Ascension Newsroom

Rebecca Abboud is a liaison for the Office of Parish Support in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana. She taught preschool until 2018, when she began full-time ministry as the coordinator of youth formation at Christ the Redeemer Parish in Thibodaux, helping young people in her parish come to know the Lord in a deeper and more personal way. After two years, she was asked to join her current team, guiding and supporting pastors and lay leaders across the diocese in their mission of formation and evangelization. She hopes one day, God willing, to be the patron saint of play.

Dominick Albano is a consultant who helps parishes all across the country expand their evangelization efforts. He is passionate about helping parishes maximize impact in their communities, and has spoken at hundreds of parish missions. Dominick is the host of The Best Catholic Podcast and the author of several books, including the Ascension title The Fundamental Theory of Happiness: How to Find Your Purpose and Be More Joyful ,which was a finalist for the 2021 Association of Catholic Publishers’ Excellence in Publishing Awards.

Fr. Tim Anastos is a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Director & Chaplain at the St. John Paul Newman Center at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He serves as a eucharistic preacher for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Fr. Tim earned a bachelor's degree in linguistics from the University of Illinois and a bachelor's degree in sacred theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Fr. Tim releases Reel Homilies, one-minute reflections on the Sunday Mass readings through the lens of Church tradition, pop culture, and self improvement with Spirit Juice Studios. He is also the author of the book, "Jesus Make Me Fully Alive: 30 Holy Hour Reflections”.

Bobby Angel is a native Floridian who worked for eight years as a campus minister and teacher at an all-boys school. He holds a master’s degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute and a bachelor’s in Philosophy from St. John Vianney College Seminary. He has more than 20 years of experience in ministry, and currently lives in Texas with his wife Jackie and their five children.

Jackie Francois Angel is a full-time traveling speaker, singer/songwriter, and worship leader from Orange County, CA. In 2006, she became an artist with Oregon Catholic Press, with whom she has released two albums. Her husband Bobby Angel is a native Floridian who worked for eight years as a campus minister and teacher at an all-boys school.

Jackie and Bobby have spoken and written on Catholic marriage, discernment, and Theology of the Body. The pair are regular video contributors on Ascension Presents, and currently live in Dallas, Texas with their five children.

Chika Anyanwu is the director of formation and events for Vagabond Missions in Pittsburgh, PA. A Catholic evangelist and youth minister, she is also the author of My Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer and a contributor to Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation. An alumna of National Evangelization Teams Ministries (NET USA), she served for eight years as a parish Confirmation coordinator and young adult minister in Southern California.

Dr. Ansel Augustine is a highly sought-after speaker who has given keynotes and workshops around the country. He began his career in ministry over 20 years ago when he became the youth minister at his home parish of St. Peter Claver in the Treme area of New Orleans, which he helped to rebuild following hurricane Katrina. He is the former director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Previously he served as the associate director/coordinator of Black Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the CYO Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office.

Dr. Augustine received his bachelor’s degree in sociology and his master’s in pastoral studies from Loyola University, New Orleans. He received his certification in youth ministry from The Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University-Louisiana. Dr. Augustine earned his doctorate in ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation. He also has worked in campus ministry at St. John’s University in Queens, NY, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Loyola University-New Orleans. Dr. Augustine is a contributor to the Ascension program, Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation.

Danielle Bean is the author of many books on Catholic marriage, motherhood, and women’s spirituality, and a well-known Catholic podcaster and media figure. In all of her efforts, Danielle encourages and celebrates all women on their unique vocational paths.

Danielle is a dynamic retreat leader and an engaging speaker on a variety of subjects related to Catholic family life, education, marriage, and motherhood. She has been married to her husband, Dan, for 26 years and together they have 8 children.

Dr. John Bergsma is Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He served as a Protestant pastor for four years before entering the Catholic Church in 2001 while pursuing a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, specializing in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Since 2004, Dr. Bergsma's primary work has been teaching Scripture to Franciscan University of Steubenville's theology and catechetics majors. A frequent guest on Relevant Radio’s Drew Mariani Show and Sacred Heart Radio’s Son Rise Morning Show, Dr. Bergsma has appeared on EWTN’s The Journey Home and Life on the Rock, and speaks regularly at conferences and parishes nationwide. Dr. Bergsma has numerous academic and popular publications, including the books Bible Basics for Catholics and New Testament Basics for Catholics from Ave Maria Press. He is also featured as one of the presenters in the 2025 edition of The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation.

He and his wife Dawn reside with their eight children in Steubenville, Ohio.

Suzanne Bilodeau is head over heels in love with Jesus. Wife to her high school sweetheart Paul, Suzanne is a homeschooling momma of 6 beautiful children. A former success-seeking actuary and a recovering perfectionist and overachiever, she encountered Christ in a new and restoring way in motherhood. Host of the popular podcast Latte & Laundry, Suzanne explores what it means to sit at the feet of Christ like Mary, while moving in this world with the gusto and strength of Martha. She is convicted that God is on mission to restore and revive the magnificent vocation of motherhood, and she delights in letting him use her in any tiny way he sees fit.

Suzanne’s debut title with Ascension is She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood. This beautiful coffee table book collects 15 authentic and vulnerable letters written by Catholic mothers to their younger selves, celebrating the peace and purpose to be found in motherhood. Contributors include Beth Sri, Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Elizabeth Foss, Bonnie Landry, Debbie Herbeck, and many more.

If you can’t find Suzanne in the kitchen or laundry room of her Connecticut home, she is probably on a run, in the garden, or planning her next adventure with the kids.

Ron Bolster is the author of Chosen.

Lisa Bromschwig holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity. She is a convert to Catholicism and adores Jesus in the Word and Sacraments. She has worked in parish Faith Formation for more than fifteen years. After seeing how The Bible Timeline changed the lives of so many adults, Lisa, along with Linda Wandrei, Regina Neville, and Emily Cavins, decided to bring this incredible gift to the children in their homes and parishes. GPS was born from their passion for translating The Bible Timeline into a format that young Catholics can enjoy and remember for the rest of their lives. She and her husband Kurt have three grown children and live in Texas.

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers is the founder and director of Servant Enterprises, which is dedicated to the promotion of Catholic values. He makes regular appearances in Catholic media and leads retreats, seminars, and conferences around the world. He is a presenter in Chosen.

Fr. John Burns is one of the presenters of What We Believe.

Brian Butler is an author and presenter in YOU: Life, Love, and The Theology of the Body and Envision: Theology of the Body for Middle School, as well as a presenter in the Chosen Confirmation program. He is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Echo Community, a non-profit organization dedicated to chastity and vocation formation for teens and young adults.

Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of New Orleans and a master’s degree in theology from Notre Dame Seminary School of Theology.

Brian and his wife, Lisa, are the parents of four children.

Fr. Sebastian Carnazzo (Ph.D, Catholic University of America) has taught Sacred Scripture for Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska, St. Patrick's Seminary in San Francisco, California, and Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia. He is now the pastor of St. Elias Melkite Catholic Church in Los Gatos, California, and he frequently leads pilgrimages to the Holy Land. He is the author of Seeing Blood and Water: A Narrative-Critical Study of John 19:34. With Ascension, Fr. Carnazzo is a contributor to The Great Adventure Catholic Bible.

Christopher Carstens is the director of the Office for Sacred Worship of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin. In addition, he is a visiting faculty member at the Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois, the editor of the Adoremus Bulletin, and the author of two books on the sacred liturgy. Christopher is well-known as one of the voices on the popular The Liturgy Guys podcast.

Christopher lives in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, with his wife and eight children.

Emily Cavins is the developer and co-author of GPS: God’s Plan for Scripture, which teaches children the story of salvation. She is co-editor of the book Amazing Grace for Mothers and co-author of the Walking Toward Eternity series. Emily holds a degree in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology from the University of Minnesota and has participated in several archaeological digs in Israel.

Emily and her husband, Jeff, live in Minnesota. Both individually and as a couple, they have led generations of Catholics closer to the Lord through prayer, community, and Bible study.

Jeff Cavins is recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the most effective and engaging speakers in the Church today. Few can communicate their love for Jesus Christ with as much zeal, clarity, and enthusiasm as Jeff Cavins. In addition to his outstanding presentations related to Catholic Bible study, Jeff is available to speak on a variety of other faith-formation topics.

After twelve years as a Protestant pastor, Jeff returned to the Catholic Church under the guidance of Bishop Paul Dudley. His conversion story, one of the best known and most inspiring stories of its kind, is chronicled in the best-selling book, My Life on the Rock. After his conversion, Jeff received an MA in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Over the past several decades, Jeff has dedicated his life to developing The Bible TimelineⓇ: The Story of Salvation, a practical, interactive program that helps people read the “big picture” of God’s plan of salvation in Sacred Scripture and understand its meaning for their lives.

For 2025, The Bible Timeline has been refreshed with new videos filmed on location in the Holy Land, Greece, Rome and several other locations, and new presenters such as Fr. Mike Schmitz, Mary Healy, and Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio. The Great Adventure Bible Timeline presents the entire sweep of the Bible in a way that is easy to understand and genuinely fun to engage. As the foundational element of The Great Adventure Learning System, the Bible Timeline has revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for hundreds of thousands of Catholics.

Sarah Christmyer is a Catholic author, Bible teacher, and speaker with a special love for lectio divina and journaling as ways to draw close to Christ in Scripture. Her desire to share that love with others was nurtured from an early age by her evangelical missionary parents and became a vocational call after her adult conversion to Catholicism.

Sarah is co-developer and the former director of The Great Adventure® Bible Study Program from Ascension and is author or co-author of more than a dozen Bible studies, guided journals, and books. She is an adjunct faculty member at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia and serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for Malvern Retreat House in Malvern, PA. She has spoken at numerous Catholic conferences and retreats and has been a guest on numerous Catholic shows including EWTN’s The Journey Home, Formed Now, Relevant Radio, Breadbox Media, Radio Maria, Iowa Catholic Radio, and Holy Spirit Radio. Sarah holds a Master’s degree in Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Sarah and her husband Mark have four children and a growing number of grandchildren, whom they enjoy from their home near Philadelphia.

Izabela has been a lover of books since early childhood, when she was first inspired by traditionally and beautifully illustrated European fairy tales. After emigrating from Poland to Canada with her family at the age of 7, Izabela discovered the world of animation, which further influenced her illustration style. After earning a degree in criminal forensics and pursuing a tennis career, Izabela recognized that her true passion lies in her art. Since then, she has illustrated dozens of children’s books.

Izabela is not only the illustrator, but also the author, of Ascension’s new book The Little Donkey and God’s Big Plan.

She resides in Toronto where she enjoys good books, great cinema, long walks, and cute animal videos on YouTube.

Sonja Corbitt is the “Bible Study Evangelista” and creator of “the best modernization of lectio” divina: the LOVE the Word® Bible study method and journal. A best-selling author and Telly Award winning broadcaster, Sonja’s weekly show Evangelista Bible Study and other high-impact, multi-media Bible study resources create space for busy Christians to hear and experience God through the Scriptures. Sonja’s work appears on CatholicTV, Catholic radio, and podcast.

Lisa Cotter is a leading Catholic speaker and author known for her practical insights on relationships, femininity, and living life with excellence. After serving as FOCUS missionaries for over 10 years, Lisa and her husband Kevin have continued to share their passion for evangelization with young adults all around the country.

Lisa was the creator and host of the popular How-to Catholic podcast which ran from 2016-2019. She is the founder of Made to Magnify ministries and co-authored Dating Detox: 40 Days of Perfecting Love in an Imperfect World with her husband in 2017.

Lisa has traveled widely as a presenter for national conferences such as SEEK, Steubenville youth conferences, and NCYC, inspiring young Catholics with her messages about virtuous dating, marriage, and femininity.

Lisa and Kevin Cotter live with their four children in Denver, CO, where Lisa is completing a Master’s in Theology from the Augustine Institute.

Claire Couche is an etiquette instructor dedicated to helping others cultivate grace, virtue, and beauty. With an academic background in theology, history, and nursing, she brings depth and clarity to her teachings on living out etiquette through practical insights rooted in Catholic tradition. Claire's debut title with Ascension is the "Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy."

Claire shares on her Instagram account @findingphilothea and blog, Finding Philothea, and lives in Texas with her husband and son.

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, OP, is a Dominican priest with a passion for helping others encounter the truth and beauty of the Catholic intellectual tradition. As a member of the Dominican Province of St. Joseph, Fr. Cuddy has dedicated his priesthood to the study, teaching, and renewal of theology in service to the Church.

Fr. Cuddy is the General Editor of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology (ect.org), and he is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Intellectus (intellectus.org). He serves as a theology professor at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, where he forms future priests and scholars in the richness of the Thomistic tradition. His academic work focuses especially on the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas and its relevance for the life of the Church today. 

Through his work with Ascension as a presenter for What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith, Fr. Cuddy helps Catholics grow in their understanding of Scripture and theology, inviting them to deeper faith, clarity of thought, and a more profound relationship with God.

Susan D'Ambrosio is one of the presenters of Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Leah Darrow is an international Catholic speaker, bringing her experiences of reality TV and the fashion world to the masses. She has appeared on America’s Next Top Model and was a professional model in New York City. Leah is a presenter in Theology of the Body Middle School Edition and in Chosen: Your Journey Toward Confirmation.

Leah holds an M.A. in Theology from the Augustine Institute and is the founder of LUX Catholic, an app offering prayer, community, and faith formation for Catholic women.

After serving in the United States Marine Corps for four years, Cande graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He continued his studies and received a master of arts degree in theology for Sacred Scripture at Holy Apostles Seminary and College.

Cande is now the first executive director of the Office of Mission Advancement for the Diocese of Phoenix. He has a sincere desire to serve the Catholic Church. With his leadership and business acumen, he helps parishes with their stewardship, discipleship, and evangelization efforts. Cande is a contributor to the Ascension program The 99: An Evangelization Mission Series. He is passionate about his wife of twenty-two years, Rosemary, with whom he has four daughters.

Rebecca Dougherty holds a Master’s Degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master’s Degree in Education from Framingham State University. She is a lifelong Catholic with a passion for teaching the faith. Rebecca has taught theology for more than a decade at multiple levels, including grades 9–12 at three Catholic high schools and courses on the Catechism of the Catholic Church for those preparing for the diaconate at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. She also hosted the weekly podcast Catholic Light, where she helped listeners read and understand the Catechism. She and her husband Dan have five children and live in the greater Philadelphia area.

Crystalina Evert is a presenter for Ascension.

Jason Evert is a presenter for Ascension.

Lillian Fallon is a Catholic writer with a passion for helping women express their unrepeatability through personal style. Growing up, she dreamed of working in the fashion industry but believed her Catholic Faith could not coexist with her love for clothing. After studying St. John Paul II’s Theology of The Body at Ave Maria University, Lillian’s enchantment with fashion transformed into a lifelong mission to help women understand their true identity, made in the image of God. Informed by John Paul II’s teachings, she went on to work as a style editor in New York City before ultimately landing at the Catholic fashion label Litany NYC.

Lillian currently resides in Pennsylvania with her orange tabby cat, Tito.

Dr. Jerome C. Foss is the endowed professor of Catholic thought and culture at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Dallas and his MA and PhD in political science from Baylor University. At Saint Vincent College, he directs the Center for Catholic Thought and Culture, directs the core curriculum, runs the Summer Institute in Rome, and teaches courses in political thought. He serves on the board of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists. Dr. Foss's debut title with Ascension is "Saints of the First Monasteries."

Dr. Foss resides in Latrobe with his wife and 8 children.

Matt Fradd is a renowned Catholic author and speaker whose ministry work has spanned many different topics and apostolates. Today he is best known as the creator and host of the popular Pints with Aquinas podcast and YouTube channel, as well as for being the founder of The Porn Effect, a website dedicated to exposing the reality behind the fantasy of porn and offering help.

Matt is the author of several books, including The Porn Myth: Exposing the Reality Behind the Fantasy of Pornography and Delivered: True Stories of Men and Women Who Turned from Porn to Purity.

Matt and his wife, Cameron, live in Steubenville, Ohio with their four growing children.

Jen Fulwiler is a nationally touring standup comic, bestselling author, and mom of six. She booked her first comedy tour with her personal credit card and sold out theaters across the US. Her podcast, The Jen Fulwiler Show, debuted in the iTunes Comedy Top 10. She has been featured on Nate Bargatze's Nateland Showcase, the Today Show and CNN, and her viral social media sketches have racked up millions of views. Her new comedy special, Maternal Instinct, is out on Youtube.

Through her work with Ascension as a presenter of No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion, Fulwiler brings humor and authenticity to conversations about faith, vocation, and daily life. 

She's based in Austin, TX.

Sister Josephine is a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. She moved to Dallas in 1999 to begin studies at the University of Dallas, where she completed a BA in Political Philosophy with a Business Concentration. Sr. Josephine subsequently entered the banking industry, serving for 10 years as a Vice President in the Home Loans division of Bank of America. Raised Baptist, Sr. Josephine entered the Catholic Church in 2005, and in November of 2011 she began her formation to be a religious Sister. In November of 2020 Sister Josephine professed her final vows as a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Sr. Josephine is a licensed counselor, serving as the school counselor for the cathedral grade school in Tyler, TX, and also working in private practice. She has also served in vocations ministry and as a national speaker for youth and young adults, speaking to groups of up to 25,000.

Neena Gaynor is a Catholic author, beekeeper, and master gardener. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and sons, where she finds inspiration in the rhythms of rural life. Her works include "The Bird and the Bees," a Christian novel, and the beloved children’s book, "A Garden for Mary." Neena's debut title with Ascension is "Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy."

Neena shares more about her life and the Lord on her blog, "Words Like Honey."

From working in youth ministry to traveling the world, Michael Gormley, or “Gomer” as he’s been known since high school, has been preaching the Gospel to pew-sitting and lapsed Catholics alike.

Gomer holds three degrees from the Franciscan University of Steubenville: Philosophy BA, Theology BA, and Theology and Christian Ministry MA, and has worked in parish and youth ministry for decades. Traveling widely to give retreats, parish missions, youth conferences, and evangelization training all around the country, Gomer’s main concern is building community and bringing Catholics into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through repentance and encountering God in Scripture.

Gomer brings all of this passion and expertise into his podcast with Ascension, Every Knee Shall Bow, a seasonal podcast on Catholic evangelization which he co-hosts with Dave VanVickle.

Outside of Ascension, Gomer works as a Mission Evangelist for That Man Is You!, a men’s apostolate for Paradisus Dei. He is also the founder and creative director of Lay Evangelist.

Gomer is married to his college sweetheart, Shannon, and they have 4 beautiful and hilarious children: Kateri, Cecilia, Noah, and Thomas.

Dr. Tim Gray was instrumental, together with Jeff Cavins and Sarah Christmyer, in the development of The Great Adventure® Bible Study Program and is the author and presenter of Exodus: Called to Freedom. He is a professor of Scripture at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver and president of the Augustine Institute.

Fr. Donald Haggerty is one of the presenters of When You Pray.

Dcn. John Harden is a Catholic leader and teacher who serves as the director of Eastern Catholic formation and evangelization for the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma and the manager of small group programs at Ascension. Through his work in formation and evangelization, he is dedicated to equipping individuals and small groups to encounter Christ more deeply through Scripture and the teachings of the Church.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas (BA) and a master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville (MA). In his ministry, he has worked to support parishes, dioceses, and small group leaders in building vibrant communities of faith.

With Ascension, Dcn. Harden is featured as a presenter in Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the 2025 edition of The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation.

He, his wife, and their children live in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mark Hart serves as chief innovation officer for Life Teen International. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a 28-year veteran of youth ministry, Mark is a bestselling author of over two dozen books, a former radio host and frequent guest on SiriusXM, and an award-winning writer and producer. One of the most sought-after speakers serving in the Catholic Church today, Mark’s humor and his passion for Scripture are known around the world.

His multiple video series with Ascension – Venture, Encounter, Altaration and The 99 – have helped millions of Catholics, young and old, begin to read and study the Bible and engage the Catholic faith in exciting and relevant new ways. Mark’s latest book with Ascension is Biblical Heroes: Stories of Faith and Courage. A master catechist, Mark also serves as a book editor, speaking coach, publishing and marketing consultant, and as a research fellow for the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

Mark and his wife, Melanie, live in Phoenix, Arizona with their three daughters–Hope, Trinity, and Faith–and one son, Josiah.

Sr. Miriam James Heidland was raised in Woodland, Washington, and is a graduate of the University of Nevada-Reno, where she played volleyball on a scholarship and majored in communications. Although originally hoping to work for ESPN or another news organization, Heidland’s life was transformed in a very slow but deep way during her college years. Spending most of her time living a typical college life of parties, sports, and freedom, Heidland seemed to have it all. In reality, her life was empty and broken. Through the friendship of a holy and caring priest, Heidland’s life began to transform as she realized Jesus was real and that He was the great love that her heart desired.

In 1998, she entered the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), a missionary community that serves global areas of deepest apostolic need. Sr. Miriam has served at missions in Rome, North Dakota, Seattle, and Texas. Her apostolates have included being a director of the SOLT Apostolic Novitiate for eight years, working with elementary school students, coaching high school volleyball, co-hosting a Catholic radio program, and speaking in different parts of the United States and Canada. She is pursuing a master’s degree in theology from the Augustine Institute and attends courses at the Theology of the Body Institute.

Lisa M. Hendey is the founder of CatholicMom and the bestselling author of several books for adults and children, including The Grace of Yes, The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion, and I’m a Saint in the Making. Lisa’s books for children—the “Chime Travelers” fiction series for elementary school readers—is read in schools, children’s groups, and churches worldwide.

The host of the “Lisa Hendey & Friends” podcast, Lisa has produced and hosted multiple programs and has appeared on EWTN, CNN, CatholicTV, and a variety of radio outlets. Her articles have appeared in Catholic Digest, America Magazine, National Catholic Register, and Our Sunday Visitor. Lisa has been honored as an Elizabeth Egan Journalism Fellow, and has traveled to countries including Rwanda, Tanzania, Columbia, the Philippines, Kenya, and India in service of various non-profit organizations.

For her Ascension debut, Lisa is a contributor to the Ascension Planner 2025: A Tool for Catholic Daily Living.

Lisa lives and worships with her family in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, California.

After experiencing a dramatic conversion and being baptized Catholic at Penn State University, Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, became a Benedictine monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, one year later, in 1998, and was ordained a Catholic priest in 2004. His calling to the monastic life came after a transformational period of growth in prayer at which time he also experienced a strong desire to share that gift of prayer. Since his ordination to the priesthood, he has taught extensively on prayer, the spiritual life, spiritual direction, and Benedictine spirituality through various media including radio, television, podcasts, published books, retreat conferences, and academic courses for seminarians, priests, religious, and laity.

In addition to his MDiv and MA degrees from Saint Vincent Seminary, Fr. Boniface earned BS, MS, and PhD degrees in computer science from Penn State University and a licentiate in sacred theology from the Angelicum. He currently serves Saint Vincent Seminary as the director for spiritual formation and the director of the Institute for Ministry Formation.

Fr. Boniface's debut title with Ascension is "Saints of the First Monasteries."

Ashley Hinojosa is one of the presenters of Encounter.

Daniel Hussem, also a passionate Catholic, spent many years as a marketing and product director in the tech industry. After working directly with Fortune 500 caliber clientele and contributing to nearly a dozen Forbes business publications, Daniel exchanged his career in tech for a more meaningful adventure with Seven Fourteen Media. Together with his wife Emily, Daniel co-founded and produced “Marcam,” a TV show for Catholic kids.

Dr. Sean Innerst is a Catholic theologian and teacher. For more than twenty-five years, he has been dedicated to forming seminarians, permanent deacons, missionaries, parish leaders, and lay Catholics in a deeper understanding of Church teaching and practice.

Dr. Innerst is Professor of Theology and Catechetics at the Augustine Institute, where he teaches courses in the Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology Degree Program and its Catechetics Concentration. He also played a key role in founding two important Catholic institutions in Denver: St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, as its founding provost, and the Augustine Institute, as its founding academic dean.

 Dr. Innerst is the author of numerous articles and presentations on the Catholic Faith and the work of evangelization and catechesis and has helped to author and host numerous videos from Augustine Institute Studios.

With Ascension, Dr. Innerst is the author of Pillar I: The Creed and Pillar II: Sacraments.

After powerfully encountering Jesus in the Eucharist as a teenager, Fr. Josh Johnson dedicated his life to becoming a wholehearted disciple of Jesus Christ. Ordained for the Diocese of Baton Rouge in 2014, Fr. Josh has dedicated his priesthood to inviting all people to become saints in their walk toward eternity.

Fr. Josh travels widely as a speaker at conferences, retreats, and youth events, and was one of 3 MCs at the historic National Eucharistic Congress in 2024. He is well-known for his popular Ascension podcast Ask Father Josh as well as his Q&A videos on Ascension Presents, one of the largest Catholic YouTube channels in English.

Fr. Josh has written several books with Ascension, including the best-selling Pocket Guide to Reconciliation co-written with Fr. Mike Schmitz and On Earth as It Is in Heaven: Restoring God’s Vision of Race and Discipleship. He appears in many Ascension video programs including Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation, and his latest book—the Pocket Guide to Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins—is the topic of the 2025 Lenten program in the Ascension App.

Fr. Josh is the vocations director for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, as well as pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish. He can often be found praying the Rosary and walking in the neighborhoods of his parish, inviting those under his pastoral care to become intentional disciples of Jesus Christ.

Tanner Kalina is a Catholic evangelist, author and well-known speaker who has dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel. A former actor and comedian, he now presents to thousands of people each year, including youth, laity, parish leaders, and clergy. He has written two books, and he is the Co-Founder of the "Saints Alive Podcast" on Hallow. He is the presenter of several Ascension faith formation video series, and he has contributed other video projects to EWTN, FOCUS, the National Eucharistic Revival, and more. He and his wife, Alli, reside in Loveland, Colorado.

Fr. Dr. Christiaan Kappes is a Catholic priest and theologian with a passion for helping Catholics understand the historical and theological relationship between the Byzantine East and the Latin West. His research and teaching explore the philosophical and theological crosscurrents between these traditions from the earliest centuries of Christianity.

Fr. Kappes was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned advanced degrees in theology and has dedicated his academic work to studying the development of doctrine, the interaction between Eastern and Western Christian traditions, and the historical reception of Catholic teaching. He currently serves as a professor at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius, where he teaches seminarians and helps prepare future priests for ministry in the Byzantine Catholic Church.

With Ascension, Fr. Kappes is a presenter for Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Fr. Kappes continues his work in teaching, research, and priestly ministry while remaining active in academic and pastoral formation.

Kara Kardell has been serving in Catholic ministry since 2014, with experience in diocesan ministry, youth ministry, adult faith formation, and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). She is co-founder of Draw Near, a ministry dedicated to helping people encounter the love of God through speaking, music, podcasts, and written resources and retreats (www.drawnear.me). Along with co-hosting the Draw Near Podcast, Kara helped establish Small Ember, a non-profit dedicated to helping lay people deepen their spirituality. Through apprenticeship and formation, it equips each person to live the Church’s mission in the unique way God has called them.

She holds bachelor’s degrees in Business and Communications, and a Master’s degree in Catholic Theology from the Augustine Institute. Her work emphasizes community, pastoral care, prayer, and the centrality of Scripture. Kara and her husband, Bruce, live in the Midwest, where they are raising their family and serving God.

Charleen Katra became the Executive Director of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) in December of 2019, after having served on the NCPD’s Board of Directors in 2018 and 2019.

Prior to this national work, Charleen served as an Associate Director in the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. For over 20 years her primary responsibility was directing the Ministry with Persons with Disabilities. Charleen is the co-author of a book on adaptive catechesis with diverse learners. She has extensive experience in systematic and sacramental catechesis and has served as a national consultant, author, and speaker on the topic of inclusion for various Catholic publishers.

Charleen is currently a member of the Loyola Press Speaker Corp, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special / Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies.

Sarah Kearns-Shutrop is the author of Renewed and Received.

Fr. Eamon Kelly is one of the presenters of Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Paul J. Kim is a Catholic speaker and musician based in Texas, whose presentations have reached people of all ages in forty-eight states and sixteen countries. He is the author of the Catholic Millennial’s Guide to Adulting online course and a contributor to Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation. His background includes work as a marriage and family therapist and religious formation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs).

Melissa Kirking, a passionate children’s Eucharistic Adoration expert, has over two decades of experience bringing children to meet and know Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. It is her heart’s work to bring as many children as possible to spend time with our Eucharistic Lord in Adoration.

When Melissa was first asked by the priest at her school to bring her first grade class to Adoration, she had an initial moment of panic: “You want me to do what!?” But she quickly learned her students loved this time. Melissa recalls, “That priest gave me an unexpected treasure.”

Melissa is now the coordinator of Children’s Eucharistic Adoration and the former coordinator of Children’s Liturgy of the Word at her home parish. She is also the creator and publisher of the internationally recommended website GuidedChildren’sAdoration.com where she offers meaningful prayer materials tailored to meet the specific needs of children. She also speaks on these topics near to her heart.

Melissa is a former public and Catholic school teacher and enjoys creating a wide variety of crafts in her free time. She lives outside Austin, Texas, with her husband and youngest son and has recently been blessed with her first grandchild.

Richara Krajewski serves as pastoral associate at St. Raymond of Penafort Catholic Church Philadelphia where she leads formation and evangelization outreach to youth and families. Prior to her joining the team at St. Raymond, she served women facing crisis pregnancies and served for several years in education. Richara is a board member of the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia and a leadership consultant for Catholic Leadership Institute. Richara has a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in history from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a presenter in the Ascension program, Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation.

She currently lives in the Philadelphia area with her family. In her rare free time, she enjoys reading books on every topic, eating spicy food, and learning about the amazing saints of our Church.

Alexis Kazimira Kutarna earned a master’s degree in liturgy at the Liturgical Institute of the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. In addition, she holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in music, and she is currently a candidate for the doctorate in liturgical studies, with a concentration in Church music, from the University of Vienna.

Having served as a parish music and liturgy director, Alexis has worked with singers of all ages. She teaches courses on the liturgy and liturgical music at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, as well as a summer course for the St. Basil School of Gregorian chant. Currently, Alexis is the director of sacred music at Cathedral High School in Houston.

Most of all, Alexis celebrates her vocation as a wife and a mother to two little girls.

Sr. Mary Grace Langrell is one of the presenters for Envision.

Marcel LeJeune is the president and founder of Catholic Missionary Disciples, a Catholic apostolate that coaches and equips Catholic leaders to “make disciple-makers who make disciple-makers.” He is also an international speaker, evangelist, and award-winning author. He has written four books, including The Contagious Catholic: The Art of Practical Evangelization, published by Ascension. Marcel’s articles have been published in many national Catholic magazines, newspapers, and websites, and he is a regular guest on national Catholic radio, TV, and online media.

For 11 years, Marcel served as the associate director of campus ministry at St. Mary’s Catholic Center at Texas A&M University, the largest campus ministry in the world. Prior to that position, he was the director of campus ministry at St. Elizabeth’s University Parish at Texas Tech University for 4 years. Marcel holds a master’s degree in theological studies, specializing in pastoral theology.

The most important part of his life is being a husband and father. Marcel and his wife, Kristy, have five children.

Bob Lesnefsky, also known as “Righteous B,” is a Catholic rapper who has been a unique leader and voice in Catholic youth ministry for twenty years. His evangelization style seeks to incorporate popular culture as a means to bring youth closer to Christ, living by the motto, “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use rap.” Bob is a contributor to Ascension programs The 99: An Evangelization Mission Series and Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation.

He started Vagabond Missions in 2005, serving inner-city youth in cities all over the country. Along with his music and youth ministry career, Bob is a husband and father of seven.

Megan Madden is a homeschooling mother with a passion for writing and speaking on authentic femininity and virtuous womanhood. In 2017, she began graduate studies in marriage and family at the International Theological Institute in Austria. After moving to Kraków, Poland to work with university students, Megan more personally continued her research on the complementarity of man and woman, particularly on the question of what it means to be a woman. She delved into the study of renowned Catholic writers on women such as St. Edith Stein, Gertrude von le Fort, Alice von Hildebrand, St. John Paul II, and St. Teresa of Avila.

The results were the development of Megan’s online ministry A Mother’s Lace, as well as speaking opportunities and her book with Ascension: Mary, Teach Me to Be Your Daughter.

Megan lives outside of Oxford, England with her husband, who is a lecturer in theology, and their six children.

Bishop Gregory Mansour is a Maronite Catholic bishop with a passion for strengthening faith, family life, and the witness of Eastern Christianity within the universal Church. 

After earning a degree in health education from Western Michigan University, he discerned a call to the priesthood and entered Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary. He completed advanced theological studies at The Catholic University of America (STB) and later at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (STL), preparing for a life of pastoral leadership and spiritual formation. Ordained a priest in 1982, he served in parish ministry and held key leadership roles, including Vicar General of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon. In 2004, he was appointed by Pope St. John Paul II as Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn.

Through his work with Ascension as a presenter of What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith, Bishop Mansour invites Catholics to deepen their faith and encounter the beauty of the Church’s diverse traditions.

Today, he continues to shepherd a vibrant and growing community of Maronite faithful across the United States.

Elizabeth Santorum Marcolini is the CEO of Rose Roofing and Restoration, a high-growth construction company. She earned her B.A. from the University of Dallas and holds a Masters in Theological Studies from the John Paul II Institute. Elizabeth's debut title with Ascension is "Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy."

Elizabeth resides in Virginia with her husband, Matt, and their three children: Zelie, Gianna, and Lorenzo.

Curtis Martin is a Catholic evangelist with a passion for forming missionary disciples and helping others encounter Jesus Christ in a personal way. As a young adult, Curtis experienced a profound reversion to the Catholic Faith after drifting from it in his youth, an experience that ignited his lifelong commitment to evangelization and campus ministry.

In 1998, Curtis co-founded the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) with his wife, Michaelann, in response to the need for a strong Catholic presence on college campuses. What began with a small group of students has grown into a global apostolate serving thousands through Bible studies, mentorship, and mission-driven outreach. Curtis holds a master’s degree in theology and has served as a consultor to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the New Evangelization.

Through his work with Ascension as a presenter of No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion, Curtis equips Catholics to live and share the Gospel with clarity and conviction. 

After nearly three decades leading FOCUS as CEO, he stepped into a new season of leadership while remaining actively engaged in the mission. He lives in Colorado with his wife and their family.

Claudia Cangilla McAdam is an award-winning author who has a heart for faith-based stories that invite young readers to place themselves within the narratives about Jesus. During her years of study at the Denver Catholic Biblical School and her graduate studies with the Augustine Institute, Claudia was humbled by what she didn’t know about Scripture and the Catholic Faith despite being a lifelong Catholic. She is eager to share the treasures of what she learned with young readers. The majority of Claudia’s 30 published books are for children and teens. Her greatest joy is spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren in Colorado.

Tom is co-author of Life Skills for Couples, an insightful, virtue-based life skills program for engaged couples, and author of the Marriage Action Plan (MAP), a concrete plan for growing in love. Tom has helped prepare more than 3,500 engaged couples for marriage through workshops, retreats, and mentoring.

Katie Prejean McGrady is an author, sought after speaker, and the host of SiriusXM’s "The Katie McGrady Show" on The Catholic Channel. She hosts the Ave Explores podcast, the Like a Mother podcast, and co-hosts Family Mass Prep on Hallow. Katie is a Vatican Analyst for CNN and collaborates with the Vatican Dicastery for Communications on Digital Media initiatives. She lives and works in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with her husband, Tommy, and daughters, Rose and Clare.

Brian and Susan Middleton are passionate about faith and family. Their lives were forever changed when their youngest daughter, Maria, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Walking that sacred and sorrowful path with Maria became the most profound journey of their lives.

Brian and Susan are the parents of a blended family of six, whose ever-growing circle of grandchildren reflects a legacy rooted in faith, perseverance, and deep love. They have worked side by side for many years—Susan as the heart of their home and office manager for Brian’s succession planning firm.

Throughout their many years, they have joyfully served the Church in a variety of roles, but what they learned on their journey with Maria has been their greatest inspiration. In the face of suffering, Maria’s grace and courage illuminated something extraordinary. Her final written words—“think hope”—were not only a message to her family but a calling to the world.

After Maria’s passing, Brian and Susan began a Foundation to support ministries that bring hope into this world through education, building communities of hope and restoring hope to those in need. More information can be found at www.ThinkHope.org.

Dr. Jeffrey Morrow is professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville and is the director of the St. Paul Studies Center at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He is a series editor for the Catholic University of America Press’ Verbum Domini series. He coauthored Ascension’s "A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament" and "A Catholic Guide to the New Testament". Jeff is also the coauthor and co-presenter for the best-selling Ascension study, "Luke: The Story of Salvation Fulfilled", alongside Jeff Cavins. Jeff holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in Catholic theology from the University of Dayton.

Regina Neville is one of the authors of GPS and a life-long Catholic who has had a career in education and theatre. She has a bachelor’s degree in education and theatre from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama. She has over twenty-five years of teaching experience paired with administrative leadership in the arts and education. Regina continues to work with students in theatre programs in addition to leading policy and governance for education organizations. She and her husband, Tom, have three children.

Nell O’Leary, JD, is speaker, author, and strategic consultant who encourages people to share their gifts and marvelousness. Her strategic consulting has included work for the Word on Fire Institute, Friends of the Bridegroom, and the National Eucharistic Revival newsletter, and has appeared on Ascension Presents.

Nell has contributed to over a dozen books, edited 40 books and over 3,000 devotional essays, and led thousands people in finding and building community over the past two decades. Her debut title with Ascension is "Ascension Planner 2026: A Tool for Daily Catholic Living."

Nell and her husband live with their five children in Saint Paul, Minnesota with lots of chai tea to keep her fueled.

Melissa Overmyer is a dynamic evangelist, author, and speaker. She is the founder of Something Greater Ministries, which fosters prayer, Scripture study, and community while presenting the teachings of the Catholic Church. Author of several books, including "From Worry to Wonder", Melissa is a convert to Catholicism and has her master’s degree in Catholic theology with a concentration in Sacred Scripture. Melissa is passionate about archeology and Biblical history and leads pilgrimages to the Holy Land. She is the mother of four daughters and lives with her husband in Washington, D.C.

Damon Owens, an international speaker and evangelist for over 20 years, is the founder and executive director of joyTOB, a ministry devoted to building up marriages and families in joy and God’s love. A certified speaker for the Theology of the Body Institute and presenter at the 2015 World Meeting of Families, Damon keeps a full international speaking schedule, visiting conferences, marriage seminars, universities, high schools, seminaries, and parishes with the good news of marriage, sexuality, Theology of the Body, Theology of the Family, adoption, and Natural Family Planning (NFP). Damon and his wife Melanie taught NFP for 14 years and served as NFP Coordinators for the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. Damon currently lives outside Philadelphia with Melanie and their eight children.

Patrick O’Hearn is a devout Catholic author, content writer, literary consultant, and speaker with a passion for the saints. As a little boy, he grew up reading about the lives of the saints and likes to say that he has “more friends in heaven than on earth.” He spent close to three years in a Benedictine monastery before discerning a call to marriage. He graduated with a Master’s in Education from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Bachelor’s in Marketing from St. Ambrose University.

Patrick’s love for the saints drives him to passionately share their stories and ministries. His writings have appeared in Catholic Exchange, Crisis Magazine, and The National Catholic Register. He has authored several books for adults and was a contributor to Fr. Donald Calloway’s book 30 Day Eucharistic Revival: A Retreat with St. Peter Julian Eymard.

Patrick’s debut title with Ascension is Saints Come in All Shapes and Sizes, a fun board book featuring the characteristics of many well-known saints and an encouragement for every child to dream of becoming a saint. Patrick also wrote the award-winning picture book Go and Fear Nothing, a children’s book about the story of Our Lady of Champion. When he’s not writing about saints, Patrick enjoys leading pilgrimages to places where his favorite saints lived and served the Lord.

Patrick and his wife, Amanda, live in the southern countryside with their children and their large, beautiful garden.

Mari ("Mah-dee") Pablo is a proud hispanic and cradle Catholic whose life was wrecked in the best possible way when she finally decided to stop fighting and surrender it all to Him. She holds bachelor degrees in theology and psychology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, as well as a master’s degree in theology from the Augustine Institute. Mari has worked in ministry for over fifteen years, as a youth minister, high school theology teacher and consultant.

Mari is the founder of In His Heart ministries, a bilingual ministry dedicated to bring hearts closer to His Sacred Heart. Mari is well known for her dynamic presentations at the annual Steubenville Youth Conferences and other national outlets. Mari is a presenter in several Ascension presents programs including "YOU: Theology of the Body" for teens, Ascension Presents and "Connected: Catholic Social Teaching" for this generation.

Mari's mission is simple, to encourage others to refuse to settle for the things of this world, but rather to strive for more, to strive for Him.

Chris Padgett is a Catholic speaker and recording artist who travels around the world giving talks, missions, and concerts. Chris is an author, a presenter in the Chosen Confirmation program, and has served as a professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio.

Chris and his wife, Linda, live with their children in Syracuse, New York.

Fr. Jacques Philippe is one of the presenters of When You Pray.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. is an Assistant Professor of Dogmatic and Moral Theology at the Dominican House of Studies and the Assistant Director of the Thomistic Institute. He was ordained a priest in 2016 and holds a doctorate from the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). He is the author of several books including "Prudence", "Your Eucharistic Identity", and "Training the Tongue". He is a regular contributor to several podcasts including "Godsplaining" and "Catholic Classics".

Matthew Pinto founded Ascension in 1998 and was the president and chief executive officer from 1998 to 2021. He is a recognized leader in Catholic marketing and communication in the Church in the United States. Matt has been at the forefront of several Catholic ministries and initiatives since he began full-time service to the Church in 1991, including Ascension Press, CatholicExchange.com, the Theology of the Body Institute, and Spark Catholic Communications.

He is a best-selling Catholic author, whose books include the teen question-and-answer books Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons?, Did Jesus Have a Last Name?, and Do I Have to Go: 101 Questions about the Mass, the Eucharist, and Your Spiritual Life, as well as the Amazing Grace series. Matt also co-authored A Guide to the Passion: 100 Questions About “The Passion of the Christ“, which went on to sell more than a million copies and reached #6 on the New York Times Religion Best-Seller List.

Matt is a recipient of the Catholic Leadership Institute’s Award for Outstanding Catholic Leadership (2004). He has served or presently serves on the boards of the Theology of the Body Institute, the Association of Catholic Publishers, and John Paul the Great University.

Matt and his wife, Maryanne, live in Pennsylvania, and are the parents of six children.

Dr. Scott Powell is a teacher, theologian, and author who has been teaching the Bible and the Catholic faith to audiences of all ages for decades. Currently, he is currently a Director and Professor of Theology at the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver.

Scott and his wife Annie founded and direct Camp Wojtyla, a Catholic outdoor adventure program for youth based in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Scott holds a doctorate in Catholic Studies from Liverpool Hope University in England and has authored a number of books, articles, and book chapters on topics of theology, the Bible, and ecology, as well as on Catholic culture and its relationship to the modern world.

With a passion for making complex ideas simple and accessible, Scott has spoken at parishes, universities, and conferences around the world and has worked on Ascension’s “Exodus: Called to Freedom” and “Walking with Christ: A Journey through the Gospel of Luke.” Scott and Annie live near Boulder, Colorado with their three children: Lily Avila, Samuel Isaac, and Evelyn Luca.

Bader Rabadi, L.C. is one of the presenters of Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Bob Rice is a presenter, author, singer, songwriter, and international speaker, as well as a professor of catechetics at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. His weekly podcasts include They That Hope and Speaking with Deacons. He has led worship at Steubenville Conferences for more than fifteen years, and his books include Between the Savior and the Sea and A 40-Day Spiritual Workout for Catholics.

Fr. Patrick Riviere is a priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in south Louisiana and currently serves as administrator of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morgan City, LA. Born and raised in Thibodaux, he studied biology at Nicholls State University. He received a master of arts degree in theological studies with a concentration in spiritual theology from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and was ordained in June 2019.

Since then, Fr. Patrick has served in several parish and diocesan roles, most recently as priest-secretary to the Office of the Bishop and in the diocesan Office of Parish Support, assisting parishes in their mission of formation and evangelization.

Dr. Biff Rocha’s area of interest is the intersection of rhetoric and religion. He earned his master’s degree in speech communication and rhetoric from Miami University in beautiful Oxford, Ohio. While there, Biff enjoyed coaching the Miami University debate team. He was a missionary for a decade with the interdenominational parachurch organization, Campus Crusade for Christ. Eventually Biff earned a doctorate in Catholic theology. Biff has taught catechetics at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, theology at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, and the American Experience at the University of Dayton.

Fr. Mike Schmitz, a Catholic priest and evangelist well known for his social media videos and podcasts, hosted the 2021 breakout podcast The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)™, which became the #1 podcast on the Apple charts after its January 2021 launch, and is the most popular Catholic podcast of all time. The Bible in a Year was Chartable’s #1 global podcast in religion for several years, and was covered by news outlets including CBS, Fox, and The New York Times Magazine.

Dr. Alan Schreck is one of the authors of Epic: A Journey Through Church History.

Jennifer Sharpe is a Catholic mother who is passionate about helping all believers develop a loving relationship with Jesus, especially in the Eucharist. A convert to Catholicism who saw a need for engaging books for Catholic children, Jennifer is the author of several books, including Ascension’s award-winning My First Interactive Mass Book. This title won two Association of Catholic Publishers Excellence in Publishing Awards, achieving a rare first place in two categories: Children’s Picture Books and Spanish.

Jennifer lives with her husband and children in Oklahoma.

With over twenty years of ministry experience, Fred Shellabarger has dedicated his life to helping others encounter the redeeming love of Christ. For more than eight years, he served the Diocese of Sioux City as Director of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Family Life, supporting pastors and parish leaders in forming disciples and strengthening parish life. He now serves at Mater Dei Parish in Sioux City, where he helps others grow in faith and deepen their relationship with Christ. As co-founder of Draw Near and co-host of its podcast, Fred strives to create spaces where people feel loved, valued, and seen; to help ignite hearts with the love of God.

He and his wife of twenty years are the proud parents of seven children whose joy, creativity, and faith continually remind him of God’s goodness. Fred’s life and ministry are shaped by one conviction: no wound is too deep, no situation too broken, and no heart too distant for the transforming love of Christ.

Thomas Smith served as the director of the Denver Catholic Biblical School and the Denver Catechetical School. He is a frequent guest on EWTN and Catholic radio, as well as a sought-after parish mission and conference speaker. Thomas is co-author with Jeff Cavins of Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come Bible Study. He speaks, offers parish missions, and teaches online at gen215.org and at Catholic events around the country.

Gayle Somers (BA, MTS), a former evangelical Protestant, was received into the Catholic Church with her family in 1995. She has been writing and leading parish Bible studies since 1996. She is the author of Ascension’s Galatians: Set Free to Live Workbook and has contributed to a Catholic women’s Bible.

Gayle’s latest project with Ascension is Whispers of Mary: What Twelve Old Testament Women Teach Us About Mary, an accessible and engaging book about Marian typology for Catholics.

Gayle lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband. She is a grandmother to five delightful grandchildren who live just down the street.

Beth Sri is a graduate of Benedictine College and was ​among the first FOCUS missionaries.
Married to Dr. Edward Sri and the mother of eight ​children, Beth has a heart for those around her, ​encouraging young adult women as well as fellow wives ​and mothers to meet Jesus in their call to marriage and ​motherhood through mentorship, small group ​gatherings, and connecting one-on-one.

Beth and Dr. Sri have authored two Ascension books together: The Good, the Messy and the Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life as well Pocket Guide to Prayer, both published by Ascension. Beth is also a contributor to the Ascension Planner 2025: A Tool for Daily Catholic Living.

Beth helps lead retreats in Denver for Life-Giving ​Wounds, a ministry for adult children of divorce for ​which she also serves on the national board of directors.

Though not Italian, Beth relishes cooking up autentico ​Italian pastas for her growing family. When she is not in ​the kitchen making a quadruple batch of something or ​chauffeuring children somewhere, she can be found on ​a long run in the Colorado sunshine, curled up with an ​annotated Jane Austen novel, or boisterously cheering ​for her kids at their soccer games.

Beth and her husband, Edward, live in Colorado with their 8 children.

Dr. Edward Sri is a theologian, well-known Catholic speaker, and author of several best-selling Catholic books and resources. His work with Ascension includes Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a groundbreaking Catholic study program filmed in 40 locations across 4 continents. Together with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, and Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Dr. Sri guides viewers on a spiritual pilgrimage through Foundations of Faith that will transform the way participants understand Catholic teachings and live the Catholic Faith.

Dr. Sri’s other study programs with Ascension include A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion and When You Pray: A Clear Path to a Deeper Relationship with God. He has also authored several books with Ascension, including the Pocket Guide to Prayer, co-written with his wife, Beth and Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR.

Dr. Sri is the host of the acclaimed Ascension podcast All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri. Together with Curtis Martin, Dr. Sri is a founding leader of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), of which he serves as senior vice president of Apostolic Outreach.

Dr. Sri lives with his wife Beth and their children and grandchildren in Colorado.

Chris Stefanick is one of the presenters of Chosen.

Joel Stepanek graduated from Fordham University with a master of arts degree in religion and religious education with an emphasis in youth and young adult ministry. In addition to being director of resource development for Life Teen, he currently serves as adjunct faculty for Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Joel is the author or co-author of several books, including Chasing Humility: 8 Ways to Shape a Christian Heart, and True North: A Roadmap for Discernment, and is a contributing author and presenter in The 99. Above all, Joel is a husband to Colleen and father to Elijah and Sophia, who are his greatest adventure.

Dr. Andrew Swafford is professor of theology at Benedictine College and a national speaker on a variety of Catholic topics including Sacred Scripture, St. John Paul II, and the moral life. Together with Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, he is co-author of What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith and co-host of Ascension’s video series under the same title, filmed at 30 holy sites in Rome. With his wife, Sarah, Dr. Swafford is also co-author of Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships. He is also the general editor of, and a contributor to, Ascension’s best-selling Great Adventure Catholic Bible and the Catholic Guide to the Old and New Testaments (2 volumes).

Among Dr. Swafford’s other publications are Ascension’s Bible studies on Romans and Hebrews. Dr. Swafford holds a doctorate in Sacred Theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake and a master’s degree in Old Testament and Semitic Languages from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Dr. Swafford is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Academy of Catholic Theology, and is a featured fellow at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. Both he and Sarah are available for speaking engagements and can be contacted via Twitter or their website, The Swaffords.

Dr. Swafford is an avid student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and lives with his wife Sarah and their six children in Atchison, KS.

Rose Sweet is a sparkling personality with a passion to help people “put their religion into their relationships.” Having suffered early on through multiple divorces, Rose began a furious search for the truth of her heart’s deepest aches and discovered the riches of the Theology of the Body (TOB). She’s since been a pioneer in national divorce healing ministry, has appeared on Catholic radio and TV, and is the creator of Ascension’s Surviving Divorce, a 12-video parish program. With 30+ years of experience, she was the only speaker on divorce, remarriage, and annulment at the 2015 World Meeting of Families.

In the last twenty years, Rose has expanded her work to include parish missions, coaching groups and individuals in the interior life, as well as writing more than fourteen books to help others heal and strengthen their relationships. Rose is a respected speaker who has presented at the 2014 and 2016 Theology of the Body Congresses, the 2017 USCCB Convocation of Catholic Leaders, and the 2020 and 2021 TOB Virtual Conferences.

Rose lives in the Southern California desert with her husband, Bob, and a growing collection of cacti.

Teresa Tomeo is a bestselling author, syndicated Catholic talk show host, and speaker with a passion for helping others encounter Christ and navigate today’s culture through the lens of faith and truth. After achieving success as a secular television news reporter and anchor, Tomeo experienced a profound reversion to the Catholic Faith that transformed both her personal life and professional mission, leading her to leave secular media in 2000 and dedicate her work to evangelization.

With more than 40 years of experience in television, radio, and journalism, Tomeo is a widely recognized Catholic media personality who brings clarity and insight to conversations at the intersection of faith and everyday life.

Through her work with Ascension, including as a presenter of No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion and author of Noise: How Our Media-saturated Culture Dominates Lives and Dismantles Families, Tomeo helps Catholics enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s suffering and equips them to live their faith with confidence and conviction.

She resides in Southeastern Michigan and central Italy, with her husband, Deacon Dominick Pastore, who leads with her marriage and diaconate couples’ retreats, and Catholic pilgrimages.

Nichelle Soriano Torno is passionate about sharing her Catholic faith with young people and their families. She first grew in her relationship with God after encountering Christ in Adoration on a high school retreat. Through this experience, she discovered her identity and worth as a beloved daughter of God and became assured of his presence and guidance in her life. She began to serve the Church as a teen, and later as a young adult student leader through her college campus ministry.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communicology and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Nichelle’s passion for sharing the faith led her to professional youth and young adult ministry. Now a mother, she realizes how important it is to help raise children in the faith, which is what inspired her new book with Ascension: A Place for Me in God’s Family Tree. In this book, she teams up with her cousin, Jordan Vicente Yango, who brings her words to life with his whimsical illustrations.

Nichelle, her husband and her son live and play on the beautiful island of Oahu in Hawaii.

Steven Umbrello is the Managing Director at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies and a research fellow at the University of Turin. He is also an associate researcher at the Collège des Bernardins, where he works on digital humanism, and was previously a research fellow at the Delft University of Technology. He is the editor of several international academic journals, such as the International Journal of Technoethics, the Journal of Responsible Technology, and the Journal of Ethics and Emerging Technologies. He was formerly a Stiftung Südtiroler Sparkasse Global Fellow at Eurac Research, where he worked on the philosophy, religion, and society program, and a researcher at the Bruno Kessler Foundation, where he worked on the ethics of generative AI.

He is the author of several books, including "Technology Ethics: Responsible Innovation and Design Strategies" (Polity, 2024), "Can AI Ever Be Human?: Consciousness Explored" (CUA, 2026), and "Mediated by Meaning: Consciousness and Conversion in the Thought of Jordan Peterson" (Pickwick, 2026). He also has a forthcoming book with Ascension exploring artificial intelligence and the Catholic perspective on technology, ethics, and the human person.

Kevin Vost was raised Catholic but spent twenty-five years in an atheistic wilderness until he encountered the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas and re-embraced Christ and his Church. Kevin obtained his doctorate in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) from Adler University in Chicago with internship and dissertation at the SIU School of Medicine Alzheimer’s Center’s Memory and Aging Clinic. He taught psychology and gerontology at schools including the University of Illinois at Springfield and Aquinas College in Nashville, Tennessee. An author of over twenty Catholic books, Kevin strives to share the timeless wisdom of Thomas Aquinas with Catholics of our time.

Father of Eric and Kyle, grandfather of Eryn, Henry, Colin, and Aleyna, Kevin lives with his wife Kathy and their dog Lily in Springfield, Illinois, where he enjoyed great drafts of coffee while reading timeless Thomistic tomes.

Kevin Vost passed away in April of 2023.

Raised Catholic, Linda has catechized children from preschool to sixth grade, with a particular passion for preparing second graders for their first sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. She has served as a small group leader for many of Jeff Cavins’ Great Adventure studies by Ascension. After seeing how The Bible Timeline changed the lives of so many adults, Linda, along with Lisa Bromschwig, Regina Neville, and Emily Cavins, decided to bring this incredible gift to the children in their homes and parishes. GPS was born from their passion for translating The Bible Timeline into a format that young Catholics can enjoy and remember for the rest of their lives. Linda and her husband, Phil, reside in Minnesota and have three adult children.

E. Ron Watson is a humble and dynamic writer who witnessed Maria Middleton’s last five months of life while she was a patient in the hospital where he worked. Maria’s life deeply enriched his, so Ron sought to share her story. He knew it had the potential to awaken faith in some and deepen it for others, both young and old.

Ron’s career spans various roles including newspaper reporter and editor, banking vice president, government public information officer, freelance wordsmith, and finally, 20 years as communications director for a community health system. He has also been an active volunteer in parish and archdiocesan affairs. In retirement, he volunteers in the press office of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa and is president of a fledgling scholarship fund for Catholic school students. He is married to Diane, a love at first sight. They raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren. Ron is working on a new nonfiction work and a garden that is too big, while trying to find time for fly-fishing.

Ron's debut title with Ascension is "Think Hope: Maria Middleton's Life of Unyielding Trust in God."

Dr. Steve Weidenkopf is an adjunct professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology in Alexandria, Virginia, where he teaches courses in Church history and the crusades. He is the creator, co-author, and presenter of Epic: A Journey through Church History as well as Epic: The Early Church.

In addition to his work with Ascension, Dr. Weidenkopf is the author of many books about Church history, the Middle Ages, and the crusades. He is a member of the Society for the Study of the Crusades and the Latin East–an international academic group dedicated to the field of crusading history–as well as a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Dr. Weidenkopf and his wife, Kasey, live in Northern Virginia and have six children and one grandchild.

Amy Welborn is the author of over 20 books on Catholic spirituality, apologetics, and history, including the best-selling Great Adventure Kids Catholic Bible Chronicles, published by Ascension. Her writing has been featured in several renowned publications, including the New York Times, Catholic News Service, The Catholic Digest, and Our Sunday Visitor. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Tennessee and a master’s in Church history from Vanderbilt University.

Amy has five children, ages 39 to 17, and lives in Birmingham, Alabama with the youngest.

Shannon Wendt is best know as the founder and CEO of "Chews Life," a nationally-respected apostolate promoting devotion to the Rosary in the midst of daily life. Shannon is additionally an author, speaker, business coach, wife, and homeschooling mother of eight. She created the "Excuse-Proof Rosary Bracelet" and also founded "The Way of the Rosary" community.

By sharing her deeply personal journey, including the sorrow of miscarriage, Shannon inspires others to journey with Our Lady through the mysteries of Christ’s life. As we journey through the mysteries of our own lives, we are led deeper into the Heart of Jesus.

Shannon's debut title with Ascension is "The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary Through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life".

Dr. Christopher West is the president of the Theology of the Body Institute (TOBI) and a professor of theological anthropology in the jointly sponsored Master’s program that the TOBI shares with Pontifex University. Dr. West is the author of multiple best-selling books as well as numerous video and audio programs. These books and programs, along with his global lecturing and popular podcast Ask Christopher West, hosted by his wife, Wendy, have made him one of the world’s most recognized teachers of Pope St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. His work has been featured in The New York Times, ABC News, Fox News, MSNBC, and in countless Catholic and evangelical media outlets.

Dr. West and Wendy live near Philadelphia with their children.

Andrew Whitmore is a theologian with a passion for helping Catholics understand moral theology. After a profound reversion to the faith during his undergraduate, Andrew earned an advanced degree in theology from the Catholic University of America (PhD). During his studies, he specialized in St. Thomas Aquinas’ treatment of the virtues. His other academic interests include biblical and sacramental theology.

Andrew currently serves as an assistant professor of theology at Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia, where he teaches courses including Moral Theology, Bioethics, Christology, and Grace. In addition to teaching moral theology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, he also frequently gives public talks to laity and teaches moral theology to candidates for the permanent diaconate throughout the country.

Andrew is married to his wife, Shannon, and together they raise their two children. As a married couple, Andrew and Shannon have given talks for Catholic marriage preparation courses.

Shannon Whitmore is a homeschooling mom with a passion for sharing the truth of God’s love for the human person as well as the beauty of the vocation to marriage and family life. She graduated from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family in 2015 with a master’s degree in theology. After more than a decade of working in religious education, youth ministry, and sacramental preparation, Shannon finally realized her dream of becoming a full time stay-at-home mom and a part-time writer.

Shannon lives in northwestern Virginia with her husband, Andrew, and their two children: John and Felicity.

Mary Ann Wiesinger is associate director of the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Oakland, California, where she is responsible for the Basic and Master Catechist Certificate Programs (English and Spanish). Mary Ann is a presenter in Chosen.

Dr. Peter Williamson holds the Adam Cardinal Maida Chair in Sacred Scripture at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. He is the co-editor of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture and author of two of its volumes, Revelation and Ephesians. He is also the author of Catholic Principles for Interpreting Scripture.

Dr. Williamson is a contributor to Ascension’s The Great Adventure Catholic Bible.

Emily Wilson Hussem is a speaker, YouTuber, author, wife, and mom who shares her faith both online and at events around the globe. Emily writes, speaks, and creates Catholic videos on femininity, faith, and relationships which have a combined follower count of over 240,000 people. Emily’s 6 books, 3 in-depth video series, and countless talks have inspired and encouraged women of all ages. Together with her husband Daniel, Emily co-founded and directs “Marcam,” a TV show for Catholic kids.

Mary Wolff is one of the presenters of Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Dr. Christine Wood is one of the presenters of Foundations of Faith.

Andrea Zachman is an award-winning writer and the faith formation coordinator at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, Minnesota. Before taking the position at her church, she served her community as a corrections officer and a search and rescue diver. She counts scuba and competitive shooting competitions among her hobbies. Andrea converted to the Catholic faith in 2007, and she and her husband, Nathan, have four children.

Author of the Ascension title, The Sacred That Surrounds Us: How Everything in a Catholic Church Points to Heaven, Andrea finds joy in teaching the Catholic Faith.

Arthur C. Brooks, Ph.D., is a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, where he teaches courses on leadership and happiness. As of July 1, he will join the faculty at Vanderbilt University as Professor of Medicine, Health and Society. He is also a bestselling author, speaker, and commentator whose work explores human flourishing, happiness, and the moral foundations of a meaningful life.

See more from Arthur Brooks:

• The Real Reason Modern Life Feels Empty w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Arthur Brooks [video]
• You’re Not Unhappy…You’re Misunderstanding Happiness (w/ Dr. Arthur Brooks and Fr. Mike Schmitz) [video]

The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal are one of the presenters of Chosen.

Sr. Maris Stella is a member of the Sisters of Life who is dedicated to helping others encounter the transforming love of Jesus Christ. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, she served as a Naval Officer, where she experienced a profound encounter with Christ in the Eucharist that opened her heart to religious life and led her to discern her vocation. After five years of military service, she entered the Sisters of Life in 2006 and professed her final vows in 2014.

Sr. Maris Stella holds a Master of Arts in Theology from the Augustine Institute and currently serves in leadership within her community, helping to form others in the consecrated life.

Through her work with Ascension, including her role as a presenter for When You Pray: A Clear Path to a Deeper Relationship with God, she invites others to grow in awareness of their identity as beloved sons and daughters of God.

She continues to serve in a variety of missions, accompanying women, leading retreats, and contributing to evangelization efforts, always seeking to share God’s mercy and affirm the dignity of every human person.

On May 8th, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., of the United States and Peru, was elected the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. 

Joann Bradvica—a wife, a mother of three adult children, and business owner—is passionately Catholic and has been active in Church ministry for many years.

To create Donuts After Mass, a children’s book for Ascension, Joann (pictured left) teamed up with her two adult daughters, Daniela and Rafaela (pictured right and center, respectively). Both young women grew in love for their Catholic faith through fourteen years of Catholic schooling and by living in Catholic residences while in college.

Rafaela, the illustrator of Donuts After Mass, helped to manage the Confirmation program at her parish for four years. Daniela, who is a co-author of the book’s content together with her mother, currently teaches fourth-grade religious education. Both Rafaela and Daniela have been active in music ministry since the second grade.

Joann lives in California, while Rafaela and Daniela are currently living and working on the East Coast.

The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia are one of the presenters of Chosen.