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Past Magnificat Breakfast Speakers
MAGNIFICAT BREAKFAST – December 2, 2023
Guest Speaker – Sister Marie Fidelis, DLJC
Growing up in Maryland I loved to spend my summers at the beach and my
winters skiing in the mountains. During the school year, I spent my time in
sports practices, learning the piano and harp, and (of course!) going to the
mall with my friends. God didn’t have much of a place in my life, and if you
had asked me at that time who Jesus was, I don’t think I would have been able
to give you a clear answer. A religious vocation certainly was not on my mind.
I had a heart full of ambition to save the world from every form of suffering,
and my misunderstandings of God made me feel that I was often working
against Him and at times didn’t even believe that God existed. When I was 16,
I had an encounter with God that changed everything.
This scripture touched my heart: “If you would be perfect, go and sell all that
you have, and give to the poor, and come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)
As I meditated on the “Rich Young Man,” I felt sadness at that man’s response
to Jesus. How could he walk away from the call of His Savior, His Creator?
And what sadness I would feel if I chose my possessions over my Lord!
Although we do not know what happened to the rich young man, I am
thankful that God gave me the grace to learn from him, and to respond to
Jesus’ call with generosity.
After graduation in 2012, I “sold all that I had” and decided to follow Jesus.
I entered my community after my graduation and have great joy and
fulfillment in living as a Bride of Christ!
Guest Speaker – Sister Marie Fidelis, DLJC
Growing up in Maryland I loved to spend my summers at the beach and my
winters skiing in the mountains. During the school year, I spent my time in
sports practices, learning the piano and harp, and (of course!) going to the
mall with my friends. God didn’t have much of a place in my life, and if you
had asked me at that time who Jesus was, I don’t think I would have been able
to give you a clear answer. A religious vocation certainly was not on my mind.
I had a heart full of ambition to save the world from every form of suffering,
and my misunderstandings of God made me feel that I was often working
against Him and at times didn’t even believe that God existed. When I was 16,
I had an encounter with God that changed everything.
This scripture touched my heart: “If you would be perfect, go and sell all that
you have, and give to the poor, and come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)
As I meditated on the “Rich Young Man,” I felt sadness at that man’s response
to Jesus. How could he walk away from the call of His Savior, His Creator?
And what sadness I would feel if I chose my possessions over my Lord!
Although we do not know what happened to the rich young man, I am
thankful that God gave me the grace to learn from him, and to respond to
Jesus’ call with generosity.
After graduation in 2012, I “sold all that I had” and decided to follow Jesus.
I entered my community after my graduation and have great joy and
fulfillment in living as a Bride of Christ!
Sara Schroedl
Sara Schroedl of Canal Fulton will talk about “My Life Behind Bars”. Sara spent fifty-two days behind bars. It was behind the handlebars of a bicycle. In her mid-fifties, while recovering from an illness that caused clinical depression, she had the idea riding a bicycle would help in her recovery. On a whim she purchased a bicycle. She never imagined what God had in store for her when it led to the most physically challenging, mentally demanding, and spiritually rewarding bike ride of her life. On her bicycle, she pedaled 3,700 miles across the USA, from Oregon to New Hampshire. Mile after mile she felt the presence of God leading her safely on. There were times meeting unaware angels giving her shelter in rainstorms, or directions when she turned down a wrong road. By God’s grace she found her fears melted away when climbing over steep mountain passes or close encounters with wild buffalo on the open range.
Prior to cycling, in the days of Sara’s darkest moments, being hospitalized numerous times, she knew our Blessed Mother was praying for healing and strength to persevere in faith. With return to better health, she wanted to give thanks to our Blessed Mother for all her prayers. She was able to do that with a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal.
Sara grew up in North Dakota where she met her husband, Paul, at NDSU. Married 57 years, they are parents of four children. Sara is a convert to the Catholic Church and member of SS Philip & James Parish. Sara has bicycled coast-to-coast twice - once in her mid-50s and again in her 60s.
“Fear is useless. What is needed is Faith” Mark 5:36
Sara Schroedl of Canal Fulton will talk about “My Life Behind Bars”. Sara spent fifty-two days behind bars. It was behind the handlebars of a bicycle. In her mid-fifties, while recovering from an illness that caused clinical depression, she had the idea riding a bicycle would help in her recovery. On a whim she purchased a bicycle. She never imagined what God had in store for her when it led to the most physically challenging, mentally demanding, and spiritually rewarding bike ride of her life. On her bicycle, she pedaled 3,700 miles across the USA, from Oregon to New Hampshire. Mile after mile she felt the presence of God leading her safely on. There were times meeting unaware angels giving her shelter in rainstorms, or directions when she turned down a wrong road. By God’s grace she found her fears melted away when climbing over steep mountain passes or close encounters with wild buffalo on the open range.
Prior to cycling, in the days of Sara’s darkest moments, being hospitalized numerous times, she knew our Blessed Mother was praying for healing and strength to persevere in faith. With return to better health, she wanted to give thanks to our Blessed Mother for all her prayers. She was able to do that with a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal.
Sara grew up in North Dakota where she met her husband, Paul, at NDSU. Married 57 years, they are parents of four children. Sara is a convert to the Catholic Church and member of SS Philip & James Parish. Sara has bicycled coast-to-coast twice - once in her mid-50s and again in her 60s.
“Fear is useless. What is needed is Faith” Mark 5:36
Pat Higginbotham - June 10, 2023
Pat Higginbotham was introduced to the Charismatic Renewal 40 years ago and is eternally grateful for the redirection the experience of weekly prayer meetings brought to her life. During a time of what she describes as “the winter of my discontent,” a friend invited her to a prayer meeting. Her decision to attend that prayer meeting was a first step in coming to know the Third Person of the Trinity and Our Lady. But learning to hear and then heed the voice of the Holy Spirit was a journey fraught with both failure and fortune. The mentors who graced her with their wisdom each week and the dawning realization that the Word of God was truly alive and personal became a transforming power that propelled her into the Lord’s service. Pat became a prayer group leader and served in youth and the healing ministry. She taught 7th grade religion at the local Catholic school and is a cantor and lector at her parish. She eventually helped found the Morgantown, West Virginia Our Lady of Grace Magnificat Chapter. She now serves on the Central Service Team of Magnificat. Pat and her husband Chuck have been married 49 years and have three children and 12 grandchildren - and 2 grand dogs.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 4-7)
Pat Higginbotham was introduced to the Charismatic Renewal 40 years ago and is eternally grateful for the redirection the experience of weekly prayer meetings brought to her life. During a time of what she describes as “the winter of my discontent,” a friend invited her to a prayer meeting. Her decision to attend that prayer meeting was a first step in coming to know the Third Person of the Trinity and Our Lady. But learning to hear and then heed the voice of the Holy Spirit was a journey fraught with both failure and fortune. The mentors who graced her with their wisdom each week and the dawning realization that the Word of God was truly alive and personal became a transforming power that propelled her into the Lord’s service. Pat became a prayer group leader and served in youth and the healing ministry. She taught 7th grade religion at the local Catholic school and is a cantor and lector at her parish. She eventually helped found the Morgantown, West Virginia Our Lady of Grace Magnificat Chapter. She now serves on the Central Service Team of Magnificat. Pat and her husband Chuck have been married 49 years and have three children and 12 grandchildren - and 2 grand dogs.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 4-7)
Emily K. Whiting - March 11, 2023
If the saying is true, that you are what you eat, then Emily is mostly comprised of coffee and cookies. If it were up to Emily, she’d have 20 children. Okay, maybe not 20, but a lot. And if her ministry and Foundation work helps people navigate the hardships of life and provides some hope for them at their time of need, then she will be greatly satisfied.
Emily K. Whiting is the co-founder and Executive Hope Director of Charlotte’s Hope Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization that supports, encourages, and educates parents and caregivers of children with medical complexities, embracing each family’s reality with an outlook of hope and empowering them as capable advocates for their child’s optimal quality of life. Emily also speaks and writes about God’s design for relationships and true intimacy, an intimacy meant to be so deep and fulfilling it leaves the world’s idea of romance lacking at best. She is a passionate student of Theology of the Body and can’t keep these beautiful truths to herself.
Emily comes to us from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Wadsworth, Ohio. She was raised in the Catholic Church and her faith grew deeply personal through her young adult years. Her college degrees and professional career trained her for marketing and journalism. She now uses these skills for her ministry work. When not speaking or writing, Emily, together with her husband Dan, go through a lot of diapers with three children ages four, three and one. She spends her days raising her sweet babies and managing and coordinating medical care for her eldest child, who was born with numerous anomalies and has given Emily and Dan a front row seat to watch God perform miraculous healing. Emily has captured the beginning of this heart-breaking and simultaneously hope-filled story in her book She is Charlotte).
If the saying is true, that you are what you eat, then Emily is mostly comprised of coffee and cookies. If it were up to Emily, she’d have 20 children. Okay, maybe not 20, but a lot. And if her ministry and Foundation work helps people navigate the hardships of life and provides some hope for them at their time of need, then she will be greatly satisfied.
Emily K. Whiting is the co-founder and Executive Hope Director of Charlotte’s Hope Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization that supports, encourages, and educates parents and caregivers of children with medical complexities, embracing each family’s reality with an outlook of hope and empowering them as capable advocates for their child’s optimal quality of life. Emily also speaks and writes about God’s design for relationships and true intimacy, an intimacy meant to be so deep and fulfilling it leaves the world’s idea of romance lacking at best. She is a passionate student of Theology of the Body and can’t keep these beautiful truths to herself.
Emily comes to us from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Wadsworth, Ohio. She was raised in the Catholic Church and her faith grew deeply personal through her young adult years. Her college degrees and professional career trained her for marketing and journalism. She now uses these skills for her ministry work. When not speaking or writing, Emily, together with her husband Dan, go through a lot of diapers with three children ages four, three and one. She spends her days raising her sweet babies and managing and coordinating medical care for her eldest child, who was born with numerous anomalies and has given Emily and Dan a front row seat to watch God perform miraculous healing. Emily has captured the beginning of this heart-breaking and simultaneously hope-filled story in her book She is Charlotte).
Chrissy Traina - December 3, 2022
Chrissy was born in Canton, Ohio, the second child of five. Her mom was the oldest of nine children and her dad, the middle child of twelve. Chrissy was raised Catholic in Lancaster, Ohio. She attended Catholic schools for 12 years during the 60’s and 70’s, right after Vatican II.
Her parents divorced when she was a senior in high school which caused a questioning of faith and other moral issues. Chrissy became a travel agent after high school and began working full-time in Columbus. Her dad remarried and moved to California, and her mom moved back to Canton with the two younger sisters.
She met and married her husband during this time of insecurity. Even though neither were regularly attending mass or understood the sacraments, they were married at St. Paul’s in North Canton. The marriage was difficult, and it was fruitful, bearing four faithful children and nine grandchildren (so far). Throughout the 35 years, Chrissy persevered and struggled to deal with her husband’s alcoholism and infidelity, and her own depression.
God provided spiritual help throughout the years through holy friends and priests, and Chrissy became immersed in the Catholic faith. She homeschooled her children to make sure that they would learn the treasures of the faith. In 2006, she began attending Al-Anon meetings which are still an important part of her spiritual life and healing.
After her last child’s graduation, Chrissy found out that she had breast cancer which would include two surgeries and one year of chemotherapy. A good priest offered her this scripture: “Master, the one you love is ill.” When Jesus heard this, he said, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11: 3-4)
Her treatment at the Cancer Treatment Center was healing not only for her body, but for her mind and spirit. She learned about Laughter Therapy and she and two sisters attended classes to become Certified Laughter Leaders. Laughter, Humor, and Good-Hearted Living (compliments, flexibility, gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, and chocolate) are the basis of the program.
Chrissy is currently working at Walsh University as a custodian/housekeeper where she was able to go back to school and complete her Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, focused on psychology, sociology, and theology. She shares Laughter Therapy on a regular basis with individuals and in group settings. She is a “joyologist” and “The joy of the Lord is her strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Chrissy was born in Canton, Ohio, the second child of five. Her mom was the oldest of nine children and her dad, the middle child of twelve. Chrissy was raised Catholic in Lancaster, Ohio. She attended Catholic schools for 12 years during the 60’s and 70’s, right after Vatican II.
Her parents divorced when she was a senior in high school which caused a questioning of faith and other moral issues. Chrissy became a travel agent after high school and began working full-time in Columbus. Her dad remarried and moved to California, and her mom moved back to Canton with the two younger sisters.
She met and married her husband during this time of insecurity. Even though neither were regularly attending mass or understood the sacraments, they were married at St. Paul’s in North Canton. The marriage was difficult, and it was fruitful, bearing four faithful children and nine grandchildren (so far). Throughout the 35 years, Chrissy persevered and struggled to deal with her husband’s alcoholism and infidelity, and her own depression.
God provided spiritual help throughout the years through holy friends and priests, and Chrissy became immersed in the Catholic faith. She homeschooled her children to make sure that they would learn the treasures of the faith. In 2006, she began attending Al-Anon meetings which are still an important part of her spiritual life and healing.
After her last child’s graduation, Chrissy found out that she had breast cancer which would include two surgeries and one year of chemotherapy. A good priest offered her this scripture: “Master, the one you love is ill.” When Jesus heard this, he said, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11: 3-4)
Her treatment at the Cancer Treatment Center was healing not only for her body, but for her mind and spirit. She learned about Laughter Therapy and she and two sisters attended classes to become Certified Laughter Leaders. Laughter, Humor, and Good-Hearted Living (compliments, flexibility, gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, and chocolate) are the basis of the program.
Chrissy is currently working at Walsh University as a custodian/housekeeper where she was able to go back to school and complete her Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, focused on psychology, sociology, and theology. She shares Laughter Therapy on a regular basis with individuals and in group settings. She is a “joyologist” and “The joy of the Lord is her strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Diana Smith - September 24, 2022
Diana is the oldest of eight children born into a very Catholic family. Although raised mostly in Ohio, after graduation she attended design school in Washington DC where she met her husband Walt, a marine stationed in Quantico, Virginia. They settled in the Huron/Berlin Heights area to raise their five children and enjoy 12 grandchildren until Walt’s death in 2021.
Diana fell madly in love with Jesus at six years old when she made her First Holy Communion. Although she enjoys her work at Herman’s Furniture, the joy of her heart is faith and family.
After attending a Life in the Spirit retreat years ago, she was inspired to serve God and his people actively through several prayer groups, volunteering at Heartbeat Pregnancy Center, playing music at area nursing homes, and of course Magnificat where she helps with breakfasts and a yearly retreat.
God has been faithful through many difficulties, raising a family, surviving a tornado that destroyed their house in 2017, and the death of her husband. Diana is anxious to share the miracles and many ways Jesus and Mary have worked in her life.
One of her favorite scriptures is Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Diana is the oldest of eight children born into a very Catholic family. Although raised mostly in Ohio, after graduation she attended design school in Washington DC where she met her husband Walt, a marine stationed in Quantico, Virginia. They settled in the Huron/Berlin Heights area to raise their five children and enjoy 12 grandchildren until Walt’s death in 2021.
Diana fell madly in love with Jesus at six years old when she made her First Holy Communion. Although she enjoys her work at Herman’s Furniture, the joy of her heart is faith and family.
After attending a Life in the Spirit retreat years ago, she was inspired to serve God and his people actively through several prayer groups, volunteering at Heartbeat Pregnancy Center, playing music at area nursing homes, and of course Magnificat where she helps with breakfasts and a yearly retreat.
God has been faithful through many difficulties, raising a family, surviving a tornado that destroyed their house in 2017, and the death of her husband. Diana is anxious to share the miracles and many ways Jesus and Mary have worked in her life.
One of her favorite scriptures is Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Micky Wolf - June 4, 2022
Micky arrived a bit unexpectedly in Steubenville, Ohio. The family worshiped at the local Methodist Church. Her father struggled with alcohol addiction all his life.
Micky worked at the Timken Company, and later WOIO [now Living Bread Radio] and WHBC, as a copywriter and voice-over personality. She was a member of the first Service Team for Magnificat of Stark County. She and Greg cofounded and incorporated Affirmation Ministries in 2003. In 2009 she received her certification as a spiritual director from the Ignatian Spirituality Institute at John Carroll University in Cleveland.
A series of health issues brought significant change to her life in the fall of 2016. Deeply humbled by the turn of events, she has persevered through these recent years of challenges by keeping her eyes on Jesus as she trusts in the love, mercy, and grace of the Lord to light her path. “God in all things . . . God works all things together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose . . . God is good, all the time.” These scriptural truths are just a few of those that sustain her day-to-day.
Micky arrived a bit unexpectedly in Steubenville, Ohio. The family worshiped at the local Methodist Church. Her father struggled with alcohol addiction all his life.
Micky worked at the Timken Company, and later WOIO [now Living Bread Radio] and WHBC, as a copywriter and voice-over personality. She was a member of the first Service Team for Magnificat of Stark County. She and Greg cofounded and incorporated Affirmation Ministries in 2003. In 2009 she received her certification as a spiritual director from the Ignatian Spirituality Institute at John Carroll University in Cleveland.
A series of health issues brought significant change to her life in the fall of 2016. Deeply humbled by the turn of events, she has persevered through these recent years of challenges by keeping her eyes on Jesus as she trusts in the love, mercy, and grace of the Lord to light her path. “God in all things . . . God works all things together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose . . . God is good, all the time.” These scriptural truths are just a few of those that sustain her day-to-day.
Father Tom Bishop - March 19, 2022
(His talk was not recorded)
Rev. Tom Bishop was born in Massillon, Ohio, the fifth of seven children to parents DeWitt and Catherine Bishop. St. Joseph Massillon was his home parish and he graduated from Washington High School. He completed his seminary studies at the Athenaeum of Ohio (Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary) in Cincinnati and was ordained a priest in 1970. Fr. Tom has had assignments to St. Mary in Warren, St. Louis in Louisville, Ohio, and Newman Center at Kent State University. He has served at St. Brendan in Youngstown, St. Joseph and St. Joseph Mission in Ashtabula, and then at St. Anthony /All Saints in Canton. He is presently serving as senior priest with Fr. Beneleit in Holy Family Parish, Navarre and Brewster.
(His talk was not recorded)
Rev. Tom Bishop was born in Massillon, Ohio, the fifth of seven children to parents DeWitt and Catherine Bishop. St. Joseph Massillon was his home parish and he graduated from Washington High School. He completed his seminary studies at the Athenaeum of Ohio (Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary) in Cincinnati and was ordained a priest in 1970. Fr. Tom has had assignments to St. Mary in Warren, St. Louis in Louisville, Ohio, and Newman Center at Kent State University. He has served at St. Brendan in Youngstown, St. Joseph and St. Joseph Mission in Ashtabula, and then at St. Anthony /All Saints in Canton. He is presently serving as senior priest with Fr. Beneleit in Holy Family Parish, Navarre and Brewster.
Msgr. Jay Clarke - March 19, 2022
(His talk was not recorded)
Rev. Msgr. Jay Clarke was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. He attended St. Columba and St. Edward Elementary Schools. He graduated Ursuline High School in 1962 and entered St. Gregory Minor Seminary in September of that year. He then attended Mr. St. Mary Major Seminary from 1962-1970 and was ordained a priest on May 23, 1970. Fr. Jay was assigned to St. Luke Parish, Boardman from 1970-1972. He then served as the Assistant to Bishop James Malone, Chancellor and Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese of Youngstown from 1972-1991. He was Pastor at St. Paul Parish in Salem from 1991-2000 and then served as Pastor at St. Paul Parish, North Canton, from 2000-2019. He is currently special assistant to Fr. Okpara at St. Michael the Archangel in Canton.
(His talk was not recorded)
Rev. Msgr. Jay Clarke was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. He attended St. Columba and St. Edward Elementary Schools. He graduated Ursuline High School in 1962 and entered St. Gregory Minor Seminary in September of that year. He then attended Mr. St. Mary Major Seminary from 1962-1970 and was ordained a priest on May 23, 1970. Fr. Jay was assigned to St. Luke Parish, Boardman from 1970-1972. He then served as the Assistant to Bishop James Malone, Chancellor and Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese of Youngstown from 1972-1991. He was Pastor at St. Paul Parish in Salem from 1991-2000 and then served as Pastor at St. Paul Parish, North Canton, from 2000-2019. He is currently special assistant to Fr. Okpara at St. Michael the Archangel in Canton.
Father Andrew E. Gretchko - December 4, 2021
Fr. Ed is a graduate of St. Joseph School in Massillon and Central Catholic High School in Canton. He graduated from the Athenaeum of Ohio (Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati) with a B.A. in philosophy and a M. Div. professional degree in ministry. Father Ed will celebrate his 50th anniversary of ordination on May 27, 2022. He has served parishes in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Diocese of Youngstown as well as the Arch Eparchy of Pittsburgh. As a priest of the Diocese of Youngstown, Fr. Ed has served parishes in Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Stark counties. He has served as Spiritual Director for Cursillo weekends and was the first Spiritual Advisor for the Stark County Chapter of Magnificat in 2001. He has also served as Chaplain at Kent State University Ashtabula and Mount Union in Alliance. Fr. Ed is presently serving as long-time Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Massillon as well as Rector of the National Shrine of Saint Dymphna. Fr. Ed is bi-ritual and serves as Administrator to Saint Michael Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church in Pleasant City, Ohio. Father is an accomplished preacher and musician and enjoys both organ and piano.
Fr. Ed is a graduate of St. Joseph School in Massillon and Central Catholic High School in Canton. He graduated from the Athenaeum of Ohio (Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati) with a B.A. in philosophy and a M. Div. professional degree in ministry. Father Ed will celebrate his 50th anniversary of ordination on May 27, 2022. He has served parishes in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Diocese of Youngstown as well as the Arch Eparchy of Pittsburgh. As a priest of the Diocese of Youngstown, Fr. Ed has served parishes in Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Stark counties. He has served as Spiritual Director for Cursillo weekends and was the first Spiritual Advisor for the Stark County Chapter of Magnificat in 2001. He has also served as Chaplain at Kent State University Ashtabula and Mount Union in Alliance. Fr. Ed is presently serving as long-time Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Massillon as well as Rector of the National Shrine of Saint Dymphna. Fr. Ed is bi-ritual and serves as Administrator to Saint Michael Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church in Pleasant City, Ohio. Father is an accomplished preacher and musician and enjoys both organ and piano.
Jackie France - December 4, 2021
Jackie was raised Catholic and attended Catholic schools but fell away from the faith in her college years. God brought her through a variety of relationship and personal journeys back to Jesus, His Church, and His Sacraments. It became evident that her years of working in secondary education and addiction counseling were used by God to form her for His Purpose in her family, parish, and prayer groups. Jackie has been a Magnificat servant leader since 2001. She was a member of the first Service Team for Stark County Magnificat until 2008, was a CST Region 6 Representative, and is currently the Treasurer on the Central Service Team along with being CST Liaison to the Finance Ministry. Widowed in 2015, Jackie has personally experienced the strength and peace that comes from having faithful, praying Magnificat sisters and friends.
Jackie was raised Catholic and attended Catholic schools but fell away from the faith in her college years. God brought her through a variety of relationship and personal journeys back to Jesus, His Church, and His Sacraments. It became evident that her years of working in secondary education and addiction counseling were used by God to form her for His Purpose in her family, parish, and prayer groups. Jackie has been a Magnificat servant leader since 2001. She was a member of the first Service Team for Stark County Magnificat until 2008, was a CST Region 6 Representative, and is currently the Treasurer on the Central Service Team along with being CST Liaison to the Finance Ministry. Widowed in 2015, Jackie has personally experienced the strength and peace that comes from having faithful, praying Magnificat sisters and friends.
Erin Clark Riegel - September 25, 2021
Erin was raised in a strong Catholic family. She was privileged to attend Catholic schools for her entire education--Holy Family Grade School, Archbishop Hoban High School and Walsh University.
In 2012 she graduated with her BSN and then spent three weeks volunteering in an orphanage in Kenya. The poverty she witnessed moved her to start Love in Neglected Communities, also known as Linc Worldwide. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit focuses on helping children in neglected communities not only survive but thrive.
After returning from Kenya, Erin began her nursing career at the Cleveland Clinic. She spent two years as a staff nurse and then became a travel nurse, working in several states across the country for the next four years.
She continues to visit Kenya as Linc Worldwide works on their project of building a Catholic primary school for orphaned and vulnerable children.
Despite a strong foundation, her faith journey experienced moments of darkness. Erin recognized God’s presence as the driving force throughout her life and a source of strength when faced with challenges.
Erin was raised in a strong Catholic family. She was privileged to attend Catholic schools for her entire education--Holy Family Grade School, Archbishop Hoban High School and Walsh University.
In 2012 she graduated with her BSN and then spent three weeks volunteering in an orphanage in Kenya. The poverty she witnessed moved her to start Love in Neglected Communities, also known as Linc Worldwide. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit focuses on helping children in neglected communities not only survive but thrive.
After returning from Kenya, Erin began her nursing career at the Cleveland Clinic. She spent two years as a staff nurse and then became a travel nurse, working in several states across the country for the next four years.
She continues to visit Kenya as Linc Worldwide works on their project of building a Catholic primary school for orphaned and vulnerable children.
Despite a strong foundation, her faith journey experienced moments of darkness. Erin recognized God’s presence as the driving force throughout her life and a source of strength when faced with challenges.
Father Jeremy Merzweiler - June 12, 2021
Fr. Jeremy is currently Administrator of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Akron, Ohio. He previously served as parochial vicar at St. Ambrose Parish, Brunswick, and St. Gabriel Parish, Concord Township.
Being ordained in 2015 for the Diocese of Cleveland, Fr. Jeremy desires to bring people closer to Christ through the lives of the saints and the Eucharist, the greatest gift God can give us.
He enjoys golfing, hiking, camping and most importantly spending time with family. One of his greatest joys is being an uncle.
Fr. Jeremy hopes his talk will encourage all of us to remain hopeful amidst the messiness of life. That through all the ups and downs, Jesus will guide us in our decision making if we simply turn to Him along the way!
Fr. Jeremy is currently Administrator of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Akron, Ohio. He previously served as parochial vicar at St. Ambrose Parish, Brunswick, and St. Gabriel Parish, Concord Township.
Being ordained in 2015 for the Diocese of Cleveland, Fr. Jeremy desires to bring people closer to Christ through the lives of the saints and the Eucharist, the greatest gift God can give us.
He enjoys golfing, hiking, camping and most importantly spending time with family. One of his greatest joys is being an uncle.
Fr. Jeremy hopes his talk will encourage all of us to remain hopeful amidst the messiness of life. That through all the ups and downs, Jesus will guide us in our decision making if we simply turn to Him along the way!
Alexandra Andrews - September 19, 2020
Alexandra is a wife and mother of two young boys, and a Pro-Life speaker who shares her testimony as an Abortion Survivor.
She shares the ways in which God revealed His plan for her life, to bring her out of an orphanage in Russia to share the message of the Gospel.
Alexandra is an active member of her Parish, a Registered Nurse and a Creighton Model Fertility Care Practitioner Intern.
You can listen to Alexandra's talk by clicking below:
Alexandra is a wife and mother of two young boys, and a Pro-Life speaker who shares her testimony as an Abortion Survivor.
She shares the ways in which God revealed His plan for her life, to bring her out of an orphanage in Russia to share the message of the Gospel.
Alexandra is an active member of her Parish, a Registered Nurse and a Creighton Model Fertility Care Practitioner Intern.
You can listen to Alexandra's talk by clicking below:
Karen Sigler - December 7, 2019
Karen is the Manager of the Rhoda Wise Miracle House in Canton.
She has been at Rhoda Wise's home for 36 years. She first visited Rhoda's home in December of 1982. Two months later at the invitation of Rhoda's daughter, Anna Mae, she moved into the home as a caregiver and helper---a position she kept until Anna Mae's death in 1995. She remained at the home from 1995- 2014 as an employee of EWTN and Our Lady of the Angels Monastery keeping the doors open to visitors and caring for the property. EWTN privately published Karen's biography of Rhoda Wise, Her Name Means Rose, in 2000.
In 2014, the Nuns of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery asked Karen to take control of the Rhoda Wise property. A non-profit corporation, Rhoda Wise Shrine, Inc. was formed and began to operate in January 2015. Karen presently serves as the President and CEO.
Karen is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Fraternity at Sancta Clara Monastery and also a member of Opus Sanctorum Angelorum.
Karen is the Manager of the Rhoda Wise Miracle House in Canton.
She has been at Rhoda Wise's home for 36 years. She first visited Rhoda's home in December of 1982. Two months later at the invitation of Rhoda's daughter, Anna Mae, she moved into the home as a caregiver and helper---a position she kept until Anna Mae's death in 1995. She remained at the home from 1995- 2014 as an employee of EWTN and Our Lady of the Angels Monastery keeping the doors open to visitors and caring for the property. EWTN privately published Karen's biography of Rhoda Wise, Her Name Means Rose, in 2000.
In 2014, the Nuns of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery asked Karen to take control of the Rhoda Wise property. A non-profit corporation, Rhoda Wise Shrine, Inc. was formed and began to operate in January 2015. Karen presently serves as the President and CEO.
Karen is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Fraternity at Sancta Clara Monastery and also a member of Opus Sanctorum Angelorum.
Cindy Russo - September 21, 2019
Cindy Russo OFS is a member of St. Barnabas Parish in Northfield. She is a widow with three married sons and is a grandmother of five. She is a Cleveland native and attended twelve years of Catholic School. She was married to her high school sweetheart, the love of her life, Joe Russo, for 33 years. Joe was a Past Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus and spent much of his time helping others and the church. Cindy lost Joe in a tragic car accident in January 2011, but it was the beginning of a spiritual change for her that she never expected.
Cindy’s faith over the last few years was altered due to an experience with ‘a friar dressed in a dark brown cloak’ at Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio a Trevi in Rome, Italy. It was the last vacation together with her husband. The ‘incident’ happened on September 23, 2010, when a friar answered a prayer request to intercede for the healing of a three year old relative who had terminal cancer. She had no idea until after the encounter that is was Padre Pio. The young boy was healed. It was the beginning of a spirit-inspired journey that she has been so obviously called to uphold.
Cindy has been the leader of the Padre Pio Prayer Group of Cleveland, Ohio since February 2013, and was appointed the U.S. Representative for the Disciples of Padre Pio in Rome, Italy in September 2016. Cindy owns a chalice used by Padre Pio in the 1960’s. She also has the glove of Padre Pio, bandage and altar cross. She shares the relics of St. Padre Pio and witnesses her amazing story of faith around the world.
Cindy Russo OFS is a member of St. Barnabas Parish in Northfield. She is a widow with three married sons and is a grandmother of five. She is a Cleveland native and attended twelve years of Catholic School. She was married to her high school sweetheart, the love of her life, Joe Russo, for 33 years. Joe was a Past Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus and spent much of his time helping others and the church. Cindy lost Joe in a tragic car accident in January 2011, but it was the beginning of a spiritual change for her that she never expected.
Cindy’s faith over the last few years was altered due to an experience with ‘a friar dressed in a dark brown cloak’ at Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio a Trevi in Rome, Italy. It was the last vacation together with her husband. The ‘incident’ happened on September 23, 2010, when a friar answered a prayer request to intercede for the healing of a three year old relative who had terminal cancer. She had no idea until after the encounter that is was Padre Pio. The young boy was healed. It was the beginning of a spirit-inspired journey that she has been so obviously called to uphold.
Cindy has been the leader of the Padre Pio Prayer Group of Cleveland, Ohio since February 2013, and was appointed the U.S. Representative for the Disciples of Padre Pio in Rome, Italy in September 2016. Cindy owns a chalice used by Padre Pio in the 1960’s. She also has the glove of Padre Pio, bandage and altar cross. She shares the relics of St. Padre Pio and witnesses her amazing story of faith around the world.
Vicki Przybylski - June 15, 2019
Vicki Przybylski is married to Nik and mom to three beautiful children; Amelia, Drake and Aiden.
She is a Cleveland Police Officer and works basic patrol on night shift in the city’s most impoverished neighborhood. She views her job as a vocation and calling and works diligently to help improve people’s situations on every call for service that she and her partner Mike answer.
She enjoys participating in a book club, baking and volunteering for PTU. She also enjoys being involved in her parish, Saint Bridget of Kildare in Parma, as a Eucharistic Minister. She is a member of the Saint Gabriel Media team and also volunteers for Eagle Eye events and summer institutes.
She is a cradle Catholic and has special devotions to Saint John Paul ll, Saint Michael, St. Monica, St. Jude and Our Blessed Mother. Find out more about her vocation and how she balances her prayer life with her busy schedule.
Vicki Przybylski is married to Nik and mom to three beautiful children; Amelia, Drake and Aiden.
She is a Cleveland Police Officer and works basic patrol on night shift in the city’s most impoverished neighborhood. She views her job as a vocation and calling and works diligently to help improve people’s situations on every call for service that she and her partner Mike answer.
She enjoys participating in a book club, baking and volunteering for PTU. She also enjoys being involved in her parish, Saint Bridget of Kildare in Parma, as a Eucharistic Minister. She is a member of the Saint Gabriel Media team and also volunteers for Eagle Eye events and summer institutes.
She is a cradle Catholic and has special devotions to Saint John Paul ll, Saint Michael, St. Monica, St. Jude and Our Blessed Mother. Find out more about her vocation and how she balances her prayer life with her busy schedule.
Theresa Jusseaume - March 2, 2019
Theresa (Terie) is the eldest of nine children, daughter of Al (2016) and Pearl Frank and lived in Navarre, Ohio until she married Richard Jusseaume. They are the parents of 5 children: Nicole (Finefrock), Paul, Maria (Gluys), Marc and David, and fostered Chris Lewis Roberts, whom they love as a daughter. They are grandparents of 13, with 10 of them 7 years old and younger.
She went to Catholic school for 16 years, and emerged as a confident cafeteria Catholic. She has a BA in English and Education, an MA in Education, Reading certification, and Horseback Riding certification. She has taught Touch for Health, and Educational Kinesiology (using movement to facilitate learning). She operated an herb and vitamin business for 25 years, teaching healthy lifestyle practices and publishing a monthly newsletter.
Her faith journey meanders through lukewarm Catholicism, horses, marriage, motherhood, holistic health, New Age philosophies, reading instruction, storytelling, international adventures, and multiple Marian pilgrimages (15 to Medjugorje).
Find out how all of these relationships and activities result in a horseback riding grandmother who now loves the daily Mass, adoration and the Blessed Mother.
Theresa (Terie) is the eldest of nine children, daughter of Al (2016) and Pearl Frank and lived in Navarre, Ohio until she married Richard Jusseaume. They are the parents of 5 children: Nicole (Finefrock), Paul, Maria (Gluys), Marc and David, and fostered Chris Lewis Roberts, whom they love as a daughter. They are grandparents of 13, with 10 of them 7 years old and younger.
She went to Catholic school for 16 years, and emerged as a confident cafeteria Catholic. She has a BA in English and Education, an MA in Education, Reading certification, and Horseback Riding certification. She has taught Touch for Health, and Educational Kinesiology (using movement to facilitate learning). She operated an herb and vitamin business for 25 years, teaching healthy lifestyle practices and publishing a monthly newsletter.
Her faith journey meanders through lukewarm Catholicism, horses, marriage, motherhood, holistic health, New Age philosophies, reading instruction, storytelling, international adventures, and multiple Marian pilgrimages (15 to Medjugorje).
Find out how all of these relationships and activities result in a horseback riding grandmother who now loves the daily Mass, adoration and the Blessed Mother.
Henedine Aldana - December 1, 2018
Henedine Aldana is a wife, mother of four, and a faithful devotee of St. Philomena. She is a cradle Catholic, born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States in 1985. She practiced Pediatric Emergency Medicine in Ohio for over 20 years, before pursuing her vocation as a spiritual director. In 2012, she got her certification through the Ignatian Spirituality Institute at John Carroll University. Shortly afterwards, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2013, she completely retired from Medicine to focus on individual spiritual direction. Presently, Henedine is a mentor at the Cleveland Clinic’s 4th Angel cancer program and is active in the Marriage Preparation Ministry at St. Ladislas Parish in Westlake, where she now lives. Having resided in Jackson Township from 1990 to 2004, she has special ties with the area. She has served on the Board of Affirmation Ministries since its inception in 2004 and has recently joined the newly formed Foundation Board of the Sancta Clara Monastery. Henedine first shared her spiritual journey at Magnificat, 13 years ago. She plans to carry on where she left off.
Henedine Aldana is a wife, mother of four, and a faithful devotee of St. Philomena. She is a cradle Catholic, born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States in 1985. She practiced Pediatric Emergency Medicine in Ohio for over 20 years, before pursuing her vocation as a spiritual director. In 2012, she got her certification through the Ignatian Spirituality Institute at John Carroll University. Shortly afterwards, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2013, she completely retired from Medicine to focus on individual spiritual direction. Presently, Henedine is a mentor at the Cleveland Clinic’s 4th Angel cancer program and is active in the Marriage Preparation Ministry at St. Ladislas Parish in Westlake, where she now lives. Having resided in Jackson Township from 1990 to 2004, she has special ties with the area. She has served on the Board of Affirmation Ministries since its inception in 2004 and has recently joined the newly formed Foundation Board of the Sancta Clara Monastery. Henedine first shared her spiritual journey at Magnificat, 13 years ago. She plans to carry on where she left off.
Father John Michael Paul - September 8, 2018
Born in Saint Joseph, Michigan, Father John Michael Paul joined the Brothers of Saint John in 1997 after teaching in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the California Air Resources Board in an Executive Fellows Program in Sacramento, California and working in Irkutsk Russia (Siberia) for the Russian Academy of Sciences. During his formation time, he received a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Paris (Sorbonne Paris IV) and lived for 18 years in Europe between France, Lithuania and the Island of Corsica. He came back to United States almost three years ago and is currently stationed in their priory in Laredo, Texas.
He is currently the Vocations Director for the United States after having served in the General Prior's Council as Vicar of Southern France and then Vicar of the Americas. During his college years at Saint Mary's College in California, where he was a varsity rower and Pacific Coast Pac-10 Champion, he received a B.A. in Philosophy and French. Since age 12 he has been a constant runner, but also enjoys swimming (he was on the AAU and high school swim teams) and he enjoys gardening, mountain climbing and of course preaching in the United States and beyond. He would be very glad to share with you his passion for his religious life as a Brother of Saint John.
Born in Saint Joseph, Michigan, Father John Michael Paul joined the Brothers of Saint John in 1997 after teaching in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the California Air Resources Board in an Executive Fellows Program in Sacramento, California and working in Irkutsk Russia (Siberia) for the Russian Academy of Sciences. During his formation time, he received a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Paris (Sorbonne Paris IV) and lived for 18 years in Europe between France, Lithuania and the Island of Corsica. He came back to United States almost three years ago and is currently stationed in their priory in Laredo, Texas.
He is currently the Vocations Director for the United States after having served in the General Prior's Council as Vicar of Southern France and then Vicar of the Americas. During his college years at Saint Mary's College in California, where he was a varsity rower and Pacific Coast Pac-10 Champion, he received a B.A. in Philosophy and French. Since age 12 he has been a constant runner, but also enjoys swimming (he was on the AAU and high school swim teams) and he enjoys gardening, mountain climbing and of course preaching in the United States and beyond. He would be very glad to share with you his passion for his religious life as a Brother of Saint John.
Jackie France - June 16, 2018
Religion, Rebellion, Relationship and Repentance
Jackie was born and raised Catholic in a small rural town in Indiana. The middle of five siblings, her childhood was spent in the safety of an intact ecumenical family. She was a “good” girl. It wasn’t until going to the large state university in the notorious sixties that her rebellion and intellectual conceit emerged and began to flourish.
Shortly after graduating from college she married outside the Church, and in the midst of the suffering of that mismatched relationship, God began to draw her back through fellowship with other women seekers and scripture. Nevertheless, when that marriage failed, she again married outside the Church declaring flippantly “If God wants me to have an annulment; He will send it in the mail.” Mercifully, He did, allowing her remarriage in the Church and the beginning of many blessings that have continued to come through fellowship in scripture, prayer and sacrament.
Religion, Rebellion, Relationship and Repentance
Jackie was born and raised Catholic in a small rural town in Indiana. The middle of five siblings, her childhood was spent in the safety of an intact ecumenical family. She was a “good” girl. It wasn’t until going to the large state university in the notorious sixties that her rebellion and intellectual conceit emerged and began to flourish.
Shortly after graduating from college she married outside the Church, and in the midst of the suffering of that mismatched relationship, God began to draw her back through fellowship with other women seekers and scripture. Nevertheless, when that marriage failed, she again married outside the Church declaring flippantly “If God wants me to have an annulment; He will send it in the mail.” Mercifully, He did, allowing her remarriage in the Church and the beginning of many blessings that have continued to come through fellowship in scripture, prayer and sacrament.
Jen Gerber - March 3, 2018
Jen Gerber is a wife and mother living on a homestead in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country. She first came to know and love Our Lord at a small Evangelical Protestant church with her mother after her parents divorced. Soon after meeting her husband Chad in high school, she began attending the Mennonite church where he grew up.
They married halfway through college and together obtained undergraduate degrees in religious studies. Chad continued to pursue theology at the graduate level, which took their growing family to seminary in the Chicago area, Duke University, and eventually England for doctoral studies at Oxford University.
Through their interactions with faithful Catholic families in Oxford and Chad’s studies of the early Church Fathers, they became convinced of the truth of Catholicism and were received into the Church in 2008 after moving back to their hometown.
On October 31, 2015, they faced the unimaginable when their eleven-year-old daughter died suddenly and unexpectedly at a piano recital. In the midst of tremendous sorrow, they continue to cling to Jesus and His Church.
Chad is a professor of Catholic theology at Walsh University and Jen spends her days homeschooling, feeding babies, changing diapers, caring for horses, and gathering eggs. When she gets a rare free moment, she enjoys writing about her grief journey on her blog at allsaintsfarm.org.
Jen Gerber is a wife and mother living on a homestead in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country. She first came to know and love Our Lord at a small Evangelical Protestant church with her mother after her parents divorced. Soon after meeting her husband Chad in high school, she began attending the Mennonite church where he grew up.
They married halfway through college and together obtained undergraduate degrees in religious studies. Chad continued to pursue theology at the graduate level, which took their growing family to seminary in the Chicago area, Duke University, and eventually England for doctoral studies at Oxford University.
Through their interactions with faithful Catholic families in Oxford and Chad’s studies of the early Church Fathers, they became convinced of the truth of Catholicism and were received into the Church in 2008 after moving back to their hometown.
On October 31, 2015, they faced the unimaginable when their eleven-year-old daughter died suddenly and unexpectedly at a piano recital. In the midst of tremendous sorrow, they continue to cling to Jesus and His Church.
Chad is a professor of Catholic theology at Walsh University and Jen spends her days homeschooling, feeding babies, changing diapers, caring for horses, and gathering eggs. When she gets a rare free moment, she enjoys writing about her grief journey on her blog at allsaintsfarm.org.
Diane DeBarr - December 2, 2017
Grateful for God’s immense providence and unfathomable divine mercy, you are invited to join us in the journey of a soul lost, and then found.
God unveiled his vast eternal plan step-by-step in the life of Diane DeBarr. Homegrown in Massillon/Canton Ohio area, Diane resides with her husband Ron of 37 years (complete miracle!), is the mother of Adam and Alexandra, and grandmother of three beautiful granddaughters.
Working with only women throughout her career in the cosmetics, retail, consulting and modeling industries, Diane realizes how intricate and important our relationships are with one another, and to God’s eternal plan. In an outpouring of grace (thousands of dump trucks) and intercession of Our Blessed Mother and all the Saints, Angels and Martyrs, the story of affirmation and love begins.
Beckoned by Jesus, and through the Sacraments of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, conversion, healing and a new life in Christ was created……. “A life worth living” as Bishop Fulton Sheen would say.
With the most Holy Season of Advent fast approaching, we invite you to pray and laugh in fellowship with your sisters in Christ as we prepare for the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Grateful for God’s immense providence and unfathomable divine mercy, you are invited to join us in the journey of a soul lost, and then found.
God unveiled his vast eternal plan step-by-step in the life of Diane DeBarr. Homegrown in Massillon/Canton Ohio area, Diane resides with her husband Ron of 37 years (complete miracle!), is the mother of Adam and Alexandra, and grandmother of three beautiful granddaughters.
Working with only women throughout her career in the cosmetics, retail, consulting and modeling industries, Diane realizes how intricate and important our relationships are with one another, and to God’s eternal plan. In an outpouring of grace (thousands of dump trucks) and intercession of Our Blessed Mother and all the Saints, Angels and Martyrs, the story of affirmation and love begins.
Beckoned by Jesus, and through the Sacraments of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, conversion, healing and a new life in Christ was created……. “A life worth living” as Bishop Fulton Sheen would say.
With the most Holy Season of Advent fast approaching, we invite you to pray and laugh in fellowship with your sisters in Christ as we prepare for the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Nikki Bruni - September 9, 2017
Nikki is a recent convert to the Catholic faith, is a wife and mother who is head-over-heels in love with Jesus and His Church! After straying far from God in her 20’s and 30’s, she began to find her way back to God through the Methodist, and then the Evangelical church. After getting involved in pro-life work in 2009, she eventually became the director of Pittsburgh’s 40 Days for Life and has now led 13 consecutive campaigns. In 2012, while praying the rosary in front of Planned Parenthood, she became convinced of the truth of Catholicism, and through God’s amazing grace, was received into the Church in 2013. She works part-time as a hairdresser and volunteers her time coordinating 40 Days for Life. She holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and enjoys using her artistic abilities to glorify God. Her paintings, “Memorial of Mercy”, “The Innocents”, and “The Pieta” are tributes to the lives lost to abortion. The “Memorial of Mercy” travelled to over 60 churches, “The Innocents” travelled to over 30 churches, and her most recent memorial painting, “The Pieta” is currently travelling.
Nikki is a recent convert to the Catholic faith, is a wife and mother who is head-over-heels in love with Jesus and His Church! After straying far from God in her 20’s and 30’s, she began to find her way back to God through the Methodist, and then the Evangelical church. After getting involved in pro-life work in 2009, she eventually became the director of Pittsburgh’s 40 Days for Life and has now led 13 consecutive campaigns. In 2012, while praying the rosary in front of Planned Parenthood, she became convinced of the truth of Catholicism, and through God’s amazing grace, was received into the Church in 2013. She works part-time as a hairdresser and volunteers her time coordinating 40 Days for Life. She holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and enjoys using her artistic abilities to glorify God. Her paintings, “Memorial of Mercy”, “The Innocents”, and “The Pieta” are tributes to the lives lost to abortion. The “Memorial of Mercy” travelled to over 60 churches, “The Innocents” travelled to over 30 churches, and her most recent memorial painting, “The Pieta” is currently travelling.
Mary Tohill - June 10, 2017
God’s Gift of a Chronic Disease
For years Mary Tohill considered herself a doer rather than a prayer. Her identity revolved around doing --- as a wife to Arden, a mother of 2 sons, a daughter, a member of Sts. Philip and James Parish in Canal Fulton, Ohio, a college professor of composition, a friend.
So in the fall of 2013 when a severe cough stopped her in her tracks, it was a shock. She saw several doctors, tried all kinds of medications, underwent test after test with no relief. By mid-2014 she became a complex care case at Cleveland Clinic, and by the time she was diagnosed with a mersa infection and an auto-immune disease in her lungs, she was no longer a doer.
Her story is one of simple blessings she discovered through having this disease and the lessons she now knows that God was teaching her – lessons she already should have known but needed a not-so-subtle reminder about. She looks forward to sharing what God has taught her, and is still teaching her, through the gift of her disease.
God’s Gift of a Chronic Disease
For years Mary Tohill considered herself a doer rather than a prayer. Her identity revolved around doing --- as a wife to Arden, a mother of 2 sons, a daughter, a member of Sts. Philip and James Parish in Canal Fulton, Ohio, a college professor of composition, a friend.
So in the fall of 2013 when a severe cough stopped her in her tracks, it was a shock. She saw several doctors, tried all kinds of medications, underwent test after test with no relief. By mid-2014 she became a complex care case at Cleveland Clinic, and by the time she was diagnosed with a mersa infection and an auto-immune disease in her lungs, she was no longer a doer.
Her story is one of simple blessings she discovered through having this disease and the lessons she now knows that God was teaching her – lessons she already should have known but needed a not-so-subtle reminder about. She looks forward to sharing what God has taught her, and is still teaching her, through the gift of her disease.
April Merzweiler - February 18, 2017
April Merzweiler is known for her ability in finding humor in all things. April is married to Michael, who will go straight to Heaven for eating leftovers without complaint for 37 years!
Sad mother of Emily who moved to Maine. Can she get much further away?!
Grateful mother of Jeremy who became a priest in 2015 and can beg God’s mercy for his mother’s soul.
Elated mother of Alliree who finally gave her a grandson, Benson Ignatius, while she is able to still pick him up!
Pitiful mother-in-law of Benjamin who didn’t know her when she was young and somewhat functional!
April will share helpful ways she was able to overcome heartbreak, grief, failure, and other speed bumps in our journey through life.
Her heart’s desire is to testify how much God loves us and His fervent desire to heal our hearts, which are so precious to Him!
April Merzweiler is known for her ability in finding humor in all things. April is married to Michael, who will go straight to Heaven for eating leftovers without complaint for 37 years!
Sad mother of Emily who moved to Maine. Can she get much further away?!
Grateful mother of Jeremy who became a priest in 2015 and can beg God’s mercy for his mother’s soul.
Elated mother of Alliree who finally gave her a grandson, Benson Ignatius, while she is able to still pick him up!
Pitiful mother-in-law of Benjamin who didn’t know her when she was young and somewhat functional!
April will share helpful ways she was able to overcome heartbreak, grief, failure, and other speed bumps in our journey through life.
Her heart’s desire is to testify how much God loves us and His fervent desire to heal our hearts, which are so precious to Him!
Diane Bates - December 3, 2016
Diane Bates is the wife of Deacon Tom Bates and mother of three children. She has a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and worked in Research and Development at Abbott Laboratories for 17 years. Now she works only for her family and the Lord. She was founding member of the Magnificat Chapter in Grapevine, TX. She has also served as the Magnificat South Central Regional Representative, and as a Diocesan Leader in Schoenstatt, a Marian Apostolic Movement in the Catholic Church. She currently leads the Prayer Group at her Parish and is Assistant Coordinator for the Magnificat Central Service Team that oversees the ministry's 87 Chapters worldwide. Her testimony, titled "A New Creation," has aired on EWTN radio and Women of Grace television and radio. She is a contributing author to the book, "Magnificat Proclaims, A Collection of 19 Inspiring Testimonies." She tells the tender love story of how, through the intercession of Our Lady, God changed her through several lesson plans, especially when she learns that her youngest son is autistic. She describes how the Lord has taken scripture verses and seared them into her soul through difficult experiences, such as: "And a sword shall pierce your heart," Luke 2:35 "The peace of God that surpasses all understanding," Phil 4:7 "Leave everything and follow Me," Luke 9:23
Diane Bates is the wife of Deacon Tom Bates and mother of three children. She has a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and worked in Research and Development at Abbott Laboratories for 17 years. Now she works only for her family and the Lord. She was founding member of the Magnificat Chapter in Grapevine, TX. She has also served as the Magnificat South Central Regional Representative, and as a Diocesan Leader in Schoenstatt, a Marian Apostolic Movement in the Catholic Church. She currently leads the Prayer Group at her Parish and is Assistant Coordinator for the Magnificat Central Service Team that oversees the ministry's 87 Chapters worldwide. Her testimony, titled "A New Creation," has aired on EWTN radio and Women of Grace television and radio. She is a contributing author to the book, "Magnificat Proclaims, A Collection of 19 Inspiring Testimonies." She tells the tender love story of how, through the intercession of Our Lady, God changed her through several lesson plans, especially when she learns that her youngest son is autistic. She describes how the Lord has taken scripture verses and seared them into her soul through difficult experiences, such as: "And a sword shall pierce your heart," Luke 2:35 "The peace of God that surpasses all understanding," Phil 4:7 "Leave everything and follow Me," Luke 9:23
Bobbi Bankovich - September 10, 2016
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not;
in all your ways be mindful of Him, and He will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:4,5
Bobbi’s story is all about God’s gifts to her. She has grown to recognize, in particular, those blessings straight from the heart of God the Father. Her most treasured gift? The Sacrament of Baptism! –reborn as Barbara Jo, daughter of our God Most High. Bobbi was raised in Canton, Ohio, the fourth of eight children to Jim and Phyllis Sheil, a family of love for which she gives thanks and praise to God.
From her earliest memories, Bobbi desired to be a wife and mommy –to ten children! Her little heart began praying for her first child to come to her at the tender age of nine. (The pertinent biology still being unknown to her.) This yearning factors into her life story of learning to Trust in the Lord for all things. Proverbs 3:4,5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; on your own intelligence rely not. In all your ways be mindful of Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
At age 26, God gifted Bobbi with her husband Paul, love of her life and truest friend –a gift He would re-present to her eight years later. They were married at St. Joseph’s Church, where Bobbi had received all of her sacraments, and was blessed to walk that long aisle in her mother’s wedding dress. This cradle Catholic seemed all set for the Hallmark version of happily-ever-after, but there were challenges just around the corner that threatened her dreams, as well as her Catholic roots –infertility, brain tumor, and false doctrines.
Bobbi has humbly learned to seek Truth and see everything as “gift” –both blessings and trials. She prays each day for the zeal to never forget, “We are truly His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to lead the life of good deeds which God prepared for us in advance.” Eph 2-10
Bobbi encourages us all to pray, to listen to the Lord’s promptings, and to celebrate the daily invitations to walk with Him.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not;
in all your ways be mindful of Him, and He will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:4,5
Bobbi’s story is all about God’s gifts to her. She has grown to recognize, in particular, those blessings straight from the heart of God the Father. Her most treasured gift? The Sacrament of Baptism! –reborn as Barbara Jo, daughter of our God Most High. Bobbi was raised in Canton, Ohio, the fourth of eight children to Jim and Phyllis Sheil, a family of love for which she gives thanks and praise to God.
From her earliest memories, Bobbi desired to be a wife and mommy –to ten children! Her little heart began praying for her first child to come to her at the tender age of nine. (The pertinent biology still being unknown to her.) This yearning factors into her life story of learning to Trust in the Lord for all things. Proverbs 3:4,5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; on your own intelligence rely not. In all your ways be mindful of Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
At age 26, God gifted Bobbi with her husband Paul, love of her life and truest friend –a gift He would re-present to her eight years later. They were married at St. Joseph’s Church, where Bobbi had received all of her sacraments, and was blessed to walk that long aisle in her mother’s wedding dress. This cradle Catholic seemed all set for the Hallmark version of happily-ever-after, but there were challenges just around the corner that threatened her dreams, as well as her Catholic roots –infertility, brain tumor, and false doctrines.
Bobbi has humbly learned to seek Truth and see everything as “gift” –both blessings and trials. She prays each day for the zeal to never forget, “We are truly His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to lead the life of good deeds which God prepared for us in advance.” Eph 2-10
Bobbi encourages us all to pray, to listen to the Lord’s promptings, and to celebrate the daily invitations to walk with Him.
Mother Margaret Mary - April 23, 2016
"My Lord, Jesus Christ, I love You above all things. I firmly believe that I have received in Communion, Your Body, Your Blood, Your Soul and Your Divinity. I believe it because You have said it, and I am ready to give my life to maintain this truth."
Mother Margaret Mary was born in Sidney, OH. She worked as a school teacher for 18 years. She experienced a great conversion in 1984 and felt the Lord calling her to a life of solitude and prayer.
In 1989 she moved to Newark, OH on 106 acres of land. She lived the next eleven years in silence and solitude in a primitive hermitage with neither electricity nor running water. Her days consisted of prayer and hard manual labor. Her spiritual director suggested that she may have the vocation of a canonical hermit, so she began meeting with the Bishop of Columbus, who, at that time, was Bishop Griffin, and his delegate to discern this way of life.
Bishop Griffin visited the hermitage and believed that Mother had an authentic calling. However, after a couple of years, he sent a request for her to be open to women coming to share her life of prayer. She then spent 1 year with the Visitation Nuns and during that time, on October 16, the Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (whom Jesus revealed the Thirst of His Sacred Heart for love in the Most Blessed Sacrament), Mother experienced in prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament a confirmation for the founding and charism of the Community.
She spent the rest of the year trying to put this experience into words and images and presented it to Bishop Griffin. He gave her the name Margaret Mary and consecrated her on January 17, 2002 in the Chapel in Newark, OH.
Since that day, many women have come to discern the call to Children of Mary. The Community currently has 12 Sisters and 3 houses in the dioceses of Columbus and Cincinnati. They are under the guidance of Rev. Bishop Campbell, the current Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus.
"My Lord, Jesus Christ, I love You above all things. I firmly believe that I have received in Communion, Your Body, Your Blood, Your Soul and Your Divinity. I believe it because You have said it, and I am ready to give my life to maintain this truth."
Mother Margaret Mary was born in Sidney, OH. She worked as a school teacher for 18 years. She experienced a great conversion in 1984 and felt the Lord calling her to a life of solitude and prayer.
In 1989 she moved to Newark, OH on 106 acres of land. She lived the next eleven years in silence and solitude in a primitive hermitage with neither electricity nor running water. Her days consisted of prayer and hard manual labor. Her spiritual director suggested that she may have the vocation of a canonical hermit, so she began meeting with the Bishop of Columbus, who, at that time, was Bishop Griffin, and his delegate to discern this way of life.
Bishop Griffin visited the hermitage and believed that Mother had an authentic calling. However, after a couple of years, he sent a request for her to be open to women coming to share her life of prayer. She then spent 1 year with the Visitation Nuns and during that time, on October 16, the Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (whom Jesus revealed the Thirst of His Sacred Heart for love in the Most Blessed Sacrament), Mother experienced in prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament a confirmation for the founding and charism of the Community.
She spent the rest of the year trying to put this experience into words and images and presented it to Bishop Griffin. He gave her the name Margaret Mary and consecrated her on January 17, 2002 in the Chapel in Newark, OH.
Since that day, many women have come to discern the call to Children of Mary. The Community currently has 12 Sisters and 3 houses in the dioceses of Columbus and Cincinnati. They are under the guidance of Rev. Bishop Campbell, the current Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus.
Cheryl Langford - February 27, 2016
“I am a very ordinary person living an extraordinary life.”
Cheryl Langford lived in various homes and had two Catholic praying grandmothers. At age three her parents divorced. As a child she experienced sexual, physical, emotional abuse, starvation and torture. Cheryl was abducted in 1965 and suffered assault, attempted rape and escaped through a miraculous intervention of Jesus. As a young woman her husband died, her only child died, and she got cancer.
After living a broken life she had an epiphany and met Jesus. Cheryl has received many miracles in her life. She was healed of cancer in 1980, healed of an incurable bowel disease in 1986 and healed of spinal stenosis through the prayers of Father McKarns.
Cheryl later became very involved with Church and Community. When volunteering in a Juvenile prison, she witnessed the pain of these children’s lives which brought back sad memories. The Holy Spirit moved upon her and Jesus and Cheryl wrote a 1,500 page curriculum for juvenile rehabilitation for the State of Ohio Juvenile Justice Center. The program was selected from ten pilots by Governor Strickland and later implemented by Governor Kasich and Meta-Morphosis was birthed. mmjuvenileministry.org
Today you will find Cheryl busy with her boys, putting them into apartments, teaching them to drive, finding jobs, saving for automobiles, and helping them in the college process. Cheryl lives in Massillon and is the Director of Meta-Morphosis, a 501c3 non-profit.
Cheryl has changed careers four times, but her greatest achievement is the program that Jesus and she wrote for broken children. ‘Meta-Morphosis©’
“I am a very ordinary person living an extraordinary life.”
Cheryl Langford lived in various homes and had two Catholic praying grandmothers. At age three her parents divorced. As a child she experienced sexual, physical, emotional abuse, starvation and torture. Cheryl was abducted in 1965 and suffered assault, attempted rape and escaped through a miraculous intervention of Jesus. As a young woman her husband died, her only child died, and she got cancer.
After living a broken life she had an epiphany and met Jesus. Cheryl has received many miracles in her life. She was healed of cancer in 1980, healed of an incurable bowel disease in 1986 and healed of spinal stenosis through the prayers of Father McKarns.
Cheryl later became very involved with Church and Community. When volunteering in a Juvenile prison, she witnessed the pain of these children’s lives which brought back sad memories. The Holy Spirit moved upon her and Jesus and Cheryl wrote a 1,500 page curriculum for juvenile rehabilitation for the State of Ohio Juvenile Justice Center. The program was selected from ten pilots by Governor Strickland and later implemented by Governor Kasich and Meta-Morphosis was birthed. mmjuvenileministry.org
Today you will find Cheryl busy with her boys, putting them into apartments, teaching them to drive, finding jobs, saving for automobiles, and helping them in the college process. Cheryl lives in Massillon and is the Director of Meta-Morphosis, a 501c3 non-profit.
Cheryl has changed careers four times, but her greatest achievement is the program that Jesus and she wrote for broken children. ‘Meta-Morphosis©’
Debby Bentivegna - December 5, 2015
“Late have I loved You, O Beauty, so ancient and so new…” St. Augustine
Debby Bentivegna has been married to the love of her life, Tim, for 27 years. Together, they have been blessed with three children: Jen-23, Pierce-21, and Mary Grace-13. They are members of Queen of Heaven Parish in Green.
Born again Catholic, Debby came into the Church in 1993, after the birth of their first child. Since then, she has been very active in parish life; teaching PSR, running the parish Gift Shop, and being a Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and Pro Life Committee Chairperson. She has organized a bus to Washington, DC for the March for Life for the past 8 years and she’s proud to have been on the committee for the Diocese of Youngstown’s Faith and Family Festival since its inception 7 years ago.
Debby and Tim are a sponsor couple for Marriage Preparation and enthusiastically encourage all couples to pray together, as they have received great graces from this in their own marriage, after participating in a program called “the Couples Prayer Series”. They presented this series at the Diocese of Youngstown’s Theology of the Body Symposium in 2012. They have also been part of a Small Faith Group, with 8 other couples, for the past 18 years, which has helped them grow in their knowledge of the faith.
The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of her life…a gift she cherishes deeply. She lives her life in awe of God’s mercy and love. She looks forward to sharing some of the amazing things the Lord has done in her life, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother!
“Late have I loved You, O Beauty, so ancient and so new…” St. Augustine
Debby Bentivegna has been married to the love of her life, Tim, for 27 years. Together, they have been blessed with three children: Jen-23, Pierce-21, and Mary Grace-13. They are members of Queen of Heaven Parish in Green.
Born again Catholic, Debby came into the Church in 1993, after the birth of their first child. Since then, she has been very active in parish life; teaching PSR, running the parish Gift Shop, and being a Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and Pro Life Committee Chairperson. She has organized a bus to Washington, DC for the March for Life for the past 8 years and she’s proud to have been on the committee for the Diocese of Youngstown’s Faith and Family Festival since its inception 7 years ago.
Debby and Tim are a sponsor couple for Marriage Preparation and enthusiastically encourage all couples to pray together, as they have received great graces from this in their own marriage, after participating in a program called “the Couples Prayer Series”. They presented this series at the Diocese of Youngstown’s Theology of the Body Symposium in 2012. They have also been part of a Small Faith Group, with 8 other couples, for the past 18 years, which has helped them grow in their knowledge of the faith.
The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of her life…a gift she cherishes deeply. She lives her life in awe of God’s mercy and love. She looks forward to sharing some of the amazing things the Lord has done in her life, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother!
Debbie Ventosa OFS - August 29, 2015
Debbie Ventosa OFS considers herself as just an "ordinary mom"--walking in faith and trusting in God through each and every step in His plan for her life. This Cradle Catholic was born to an immigrant family in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a registered nurse, married to the man of her dreams, Jose, for thirty-one years. She is mother to seven children--two of whom wait to meet her in heaven!
Debbie's Catholic Faith was thrown off balance during her young adult years while participating in a Baptist bible study. Her search for Truth impelled her to study Church history, teachings, and apologetics. From this point on, the "ordinary mom" classification starts to fall off! She participated in rosary groups, new-mom networks, and pro-life counselors outside of abortion clinics. Debbie was a home schooling mom for thirteen years. She has presented at Cursillo weekends and has appeared as a guest on "Living Right with Dr. Ray" television show. She has been a professed Secular Franciscan for over twelve years, currently serving as Formation Director in her local fraternity. Debbie has also helped mothers of children with special needs--as an advocate working quietly in the background and speaks from experience as she has "walked that walk" with her own child's involved neurological disease. She acknowledges that this child of God was the blessing that really put her faith into practice and trust in her every prayer!
Debbie shares the Gospel, lives the Gospel, and loves the Gospel. As you hear her story, enjoy her humor, and celebrate her faith--you will praise God with her for His intimate interventions that carried her from anguish to peace... over and over again!
Debbie Ventosa OFS considers herself as just an "ordinary mom"--walking in faith and trusting in God through each and every step in His plan for her life. This Cradle Catholic was born to an immigrant family in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a registered nurse, married to the man of her dreams, Jose, for thirty-one years. She is mother to seven children--two of whom wait to meet her in heaven!
Debbie's Catholic Faith was thrown off balance during her young adult years while participating in a Baptist bible study. Her search for Truth impelled her to study Church history, teachings, and apologetics. From this point on, the "ordinary mom" classification starts to fall off! She participated in rosary groups, new-mom networks, and pro-life counselors outside of abortion clinics. Debbie was a home schooling mom for thirteen years. She has presented at Cursillo weekends and has appeared as a guest on "Living Right with Dr. Ray" television show. She has been a professed Secular Franciscan for over twelve years, currently serving as Formation Director in her local fraternity. Debbie has also helped mothers of children with special needs--as an advocate working quietly in the background and speaks from experience as she has "walked that walk" with her own child's involved neurological disease. She acknowledges that this child of God was the blessing that really put her faith into practice and trust in her every prayer!
Debbie shares the Gospel, lives the Gospel, and loves the Gospel. As you hear her story, enjoy her humor, and celebrate her faith--you will praise God with her for His intimate interventions that carried her from anguish to peace... over and over again!
Cindy Welker - May 9, 2015
Cynthia Welker hails from Steubenville, Ohio, where she has lived for a couple of decades (more or less).
Cindy grew up amidst the Catholic charismatic renewal. God put on her heart a caring for the wounded and the marginalized.
She graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1991. With her degrees in philosophy and mental health, she deploys amazing skills for handling the chaos of large families, performing constant outreach to young people, and hosting regular evenings of fellowship with college and high school students.
Her career thus far has involved home schooling seven kids (two of whom are now working in the nursing field), catering, advising the largest women’s household on the campus of FUS (now going on 18 years), and generally being a dynamo that regularly engenders gasps from onlookers (especially and mainly her husband).
Cindy regularly speaks on chastity and how one co-raises (because God is so involved!) Catholic kids in light of modern culture.
Cynthia Welker hails from Steubenville, Ohio, where she has lived for a couple of decades (more or less).
Cindy grew up amidst the Catholic charismatic renewal. God put on her heart a caring for the wounded and the marginalized.
She graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1991. With her degrees in philosophy and mental health, she deploys amazing skills for handling the chaos of large families, performing constant outreach to young people, and hosting regular evenings of fellowship with college and high school students.
Her career thus far has involved home schooling seven kids (two of whom are now working in the nursing field), catering, advising the largest women’s household on the campus of FUS (now going on 18 years), and generally being a dynamo that regularly engenders gasps from onlookers (especially and mainly her husband).
Cindy regularly speaks on chastity and how one co-raises (because God is so involved!) Catholic kids in light of modern culture.
Brooke Taylor - March 21, 2015
For nearly a decade, Brooke Taylor was the co-host of the “Family Friendly Morning Show” on 95.5 The Fish in Cleveland, Ohio. Brooke is the founder of "The Mom Squad," a ministry of women from all walks of life, blogging, hosting retreats and workshops, building a sisterhood of believers for Christ. Brooke has emceed the Cleveland National Right to Life Symposium, moderated political and religious panels and is a frequent speaker at Christian women’s events. Brooke has emceed events with speakers including Christopher West, Tim Staples, Point of Grace, Laura Story, Nicole C. Mullen, Lisa Welchel, Dr. Ray Guarendi and many more. Brooke created the unique event "Special Needs, Special Families," bringing together national and local resources and prominent speakers, as a way for special needs families to connect.
Brooke is the host of the Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant and has appeared on EWTN's "Living Right with Dr. Ray." She was selected as a judge for a national music contest for the Hollywood motion picture "Grace Unplugged" and has been a guest on syndicated radio programs such as the Michael Medved Show and the Hugh Hewitt show. She is also involved in the ministry Food for the Poor and has traveled to Guatemala and Haiti to raise awareness and funds for the poorest of the poor. In 2014, Brooke led a pilgrimage to Italy for the canonization of St. Pope John Paul II and St. John XXIII. Brooke has interviewed such notables as the Rev. Franklin Graham, Newt Gingrich, Dr. James Dobson, Raymond Arroyo, Beth Moore, Michael W. Smith and many more.
Brooke and her Army Veteran husband, Jim, have five children: four sons and a daughter they adopted from Poland. Brooke frequently speaks to groups on the topics of motherhood and family life, the gift of the Catholic faith, adoption, special needs, and her own re-conversion story. Brooke also maintains a blog shares stories of her life as a new stay-home mom at “The Sacred Sink.” Learn more at: www.TheSacredSink.com
For nearly a decade, Brooke Taylor was the co-host of the “Family Friendly Morning Show” on 95.5 The Fish in Cleveland, Ohio. Brooke is the founder of "The Mom Squad," a ministry of women from all walks of life, blogging, hosting retreats and workshops, building a sisterhood of believers for Christ. Brooke has emceed the Cleveland National Right to Life Symposium, moderated political and religious panels and is a frequent speaker at Christian women’s events. Brooke has emceed events with speakers including Christopher West, Tim Staples, Point of Grace, Laura Story, Nicole C. Mullen, Lisa Welchel, Dr. Ray Guarendi and many more. Brooke created the unique event "Special Needs, Special Families," bringing together national and local resources and prominent speakers, as a way for special needs families to connect.
Brooke is the host of the Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant and has appeared on EWTN's "Living Right with Dr. Ray." She was selected as a judge for a national music contest for the Hollywood motion picture "Grace Unplugged" and has been a guest on syndicated radio programs such as the Michael Medved Show and the Hugh Hewitt show. She is also involved in the ministry Food for the Poor and has traveled to Guatemala and Haiti to raise awareness and funds for the poorest of the poor. In 2014, Brooke led a pilgrimage to Italy for the canonization of St. Pope John Paul II and St. John XXIII. Brooke has interviewed such notables as the Rev. Franklin Graham, Newt Gingrich, Dr. James Dobson, Raymond Arroyo, Beth Moore, Michael W. Smith and many more.
Brooke and her Army Veteran husband, Jim, have five children: four sons and a daughter they adopted from Poland. Brooke frequently speaks to groups on the topics of motherhood and family life, the gift of the Catholic faith, adoption, special needs, and her own re-conversion story. Brooke also maintains a blog shares stories of her life as a new stay-home mom at “The Sacred Sink.” Learn more at: www.TheSacredSink.com
Kitty Cleveland - December 6, 2014
Singer/songwriter and inspirational speaker Kitty Cleveland has appeared numerous times on television, on radio, in concert and as a keynote speaker throughout North America and in Europe.
She put her singing on hold after college to pursue careers as a lawyer, university instructor and career counselor. Kitty’s life as a recording artist began in earnest after launching her first CD in 2000. She has since released nine CDs, plus three CDs with Lighthouse Catholic Media.
“If I had to boil down the essence of what I feel called to do, it is to encourage people— whether through music, storytelling, or teaching from the great Catholic spiritual writers and my own life experience.“
“By virtue of my baptism, I have been called to become an evangelist in a world where despair, godlessness, and violence cry out for a remedy. My job is to rally the troops and encourage them to join me in this mission to bring the Good News to the ends of the earth, starting in our own hearts, homes and parishes.”
Kitty makes her home in the New Orleans area with her musician husband, Mel, and their daughter, Cecilia, whom they adopted from China in 2005.
Singer/songwriter and inspirational speaker Kitty Cleveland has appeared numerous times on television, on radio, in concert and as a keynote speaker throughout North America and in Europe.
She put her singing on hold after college to pursue careers as a lawyer, university instructor and career counselor. Kitty’s life as a recording artist began in earnest after launching her first CD in 2000. She has since released nine CDs, plus three CDs with Lighthouse Catholic Media.
“If I had to boil down the essence of what I feel called to do, it is to encourage people— whether through music, storytelling, or teaching from the great Catholic spiritual writers and my own life experience.“
“By virtue of my baptism, I have been called to become an evangelist in a world where despair, godlessness, and violence cry out for a remedy. My job is to rally the troops and encourage them to join me in this mission to bring the Good News to the ends of the earth, starting in our own hearts, homes and parishes.”
Kitty makes her home in the New Orleans area with her musician husband, Mel, and their daughter, Cecilia, whom they adopted from China in 2005.
Dana - December 16, 2012
As Ireland’s first winner of the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest, schoolgirl Dana became an overnight star followed by a successful music career with hit records and award winning television appearances. In the midst of her flourishing career in secular music, Dana started to speak publicly about her Catholic faith. She and Damien, her husband, began a life of evangelization and devotion to Family and Youth. Her “Yes” to God’s plan for her life, led Dana to host television programs, write books, and write, produce and perform Catholic Christian songs such as “We Are One Body,” a World Youth Day theme song. She even ran for the office of President of Ireland campaigning on protecting Christian family values and life from the moment of conception, as enshrined in the Irish Constitution and was elected as a Member of the European Parliament, representing Ireland’s Connacht-Ulster constituency. Now she has her own new music ministry, DS Music Productions, releasing music and prayer albums and several contemporary Christian music albums. For her ‘outstanding work in defending Family and Life’ Dana became the first woman to be awarded the highly acclaimed San Benedetto (St. Benedict) Award and earned the ‘Highest Honor’ from the International Right to Life Foundation. She is currently working on her new series for EWTN; Dana & Friends, featuring Dana and fellow Catholic artists who share their inspiring music ministries.
As Ireland’s first winner of the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest, schoolgirl Dana became an overnight star followed by a successful music career with hit records and award winning television appearances. In the midst of her flourishing career in secular music, Dana started to speak publicly about her Catholic faith. She and Damien, her husband, began a life of evangelization and devotion to Family and Youth. Her “Yes” to God’s plan for her life, led Dana to host television programs, write books, and write, produce and perform Catholic Christian songs such as “We Are One Body,” a World Youth Day theme song. She even ran for the office of President of Ireland campaigning on protecting Christian family values and life from the moment of conception, as enshrined in the Irish Constitution and was elected as a Member of the European Parliament, representing Ireland’s Connacht-Ulster constituency. Now she has her own new music ministry, DS Music Productions, releasing music and prayer albums and several contemporary Christian music albums. For her ‘outstanding work in defending Family and Life’ Dana became the first woman to be awarded the highly acclaimed San Benedetto (St. Benedict) Award and earned the ‘Highest Honor’ from the International Right to Life Foundation. She is currently working on her new series for EWTN; Dana & Friends, featuring Dana and fellow Catholic artists who share their inspiring music ministries.
Karen Herrmann - September 8, 2012
Karen Herrmann became involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1967, at the age of 17. This renewal of the gifts, graces and ministries of the Holy Spirit is the inheritance of every baptized Christian, as hundreds in her family can attest to! Because of her experience, Karen loves to help folks to see how that same Spirit is already working in their lives as well as encouraging them to be open to more!
From her large blended family of 11, to some of her family speaking in tongues as young as 4, to a daughter’s healing of breast cancer, through her own divorce, annulment and remarriage, to doing over 70 concerts in 7 states with her husband and a priest friend, in composing and recording 9 CDs of her music, to her liturgical ministry at Sunday Mass for 40 years, to being in the women’s Living Praise Worship Band and 35 years involvement in a Catholic charismatic community in Steubenville, Ohio…. Karen has known the joy of life in the Spirit, the gentle nudges, and the power of God sustaining her through it all.
Her life and stories only prove that God is never finished with us, as long as we keep saying “YES” and remain open to wonderful surprises!
From her large blended family of 11, to some of her family speaking in tongues as young as 4, to a daughter’s healing of breast cancer, through her own divorce, annulment and remarriage, to doing over 70 concerts in 7 states with her husband and a priest friend, in composing and recording 9 CDs of her music, to her liturgical ministry at Sunday Mass for 40 years, to being in the women’s Living Praise Worship Band and 35 years involvement in a Catholic charismatic community in Steubenville, Ohio…. Karen has known the joy of life in the Spirit, the gentle nudges, and the power of God sustaining her through it all.
Her life and stories only prove that God is never finished with us, as long as we keep saying “YES” and remain open to wonderful surprises!
Father Thomas Cebula - May 12, 2012
A native of Canton, Ohio Father Cebula was born in 1942 to the late John and Lottie Cebula. He has one sister, Barbara Jean Kelley who resides in Copley, Ohio. She and her husband Jim are the proud parents of three sons and have four granddaughters and two grandsons. Father graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1960 and was ordained a diocesan priest by Bishop James W. Malone in 1968. He has been involved in parish ministry for the past 44 years, serving as pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Warren, Ohio for 11 years and then for the past 19 years at pastor of St. Barbara Parish in Massillon, Ohio. In addition to his parish ministry, Father Cebula has served as spiritual director of several Cursillo and Marriage Encounter weekends in addition to his involvement with Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He currently serves as spiritual moderator for the Stark Country deanery of the Diocese of Youngstown Council of Catholic Women.
Joan Ulicny - March 24, 2012
Joan is a native of Pittsburgh, and a graduate of Penn State University and the American University of Washington, D.C. Hired by IBM World Trade Corp. in N. Y. in 1982, Joan embarked on a career path that brought her international travel, material rewards, and prestige. That dream--beauty, corporate success, and a fast-paced life--ended on December 2, 1986 in a head-on collision with an 18-wheel truck. “Life as I knew it ended,” Joan says. “It had to--God had other plans.”
Joan shares her story of conversion brought about by the accident that left her legally blind, brain damaged, and a victim of stroke. In her 18 months of physical and cognitive rehabilitation, Joan gave little thought to spiritual rehabilitation. This would be God’s first order of business. Joan has written a book about her conversion experience called A Greater Vision. She has also appeared on EWTN’s “Life on the Rock” with Jeff Cavins, and has a chapter titled “Eyes of Faith” in Jeff Cavins’ book on suffering, Amazing Grace. You will be inspired by Joan’s amazing story of grace, hope, and healing.
Joan shares her story of conversion brought about by the accident that left her legally blind, brain damaged, and a victim of stroke. In her 18 months of physical and cognitive rehabilitation, Joan gave little thought to spiritual rehabilitation. This would be God’s first order of business. Joan has written a book about her conversion experience called A Greater Vision. She has also appeared on EWTN’s “Life on the Rock” with Jeff Cavins, and has a chapter titled “Eyes of Faith” in Jeff Cavins’ book on suffering, Amazing Grace. You will be inspired by Joan’s amazing story of grace, hope, and healing.
Ellen Barber (9/10/11)
"You Don’t have to cross the sea to be a missionary. You just need to ‘sea’ the cross!” ~Anonymous
Ellen Barber and her husband, Bill, live in Manchester and are members of St. Francis de Sales in Akron. They are the proud parents of five children and have one grandchild. Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church employs Ellen as a Specialized Youth Director. She also works for Catholic Charities as a Certified Pastoral Minister at Akron City Hospital and at Summa as an Ecumenical On-Call Chaplain. Ellen is working on her BA in Pastoral Ministry at Walsh University. Her newest endeavor is teaching Vacation Bible School in Kentucky for the Appalachian Mission Project. She has been involved with Marriage Encounter for 24 years, teaches Natural Family Planning and is a member of the Worldwide Fellowship of Al anon.
Peggy Durbin (5/14/11)
“The Hidden Treasures of My Heart”
Peggy Durbin shares about the gifts and tools Jesus has given to her to help her move from a life of brokenness to one of healing and zeal for the Lord. She will encourage you with her love of Jesus and humorous stories about everyday spirituality in the Domestic Church. She lives in Stow, Ohio with Neil, her husband of 18 years. Peggy is a home-schooling mother of four: John (16), Julie (14), Grace (12) and Gemma (8). She and her family are parishioners at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Akron, Ohio
Lois Drouhard (3/12/11)
"Fears to Peace"
Lois tells her rags to riches story of her on-going journey with God and how He has patiently waited for her total surrender to Him. Though she walked in the valley of darkness several times, He was always at her side and through many trials He strengthened her. Lois says that He took her out of the pit and placed her on solid ground where He transformed her into a new creation. He changed Lois from being a fear-filled person to a peace-filled one. Lois is active in church ministry, Magnificat and has prayer in the home for all needs, intercessions, healing and inner-healing.
Joan Carter McHugh (12/4/10)
“Finding New Life in Christ—Physical, Emotional & Spiritual”
Joan shares the steps she took to find healing from chronic physical and emotional illness, and the role her Catholic faith played in her recovery. Her talk contains stories and insights about health, marriage, depression and prayer that brings hope and healing to her listeners. She is the co-founder of Witness Ministries, a Catholic publishing apostolate devoted to the Eucharist. The author of seven books, Joan has appeared on Mother Angelica Live!, on Catholic radio stations, and speaks in parishes around the country.
Cheryl Maloney (9/11/10)
“Is Hope Possible”
Cheryl is the Ministry Director of Bethesda-The House of Mercy, a post-abortion healing apostolate. She has assisted as a crisis line counselor, speaker, and a peer-support companion serving women as they walk the journey of healing. As an adult mentor, she encourages young people to embrace both the mystery and wonder of Christ’s Paschal love and the freedom of God’s plan for sexuality. She is a regular presenter preparing couples for marriage. Cheryl takes a great interest in parenting issues and has led various groups for mothers.
Father Samuel Leonard, IVE (5/15/10)
“He Who Is Mighty Has Done Great Things for Me; and Holy Is His Name”
Prior to his ordination, Fr. Samuel was married to Mary (Steigerwald) and together they raised 10 children. Samuel and Mary became more spiritually oriented in the Holy Spirit after becoming active in the Cursillo Movement and discerned God calling them to live a more radical life of faith, and Samuel quit his job. God provided for them–at times in seemingly miraculous ways –and brought them through severe times of crises. They took as their motto: “We do not understand God; we trust him.” Mary died from ovarian cancer in 1998 and 20 months later, Samuel entered the seminary. Fr. Samuel is the parochial vicar at SS Peter & Paul church in Winona, Minnesota
Cynthia Mernagh (3/20/10)
"Raising Your Children For Christ"
Cynthia is the mother of eight children, six of whom are currently pursuing religious vocations within the Legionaries of Christ and the Regnum Christi Movement. She currently heads the parish outreach to the poor and the parish Catholic Charities Appeal. She is an active member of the Regnum Christi Movement which supports the local Catholic Church in its mission of bringing Christ to all people.
Sharon Morris (12/5/09)
“Mary: A Model for Thinking, Speaking, Acting, and Renewing our Minds in Christ”
Sharon encountered Christ in a personal way as a young adult and has spent her life seeking to know and love God better and to bring Christ to others. She is a part-time consultant for a family foundation in Cleveland. Sharon talks about the importance of renewing our mind in Christ, the power of positive Christian thought, hospitality, dealing with resentments, grudges, and trauma, inner healing and the quest for happiness, improving our marriages without “talking about it,” friendships, and a plan for raising children.
Elizabeth Ficocelli (9/12/09)
“Journey in Faith: Story of a Catholic Convert”
Elizabeth is a best-selling, award-winning author of nine books for adults and children. In addition to her books, Elizabeth has written numerous magazine articles for leading Catholic publications. She has appeared on the following EWTN television programs: Bookmark with Doug Keck, The Journey Home with Marcus Grodi, The Abundant Life with Johnnette Benkovic, and Sunday Night Live with Father Benedict Groeschel. She has also been a guest on numerous Catholic radio programs.
Johnnette Benkovic (5/30/09)
“Living His life abundantly”
Johnnette experienced a deep conversion back to her Catholic faith in 1981 and discerned a call to share the Gospel message through the media. She is the Founder and President of Living His Life Abundantly® International, Inc., a Catholic evangelization apostolate that discusses contemporary issues from a Catholic perspective (seen internationally on EWTN). Johnnette is also Founder of Women of Grace® and hosts this one hour call-in radio talk show which is a Catholic apostolate for Christian women.
Frank McKnight (3/7/09)
“The preciousness of life”
Frank gives witness in memory and in honor of his late wife, Terry. Terry was to give this witness in March, 2008, but was hospitalized with ovarian cancer at the time. She died in April of 2008. Terry was a passionate advocate for her oldest son and others who suffer from mental illnesses. She continued this advocacy until her battle with ovarian cancer took her life. Frank shares how God has shown him and his late wife the preciousness of life.
Brooke Taylor (12/6/08)
“Chasing after what will make you happy”
“Brooke Taylor” is the name that Colleen Waller goes by on local Cleveland radio 95.5 The Fish. She will share her life of “chasing” everything she thought would make her happy. Colleen says that, “Sometimes we look to other women, society, and celebrities to help us know who we are supposed to be.” It wasn’t until she embraced who she truly was in Christ, and how God sees each one of us, that she found true peace and joy! Brooke is convinced that discovering who we are in Christ is fundamental to raising strong children and having happy marriages.
Mother Nadine Brown (9/6/08) – “Interior life and intercessory prayer”
Mother Nadine is a convert to Catholicism and was called to follow God in a life of prayer and penance as a contemplative in the Sisters of the Cross of the Good Shepherd Convocation. Later she brought the rich heritage of this contemplative spirituality to the full Church when she founded the Intercessors of the Lamb. This group is dedicated to intercessory prayer and fostering a deep interior life, with a personal relationship with Jesus at the root and power of all intercession. Mother Nadine appears frequently on EWTN and has written three books: “God’s Armor”, “Interceding with Jesus”, and “Bathe Seven Times”.
Marna Revlock (5/10/08) – “Motherhood and Our Gifts as Women”
Marna is a busy mother of two, Registered Nurse and Business Owner. In 2005, she trained as a Life Coach and soon thereafter established Avenues of Grace, a business/ ministry assisting with personal and spiritual growth. She is currently working with the Youngstown Diocese organizing a conference for mothers to assist them in personal and spiritual growth. She challenges us to imagine how our families could change if we were more fulfilled and living the life we were meant to live.
Sr. Ishmael (12/8/07) – “Listen to the Father, love the Son and live within the Holy Spirit”
Sr. Ishmael received her call to the religious life in 2000. Previously, she was married and had three sons, whom she later single-parented. In the midst of this and a 30 year nursing career, she started and managed her own business. God has allowed her services as a Poor Clare of Perpetual Adoration to be spiritual direction, garden management, memoir writing and health care giving. She has a Nazareth Time that now is a commission that is life-giving. Her article, “God’s Choice,” was published in 2004 and since then she has written four memoirs.
Judi Carman (9/8/07) – “When you pray to do His will, be prepared to embrace it--all of it!“
Judi is the mother of seven children and attends Queen of Heaven parish in Green, Ohio. During a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Judy received a message from the Blessed Mother which was the answer to her prayer “what does God want me to do for the next 40 years?” She and her husband were called to adopt special-needs children. As an R.N. who specialized in Hospice care, God had prepared her for His will… to care for some of His most medically fragile children. He only needed her “fiat.”
Susan Potvin (12/9/06) – “Live His Praise in All Your Works”
Susan is the leader of the Living Praise Worship Team. This traveling music ministry provides the worship at conferences and worship gatherings across the nation. Susan also leads Lightshine Worship Team and trains and directs a high school praise band. This inspirational speaker has been involved in Catholic and ecumenical renewal work for more than twenty years. Susan works as a high school guidance and career counselor in Wintersville, Ohio, and is working on a Masters Degree in Counseling.
Treva Dillick (5/13/06) – “Beauty of Suffering-Conversion”
Treva is from Akron, Ohio. She was raised a fundamentalist Protestant and became Catholic. Her spiritual life is centered on her love and trust of the Blessed Trinity in the midst of the trials and sufferings of everyday life with a favorite scripture being: “All things work together to good for those who love the Lord and work according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Life is an exciting adventure with Jesus, united to Him in joy, peace, happiness and suffering.
April Merzweiler (5/21/05) – “Proclaim His Marvelous Deeds”
April is a member of St. Philip and James Church in Canal Fulton, Ohio. She serves as Coordinator of the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, leads a Marian Ministry Priests Prayer Cenacle, and has served as a member of the Service Team of the Stark County Chapter of Magnificat. April will share her conversion story of how learning about the Eucharist transformed her life. She will share how God led her from her fundamentalist upbringing to a great love and appreciation for the truth and beauty of the Catholic Church.
Sam [Martha] Szall (3/12/05) – “How Life Has Taught Me to Bake a Cake With God”
Sam was born and raised in Massillon, Ohio, and is a parishioner of St. Paul Catholic Church in North Canton. Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:6,7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience god’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.”
Marilyn Quirk (12/4/04) – “Co-Foundress of Magnificat Ministry”
Marilyn is a long time resident of Louisiana. In 1981, she founded the Magnificat Ministry to Catholic Women. She is an inspiration to thousands of women across the country and around the world as she carries forth the message of our Lord. She will encourage you with her love of Jesus, her devotion to our Blessed Mother, and her sharing of her journey in the unfolding of the Magnificat Ministry.
Patti Gallagher Mansfield (9/11/04) – “Walk With Jesus”
Patti is a wife, mother of four, writer, speaker and leader in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. She has spoken all over the world on the role of Our Lady in the New Pentecost. She and her husband are recipients of the Papal Medal, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. They presently reside in Louisiana.
Maria Vadia (5/22/04) – “Communism-Sunday Catholic-Materialism”
Maria’s family fled to Miami, Florida to escape the communist regime. Gripped by materialism, she knew something was missing. She was baptized in the Holy Spirit and consecrated her life to the Lord and to the preaching of the Gospel. Maria is founder of the “Jesus is Lord” Magnificat Chapter and a member of the Advisory Board of Magnificat, International. She ministers the Word to: The King Jesus Prayer Group, Miami Women’s Detention Center, and Genesis House. She recently wrote a book, “There is Power In the Tongue“.
Annette Baber (3/6/04) – “Nervous Breakdown-Contemplated Suicide-God Speaks”
Annette was born into an Orthodox Jewish family in Des Moines, Iowa. While feeling like a failure as a wife and mother, she felt her world crumbling. While suffering from a nervous breakdown and contemplating suicide, God spoke to her. Crying out to the Father she asked who this Jesus really was, and the Lord responded that Jesus was His beloved Son whom He wanted her to know. Annette and her husband reside in Illinois where she serves as Coordinator of the McHenry Chapter of Magnificat in the Diocese of Rockford.
Linda Paasch (12/6/03) – “Fear-Anxiety-Divorce-Abortion”
Linda is currently a Home Care Director for the elderly and was a candidate for the Distinguished Nurse of the Year (2003) Award for helping the elderly. She started a drug free/alcohol free drop-in center for teen high school students in her town of Grand Island, New York. She shares how “learning to listen” and “hear Jesus” has brought her to forgiveness, healing, and happiness.
Debra Wang (9/13/03) – “Evangelization”
Debra is originally from Queens, New York, where she was Director of Religious Education for St. Agatha’s Parish. She taught RCIA and founded a street evangelization mission to the Chinese living in the area. She is now the Director of the Chinese Mission at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Texas College. She gives talks and seminars on the importance and the how to’s of evangelizing and how everyone is called to be an evangelist.
Aggie Neck (6/14/03) – “Accident-Recovery-Baptism in the Spirit”
Co-Director of Servant House, a Catholic Charismatic House of Prayer in Marksville, Louisiana. She also has a teaching ministry and serves on several committees for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. After an automobile accident, she was gently led to the loving God who had been in her life and a part of it, but not really a living part. Her journey has been exciting and rewarding.
Rebecca Conaty (12/7/02) – “Annulment-Loss of a Child-Adoption-Marriage”
Eastern Regional Representative for Magnificat, Assistant to the Headmaster of an all-boys private Catholic school in Potomac, Maryland, and handles phones on a Crisis Pregnancy Hotline. In the surrender of her conversion, God’s will became hers. Her story encompasses a variety of subjects including the pain and ultimate joy of the annulment process, the loss of a child, adoption, and God’s healing power in marriage.
Therese Cirner (9/28/02) – “Women’s Issues-Spiritual Growth-Marriage”
Therese is an adjunct counseling professor at Franciscan University and a licensed clinical counselor. She speaks nationally and internationally about women’s issues, spiritual growth, and marriage. Therese is the author of The Facts About Your Feelings and co-author of 10 Weeks to a Better Marriage.
Beryl Kinney (6/22/02) – “Out of the Occult”
Beryl is the former Coordinator of a Magnificat Chapter in Buffalo, New York. Currently serves Magnificat as a Regional Representative for the Northeastern U.S. and Canadian regions. She has been a leader in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for 31 years, a leader in Bible teaching for over 25 years, and a prayer group leader. In her testimony, she shares how she was freed from involvement with the occult and has become a woman “on fire” for the Lord.
Sister Marion Zeltmann (3/23/02) – “Marriage-Widow-Nun”
Two years after her husband’s death, she became aware that God was calling her to an enclosed life of Eucharistic Adoration. She totally committed herself to our Eucharistic Jesus through Solemn Vows as a Poor Clare and is Abbess at Sancta Clara Monastery.
Patti Witecha (12/1/01) – “Remarriage in the Church”
Years of refining and maturing for this woman as a Catholic Christian have been wrought on the potter’s wheel, in the bittersweet, yet joy-filled experiences of marriage, divorce, and remarriage in the Church.