Phyllis Zagano is senior research associate and adjunct professor of religion at Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York. An award-winning scholar and public intellectual, she writes and lectures internationally on questions affecting women in the Church. Her bi-weekly column “Just Catholic” is carried by the National Catholic Reporter and other journals in the U.S. and abroad.
Edwina Gateley's life has been described by Publisher's Weekly as "fascinating - an exceptional blend of contemplation and action." Her journey has led her to teaching in Africa, founding the Volunteer Missionary Movement (VMM), sojourning in the Sahara Desert, spending nine months of prayer in a trailer in the woods, befriending and ministrering to street people and women in prostituion - "God's little ones," and preaching the Good News: God Is With Us. Edwina is a poet, theologian, artist, writer, and lay minister. She is a single mom and has been described as a modern day mystic and prophet. She gives talks, conferences and retreats in the United States, as well as internationally while continuing to reach out to women in recovery from drugs and prostitution.
Hank Babin is a Deacon and also Executive Secretary for the National Diaconate Institute for Continuing Education. He is a great speaker that combines a strong spiritual message with homespun southern humor.
Sister Theresa Betz is a Sister of Notre Dame from the Chardon, Ohio, province. She has a Masters in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and a Masters in Religious Education from St. Thomas University in Rome, Italy. Sister’s retreats, talks, and courses on aspects of Christian spirituality have inspired many in several states in the USA as well as in Canada, the Bahamas, and the Philippines.
Jeff Cavins is recognized both nationally and internationally as an exciting public speaker and bible teacher. He communicates the Catholic faith at a level that everyone can understand, taking theological truths and expressing them in a practical way. He is the creator of the popular Great Adventure Bible Study series published by Ascension Press. The foundational study, The Bible Timeline: the Story of Salvation, has enabled students to understand the chronological flow of Scripture. Other Great Adventure Bible Studies taught and recorded by Jeff include Matthew, Acts, Revelation, Psalms and James. Over 6000 groups have used these studies in the US and other countries, and they have helped hundreds of thousands of Catholics and other Christians engage in scripture in a life changing way. Jeff is the founding host of EWTN’s weekly program “Life on the Rock” as well as Relevant Radio’s daily show, “Morning Air.” He is author of several books including the best‐selling book, My Life on the Rock: A Rebel Returns to the Catholic Faith and I’m Not Being Fed: The Food That Satisfies the Soul. Walking with God: A Journey Through the Bible is co‐authored with Dr. Tim Gray and gives an insightful overview of the Bible. His latest books are Praise God and Thank Him: Biblical Keys for a Joyful Life and When You Suffer: Biblical Keys for Hope and Understanding both published through Servant Books. Jeff received an MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is on the board of the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute at the St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he has served as director for 6 years. He is also a Fellow of the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado, and the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology in Steubenville, Ohio. Jeff resides with his wife, Emily, and their daughters in Minnesota.
Ronald Rolheiser, a Roman Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He is a community-builder, lecturer and writer. His books are popular throughout the Englishspeaking world and his weekly column is carried by more than sixty newspapers worldwide.
Father Burns was ordained into Roman Catholic Priesthood in the Dominican Order of 1982. He has been an itinerant preacher on retreats and parish renewals throughout the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America since 1989. Father Burns is also a com- mentator on National Public Radio (NPR) and New York Area Radio. Father Burns’ awards include 2 Best Commentary on Public Radio from the Public Radio News Directors Inc. (PRNDI).
Fr. Carl Arico is a founding member and the vice president of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. Since Contemplative Outreach's beginnings in 1984, Fr. Arico has been an integral part of the organization's growth and development. As vice president, Fr. Arico considers himself as the "middle linebacker" of the organization, ready as needed to perform various duties.
Fr. Carl Arico is a co-author of the book Living Our Priesthood Today (Our Sunday Visitor, 1987) with Fr. Basil Pennington, and the author of Taste of Silence (The Continuum International Publishing Group Inc, 1999), a guide to the fundamentals of Centering Prayer.
Father Scott Seethaler O.F.M. Cap (Capuchin Franciscan) was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He made his religious profession in 1967 and was ordained in 1969. Father Scott earned his Master’s Degree in Religious Education and taught at both Slippery Rock and Duquesne Universities. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States preaching missions, retreats, and workshops. He has also preached on television and had his own daily radio ministry in Pittsburgh for over 20 years. His books, CDs, and bi-monthly newsletter have assisted countless people along their faith journey. In 2000, following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi who had a great love for the poor, Father Scott established a health clinic in Oaxaca, Mexico. The Anna Seethaler Hospital (TASH, Inc) is now a full service health care facility serving over 2,000 of the poorest of the poor each month.
His unique humor and joyful spirit continue to make Father Scott a popular speaker and sought after spiritual director.
Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell is ordained with standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the American Baptist Church and longtime leader in the ecumenical interfaith movement. She was General Secretary of the National Council of Churches and Executive Director of the U.S. office of the World Council of Churches. Joan also served as Director of the Department of Religion at the Chautauqua Institution. She is published widely and serves a number of national and local organizations.