Allison Gingras (Reconciled To You) created the Stay Connected Journals (OSV), including “The Gift of Invitation” and “Seeking Peace.” Allison is a new media consultant with the Diocese of Fall River, Family Rosary, and CatholicMom.com. Her new book, “Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God,” arrives Fall, 2022 (Ave Maria Press).
Alyssa Bormes is an educator, author, speaker, and retreat leader. She currently teaches at the Chesterton Academy in Edina, Minnesota, writes for the Catholic Spirit, and the W.I.N.E blog, is the host of a weekly show,“Christian Witnesses in the Church,” on Radio Maria US, and is the author of The Catechism of Hockey. You can find her at alyssabormes.com.
Amber Cerveny works in faith and ministry promotion for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. She realizes that after this article comes out, she can no longer lie about her age, she is 40 and still figuring a lot of things out.
Andrea Gibbs is a wife and homeschooling mother to five kids. Her family leads student and adult Mission Trips to Guatemala. She previously worked as a curriculum coordinator and teacher in Early Childhood Education, a high school Youth minister and speaker to Catholic Teens. She has a deep affection for strong coffee, 19th century British literature, dark chocolate and all things Latin America
Angie Koenig is head over heels in love with Jesus and she blogs about her love story with Him at www.spirituallyspokenfor.com. She’s a Midwestern girl who recently headed East in an effort to fully trust God and His masterful plan for her life.
Anne Carraux married her college sweetheart and together they embarked on a journey of raising four exuberant children in Chaska, MN. Writing mostly in prayer and to make sense of her journey, Anne hopes her words help readers keep looking toward God, especially when it comes to living joyfully with faith.
Anni Harry is a proud Army wife and mom. She currently works as the Catholic Religious Education Coordinator her family’s military chapel. She can be found on social media at A Beautiful, Camouflaged Mess of A Life on FB, @beautifulcamouflagedmess on IG, and @BeautifulCamoMe on Twitter. She also writes for her own blog, in addition to other Catholic women outlets.
Annie Karto is a Catholic award-winning singer/songwriter, who also speaks at conferences and leads women’s retreats. She has written songs for Mother Angelica, Rwandan genocide survivor, Immaculee Ilibagiza, and a song to honor priests which received two apostolic blessings. www.AnnieKarto.com
Barbara Heil is a convert and continues in ministry, along with her husband Jeff, sharing the Gospel. They reside in Iowa and together have 8 children and 10 grandchildren. You can learn more about Barbara at FromHisHeart.com
Caralyn is the writer and speaker behind the blog, BeautyBeyondBones. She’s a twenty-something actress and writer in New York City. Having battled a severe case of anorexia and Ulcerative Colitis, she now uses her story of total restoration to positively impact others, and offer Christ’s hope and encouragement for those with eating disorders, and other forms of adversity.
Dr. Carol Younger is a Senior Fellow (St. Paul Center), Advisory Board Member (Great Adventure Bible Studies), author (Study Guides, St. Joseph Communications) (Retreat Companion for 33 Days to Morning Glory, Marian Press). Career leader in K—12 public/private education, adjunct graduate professor at Catholic and Christian universities. Leader in parish RCIA, Catechetics, Bible Studies.
Debby Giusti is a USA TODAY and PUBLISHERS WEEKLY bestselling author of Christian suspense with more than a million books in print. A committed Catholic, Army wife, and mother of three, Debby shares the love of Christ, one story at a time. www.DebbyGiusti.com and www.facebook.com/debby.giusti.9
Debbie Keller is the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women’s president of the St. Paul & Minneapolis Archdioceses. She and her husband John have three sons, two daughters, and a granddaughter! She was part of the Kitui Partnership Delegation. The ACCW along with the Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) of the Kitui Diocese built a women’s dormitory near the University of Kenyatta.
Deborah Kendrick came into the Catholic Church in 2011 through her interaction with Catholics in ecumenical meetings throughout Europe, where she was a conference speaker and led retreats for twenty years. Deborah’s heart is to see people know and receive the love God has for them which encompasses a New Pentecost for the new evangelization. She can be reached at jerusalempaintings@gmail.com.
Dr. Deborah Savage is a member of the faculty at the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota where she teaches philosophy and theology in the Pastoral Ministry Programs. She is co-founder of the Siena Symposium, an interdisciplinary think tank at UST, organized to respond to Pope John Paul II’s call for a new and explicitly Christian feminism. She is currently working on a book tentatively entitled Woman and Man.
Dianne Davis serves as the Director of Mission Expansion for ChristLife, a Catholic ministry of evangelization and she longs to see revival in the Church. She is a conference speaker, teacher, and co-author of Share Christ. She is also available to speak at parish missions. Follow Dianne on twitter @diannedavisNY
Donna Luna-Hernandez is a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves to spend time with family and friends. After years in the Cursillo and ACTS movements, she began a Women’s Organization at her parish. She is currently introducing WINE in the Midland, Texas area, by hosting Book Clubs and planning WINE events.
Elizabeth Westhoff is known for her dedication to the faith along with her incredible humor and wit. As the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at the Ave Maria School of Law, Elizabeth uses the tools of an ever-changing world to share the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys staying up to date on Catholic social teachings, news, and pop culture.
Emily Cavins is an author and holds an MA Degree in Near Eastern Archaeology and Biblical History. She has participated in several excavations in Israel. She is a tour leader of annual pilgrimages to Israel and other Bible-related destinations with husband Jeff Cavins.
Heidi Hess Saxton a wife and adoptive mother. Heidi authored Advent with Saint Teresa of Calcutta and the follow-up companion, Lent with Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Servant). Heidi received a graduate degree in theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit in 2012, having converted to the Catholic faith in 1995 from the evangelical tradition.
Hilary Scheppers is a religious poet and writer from Minnesota. She holds an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a B.A. in Humanities/Theology from Loyola Marymount University. Her poetry and nonfiction appear or are forthcoming in Parabola, Apofenie, Breadcrumbs, and elsewhere. Her favorite bird is either the mourning dove or the oropendola. Twitter: @hiloschpprs
Jennifer Beutz has spent her adult years serving her family in her vocation as wife and mother. Alongside the Archdiocese, Jennifer worked to implement the Small Group ministry at St. Hubert Catholic Community. She has been published in The Catholic Spirit and co-authored a weekly parenting column in the Star Tribune with her mother, who is her writing mentor.
Jill Mraz is a Catholic mother to one wonderful daughter. Residing in Minnesota they enjoy summer road trips to either coast, marveling at the stunning beauty of God’s natural world. Jill writes poems and essays which reflect upon motherhood and her beloved Catholic faith.
Joelle Maryn is a Catholic Speaker, Evangelist and Actress. In 2012, she had major reversion back to the faith and now spreads a message of God’s healing love that has radiated hope and purpose in life to many around the world. Learn more at JoelleMaryn.com.
Julie Kenney is an elementary school principal with 20 years experience under her belt as a reading teacher and administrator in rural, urban, and Catholic school settings. Her hope is that through the power of the Holy Spirit, the sharing of her thoughts, struggles, and triumphs can be an encouragement to others to seek Jesus in times of need.
Kara Johnson lives in Idaho, is a Catholic convert, wife, and homeschooling mom of three. She is the co-founder of www.MamaTools.com and loves to encourage Catholic women to fully embrace their beauty and vocation! She’s been featured in various publications including Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Karen Sheehy is a devout Catholic, wife, mother, motivational speaker, author, and certified spiritual director. She obtained her Masters in Theology from the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans. Karen’s ultimate goal and calling is to guide others towards a deeper relationship with Christ, the ultimate source of true healing, happiness, joy, and peace
Kate Anderson is a young Catholic with an old soul, serving the Vineyard as a WINE specialist. She spends her days overseeing communications for a vibrant parish in the Twin Cities. Beautiful liturgies, cinnamon tea, being an auntie, and all the St. Teresa’s are a few of her favorites.
Kathleen Billings is a mother of five blessings and three souls in Heaven. Together with her husband, Troy, directs BAM – Building Amazing Marriages. Her blog seasonsoftheheartandhome.com shares living her faith as a wife and mother amidst the ordinary moments that God wants to make extraordinary. A contributing author to the book “Amazing Grace for Mothers.”
Katie Warner is the author of Head & Heart: Becoming Spiritual Leaders for Your Family, the First Faith Treasury children’s books, and a collection of prayer journals including A Parent Who Prays and A Grandparent Who Prays. She is a speaker, a National Catholic Register correspondent, the Communication Manager of Catholics Come Home, and a homeschooling mom in Georgia.
Katsey Long is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Jackson, WY, where she works with children, adults and families. She has actively worked to integrate the theological and spiritual framework of her Catholic faith into her profession. Her background includes working with individuals/families in the areas of inner healing, generational and family healing, across the United States and in Canada. She has worked in Rwanda in the areas of trauma, forgiveness and healing wounded history with genocide survivors in that country. She works and travels with Fr. Ubald around the US. She is the Executive Producer of a documentary film on the life and work of Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga of Rwanda, about the power of forgiveness (www.secretofpeace.com.)
Kelly Wahlquist is a wife, mother of three, inspiring Catholic author and speaker residing in Minnesota. She is the founder of WINE: Women In the New Evangelization and the Director for the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute. Her book Created to Relate: God’s Design for Peace & Joy encourages and inspires women to live fully their beautiful God-given gifts for building relationships.
She is the editor of Walk in Her Sandals: Experiencing the Passion of Christ through the Eyes of Women and Gaze Upon Jesus: Experiencing Christ’s Childhood through the Eyes of Women, which are innovative collaborative works that allow women to enter into their relationship with Jesus in the way in which they were created to—as women. Kelly travels the country speaking on the New Evangelization in an effort to encourage all to spread the message of Jesus by living the joy of the Gospel, and leads women’s pilgrimages (WINE & Shrine) through Italy. She enjoys speaking to all groups, but has a special affinity towards speaking at Catholic women’s conferences and retreats. (KellyWahlquist.com) (CatholicVineyard.com)
Kerry McGuire, wife and mother of two, is founder of Catholic WE (Catholic Women Experience), a lay apostolate in Houston that strives to help women deepen their faith and relationship with Christ through connections and participation within Catholic parishes and communities. Kerry also is a contributing writer for the Texas Catholic Herald, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston newspaper.
Kitty Cleveland is a WINE Evangelist and Music Missionary who feels called to encourage people—whether through music, storytelling, or teaching from the great Catholic spiritual writers and her life experience. released 12 CDs of music and prayer including Hail, Holy Queen, was the first of her CD’s to climb the secular Billboard chart. Learn more: www.kittycleveland.com.
Kristin Molitor currently serves as the New Evangelization Coordinator for the central Minnesota catholic parishes of Holdingford, St. Anna and St. Wendel.
Lindsay Schlegel is a daughter of God who seeks to encourage, inspire, and lift others up to be all they were created to be. Lindsay is a writer, editor, speaker, author, and podcast host. She lives in New Jersey with her family and would love to connect at lindsayschlegel.com.
Lisa Hendey is the founder of CatholicMom.com and the author of I’m a Saint in the Making, The Grace of Yes, The Chime Travelers series, and other bestselling non-fiction titles. An international speaker and frequent media guest, Lisa hosts the Lisa Hendey & Friends podcast. Visit her at www.LisaHendey.com or on social media @LisaHendey.
Lisa Mladinich is a Catholic life and career coach dedicated to helping clients break through obstacles to joy and fulfillment. She is a TV host, bestselling author, retreat leader, and the host of the new “Homeschooling Saints” podcast (launching August 7, 2019), sponsored by Homeschool Connections Online. Contact: lisa@mladinich.com
Lucy Johnson lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband, Jeff. She has 7 children and 12 grandchildren. She is a pharmacist at Children’s Hospital and past-president of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. (ACCW 2013-2015). Her love of travel has taken her to 5 continents including Africa and Australia. A “Martha” working on her “Mary”, she walked the Camino in 2018.
Lynda MacFarland is a blogger and author of one book (so far!) who loves Jesus! A graduate of the Franciscan School of Theology with a Master of Theological Studies, Lynda’s fondest desire is to glorify God and to advance His Kingdom! Her reflections on faith can be found at www.drowning-in-lemonade.com
Lynne Keating is an author and teaches the Bible to CCD students at Saint John the Beloved Parish in Wilmington, Delaware. Convinced that this is one of the most exciting and important times in salvation history, her writing encourages all people to recognize and rejoice in God’s self-offering love, revealed more and more through the actions of His people. Fellowshipofthelamb.com
Marge Fenelon is an author and journalist, speaker, and Catholic radio and TV personality. She’s the author of My Queen, My Mother: A Living Novena (A Marian Pilgrimage Across America), Forgiving Mother: A Marian Novena of Healing and Peace, and Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena (Guided Reflections from the Holy Land). Her podcast, Simply Holy (BreadboxMedia.com).
Margie Mandli is the owner of GEM Communications and Consulting, LLC. She left the corporate world to follow what she considered a calling from God to use her gifts to help the Church in the New Evangelization. She served as executive producer for the video “Mass: The Heart of the Matter,” and is a 2011 Vatican II award recipient. Her greatest joy is her husband, Mark, and three children.
Maria Morera Johnson is the author of Our Lady of Charity, Super Girls and Halos, and My Badass Book of Saints (Ave Maria Press). She also contributed to Gaze Upon Jesus. Johnson is a native of Cuba. She and her husband, John, have three grown children and live in the Mobile, Alabama, area.
Marie Miller is a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia, the third of ten children, Miller began singing at the age of seven. In September 2015 she performed for Pope Francis and 750,000 attendees in Philadelphia, PA. Marie is working on her first independent project “Little Dreams.” Learn more: https://mariemillermusic.com.
Mary Ellen Barrett is the Director of Special Projects at Seton Home Study School as well as being editor of Seton Magazine. She lives on Long Island with her husband, seven kids, and an unruly dog.
Melanie Baker Trimarco published her first book in 2020, And I Love You So, honoring her late husband, Mark. She lives in the New Orleans area and is Senior Human Resource Manager for Panera Bread. Melanie is involved with Beginning Experience, a ministry to help those grieving loss of a loved one.
Melanie Rigney finds that offering up her fears while saying the rosary is an effective weapon against God-dodges. Her latest book is Menopause Moments: A Journal for Nourishing Your Mind, Body and Spirit in Midlife (Twenty-third Publications). Check her out at www.rejoicebeglad.com.
Michelle Jones Schroeder is a cradle Catholic raised in New Orleans and residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She and her husband of twenty-one years have two children. Michelle is the author of the Handy Little Guide series with Our Sunday Visitor. After staying home with her young kids, her poor culinary skills led her to invent a kitchen product.
Nancy Jo Sullivan has written eight books and numerous articles. The mother of three grown daughters, Nancy Jo’s oldest, “Sarah,” now resides in heaven. Born with Downs syndrome, Sarah’s spiritual insights and perspectives continue to inspire her mother’s writings. These days, Nancy Jo continues to hear God’s call to write, speak and serve. www.nancyjosullivan.org
Sr. Nancy Usselmann, FSP is a Daughter of St Paul and the Director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Los Angeles. She is a Media Literacy Education Specialist, speaker, theologian, writer, film reviewer and pop culture blogger for bemediamindful.org. Her award-winning book, A Sacred Look: Becoming Cultural Mystics is a theology of popular culture.
Dr. Pamela Patnode is a wife, mother of five children, and a Benedictine Oblate. Patnode serves as Director for the Catholic School Leadership graduate certificate program at the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity. In addition, she has authored five books, is an international speaker and serves as a consultant to the USCCB.
Pat Gohn is an author, speaker, retreat leader, and host of the “Among Women” podcast. Her book, “Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood”, won a 2014 CPA Award. A columnist and catechist with a Masters in theology, find links to her writing and speaking at PatGohn.net
Rhonda Zweber is a Catholic wife, mother of three daughters (two are married), and a proud grandma of Lucy! Rhonda’s mission in life since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 has been to bring others to Christ. Rhonda enjoys speaking to groups and sharing how her relationship with Jesus has grown and has sustained her throughout her journey. Reading Between the Signs is Rhonda’s second book. Her first book, Mommy’s Hats, explains her first year of cancer treatment through the eyes of her youngest daughter when she was just 5 years old. Rhonda has created her own blog: relaxinHislove.com.
Rose Sweet is a frequent guest on national Catholic radio and TV, a retreat and conference speaker, and author of twelve books on healing and strengthening relationships. Her video series, “Surviving Divorce,” has brought hope and healing into hundreds of parishes in sixteen countries. Writing for all women, her book series begins with “A Catholic Woman’s Guide to HAPPINESS,” and “A Catholic Women’s Guide to ROMANCE.” Rose’s website: rosesweet.com.
Roxane B. Salonen, a wife and mother of five from Fargo, N.D., is an award-winning children’s author and writer who also enjoys Catholic radio hosting and speaking. Roxane co-authored former Planned Parenthood manager Ramona Trevino’s memoir, Redeemed by Grace. “Peace Garden Passage” at her website, roxanesalonen.com. Find her on Twitter @peacegardenama
Sara Kohl finds peace and joy in the mundane, such as morning runs, Monday night football, and using all the groceries in the refrigerator. A lover of photography and letter writing, Sara strives to live fully through imitating the virtues of the Blessed Mother in each relationship and in every task; as we said, she’s striving!
Sarah Christmyer connects Catholics to Christ through Scripture with her writing, teaching, and speaking. Her latest book is Becoming Women of the Word (Ave Maria Press). She teaches Scripture to seminarians and is co-developer and founding editor of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible study program. Follow her blog at ComeIntotheWord.com.
Sarah Damm is a Catholic wife and mother of six children, living in Minnesota. She spends her days running errands, helping with homework, and keeping up with laundry and the family schedule. Sarah loves her faith, coffee, and good books. You can find out more about her at sarahdamm.com.
Sharon K. Perkins, wife to Mike and mother of three adult children. She is a 30-year veteran of Catholic parish and diocesan catechesis, a columnist on spirituality and real life, and co-author of “Word to Life.” Sharon is the Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Catholic Diocese of Austin, Texas and a doctoral candidate in theology.
Sharon Wilson a Wife, Mother, Writer, Catholic Speaker, and a WINE Specialist. Sharon has a degree in education and has worked as a freelance writer, Respect Life Coordinator, a teacher, in advertising, radio, buyer and in youth advocacy. Sharon speaks, writes and shares about God’s healing and about the great gift of being Catholic at SharonAgnesWilson.com
Sherry Antonetti is a Catholic wife/mother and teacher. You can find her work at the Catholic Standard and National Catholic Register. Email her at sherryantonettiwrites@yahoo.com. Author of The Book of Helen, freelancer, and blogger Chocolate For Your Brain!
Sherry Kennedy-Brownrigg is a 1992 convert to Catholicism and devoted to her faith. She runs a classical music radio station in Omaha, NE and is a certified appreciative coach. Sherry and Steve, her husband of 28 years, dote on their many nieces and nephews and golden retriever Gilly.
Sonja Corbitt is the Bible Study Evangelista. Her Scripture study resources are created with you in mind—bites of spinach that taste like cake—to help you create a space in your busy heart and schedule for God to love and lift you all the way up into His great lap. What’s an evangelista? Find out here.
Stephanie Landsem is a wife, mother, lifelong Catholic, and author of authentic biblical fiction. The Living Water series (The Well, The Thief, and The Tomb, A Novel of Martha) published by Simon & Schuster, is based on encounters with Jesus in the Gospel of John. Stephanie contributed her biblical fiction to WINE originals Walk In Her Sandals and Gaze Upon Jesus.
Susan Klemond is a Minnesota writer who loves delving into faith, Church, vocations, family and life issues for articles she writes in Catholic publications. She especially enjoys interviewing inspiring people of all backgrounds for her stories. When she’s not writing she’s usually cooking, reading or gardening.
Susanna Parent serves as Evangelization Manager for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. You can find her enjoying life with her husband and friends in charming Old Saint Paul or cozied up on her couch either reading or writing. You can follow her writing at fiatandalily.