Advent Retreat Speakers

Michael Gormley

The Retreat begins December 1st!

The Retreat is self-paced.

This means that you can participate wherever you are and whenever you have the time.

It’s like a do-it-yourself retreat, but you’re not doing alone — we’re doing it with you! We hope you’ll join us.

Preview the 2025 Advent Retreat

The Real Hope Jesus Offers You this Advent

by Katie Hartfiel

God Has Not Forgotten You: Combating Lies during Seasons of Waiting

by Olivia Spears

The Faith-Filled Symbolism in the Advent Wreath

by Olivia Spears

Praying with the
O-Antiphons of Advent

by Olivia Spears

The Beginning of the Contemplative Life

by Mark Hartfiel

God’s Search for You this Advent

by Michael Gormley

Praying with the Manger Scene

by Michael Gormley

— Why join the Pray More Advent Retreat? — 

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home!

Why Join the Pray More Advent Retreat?

Learn how to have a holy, prayerful and transforming Advent.

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Slow down during this busy season and reflect on your relationship with Jesus, and grow closer to Him through prayer.

Deepen your faith and pray more from the comfort of your own home or while you’re on the go!

Katie Hartfiel received her Theology degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville and spent the following seven years serving as a youth minister in Houston. She now feels blessed to spend her days with her husband, Mark, and their four children, while still getting to travel to speak about Jesus. Most recently, Katie joined the team at Paradisus Dei as the Content Coordinator for the parish based women’s program, She Shall Be Called Woman.

Mark Hartfiel is the Vice President of Paradisus Dei and host of the Mysteries of the Rosary video series featured on EWTN, Formed, and Wild Goose TV.  Mark is currently the developer of content for the That Man is You! men’s program which is hosted in 1,000 parishes throughout the world.

Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky with her husband and four children. She holds degrees in theology and catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, educates her kids at home, and relishes a brimming flower garden. She is the founder of Into the Deep, where you can find faith formation resources that help Catholic parents build a legacy of faith in their homes.

Michael Gormley has been leading evangelization and ministry efforts for the past 17 years, both as a full-time parish staff member and as a speaker and consultant for parishes, dioceses, and Catholic campus ministries.  He has his Undergraduate Degrees in both Philosophy and Theology and a Masters in Theology and Christian Ministry, from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

He currently serves as the Mission Evangelist for Paradisus Dei, a ministry dedicated to helping men, couples, and families discover the superabundance of God.  Michael is also the founder and creative director of LayEvangelist.com, the co-host to two successful Catholic podcasts: Catching Foxes and Every Knee Shall Bow.  He is Married to his college sweetheart, Shannon, and they have 4 amazing children and get 3 hours of sleep a night, which is fine by him.

Advent Retreat Speakers

Claire Dwyer

The Retreat begins December 2nd!

The Retreat is self-paced.

This means that you can participate wherever you are and whenever you have the time.

It’s like a do-it-yourself retreat, but you’re not doing alone — we’re doing it with you! We hope you’ll join us.

Preview the 2024 Advent Retreat

Lift Up Your Heart, Listen: Praying with Scripture Part 1

by Sarah Christmyer

Seasons of Waiting: Living with Hope

by Dr. Andrew Swafford

God the Father

by Claire Dwyer

Prepare Your Soul, Repent: Praying with Scripture, Part 2

by Sarah Christmyer

Turn Your Face to Him, Believe: Praying with Scripture, Part 4

by Sarah Christmyer

Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo and the Sacrament of the Present Moment, Part 2

by Claire Dwyer

— Why join the Pray More Advent Retreat? — 

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home!

Why Join the Pray More Advent Retreat?

Learn how to have a holy, prayerful and transforming Advent.

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Slow down during this busy season and reflect on your relationship with Jesus, and grow closer to Him through prayer.

Deepen your faith and pray more from the comfort of your own home or while you’re on the go!

Dr. Andrew Swafford is Professor of Theology at Benedictine College. He is a national speaker and co-author of Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships, A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament, and What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith. He is also general editor and contributor to Ascension’s Great Adventure Catholic Bible. Among his other publications are Ascension’s Bible studies on Romans and Hebrews, Spiritual Survival in the Modern World, and John Paul II to Aristotle and Back Again. Andrew holds a doctorate in Sacred Theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake and a master’s degree in Old Testament & Semitic Languages from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is an avid student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and lives with his wife Sarah and their six children in Atchison, Kansas. You can find more information about Andrew at theswaffords.com or on X @andrew_swafford.

Claire Dwyer has a heart for the storyteller in all of us. She is a speaker, writer, writing coach, and author of This Present Paradise: A Spiritual Journey with St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Claire is also privileged to work as copywriter and content editor for the Avila Foundation, primarily on their website SpiritualDirection.com . She has a BA in Theology from Franciscan University, a graduate certification in Spiritual Theology from the Avila Institute, and is in the MA program for Spiritual Direction at St. Vincent’s Seminary. Claire is also the co-founder and content director of Write These Words, a place for Catholic  writers to find inspiration and information about the craft of writing and the world of publishing. A wife and mom of six, Claire spends most of her precious free time engrossed in one of the many books teetering in tall stacks on her nightstand. She invites you to find out more at eventhesparrow.com and to sign up to follow her there for upcoming live and online events and courses, podcast guest episodes, and her latest writing projects—or connect with her on her Instagram page.

Sarah Christmyer is a Catholic author, Bible teacher, and speaker with a special love for lectio divina and journaling as ways to draw close to Christ in Scripture. She is general editor of the Living the Word Catholic Women’s Bible from Ave Maria Press, as well as the co-developer and founding editor of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible study program and author or co-author of more than a dozen books and Bible studies. Her book Becoming Women of the Word pairs lessons from women of the Old Testament with women she has known to explore “How to Answer God’s Call with Purpose and Joy.”  Sarah serves as an adjunct faculty member at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. She blogs at ComeIntoTheWord.com.

Advent Retreat Speakers

Mallory Smyth

The Retreat begins December 4th!

The Retreat is self-paced.

This means that you can participate wherever you are and whenever you have the time.

It’s like a do-it-yourself retreat, but you’re not doing alone — we’re doing it with you! We hope you’ll join us.

Preview the 2023 Advent Retreat

Waiting on God’s Promises with Confidence

by Mallory Smyth

Learning from the Life & Faith of St. Joseph

by John Kinuthia

Living Through Seasons of Waiting

by Fr. Gale Hammerschmidt

Developing a Habit of Prayer

by Deanna Bartalini

Finding Joy in the Season of Advent

by John Kinuthia

Let Every Part of the Holiday Season Raise Your Mind to Heaven

by Mallory Smyth

Beholding the Mystery: Who He is and Who We Are

by Mallory Smyth

— Why join the Pray More Advent Retreat? — 

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home!

Why Join the Pray More Advent Retreat?

Learn how to have a holy, prayerful and transforming Advent.

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Slow down during this busy season and reflect on your relationship with Jesus, and grow closer to Him through prayer.

Deepen your faith and pray more from the comfort of your own home or while you’re on the go!

Fr. Gale Hammerschmidt was born and raised in Hays, Kansas and graduated from Thomas More Prep/Marian High School. He then attended Kansas State University where he received a degree in secondary education. Fr. Gale spent nine years in Manhattan, KS at Msgr. Luckey Jr. High School as a history teacher and football, basketball, and track coach.

From 2005-2012, Fr. Gale studied at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, CO. In 2012, Fr. Gale was ordained a priest and is currently the pastor of St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. Prior to this assignment, he served as a priest in Junction City, KS, and at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina, KS.  Fr. Gale has served as a high school chaplain and vocation director for the Diocese of Salina. He is also the founder of the Prayer and Action summer mission program that has now spread to numerous dioceses throughout the country.

You can find Fr. Gale: on his Facebook page, Instagram, and through his Church’s website.

Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, speaker, and writer. She has served in parish ministry as a religious education director, youth minister, liturgical coordinator, and stewardship director.

Deanna has been married to Deacon John for 40 years and they are blessed with four grandchildren. She is the founder of LiveNotLukewarm.com. Her Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

She writes for CatholicMom.com, Diocesan.com, Women in the New Evangelization (WINE) and AmazingCatechists.com. Deanna wrote a bible study, The Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women, Invite the Holy Spirit into your Life, contributed to the Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion, and Digital Ministry and Leadership in Today’s Church.

You can find Deanna: through her website, on her Facebook page, and Instagram.

Mallory Smyth is a national speaker, writer, and content creator for Walking with Purpose. She is the author of the book Rekindled, and has also written the WWP Bible Studies, Reclaiming Friendship, and Rooted and Radiant.

Mallory has been in full time ministry for the past 11 years. She joined Walking with Purpose out of a deep desire to help women come to know Christ personally through the transforming power of His word. Having worked with college students as a FOCUS missionary, and now in women’s ministry, it is her dream to see Catholics fall deeply in love with God and grab hold of the joy offered in the Gospel.

Mallory lives in Denver with her husband, Jared, and their four daughters.

You can learn more about Mallory at www.mallory-smyth.com

Advent Retreat Speakers

The Retreat begins November 28th!

The Retreat is self-paced.

This means that you can participate wherever you are and whenever you have the time.

It’s like a do-it-yourself retreat, but you’re not doing alone — we’re doing it with you! We hope you’ll join us.

A Time to Trust God Without Reservation

by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers

Three Things To Learn From St. Joseph

by Pete Burak

Jesus: Love and Mercy Itself

by Katie Sciba

Jesus’ Acts of Mercy in the Old & New Testament

by Katie Sciba

Mary’s Deep Trust in the Lord

by Scott Powell

Jesus’ Mercy in the Details of Our Lives

by Katie Sciba

Preparing for Christ

by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers

— Why join the Pray More Advent Retreat? — 

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home!

Preview the 2022 Advent Retreat

Why Join the Pray More Advent Retreat?

Learn how to have a holy, prayerful and transforming Advent.

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Slow down during this busy season and reflect on your relationship with Jesus, and grow closer to Him through prayer.

Deepen your faith and pray more from the comfort of your own home or while you’re on the go!

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers – known around the world as the “Dynamic Deacon” – is one of the most sought-after speakers in the Church today. He is a powerful and passionate evangelist and preacher, whose no-nonsense approach to living and proclaiming the Catholic faith will challenge and inspire those who hear him.

He travels across the United States and around the world speaking at conferences, workshops, retreats, parish missions, high schools, and young adult events – in short, to everyone who desires to know Jesus intimately and enjoy a deeper personal relationship with Him. His areas of expertise include marriage and family life, discerning the will of God, the sacraments, male spirituality, evangelization, prayer, and many others.

Deacon Harold holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Theological Studies Degree from the University of Dallas. He co-hosts the national weekly broadcast “Living Stones” on Mater Dei Radio. Deacon Harold has appeared in the major feature film Power in My Hands and is the creator of Walk by Faith Wednesday Webinars, a weekly hour of Catholic catechesis and teaching.

In addition, he is the host or co-host of several popular series on EWTN television and is featured on the renown Chosen faith formation program by Ascension Press. Deacon Harold is an award-winning author who has written five books, including Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality, Father Augustus Tolton: The Slave Who Became the First African-American Priest, and the acclaimed new book Our Life of Service: The Handbook for Catholic Deacons.

Retaining a deep love of Benedictine spirituality which he gained during his time discerning a call to that religious community, Deacon Harold is a Benedictine Oblate of Mount Angel Abbey. He is also a member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars and the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy.

Pete Burak is the Vice-President of Renewal Ministries and the director of their young adult outreach called id. He is a 2010 graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, and has a Master’s Degree in Theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. Pete is a frequent speaker on discipleship and evangelization, and he is the co-director of Pine Hills Boys Camp. He is the co-founder of the Millennial Church Conference, a monthly columnist for Faith Magazine, the host of the Spirit-filled Leadership Podcast, the host of the television show G2G: Glory to God, and a member of the USCCB Young Adult Advisory Committee. Pete and his wife Cait have 5 children.

Kate Capato, Visual Grace, is a Catholic sacred art painter and speaker rooted in the tradition of the faith. She creates oil paintings inspired by prayer and the truths of our faith and is greatly influenced by the Renaissance masters due to her gifted time studying in Florence Italy.

As a missionary of Divine beauty, Kate travels around with her art speaking about beauty and the ways the Lord shares his love with us through it. Her husband, Pawel, joins in with his talent of music to create a fuller experience of a transcendent encounter with Christ.

Kate is available to create new works for your churches, communities, and homes as well as to travel world wide to you and share the faith through beauty. 

Dr. Scott Powell is a teacher, theologian and author. Currently, he teaches at the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver and is an affiliate of the Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization, Thought and Policy at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Scott and his wife, Annie, founded and direct Camp Wojtyla, a Catholic outdoor adventure program for youth based in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. He holds a doctorate in Catholic Studies from Liverpool Hope University in England, and has authored a number of books, articles and book chapters on topics of theology, the Bible, religion, as well asCatholic culture and its relationship to the modern world. Scott has also appeared in numerous Catholic productions, including “Symbolon,” “Beloved,”“Reborn,” “YDisciple” and the “Opening the Word” series. He has been featured on EWTN, “Catholic Answers Live” and several other outlets. Scott and his wife live near Boulder, Colorado with their three children: Lily Avila, Samuel Isaac and Evelyn Luca.

Mary Lenaburg is a full-time Catholic speaker and author of Be Brave in the Scared, which earned a 2020 Excellence in Publishing Award from the Association of Catholic Publishers. Her second book Be Bold in the Broken, was published March 12, 2021.

She has given keynotes at conferences internationally, including The Edel Gathering, the Genius Women’s Conference, the Fiat Conference in Pasadena, CA,  Military Council for Catholic Women European Retreat, and at the Women of the Word Conference in Toronto, Canada. A writer with Take Up & Read, her work has appeared in five meditation books. She also has contributed to two other books.

She has appeared on Catholic radio, TV, and podcasts, including The Jennifer Fulwiler Show, EWTN’s Pro-Life Weekly, The Hallie Lord Show, The Gist, Busted Halo, and Fountains of Carrots. 

Her mission is to accompany women to be brave in the scared and bold in the broken as they embrace their God-given purpose.

Advent Retreat Speakers

The Retreat begins November 29th!

The Retreat is self-paced.

This means that you can participate wherever you are and whenever you have the time.

It’s like a do-it-yourself retreat, but you’re not doing alone — we’re doing it with you! We hope you’ll join us.

Why God Became Man

by Dr. Ken Howell

The Details of the Birth of Jesus

by Dr. Ken Howell

Seeking & Receiving Peace

by Kitty Cleveland

Persistence in Prayer

by Ryan O’Hara

“Your Will Be Done:” Yielding in Prayer

by Ryan O’Hara

Trusting God’s Plan is Good

by Ashley Stevens

Looking to Mary As Your Own Mother

by Kitty Cleveland

Praying Through Repentance

by Ryan O’Hara

— Why join the Pray More Advent Retreat? — 

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home!

Preview the 2021 Advent Retreat

Why Join the Pray More Advent Retreat?

Learn how to have a holy, prayerful and transforming Advent.

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Slow down during this busy season and reflect on your relationship with Jesus, and grow closer to Him through prayer.

Deepen your faith and pray more from the comfort of your own home or while you’re on the go!

Dr. Edward Sri is a theologian, speaker and author of several best-selling books, including Who Am I to Judge? and Walking with Mary. He is the presenter of several faith formation programs used by thousands of parishes around the world, and is the host of the weekly podcast All Things Catholic. With Curtis Martin, he is a co-founder of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) and currently serves as the organization’s Vice President of Formation. His newest book and video study program is called No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk through Christ’s Passion (available through Ascension Press). You can learn more about Dr. Sri’s work at edwardsri.com

Ashley Stevens is a speaker, writer, wife, and mother of three. She was born near Philadelphia, PA, raised just outside Knoxville, TN and played soccer and converted to the Catholic faith at the University of Nebraska. While serving as a FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionary shortly after getting engaged, she was T-boned by a Mack truck and nearly lost her life. They got married on the one-year anniversary of the accident to redeem the day and she’s since shared her story with The 700 Club, Busted Halo Sirius XM Show, The Omaha World-Herald, and blogs and podcasts to encourage those whose life isn’t going according to plan. Find out more about her at www.mountainsunmoved.com

Ryan O’Hara serves as the Content Director for Saint Paul’s Outreach, a national Catholic organization that ministers to college students on campus. He is passionate about seeing Catholics come alive in Christ, grow to spiritual maturity and become apostles to the people in their life. Ryan has a B.A. in History from William Jewell College and an M.A. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife Jill live in West St Paul, MN and are parents to four sons.

Learn more here.

Advent Retreat Speakers

The Retreat has ended but you can still join below!

The Retreat is self-paced.

This means that you can participate wherever you are and whenever you have the time.

It’s like a do-it-yourself retreat, but you’re not doing alone — we’re doing it with you! We hope you’ll join us.

Patiently Waiting for God

by Fr. Leo Patalinghug

How to Pray: Lectio Divina

by Tim Glemkowski

Seeking & Experiencing Joy Through Our Faith

by Fr. Leo Patalinghug

Impossible Things Can Happen: The Story of Zechariah, Elizabeth and John

by Andi Oney

Choosing Joy

by Mary Lenaburg

The Geneology of Jesus & Why It’s Important

by Deacon Larry Oney

Purifying Our Faith

by Fr. Leo Patalinghug

— Why join the Pray More Advent Retreat? — 

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home!

Here’s a preview!

Why Join the Pray More Advent Retreat?

Learn how to have a holy, prayerful and transforming Advent.

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Slow down during this busy season and reflect on your relationship with Jesus, and grow closer to Him through prayer.

Deepen your faith and pray more from the comfort of your own home or while you’re on the go!

Father Leo is a priest member of a community of consecrated life, Voluntas Dei (The Will of God). He is the creator and founder of an international food and faith movement called Plating Grace, whose mission is to build relationships, strengthen families, as well as communities, utilizing the power of food. The movement began with one proven concept; the act of sharing meals can help families thrive and bring people together who may have different views or backgrounds. Plating Grace has now reached thousands of people through Father Leo’s pilgrimage around the world to feed people body, mind and soul.

Father Leo is also the founder and chair of the nonprofit group, The Table Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to support to culinary community along with assisting those returning to the community from the prison system. The objective being to assimilate them through a formation process and give them culinary training to obtain skills needed to earn gainful employment.. His unique background as a chef and his previous experience as a two-time black belt martial arts instructor and former award-winning break dancer and choreographer has earned the attention of major media outlets, including the Food Network where he won, “Throwdown with Bobby Flay!”  The mission to see food as a gift from God to nourish your family and to strengthen relationships is making this world a better place one meal at a time.

Danielle Bean is brand manager at CatholicMom.com, an apostolate of Holy Cross Family Ministries. She is creator and host of the Girlfriends podcast and co-host of The Gist on CatholicTV. Danielle is also author of several books including Momnipotent, You Are Enough, and Giving Thanks and Letting Go. She is a retreat leader and a popular speaker on a variety of subjects related to Catholic family life, education, marriage, and motherhood. Danielle has been married to her husband Dan for 25 years and together they have 8 children. Learn more about Danielle and her work at DanielleBean.com.

Deacon Larry Oney is the chairman of HGI Global, founder of Hope and Purpose Ministries, international motivational speaker, host of the “Life and Spirit” podcast, author of Amazed by God’s Grace (published by The Word Among Us Press), Divine Mission:  Discovering Your Hope and Purpose, Reflections on the Kingdom of God, and UP FAITH! God loves a faith that is always looking up!, and co-author of two books. Larry Oney infuses positivity and inspiration into his work and ministries. His dynamic presentation style and message of hope has led to hundreds of speaking engagements across the globe. Over thirty years of experience making critical business decisions while helping to awaken the faith of others has uniquely equipped Larry Oney to present lively, invigorating, knowledgeable, and life-changing presentations. 

The mission of Hope and Purpose Ministries is to participate in the New Evangelization through preaching, teaching, leading retreats, conducting parish missions, and fostering the Baptism of the Holy Spirit using excellent media initiatives thereby offering hope and purpose to all individuals through encouragement and knowledge sharing.Through Hope and Purpose Ministries, the team is working to further the ministry of Jesus to proclaim the Kingdom of God (Matthew 10:7), encourage others that God has a plan and purpose for their lives (Jeremiah 29:11), and to help heal the broken-hearted (John 10:10b).

The Pray More Advent Retreat Preview

The Retreat is self-paced.

This means that you can participate wherever you are and whenever you have the time. 

Our Father Who Keeps His Promises

by Stacey Sumereau

The Messiah

by Fr. Patrick Briscoe

Letting Go of Sin for the Hopeful Life

by Katie Sciba

Awaken the Saint Within You, Part II:
Deepening Your Prayer Life

by John Kinuthia

Eliminating Self-Comparison for Grateful Reality

by Katie Sciba

Embracing Vulnerability to Overcome Pain

by Katie Sciba

Looking closer at St. Joseph this Advent

by John Kinuthia

God is Faithful

by Fr. Patrick Briscoe

Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP

Stacey Sumereau

Full Biographies Below ↓

— Why join the Pray More Advent Retreat? — 

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home!

Why Join the Pray More Advent Retreat?

Learn how to have a holy, prayerful and transforming Advent.

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God to work in your life and to answer your prayers.

Slow down during this busy season and reflect on your relationship with Jesus, and grow closer to Him through prayer.

Deepen your faith and pray more from the comfort of your own home or while you’re on the go!

Katie Sciba is a national speaker, retreat writer, and six-time Catholic Press Award-winning columnist. She holds a degree in theology from Benedictine College, and her work on Catholic minimalism, spiritual intimacy with Jesus, as well as marriage and family has impacted audiences nationwide. Katie writes for Cincinnati’s Catholic Telegraph and has been featured on several podcasts and radio shows. Her humor and honesty enable her to connect well with a crowd.

At home, Katie homeschools her children and plays an active part in her husband’s small business. She and Andrew live with their family in Omaha, Nebraska.

You can learn more about her on her website and on her Facebook page.

Father Patrick Mary Briscoe has recently finished his studies in theology at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. Ordained a priest in May 2016, he presently serves at St. Pius V parish in Providence, Rhode Island. He has two younger sisters–who are twins–and thus has no fear of picking fights, even when he’s outnumbered! 

Fr. Patrick graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, where he majored in philosophy and French literature. Since joining the Dominican Order, he has served in campus ministry, as an intern at the Archdiocese of Washington, as a missionary in Kenya (alongside the Missionaries of Charity), and at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, DC. Following his ordination to the priesthood, he worked on special assignment for the Knights of Columbus in Krakow, Poland, as an organizer at the World Youth Day Mercy Centre.

John Kinuthia is a Catholic Speaker and Retreat Presenter who inspires people to live their faith fully alive. In his ministry, John is dedicated to helping every person Awaken the Saint Within.

John is also the Director of Cornerstone Impact, a professional training and coaching company that facilitates engaging and highly impactful personal growth and professional development programs to strengthen teams, improve relationships and increase productivity.
​
He was born and raised in Kenya and is the 2nd of 7 children. In Kenya, he was involved in many aspects of his Catholic Faith including a member of a ‘Small Christian Community’, Catholic Youth Leadership, and a member of VIDES Kenya, a volunteer organization that serves underprivileged children in the Nairobi Area, which is where he met his wife.

In 2012, John came to the US to reunite with the love of his life and pursue his dreams. John enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife are blessed with 3 beautiful boys; Joey, Caleb and Leo.

Stacey Sumereau was a touring Broadway singer and dancer in classic hit shows The Wizard of Oz and Beauty and the Beast. Stacey toured 43 States and nearly every province of Canada before discovering that God was calling her away from the competitive world of theatre.

She was sought by cameras to be featured on the Reality TV Show The Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns as one of five young women discerning a religious vocation. Although she discerned that God was calling her to marriage and motherhood, Stacey’s discernment experience sparked a call to encourage other young people to let God guide their life choices and to live out of their God-given dignity.

Stacey uses her unique talents of singing, humorous storytelling, and even fire-eating! She has spoken at the National Catholic Youth Conference, the LA Religious Education Congress, and dioceses and parishes across the Country. She hosts the popular Catholic podcast Called and Caffeinated. You can find her online at staceysumereau.com, and on social media @staceysumereau.

The Retreat is self-paced.

This means that you can participate wherever you are and whenever you have the time. 

Letting the Lord Work in Us

by Br. Casey Cole

Knowing & Doing the Will of the Father: Not Everyone Will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven

by Pete Burak

Pray Big: “Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God”

by Fr. Kyle Manno

Rejoicing in the Lord

by Br. Casey Cole

Finding the Lost Sheep

by Fr. Kyle Manno

What does the Song of Songs have to do with Advent?

by Fr. Kyle Manno

Bible 101: A Crash Course in Scripture, Part II

by Katie Patrizio

Bible 101: A Crash Course in Scripture, Part IV

by Katie Patrizio

Fr. Kyle Manno

Pete Burak

— Why join the Pray More Advent Retreat? — 

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home! 

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God’s answers to your prayers.

Why Join the Pray More Advent Retreat?

Learn how to have a holy, prayerful and transforming Advent season.

Slow down and reflect on your prayer life and encounter with Jesus.

Become more intentional with your prayer life.

Reflect on what God is asking of you to wait for this Advent. What does He have in store for you? How are you responding to Him?

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home!

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God’s answers to your prayers.

Fr. Kyle Manno grew up in Palatine, IL with two loving parents and the youngest of four children. He went to Northern Illinois University where he studied music. During his time in college, he started taking sign language classes at the local parish with a priest. He soon discovered that priests and the faith are much more enjoyable than he ever thought. After much prayer, he decided to apply to the seminary. Upon graduating from NIU with a Music Education degree he was accepted to Mundelein Seminary where he spent two years studying philosophy and another four years studying theology. During his time in seminary he was able to study Spanish in Mexico, as well as in an El Salvadorian Orphanage with 250 kids.

He was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ on June 4, 2016. Of that day he says, “I can honestly say, that was the happiest day of my life. I cannot imagine doing anything else…As a deacon, I was ordained to serve. As a priest, I was ordained to give up my life so that all of you can get to heaven.” Father Manno currently serves as Vocation Director for the Diocese of Rockford and Parochial Vicar of the Newman Center at Northern Illinois University.

Father Manno also has a street evangelization project entitled, “Priest with Mic” in which he speaks to people around the U.S. about their beliefs and thoughts. He recently also brought “Priest with a Mic” to Sirius XM radio with a 3 part series that talked on Evangelization, Happiness, and love. To find out more about Father Manno visit fathermanno.com

Katie Patrizio is a popular speaker and teacher with a gift for making the most elusive topics accessible and meaningful to a wide range of audiences.  Best known for her talks on Scripture, she’s also passionate about inspiring people to holiness.

A native of Southern California, Katie holds a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master’s degree in Biblical theology from John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego.

She currently serves as the Director of Faith Formation at St. Cecilia Parish in Ames, IA and as an instructor for the Catechetical Institute of the Diocese of Des Moines.  She is a frequent guest on Iowa Catholic Radio and speaks and teaches often on topics of Scripture and popular theology. ​In her free time Katie enjoys reading, flying, and competitive rowing. You can learn more about her here.

Pete Burak is the director of i.d.9:16, the young adult outreach of Renewal Ministries. i.d.9:16 seeks to form young adults into intentional disciples of Jesus Christ by supporting parishes through training, content, and ongoing support. He is a 2010 graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, and has earned a Master’s Degree in Theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. His Master’s thesis is titled, “Responding to the Crisis of Discipleship Among Catholic Millennials” and he has also written a popular booklet called “Gamechanger: The Role of the Holy Spirit in the New Evangelization.” Pete is one of the founders of the Millennial Church Conference and he is a frequent speaker on discipleship, evangelization, and young adult topics. He hosts a weekly YouTube show called Cathlist. Additionally, Pete is the co-director of Pine Hills Boys Camp, a Christian leadership camp for young men. Pete and his wife Cait have three children: Grace, Erin, and Donovan and one more on the way!

Br. Casey Cole graduated from Furman University in 2011 with a degree in Religious Studies with a minor in poverty studies. In August 2017, he made solemn profession with the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), and was ordained a deacon in March of 2018. He’s currently living in Chicago finishing studies at the Catholic Theological Union. He’s published a book entitled, Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God.

Here’s What You Get When You Register:

The Retreat is self-paced.

This means that you can participate wherever you are and whenever you have the time. 

Here’s a Preview of the Retreat!

— Why join the Pray More Advent Retreat? — 

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home! 

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God’s answers to your prayers.

— What would the Saints say about this? — 

“Advent is here. What a marvelous time in which to renew your desire, your nostalgia, your real longing for Christ to come — for him to come every day to your soul in the Eucharist. The Church encourages us: He is about to arrive!”

– St. Josemaria Escriva

“The Church asks us to understand that Christ, who came once in the flesh, is prepared to come again. When we remove all obstacles to his presence he will come, at any hour and moment, to dwell spiritually in our hearts, bringing with him the riches of his grace.”

– St. Charles Borromeo

TOPICS

Following the Queen of Advent: How Mary Journeyed Through the First Advent

by Fr. Nathan Cromly, CJS

Isaiah 9:6: The Titles of Jesus

by Mary Lenaburg

Back to the Basics, Part I

by Jon Leonetti

Back to the Basics, Part II

by Jon Leonetti

Back to the Basics, Part III

by Jon Leonetti

The Stages of Giving & Receiving Forgiveness

by Johnnette Benkovic

+ Study Guides to Accompany Each Talk

Why Join the Pray More Advent Retreat?

Learn how you can have a holy, prayerful and transforming Advent season.

Reflect on what God is asking of you to wait for this Advent. What does He have in store for you? How are you responding to Him?

Become more intentional with your prayer life.

Renew your hope as you wait expectantly & joyfully for God’s answers to your prayers.

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home! 

SPEAKERS

Johnnette S. Benkovic is Founder and President of Living His Life Abundantly® International, Inc., a Catholic evangelization apostolate with outreaches in television, radio, print, and internet communications.  She is also Founder of Women of Grace®, a Catholic apostolate for Christian women that features a number of outreaches including conferences, curricula, study groups, and more.

After years of being a non-practicing Catholic, 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 has been a consistent presence in Catholic radio since 1987 and in Catholic television since 1988.

Johnnette is Executive Producer of the Women of Grace television program, which is aired on EWTN internationally, Monday through Friday. The program discusses contemporary issues from a Catholic perspective.  Johnnette is also host of Women of Grace Live, a one hour call-in radio talk show that also airs Monday through Friday. She is heard nationally on AM/FM stations and internationally via short wave and satellite radio. For additional information about Living His Life Abundantly® International, Inc. and Women of Grace®, visit the www.womenofgrace.com.

In addition, Johnnette is a popular conference speaker, retreat conductor, and seminar presenter, and has been published in major Catholic magazines.  She is the author of several books including Full of Grace:  Women and the Abundant Life (Servant), Grace-Filled Moments, Living Life Abundantly: Stories of People Who Have Encountered God (Servant), Experience Grace in Abundance: Strategies for Your Spiritual Life(Sophia), The New Age Counterfeit (Queenship), Graceful Living: Meditations to Help You Grow Closer to God Day by Day (Sophia), and  The Rosary: Your Weapon for Spiritual Warfare (Servant).  

Johnnette was married to her husband, Anthony, for nearly 34 years and became widowed in 2007. She is the mother of three adult children, two living, and has seven grandchildren.

Father Nathan Cromly is an informative and engaging speaker, writer, retreat leader, explorer, innovator, and educator. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Father Nathan is a Catholic priest of the Brothers of Saint John in Denver, Colorado. From teaching children to adore the Blessed Sacrament to leading mountain ski retreats with businessmen, Father Nathan’s spiritual direction, teaching, and dynamic witness has touched the lives of tens of thousands of teenagers, married couples, and families in all 50 states.

Father Nathan is a founder whose ministry has taken on a life of its own. In 2003, he began Eagle Eye Ministries, which now is the home of six forms of outreach to teens and young adults. He opened the Saint John Institute in 2015—a program unique in its kind, allowing young adults to earn an accredited MBA while receiving spiritual formation from the Brothers of Saint John. Besides leading international backpacking trips and making documentaries with EWTN, Father most recently founded Saint John Works, a business incubator program hosting a printing press, online store, missionary platform, and a Catholic art clearinghouse. In his free time, Father has written Totus Tuus, a preparation for Total Consecration to Mary, and launched a weekly podcast titled Dare Great Things for Christ.

While always attentive to the people in front of him, Father has also used the media to proclaim the gospel. Father Nathan has appeared multiple times on EWTN’s Life on the Rock and Father Mitch Live. He has co-produced four hour-long documentaries about the lives of the saints, and has been extensively interviewed on Catholic radio and podcasts such as The Jennifer Fulwiler Show, Good Things Radio, and many more.

Above all else, Father Nathan is a Catholic priest. He has dedicated his priesthood to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and is humbled to serve you today.

Mary Lenaburg is a writer, speaker, wife and mother sharing her witness and testimony about God’s Redeeming love. After suffering a miscarriage, she gave birth to her son Jonathan in 1989. After another miscarriage, her daughter Courtney arrived August 1992. On September 27, 1992, while being baptized, Courtney had the first of many grand-mal seizures. Going from the church to the emergency room, Mary’s world changed forever. For the next twenty-two years Mary and her family took a spiritual journey that led them to Lourdes, France, numerous hospitals and specialists with their daughter and finally to home-based hospice. Courtney took her last breath this side of heaven on December 27, 2014, the feast of St. John the Beloved, while in her mother’s arms. She is now her parents and big brothers most powerful intercessor. Mary lives in Northern Virginia with her husband of 28 years and her grown son. She continues to embrace her father’s advice: Never quit, never give up, never lose your faith. It’s the one reason you walk this earth. For God just this time and place just for you, so make the most of it. Mary can be found on-line at www.marylenaburg.com

Jon Leonetti is an international Catholic speaker, best-selling author and radio host who conveys a message of lasting fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through Jon’s keynote presentations and parish missions, thousands of Catholics each year discover the freedom Christ offers by way of his life and love.

Jon’s two books––Mission Of The Family and Your God Is Too Boring––are published and featured in Matthew Kelly’s Dynamic Catholic book program. They have been endorsed by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz; the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Mark Hart, Immaculee Ilibagiza, Brandon Vogt, Tom Peterson and more.

Jon believes that our deepest longing for happiness and wholeness is fulfilled in the encounter with Jesus Christ. Through prayer, the Sacraments, family life, and the help of Mary and the saints, Jon wants to cultivate an intimate relationship with Jesus, and help others do the same. 

With this message Jon has been featured and interviewed by the nations top Catholic websites, blogs and radio shows, helping Catholics in all walks of life to fall in love and stay in love with the living God.

At home, Jon enjoys reading, sports, exercising, coffee and, most of all, spending time with his wife Teresa and their children Joseph and Gianna. Jon is currently pursuing a masters degree in moral theology.

Here’s What You Get When You Register:

— Why join the Pray More Lenten Retreat? — 

Become more intentional with your prayer life for the new Liturgical Year.   

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home! 

— What would the Saints say about this? — 

“The Church asks us to understand that Christ, who came once in the flesh, is prepared to come again. When we remove all obstacles to his presence he will come, at any hour and moment, to dwell spiritually in our hearts, bringing with him the riches of his grace.”

–– St. Charles Borromeo

“The liturgy of Advent…helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas… Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously.”

— St. John Paul II

TOPICS

How to Slow Down in Prayer During Advent

by Sarah Reinhard

Six Ways to Keep Your Advent Season Holy Part I

by Elizabeth Ficocelli

Six Ways to Keep Your Advent Season Holy, Part II

by Elizabeth Ficocelli

The Strange Way God Heals Our Sufferings

by Constance Hull

What the ‘Our Father’ Teaches Us About Prayer

by Stephen Beale

Jesus and the Call of Discipleship

by Scott Powell

St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Process of Reflecting on the Gospels

by Fr. Anthony Co

Isaiah, the Prophet of Christmas

by Stephen Beale

Exclamatory Prayer

by Stephen Beale

Destined for Love

by Fr. Anthony Co

Why Join the Pray More Retreat?

Learn how to have a holy, prayerful and peaceful Advent season.

Reflect on God’s mercy and love for us as He comes to live among us.

Learn to love the sacraments and live a life inspired by the saints.

Deepen your faith and pray more this Advent season from the comfort of your own home!

Renew your hope as you wait for God’s answers to your prayers.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Scott Powell is a teacher, theologian and author. He is the director of the Aquinas Institute for Catholic Thought, an outreach to the University of Colorado Boulder, and is also an affiliate of the Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization, Thought and Policy at the University of Colorado. He has taught at the Augustine Institute and the Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary’s Catholic Biblical School. He and his wife, Annie, founded Camp Wojtyla, a Catholic outdoor adventure program for youth based in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Scott also co-hosts and produces the popular podcast “The Word on the Hill with the Lanky Guys” and has appeared in numerous Catholic productions, including “Symbolon,” “Beloved,” “Reborn,” “YDisciple” and the “Opening the Word” series. He has been featured on EWTN, “Catholic Answers Live” and several other Catholic outlets. He holds a doctorate in Catholic Studies from Maryvale Institute/Liverpool Hope University in England. Scott is also the author of “An Environmental Ethic for the End of the World: An Ecological Midrash on Romans 8:19 – 22,” recently published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Scott and his wife live near Boulder, Colorado with their three children: Lily Avila, Samuel Isaac and Evelyn Luca.

Elizabeth Ficocelli is a best-selling, award-winning author of fifteen books for adults and young people and a contributor to national Catholic magazines.

She is a frequent guest on Catholic television and radio and the host of her own radio program, “Answering The Call” on St. Gabriel Catholic Radio AM 820. A sought-after speaker, Elizabeth presents at national Catholic conferences, catechetical events, parishes, schools, and retreats, sharing her love and enthusiasm for the Catholic faith with audiences of all ages. She and her husband of 31 years have four boys and reside in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, please visit www.elizabethficocelli.com.

Constance T. Hull is a freelance writer, graduate student theologian, homeschooling mom, and active member of pro-life and miscarriage ministry. She has been published by Catholic Exchange, The Federalist, and Public Discourse. She has also been a guest on Teresa Tomeo’s and Al Kresta’s radio programs. She is passionate about all things Catholic.

Father Anthony Co grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago. While completing his studies of philosophy and Eastern religions at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Fr. Anthony received his calling to the priesthood. Immediately after graduating from U of I, Fr. Anthony entered Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary and for the next five years he prepared for Holy Orders for the Diocese of Peoria, IL. He was ordained to the priesthood at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in 2005 and offered his Mass of Thanksgiving on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Father Anthony has served throughout the Diocese of Peoria, ministering to college students and various parishes. He is now pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Andalusia and a college chaplain.  

Sarah Reinhard is a Catholic wife, mom, writer, parish worker and catechist, and coffee drinker. You’re just as likely to find her hiding out back with a book as you are to discover her playing in the yard with a few farm animals (or wait — are those her kids?) She is the author of many books, the most recent of which is The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion. She’s online at SnoringScholar.com and writes online at the National Catholic Register, CatholicMom.com, and the Integrated Catholic Life. Reinhard holds a master’s degree in marketing and communications and has worked for many years in corporate and nonprofit organizations. She lives in central Ohio with her husband and four children.

Stephen Beale is a freelance writer and reporter based in Providence, Rhode Island. Raised as an evangelical Protestant, he is a convert to Catholicism. He writes a weekly column for CatholicExchange and also is a regular contributor to the National Catholic Register and Crisis magazine. He holds a B.A. in classics and history from Brown University. He also has completed the coursework towards an MA in theology at Providence College, where he has focused on the thought and spirituality of the early Church Fathers.