Gustavo García-Siller was named Archbishop of San Antonio by Pope Benedict XVI on October 14, 2010. Installed as Archbishop on November 23, 2010, he succeeded Archbishop Jose H. Gomez as the 6th Archbishop of San Antonio. He was appointed an auxiliary bishop of the Chicago Archdiocese on January 24, 2003 by Pope John Paul II, and ordained on March 19, 2003 by Archbishop of Chicago, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.
On a national level, Archbishop García-Siller currently serves on a number of committees for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). He also served as Chair of Region 7 of the USCCB, which includes Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.
In his talk entitled The New Evangelization and the Word of God (Henry Garrett Ballroom), Archbishop García-Siller explores the question, “Where can we find water in the deserts of our lives?” Our world is thirsting for the Lord. We can take the example of the Samaritan woman at the well, and draw living water from the Word of God. When we encounter Christ in the Scripture, we quench the desire in our heart and are able to communicate that experience to the world around us in new and powerful ways.
Chris Horn played professional football for 8 years as a wide receiver and special team performer for 3 NFL teams. Chris is a devout Catholic and since his retirement he has become a popular Catholic speaker. He speaks on topics such as developing virtue, evangelizing, living your faith in public, abortion, courage, prayer and accepting daily crosses. He currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Amy and their two children, Christopher and Frances.
In his talk, entitled Shine the Light of Christ (Henry Garrett Ballroom), Chris describes the NFL locker room, which is filled with lots of tough men; it is not the easiest environment to live for Christ. Chris explains that to play in the NFL takes courage and to follow Jesus takes courage, too. Learn how the same skills that helped him on the football field also helped him to live for Christ Jesus in every part of his life.
Mike Brock received his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Dallas holds Master’s degree in History from Western Connecticut State University and Counseling from Amberton University. After thirty four years in diocesan education, including twenty-six as a school principal, he became a licensed professional counselor, and now heads the counseling center at the University of Dallas; in addition, he has a private counseling practice in Dallas focusing on adult issues. Mike is the Author or Co-Author of several books including Positive Discipline in the Christian Home, Be Still and Know that I Am God, and Parenting Through the School Years… and Beyond! He has spoken to audiences throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, Mexico and Central America. His greatest love is offering retreats and seminars that promote the personal integration of Spirituality and Psychology.
Very Reverend Pete Elizardo, Jr. is the Director for the Office of Divine Worship for the Diocese of Corpus Christi and is also the Rector of the Corpus Christi Cathedral. He completed his undergraduate degree from the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio and completed his graduate studies through the University of St. Thomas while at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, Texas.
Robert Feduccia Jr. was the founding director of the Youth Liturgical Leadership Program at Saint Meinrad School of Theology. He conducted graduate studies in theology at the Catholic University of America and earned his Master of Theological Studies from Saint Meinrad School of Theology.Through his work as a parish youth minister, workshops and presentations, his instruction of deacon candidates, and his writing, he has invited people into a relationship with the Lord and the Church through liturgical prayer. Robert is the general manager for spiritandsong.com, a division of OCP, and he continues to realize his passion of drawing people into a relationship with God through prayer and worship.
A graduate of Loyola College in Maryland and a Jesuit since 1997, he completed Philosophy studies at Saint Louis University in Missouri and Theology at the Jesuit School of Theology in California.
For several years he taught, coached, and led retreats at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. As a transitional deacon he served with the Catholic chaplaincy program at San Quentin State Prison in California. He was ordained a priest in June 2008 and served as assistant pastor at Old St. Joseph’s Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began his ministry with the Apostleship of Prayer, helping to plan youth and young adult initiatives, in 2005. In July 2009 he became a part of the staff as Youth and Young Adult Director.
Many will remember Father Gregory T. Labus, who prior to becoming a priest for the Diocese of Brownsville in 2006 was Associate Director of Music at Corpus Christi Cathedral for 17 years. Along with Lee Gwozdz, Director of Music for our Diocese, he was successful in developing one of the top Cathedral Music Ministries in the nation. Father Greg is now Director of Liturgy and Worship for the Diocese of Brownsville. He was recently appointed as Pastor of his “home” parish St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg, Texas, where he attended St. Joseph Catholic School for eight years. After attending St. Joseph, he became a parishioner until he graduated from high school. After graduating, Father Labus majored in music at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth with an emphasis on liturgical music. He was Director of Music at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ft. Worth until Bishop Rene H. Gracida of the Diocese of Corpus Christi invited him to develop a music program with Lee Gwozdz in 1984.
Sister Rose Paul Madassery belongs to the order of the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Their Mother House is in India. She has a Masters degree in social work (MSW), and came to the U.S in May 2002. She started her work as a social worker at the Maurin Day Shelter. In September 2003, the Mother Teresa Shelter was opened in Corpus Christi. She has resided as a staff member ever since. In 2007, she became the Operations Supervisor of the Mother Teresa Day Shelter.
Patrick Markey was asked by the U.S. bishops to start the Office of National Collections when they reorganized the Bishops’ Conference in 2007. He and his staff oversee eight of the twelve national collections held in almost 19,000 parishes annually. His work has involved creating more efficient fundraising and grant making procedures as well as developing the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa.
Earlier in his career Patrick worked as an executive in Catholic publishing, including five years at the USCCB. His early professional years were in investment banking. He is a certified public accountant and holds an executive MBA degree from the University of Loyola in Baltimore. He also has done other graduate studies in theology at Fordham University. He has served six years as a regional director of the Focolare Movement and currently on the board of the Catholic Volunteer Network.
Arturo y su familia se vinieron en 1989 a los Estados Unidos. Arturo estudio una Maestría en Ingeniería Química en la Universidad Texas A&M. Arturo y Esperanza asistieron al programa del Diaconado Permanente y Arturo fue ordenado hace 9 años en la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston. Ambos obtuvieron su carrera de Teología Pastoral y su Maestría en Estudios Teológicos en el Seminario de Santa María de la Universidad de Santo Tomás en Houston. Arturo trabajo durante cinco años tiempo completo como Asociado Pastoral y desde hace 4 años es el Director de la Oficina de la Vida Familiar en la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston. Esperanza ha sido líder catequético por mas de 16 años. Presentadora a nivel parroquial, estatal y nacional en la Conferencia Nacional de Liderazgo Catequético (NCCL).Desde hace 9 años, ambos conducen semanalmente el programa de radio “En Familia”. Arturo y Esperanza han estado casados por 31 años, y tienen 6 hijos.
Bishop Mulvey attended seminary at the North American College in Rome from 1971–1976. From 1971–1974 he earned his bachelor’s degree of Sacred Theology from St. Thomas University (Angelicum) and from 1974–1976, he earned his licentiate (master’s degree) in Sacred Theology from Gregorian University. He was one of 359 priests ordained by Pope Paul VI in 1975 in St. Peter’s Square. Wm. Michael Mulvey was ordained the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi on March 25, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI named him bishop on January 18, 2010.
Arland K. Nichols is the Director of Education and Parish Outreach for Human Life International, the world’s largest international pro-life organization. He is Executive Editor of the online publication, the Truth and Charity Forum. Formerly instructor of morality and bioethics at Pope John XXIII High School, Mr. Nichols also co-founded and remains Executive Director of “Converging Roads” a continuing education program in Catholic bioethics for medical professionals.
Mr. Nichols graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.A. in Philosophy, and he earned a Masters of Divinity from the University of Saint Thomas Graduate School of Theology. He holds a certification in Health Care Ethics from the National Catholic Bioethics Center and is currently completing a Doctorate in Bioethics from Regina Apostolorum, a Pontifical University in Rome, Italy.
Theresa Notare, PhD, is the Assistant Director for the Natural Family Planning Program and the Secretariat for Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Dr. Notare received her degree in Church History from the Catholic University of America. She is responsible for supporting the American Catholic dioceses in their efforts to create or strengthen Natural Family Planning (NFP) ministry. With expertise in Church teaching on human sexuality, marriage, conjugal love and responsible parenthood, and the methods of NFP, Dr. Notare publishes, provides talks, as well as has appeared on EWTN and Catholic radio.
Dr. Jaime Padro is a passionate Catholic, with many years of experience as a consultant and trainer in Leadership & Organizational Development. His talks blend this topic with the greatness of our Catholic faith. His work has included a membership in the foundational stages of the Yale University Thomas More Center Curriculum Committee for the Catholic leadership program for youngsters known today as Esteem.
As part of his professorship, he has worked teaching Pastoral Leadership for the Southeastern Pastoral Institute (SEPI) in Miami, Florida, and has taught Christian Leadership for the Archdiocese of Miami’s Lay Ministry Program. Dr. Padro also conducted his own “Let’s Develop Effective Catholic Leadership Program” at the Franciscan University of Steubenville Ohio. He also authored “Los Dialogos de Fracisco”, a book in Spanish on the basics of our Catholic faith.
Father Paul Rutten is the Director of Vocations for the Diocese Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He received his B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul and S.T.B. from Pontificia Universita’ San Tommaso d’Aquino in Rome, Italy and holds a Master’s degree in Divinity/ Spirituality from Pontificia Universita’ San Tommaso d’Aquino. He was ordained a priest on June 21, 2002. He is currently the Director of the Office of Vocations in the Diocese of Sioux Falls.
Luis H. Soto is the director of Hispanic Ministry and the executive director of Centro San Juan Diego, the Hispanic Institute for Family and Pastoral Care of the Archdiocese of Denver. Luis has a strong background in serving the Catholic Church in both Mexico and the United States; he is an immigrant from Sonora, Mexico.In October of 2009, Luis was honored with the Benemerenti Medal, a noteworthy recognition from Pope Benedict XVI recognizing Luis’ long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, to his family and his community. Luis also served as an expert commentator for Univision Colorado during the visit of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, to Guanajuato, Mexico in 2012. Luis holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and a master’s degree in Theology from the University Iberoamericana of Mexico.
Carolyn Chavez Thompson is the Director and Managing Attorney for Immigration and Refugee Services at Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, Inc. She is admitted to practice in the states of Texas and Missouri and before US Department of Homeland Security. She has been a frequent presenter on issues relating to immigration policy and reform. Mrs. Thompson received a BA with honors from Iowa State University and a JD from the University of Cincinnati-College of Law. Prior to law school, Mrs. Thompson was a volunteer with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps working as a tenant rights counselor/community organizer in San Francisco, California. While in law school, she was a founding member and student director of the College of Law’s Immigrant Community Legal Advocacy Project. Prior to joining Catholic Charities, Mrs. Thompson served as a prosecuting attorney for both Greene County, Missouri, and the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, and a judicial clerk for the Missouri Court of Appeals.