dame
Timothy P. O'Malley, PhD is Director of Education at the McGrath Institute for Church Life and a professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of Off the Hook: God, Love, Dating, and Marriage (Ave Maria Press, 2018) and Bored Again Catholic: How the Mass Could Save Your Life (Our Sunday Visitor, 2017).
Dr. Catherine R. Pakaluk
The Catholic University of America
Dr. Catherine R. Pakaluk is an Assistant Professor of Social Research and Economic Thought at the Tim and Steph Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America. Her primary areas of research include economics of education and religion, family studies and demography, and Catholic social thought. Pakaluk lives in Maryland with her husband Michael and their eight children.
Monsignor Panke
Saint John Paul II Seminary
Monsignor Panke, a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, is the Rector of the Saint John Paul II Seminary in Washington, DC. He is also the Director of Clergy Formation for the Archdiocese of Washington and oversees the formation for seminarians, the continuing formation for priests, and the formation for candidates to the permanent diaconate.
Fr. Ivan Pertine
Saint John Society
FR. IVÁN PERTINÉ is the Director of the Saint John Society, a Society of Apostolic Life dedicated to the New Evangelization which works in Argentina, Uruguay, Italy, and the United States. After being ordained in 2001, Fr. Iván spent 14 years as a missionary priest in Argentina, where he led programs of evangelization for high school and college students, and among the poor. He holds a License Degree in Philosophy; and an STB in Theology by the Pontifical Catholic University of Buenos Aires – Argentina He has been serving in the United States for the last three years where he has charge of the Saint John Society’s house of formation in Washington, DC and serves as the Catholic Chaplain at American University. Learn more about The Saint John Society at www.socsj.org.
Most Reverend Christophe Pierre
Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
Archbishop Christophe Pierre was born on January 30, 1946 in Rennes, France. He competed his primary education in Antisirabé, Madagascar, and his secondary schooling in Saint-Malo, France, and in Marrakech, Morocco. He attended the Major Seminary of the Archdiocese of Rennes (1963-1969) and the Catholic Institute of Paris (1969-1971). He did the Military Service from July, 1965, to October, 1966. Was ordained a priest on April 5, 1970, in Saint-Malo, France and incardinated in the Archdiocese of Rennes. He was Parochial Vicar of the St. Peter and St. Paul Parish in Colombes, Diocese of Nanterre, France (1970-1973). He has a Master in Sacred Theology (Paris, 1971) and a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome (1973-1977). He completed his studies at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, in Rome (1973-1977), and started his service in the Diplomatic Corps of the Holy See on March 5, 1977. He was appointed first to the Pontifical Representation in New Zealand and the Islands of the Pacific Ocean (1977-1981). Subsequently he served in Mozambique (1981); in Zimbabwe (1982-1986); in Cuba (1986-1989); in Brazil (1989-1991); at the Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland (1991-1995). He was elected Titular Archbishop of Gunela on July 12, 1995, and received the Episcopal Consecration on September 24, 1995, in Saint-Malo, France. Archbishop Christophe Pierre was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti, on July 12, 1995, where he served until 1999. He has been the Papal Representative to Uganda (19992007) and to Mexico (2007-2016). On April 12, 2016 His Holiness Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America. Archbishop Pierre speaks French, Italian, English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Gloria Purvis
Northwest Pregnancy Center
Gloria Purvis, a graduate of Cornell University, serves on the Board of the Northwest Pregnancy Center and Maternity home in Washington DC and on the Catholic Advisory Board for Ave Maria Mutual Funds. She is also a lay consultant to the USCCB’s religious liberty committee. She has taught Natural Family Planning, and served on the National Black Catholic Congress’ Leadership Commission on Social Justice and chairs Black Catholics United for Life and is the host of the popular morning drive time show Morning Glory on EWTN Global Catholic Radio.
Jonathan Reyes
USCCB
Dr. Jonathan Reyes is the Assistant General Secretary for Integral Human Development for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Executive Director for Justice Peace and Human Development. Before going to Washington DC, he helped co-found Christ in the City and the Augustine Institute, served as President and CEO of Catholic Charities in Denver, served as Vice President for FOCUS and was a professor and the Academic Vice President for Christendom College. He was a Rackham Graduate Fellow at the University of Michigan and completed his doctoral studies in intellectual History from the University of Notre Dame.
Greg & Jacqueline Schleppenbach
USCCB & Global Solutions
Jacqueline is a business and social entrepreneur; the founder of Sovereign Global Solutions and founder and Executive Director of the International Catholic Legislators Network- Western Hemisphere (2016). She is a pro-life and religious freedom activist, a member of Regnum Christi, and a founding board member of the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast among other things. She is passionate about helping women to discern their call to marriage and make wise choices in the men they choose to marry. Greg and Jacqueline were married in November 29, 2013 and live happily ever after in Alexandria, Virginia. Greg Schleppenbach is the Associate Director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. In this role, Greg helps develop strategies and policy positions on abortion, bioethical issues such as euthanasia, end-of-life care, and human embryo research. Prior to joining the USCCB, Greg worked for the Nebraska Catholic Conference for 25 years, 23 as the State Pro Life Director and the last 2 as Executive Director. Greg and his wife Jacqueline live in Alexandria, VA.
Fr. Greg Shaffer
Assumption Church of DC
Fr Greg grew up in Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Bethesda and attended Gonzaga HS and the University of Maryland. He found his vocation to the priesthood in the Eucharist after a priest said to him in college, "'this is my body' MEANS this is my body".
Mark K. Shriver
Save the Children
Mark K. Shriver is senior vice president of U.S. Programs and Advocacy at Save the Children, and CEO of its political advocacy arm, Save the Children Action Network. Shriver created the Choice Program and is a former Maryland state legislator. He is the bestselling author of two books, Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis and A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver. Shriver lives with his wife, Jeanne, and their three children, Molly, Tommy and Emma, in Maryland.
Gerald D Smith Jr
St. Thomas More
Gerald Smith is a Native Washingtonian that has worked as an educator within the ADW for seven years. After teaching science at St. Thomas More Catholic Academy and Bishop McNamara High School, Gerald has taken a leadership role as principal at St. Thomas More.
Caitlin Smith + Fritz Schloss
L’Arche
At L’Arche Greater Washington DC, core members (people with intellectual disabilities) have transformed our world, and work toward become a more human society. Core members and their Assistants will share their experience of making known and celebrating the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities. Moving beyond our society’s simple acceptance and accommodation of disability, we value and honor the significant contributions people with disabilities make in our communities and in our churches.
Fr. Larry Swink
Sacred Heart Parish, La Plata
Fr. Larry Swink is the Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in La Plata, MD. Fr. Swink is an alumnus of The Heights School and the University of Dallas. He spent two years as a financial advisor before finally discerning that he might be called to be a priest. Since ordination he has served as a priest at St. Mary of the Mills in Laurel, MD; St. Pius X in Bowie, MD, Jesus the Divine Word in Huntingtown, MD; and is currently pastor of Sacred Heart in LaPlata, MD. He also serves as the Manager for the DC Padres, a baseball team made up of priests and seminarians who were one time high school or college players.
Jessie Tappel
Alpha Omega Clinic
Jessie Tappel received her Master's in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University, where the focus was the integration of faith and psychology and how to bring hope and healing to those who are suffering. She enjoys working with adults, children, adolescents and couples through a variety of treatment approaches. She is passionate about communicating mental health topics through speaking and writing. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland and currently works for Alpha Omega Clinic.
Susan Timoney
The Catholic University of America
Susan M. Timoney is the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at The Catholic University of America. She received her Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (The Angelicum) in 1997. Following her studies, Susan served as vice-president of a lay education and formation program called Education for Parish Service which hosted programs in five dioceses in the United States and in the Archdiocese of Rome, Italy. Most recently Susan served as the Secretary for Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns for the Archdiocese of Washington. Susan is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the fields of evangelization and pastoral leadership.
Amy Uelmen
Georgetown Law School
Amy Uelmen is a Lecturer at Georgetown Law School where her scholarship and teaching focus on the intersection between legal theory, religious values and professional life. She hold a B.A. in American Studies, a J.D. and an S.J.D. research doctorate from Georgetown, and an M.A. in Theology from Fordham. A longtime member of the Focolare Movement, she currently lives in the Silver Spring community house. Recent books include "Five Steps to Positive Political Dialogue," and "Five Steps to Healing Polarization in the Classroom" (with Michael Kessler), both published with New City Press.
Peter Ulrickson
The Catholic University of America
Peter Ulrickson is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at The Catholic University of America. He studies algebraic topology and mathematical formulations of quantum field theory, and received his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.
Brandon Vaidyanathan
The Catholic University of America
Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan is Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Sociology at The Catholic University of America. He was born in Qatar and spent his childhood in Oman, India, and the UAE. He holds degrees in Business Administration from St. Francis Xavier University and HEC Montreal, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame. His research examines organizational cultures in commercial, religious, medical, and scientific institutions.
Daniela Zelaya
Trinity Washington University
Daniela Zelaya is a DACAmented Junior at Trinity Washington University.Her commitment to uplifting an empowering the Latinx community has led her to double major in Education and Sociology.
Rev. D. Agustín Mateo Ayala
St. Rose of Lima
Sister Nancy Bauer, OSB
The Catholic University of America
T.J. Berden
ODB Films
Sr. Faustina Bianchi
Sisters of Life
Mitch Boersma
Leonine Forum
Javier W. Bustamante
The Catholic University of America
Fr. Shawn Carey
Archdiocese of Boston's deaf Apostolate
Robert Christian
Millennial
Kim Daniels
Georgetown University
Leonard J. DeLorenzo
University of Notre Dame
Aaron Dominguez
The Catholic University of America
Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C.
Catholic Apostolate Center
Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville
Archdiocese of Washington
Msgr. Ray East
St. Teresa of Avila Parish
Elise Crawford Gallagher
Catholic Women in Business
Abigail Galván
Religious Freedom Institute
Dulce Gamboa
Bread for the World
Eric Groth
ODB Films
Ryan Hehman
A Simple House
Joanna and Edward Herrera
Pontifical John Paul II Institute
Jeanné L. L. Isler
Faith in Public Life
Br. John-Mary of Jesus Crucified
Discalced Carmelite Friar
Sarah Kaczmarek
Alpha Catholic
Timothy P. O'Malley
University of Notre Dame
Dr. Catherine R. Pakaluk
The Catholic University of America
Monsignor Panke
Saint John Paul II Seminary
Fr. Ivan Pertine
Saint John Society
Most Reverend Christophe Pierre
Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
Gloria Purvis
Northwest Pregnancy Center
Jonathan Reyes
USCCB
Greg & Jacqueline Schleppenbach
USCCB & Global Solutions
Fr. Greg Shaffer
Assumption Church of DC
Mark K. Shriver
Save the Children
Gerald D Smith Jr
St. Thomas More
Caitlin Smith + Fritz Schloss
L’Arche
Fr. Larry Swink
Sacred Heart Parish, La Plata
Jessie Tappel
Alpha Omega Clinic
Susan Timoney
The Catholic University of America
Amy Uelmen
Georgetown Law School
Peter Ulrickson
The Catholic University of America
Brandon Vaidyanathan
The Catholic University of America
