Encounter

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.

Colin MacIver is a theology teacher, author, speaker, and longtime minister with a passion for helping others encounter Christ. For more than two decades, he has served the Church through education and parish ministry, including as a theology teacher, religion department chair, and campus ministry coordinator at St. Scholastica Academy in Covington, Louisiana. He currently serves as Senior Director of Evangelization at Jesuit High School in New Orleans.

Colin is the author of the guide to Quick Catholic Lessons with Fr. Mike and, alongside his wife, Aimee, is the co-author and presenter of Theology of the Body for Teens: Middle School Edition, as well as the co-author of the Chosen Parent's and Sponsor's Guides and other Ascension resources. Whether teaching, writing, speaking, or making music, Colin is dedicated to helping people grow in their faith and discover the joy of the Gospel.

Colin lives in Louisiana with his wife, Aimee, and their two children, Leo and Zelie. When he's not serving in ministry, you can find him eating way too many crawfish, crafting cringeworthy dad jokes, or trying—without much success—to load the dishwasher correctly.

Aimee MacIver is a wife, mother, writer, artist, speaker, and pilgrimage leader.

She is the author of several award-winning books on the Theology of the Body, the sacraments, social justice, Scripture study, and Baptism preparation, as well as Reconciliation and Mass companions for children.

Aimee is also a visual artist and the creator of ThyShip.com, a daily Catholic newsletter that invites readers to see every place as an opportunity for pilgrimage and encounter with Christ.