Speakers

Dr. Mary Amore, holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Liturgy and Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union. Dr. Amore is the author of Primary Symbols of Worship and the Call to Participation, as well as the creator of the DVD Series: Eucharist: Pathway of Transformation, Healing and Discipleship published by […]

Fr. Dan Avila, is the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Fresno.  He is also the Pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Jude & Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Easton and Caruthers. He serves as a chaplain for the Teams of Our Lady, the Serra Club of Fresno and the Central […]

Skip Bacon has served as a catechetical leader for more than 15 years with her areas of focus including whole parish catechesis, Hispanic ministry, and adult faith formation. Skip Bacon earned a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame and is a certified lay minister. Skip has also spent a good deal […]

Anna Betancourt is a supremely talented vocalist, cantor and choir director. She has more than 20 years experience directing choirs, from Spanish and traditional choirs to handbell, children’s and contemporary ensembles. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, she later returned to her alma mater to work as assistant director of liturgy and music. At the […]

BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF FRESNO The Most Reverend Joseph Brennan was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno on May 2, 2019. Previously, he served as the Auxiliary Bishop of the San Fernando Region of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He was born and raised in California, and has spent his life in […]

Emma Camarena is a Faith Community Nurse for the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish in Visalia. She also works as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Kaweah Delta Medical Center in Visalia. She is a facilitator for the Empowerment for Better Living English class for both parishioners and community members.

Currently the Pflaum Publishing Group’s Western Regional Manager, Ms. Cotting-Mogan has over 40 years in catechetical, campus, family, and youth / young adult ministries at the parish, school, and diocesan levels. She has spoken at numerous events at diocesan and national levels. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University, a Master of […]

Pilar De La Cruz (Reyes) Samoulian is a Registered Nurse with over 50 years of practice experience. She has also been a widow twice; has helped support patient’s family members when they lose a loved one and she has also known the pain of losing a soul mate. She worked at Fresno Community Hospital for […]

Aaron Del Monte has spent his entire adult life dedicated to teaching and ministering to young people. He and his wife, Sherry, spent 10 years as the Coordinators of Youth Ministry at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Elk Grove, California. In addition to being an educational consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc., Aaron is currently […]

Monsignor Dreiling was born in San Francisco, California. He attended St. John’s Seminary College in Camarillo, California, and graduated with Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy. He then entered St. John’s Seminary, School of Theology in Camarillo, California. He was ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Fresno in 1975. He served at several […]

Carlos Flores, RN, is a Faith Community Nurse and a Master Catechist. His “discussion” topics focus on health issues overlaid with Catholic teaching. Through God’s grace, Carlos has used the art of oration to bring health teaching and Christ’s message to literally thousands of participants through in-person presentations, television, and social media. He and his […]

Margarita Flores works as a “Life Coach” in the areas of Human Relations and Education of Parents/Mothers. Is the director of two companies: Instituto Latino Life Coaching and the Catholic Library El Buen Pastor. Doctoral student in Social Sciences and Theology in the University of Costa Rica. She has worked over 30 years in parishes […]

John Gerardi is an attorney, and serves as the executive director of Right to Life of Central California. John is a graduate of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School, where his studies focused around philosophy, jurisprudence, and bioethics. He is a parishioner of the Holy Cross Latin Mass community, and is married with three […]

Jim Grant has a Master’s Degree in Education and Pastoral Ministry from Boston College (1983) and 40 years of Religious Education, Ministry Formation and Social Justice commitments. Having lived in the Dominican Republic (1972-74) and the Holy Land (1978-79) have changed forever his approach to scripture study, interfaith dialogue and church ministry. Happily married with […]

Lori Harris hangs with Cardinals and homeless, Pentecostals, politicians, from babies to the ancient, liberals, conservatives, intellectuals and sisters in the hood. She talks the talk and walks the walk. She and her husband Alan are US Directors of Youth With A Mission’s Catholic ecumenical arm, Kerygma. Lori is a full-time Lay Missionary and mother […]

Lisa M. Hendey is the founder and editor of CatholicMom.com and the bestselling author of multiple books including The Grace of Yes, The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion, and The Handbook for Catholic Moms. She is the host of “Lisa Hendey & Friends” on Breadbox Media and the co-host of “Catholic MomCast,” and has additionally appeared […]

Rose M. Hernandez serves as the Director for the Office of Formation and Evangelization in the Diocese of Fresno. With over twenty years of experience in liturgy, catechesis, and Christian Initiation, she has served in various capacities as a workshop presenter and retreat director in Fresno as well as the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Ms. […]

Father Alejandro Ignacio received philosophy, liberal arts and theology training at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. He holds a Licentiate in theology from the same university. He taught philosophy and natural science at the Dominican House of Studies and theology at Letran college in the Philippines. He was the treasurer and personnel […]

Mel Kennedy is a musicianary (musician and missionary), award-nominated recording artist, liturgical trainer, and inspirational speaker. She is currently working toward her Doctor of Ministry in Applied Ministries from Graduate Theological Foundation. Mel holds a Master of Arts degree in Liturgical Ministry and Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. She is […]

Benito Medrano is the coordinator of Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Fresno; position in which he serves the Hispanic Pastoral Juvenil, the apostolic movements in Spanish and the extraordinary ministry of migrants. Previously he served as a co-coordinator of the Diocesan committee of the V Encuentro, and as a leader of youth groups in […]

Julie Moody is a former Religion Teacher and Coordinator in the Diocese of San Jose. She has been involved in Parish Faith Formation and Youth Ministry, in addition to teaching Religion and a Campus Minister at Presentation High School. Her experience includes creating and directing Service Learning Projects. Her parish and school ministry spans over […]

Rosa Mosich has been involved in religious education ministry for nearly 20 years: as a Catechist, Director of Faith Formation, Parent, and Volunteer. An Educational Consultant in the greater Los Angeles area, Rosa has presented at numerous parishes, schools, and various conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. A proud mother of a teenage […]

Claude’s experience includes several years in journalism, followed by 20+ years of software development. For the past 10 years he has worked for the Diocese of Fresno in detention ministry and as the “some-time” webmaster. He is now the full-time webmaster as part of the Cross Media Services team of the Diocesan Office of Communications. […]

Brenda Noriega was born and raised in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. She has been in service to the people of God from a very young age, at parish level then diocesan. Brenda has a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Santa Clara. She currently serves the Diocese of San Bernardino as a coordinator […]

Kim O’Connor is the Archivist at the Msgr. Culleton Archives at the Diocese of Fresno.  Along with Scott and Adrienne Alston, Archivists Emeriti, we keep the histories of our clergy, parishes and sacramental records starting from 1865.  Kim worked in a parish for 27 years as office staff and liturgical coordinator.  Scott and Adrienne volunteer […]

Rhyan Ramirez has two decades of experience in working in youth and young adult ministry, Rhyan’s passion brings an energy into a space that can’t be missed. His optimism, compassion, realness, humor and big heart have allowed his audience to feel comfortable, supported and safe enough to share from their hearts. With activities that focus […]

Miranda T. Ruiz is a Licensed and Certified Speech and Language Pathologist from Neuro-Communication Solutions, LLC. Recognizing that people are living and working longer and harder than ever, Miranda is focused on equipping communities with the vital skills needed to thrive on the path of longevity at both work and home. While the influence of […]

Sister Marie Francis Schroepfer, C.S.J., was born in Los Angeles, and in 1963, entered the Los Angeles Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. She has ministered over the years as teacher, high school business manager, and staff to the province treasurer of her religious congregation. In 1998, Sister moved to Bakersfield after […]

Sr. Pia St. Romain is with the Sisters of the Sick Poor of Los Angeles. She has lived many places because her dad was in the Army, her parents divorced and her family has a habit of moving often. Los Angeles is her home since 2011. She graduated in May, 2019, from CalState Dominguez Hills […]

Roxanna Stevens has many years of nursing practice in various specialties of which that past 19 have been in Faith Community Nursing in the Diocese of Fresno. She obtained her Master Catechist Certificate several years ago and has been instrumental in providing training of volunteer ministers to visit the sick over the past 15 years. […]

Doug Tooke is the Director of Ministry with ODB Films as well as an adjunct staff member with Life Teen International. With BAs in Philosophy and Theology and a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry, he has over twenty years of professional ministry experience. He has traveled to over 100 dioceses in the past 20 years of […]

Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1956, Rev. Msgr. Rob Wenzinger’s family relocated to California in 1967. He entered St. John’s Seminary College where he received a BA in Philosophy, and eventually a Master’s of Divinity from St. John’s Theologate in 1978. Msgr. Wenzinger was ordained to the priesthood on October 9, 1982, and named Chaplain […]