Columnists

We are united as obedient, authentically faithful Catholics. The views and opinions expressed by one columnist do not necessarily reflect the collective policy or position of Catholic Stand as a whole.

Abigail C. R. Gripshover

Abigail C. R. Gripshover is a working mom, battling chronic illness and striving to choose love every day. She lives by the beach with her strong husband and their spunky little daughter and believes one can never have too many books or cups of coffee. She is returning to creative writing after a health-induced break and wants to bring hope to those bearing similar crosses. She is currently reading through the Catechism on her Instagram and encourages others to join her in this effort to better learn and defend the Church.

Anthony S. Layne

Tony was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He served briefly in the U.S. Marine Corps and attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha as a sociology major while holding a variety of jobs. Tony was a “C-and-E Catholic” until, while defending the Faith during the scandals of 2002, he discovered the beauty of Catholic orthodoxy. He currently lives in Denton, Texas, works in the home-mortgage industry in Dallas, participates in his parish’s Knights of Columbus council, and bowls poorly on Sunday nights. Along with Catholic Stand, he also contributes to New Evangelization Monthly and occasionally writes for his own blogs, Outside the Asylum and The Impractical Catholic

Barbara Padolina

The greatest adventure on which Barbara Padolina has ever been began the day she got married in February 1994. Since then, she and her husband have been gratefully engaged in the blessed vocation of being the parents of twelve children. She keeps herself busy preparing home-cooked meals for hungry people (most of whom she gave birth to), homeschooling, and constantly trying to keep her mildly chaotic home cheerful, albeit noisy. Through professional work and by invitation, she has given inspirational and encouraging talks on marriage, motherhood and parenting. Recently, she has also rediscovered her passion for writing, enkindled when she was ten. A cradle Catholic, the saga of Barbara’s adventures in faith, hope and love continues as she finds joy and consolation in knowing that she is a daughter

Birgit Jones
Birgit Jones is 60-something, passionately pro-life, and a cradle Catholic. She and her Catholic convert husband, Rick, have been married for 47 years. Frequent visits from their four adult children and 9 living grandchildren eliminate any fear of an empty nest. Birgit enjoys family, gardening, and keeping up with current events. She can also be found on her personal blog Catholic Life In Our Times and her Facebook fan page Designs by Birgit – Catholic Life In Our Times where she shares the pro-life memes she creates.
BJ Gonzalvo, PhD
BJ Gonzalvo, Ph.D., is a psychology researcher and workforce analyst/consultant. He reflects and writes from the beautiful Pacific Northwest, often with the sound of rain in the background, on matters of faith, psychology, and work. His writing has appeared in Mind & Spirit Magazine, Busted Halo, Positively Filipino, and Northwest Catholic. He’s the author of “Lessons in Leadership from the Saints” (Westbow Press, 2017) and “Lead Like the Saints” (Daughters of Saint Paul, 2019).
Bob Drury

Bob Drury is retired. He has been fascinated with the reasonableness of the Faith since his junior year in high school in the mid-20th century for which the religion text was entitled, “Faith and Reason”. That fascination has continued throughout his education in philosophy, math, and science. In his essays, he hopes to share that fascination with others. Read more at his website, <a href=”http://theyhavenowine.wordpress.com/”>They Have No Wine</a>.

Bob Blundell

Bob is a freelance writer and converted Catholic living in the Houston area. He has had previous work published in magazines such as Liguorian, The Compass, The Bible Advocate, and Crosscurrents. He has also had work published in several of the Divine Moments book series.
He is a winner of the 2021 Christian Writers award and is developing the draft on his first solo-written book.

Bob Kurland

Retired, cranky, old physicist. Convert to Catholicism in 1995. Trying to show that there is no contradiction between what science tells us about the world and our Catholic faith. Intermittent blogs at <a href=”http://rationalcatholic.blogspot.com/”>Rational Catholic</a> and adult education classes <a href=”http://home.ptd.net/~rkurland”>here</a> to achieve this end. Extraordinary Minister of Communion volunteer to federal prison and hospital; lector, EOMC.
Sometime player of bass clarinet, alto clarinet, clarinet, bass, tenor bowed psaltery for parish instrumental group and local folk group.

Briana Huddleston

Briana Huddleston is a podcaster, blogger, author, and pro-life advocate. A self-proclaimed student of Rhetoric, she is concerned with persuading readers of the truth of the Catholic faith through her writing and covers topics such as philosophy, theology, and science with an emphasis on apologetics. Briana converted from non-denominational Protestantism and was baptized into the Catholic church in April of 2019. She attends the
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler, Texas. You can find articles from her blog at
https://inyeshuasarms.blogspot.com/ and stream episodes from her podcast at anchor.fm/that-theology-nerd

Carol Monaco

Carol Monaco is the writer, editor, and publisher of “Journey to Our Lady,” a spiritual publication that helps readers develop a deeper understanding and closer relationship to our Blessed Mother. Carol also is a member of Association Jeanne Jugan, a Catholic lay organization that provides individuals with an opportunity to share in the spirituality of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and Carol is a member of the World Apostolate of Fatima. Carol also enjoys photography!

Cecily G. Lowe

Cecily G. Lowe received her B.A. in History in 2016 from a faithful Catholic college, which she credits as having a great impact on her faith. (Her least favorite thing about her college career was that it ended after four years.) She now has hopes of one day earning an M.A. if God wills. She began at CS in 2015 and greatly appreciates the opportunity it has given her. Though having been physically disabled from birth, she does not let that limit her and counts interpretative dance among her hobbies along with singing, reading, and maintaining a mental encyclopedia of eclectic quotes.

Christian Daru

Christian Daru is currently an academic advisor at Marymount Manhattan College. He holds a BA in philosophy and Spanish from Regis University and an MA in philosophy from Fordham University. He is interested in giving an exposition and defense of the Catholic philosophical tradition with particular attention given to metaphysics and ethics.

Cynthia Millen

Cindy and her husband Jim were blessed to have five kids in four years (2 sets of twins), and are looking forward to grandchild number 3. Her love for reading and writing grew into the publication of several children’s books (under the name C. M. Millen), poems, short stories, and a short book about the Natural Law. She enjoys growing things in her garden, knitting, the teaching (and learning) from the students at Christ the King School in Toledo, Ohio, and attending Mass there with marvelous parishioners and priests. She also writes for Catholic Mom.

David Kilby

David Kilby received his undergrad degree in humanities and Catholic culture from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has served as a journalist for Princeton Packet Publications, and the Trenton Monitor, the magazine for the Diocese of Trenton. With the latter, he also has a column called Rambling Spirit. He is currently managing editor of the Catholic World Report. Find more of his writing at ramblingspirit.com.”

David Torkington

David Torkington is a Spiritual Theologian, Author, and Speaker, who specializes in Prayer, Christian Spirituality and Mystical Theology. He was educated at the Franciscan Study Centre, England, and the National Catholic Radio and Television Centre, Hatch End, London where he was later appointed to the post of Dean of Studies. He was an extramural lecturer in Mystical Theology at the Dominican University in Rome (The Angelicum). His personal spirituality is predominantly Franciscan, and his Mystical Theology Carmelite. He has sold over 300,000 books in more than twelve different languages.  David’s website is http://www.davidtorkington.com
His three most recent books are ‘Wisdom from the Christian Mystics – How to Pray the Christian Way’,’Wisdom from the Western Isles – The Making of a Mystic’, and ‘Wisdom from Franciscan Italy – The Primacy of Love’  He is at present working on three booklets commissioned by the Catholic Truth Society: Prayer Made Simple (March 2018), Meditation made Simple and Contemplation made Simple.

Deacon Frank

Deacon Frank is a deacon in a diocese in the United States. He has a passion for teaching the faith, especially on topics that have been lost to so many. In the words of the writer of the letter to the Hebrews, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.

Dennis  Dillon

Dennis “Captain Denny” Dillon is a cradle catholic living in Narragansett, RI. After receiving the EPDA Fellowship in 1978, he completed his E.D. in 1980 returning to the Chariho Regional School District as a Vocational/Special Education Liaison. He retired from Chariho in 1990 as the Director of Guidance. He has been a fishing boat captain since 1972. He is a grandpa, a great grandpa, a sporting clays enthusiast and enjoys gardening and reading. If you were to ask him if he would be arrested for being a follower of Jesus Christ, his answer would be yes…most definitely!

Diana Ragsdale

Diana Ragsdale grew up in a large Catholic family; she is the tenth of twelve children. She has authored a couple of articles that have been published by Seton Magazine online: ’12 Reasons to Sing the “12 Days of Christmas” ‘ and “Why a Prayer a Day Keeps the Devil Away.” She often prays to Saint John Vianney, her patron saint, for guidance. She loves meditative gardening, going for walks, writing, and reading. One of her favorite books is the Imitation of Christ. Diana Ragsdale is a member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary and loves sharing her faith with others.

Dom Cingoranelli

Dom is a Benedictine-educated cradle Catholic, a revert to the faith, and is an Oblate of St. Benedict. In addition to consulting to management in the CPA profession and elsewhere, he and his wife of 40+ years attempt to live according to the three pillars of Church authority–Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium. They are both active at their parish where he is an Instituted Acolyte and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.

Gabriel Garnica

Gabriel Garnica has been an educator for over 30 years and a Catholic and conservative writer for over half that time. He is presently a columnist for <a href=”http://www.renewamerica.com/”>RenewAmerica.us</a> and <a href=”http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/authors/detail/gabriel-garnica-esq”>FamilySecurityMatters.org</a> and is proud and honored to bring his contributions to Catholic Stand. Although he is both a licensed attorney and has a counseling degree, Gabriel is excited about his new career effort as a life and business coach. He shares his insights and perspectives on faith at <a href=”http://deussolus9.wordpress.com”>Deus Solus</a> and hopes to add a life to coach blog and website in the near future as well. Gabriel has a J.D. from New York University and an M.S. Ed. in counseling from Fordham University.

Deacon Greg Lambert

Deacon Greg Lambert was ordained in 1997, in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and served as a deacon at St. Paul Church in Tampa for 10 years before transferring to St. Lawrence, Tampa in 2007, where he and his wife Kathy currently serve. Deacon Greg assists in the areas of RCIA, Adult Faith Formation, and Sacramental Preparation. In addition to his service at the parish level, Deacon Greg is a staff member of Diakonia newsletter for the diaconal community of the diocese and is a member of the Focus 11 committee for vocations. He is also part of the teaching faculty for the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute in the diocese of St. Petersburg. His articles have been published in Deacon Digest Magazine as well as Diakonia. He has a BA in Religious Studies and an MA in Theology from St. Leo University.

Gene M. Van Son

Gene M. Van Son is retired after spending 35 years in the automobile business working for two of the Big 3 Automakers as a writer and editor, and then as a project manager in the areas of satellite communications and wireless technology. Originally from the Chicago area, he has now resided in the Detroit area for more than half his life. He is a cradle Catholic who attended a Catholic grade school, high school, and university. He has been married for 49 years to the love of his life, who is a certified Catechist, and they have three sons. He is now putting his BA in Journalism to use researching and writing about topics and issues that interest him. In addition to writing for Catholic Stand, he has also had articles and essays published at www.AmericanThinker.com and at www.crisesmagazine.com .

Genesius

Genesius is a deliberate Catholic, husband, father, professional engineer, writer, and teacher. Born a cradle Catholic, he left the Church in high school after years of shallow catechetical teaching common to U.S. Catholic Schools in the 1970s and 1980s. While studying at university, the weak justifications for atheism could not reconcile with the logic of science and engineering beginning his journey back to the One True Faith. As a professional who has worked & lived overseas with his family, he has experienced societies open to and opposed to Christian principles. He works diligently to apply the Catholic Faith to every aspect of living in this fallen material world.

Guy McClung

Guy McClung lives with his wife of 44+ years south of Houston, Texas helping inventors develop and patent their inventions. Following two stints in the seminary with the missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, total of 5 years (for which he is truly and forever thankful), he came to the realization that God was not calling him to that type of vowed obedience; so he left the seminary and got married. Seven children and eleven grandchildren later, he decided to try to write some words that would convey his thanks to God almighty for blessing after blessing after blessing.

                                                      Hunter Leonard

Hunter Leonard is a passionate Catholic with an intense love for learning about and sharing the Faith. Hunter is in his final semester of study for his Master’s degree in Theology with the Augustine Institute, and he holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from California State University at Northridge. In addition to writing for Catholic Stand, Hunter has his own personal writing projects including religious poetry and short stories.

Ida Adams

Ida considers herself the most blessed of creatures. She’s a convert to Catholicism who stumbles daily and has a long-suffering BFF, a cradle Catholic, who has to step in time and again to explain. She loves the outdoors and is an avid gardener, raising Monarch butterflies, and Great Eastern Swallowtails. She loathes cooking and happily leaves that to her husband. She inhales the printed word; loves knitting and in a mad moment, decided to return to her piano studies. Classics only, please. After a career in travel followed by a second career in fitness, she now enjoys this third part of her life doing what she loves best. Reading, writing, gardening and playing piano.

Jacqueline St. Clare

Jacqueline is a Catholic writer and author coming out with her first novel, Through Esther’s Eyes. She loves to write spiritual articles, historical fiction, and devotionals. Jacqueline is fascinated by the Holy Land and Sacred Scripture, from which she finds inspiration for her writing. Learn more about her at jacquelinestclare.com.

Joe Tevington

Joe Tevington is a proudly orthodox Catholic, a husband of 35 years, a dad to two married adult children, a new grandpa, and a civil service retiree. He is a sign language fluent certified rehabilitation counselor with graduate degrees in deafness rehabilitation, religious studies/moral theology, and Christian counseling psychology. He deeply appreciates Catholic teaching on the sanctity of human life and the sanctity of the transmission of human life, as well as how they are to inform us in our apostolates and ministries.

John Kubasak 

John Kubasak is a cradle Catholic and holds an undergraduate degree in history from Sacramento State and a masters in theology from Mt. Angel Seminary. He enjoys playing with his kids, sports, reading, and writing. He lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley in Oregon with his wife and children.

John Paul Nunez

JP Nunez has been a theology nerd since high school. He has master’s degrees in both theology and philosophy (with a concentration in bioethics) from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, and he spent three years in the Catholic University of America’s doctoral program in biblical studies before realizing that academia isn’t where he wants to be. During his time in Steubenville, he worked for two years as an intern at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, where his responsibilities included answering theological questions and helping to format and edit their Journey Through Scripture Bible studies. He blogs at <a href=”http://jpnunezcath.blogspot.com”>JP Nunez: Understanding the Faith Through Scripture</a>.

Julie Machado

Julie Machado is a 32-year-old Portuguese-American who grew up in California but moved to Portugal to study theology. She now lives there, along with the rest of her family, her husband, and her children. She believes the greatest things in life are small and hidden and that the extraordinary is in the ordinary. She blogs at <a href=”http://martajuliemaria.blogspot.com/”>Marta, Julie e Maria</a>.

Kendra Von Esh

Kendra thought she had it all as an Executive in Corporate America but her cup was never full – she was always searching for ‘something more’… She bought what this culture said was happiness and success. Kendra began to accept her anxiety, lethal stress levels, and never-ending to-do lists as normal – life is not supposed to be easy, right? Until God found her late in life and she received the truth and the sacramental graces of her Catholic faith and her relationship with God has transformed her life. Kendra left her Executive Career to inspire others as a Catholic Speaker and Author to deepen their relationship with God through faith and prayer and finally “Find Something More”…
www.facebook.com/FindSomethingMore, www.kendravonesh.com , Monthly Contributor/Scripture Reflection – www.carpeverbum.org , See All Media Appearances – www.kendravonesh.com

Larry Peterson

Larry Peterson is a cradle Catholic spending his “permanent” senior moments as a widower, a grandfather, and as a Catholic author/writer. He has been a contributing writer to Aleteia for going on five years, and his work has appeared in such publications as Zenit from Rome, Big Pulpit, Tidings, Catholic 365, and others. Larry has written three novels and one for children His children’s book deals with bullying. (His books can be seen at his website   cradlingcatholic.com).
Away from the keyboard, Larry is a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Writer’s Guild, Catholic Writer’s Society, and was with the St. Vincent DePaul Society for over 20 years. He is an EMHC and has been bringing Holy Communion to the sick and homebound for more than 25 years. He has three adult children, six grandchildren, and they all live within ten minutes of each other near St. Petersburg on the Florida west coast.

Laura DeMaria

Laura DeMaria is a nonprofit management professional and writer living in the metro Washington, DC area and is a “revert” to the faith. Her personal website, where she writes on topics including spiritual study and living the Catholic faith in daily life, can be found at www.laurademaria.com

Laurika Nxumalo

Laurika Nxumalo, born on the Feast of Holy Innocents is a cradle Catholic from the Archdiocese of Pretoria in South Africa. She has been a Lay Associate to the Congregation o the Sacred Stigmata of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Stigmatines) (Order of Catholic priests) for over 10 years.

Mark Belanger

Retired after 28 years and change working in Test & Measurement software, Mark Belanger has returned to his roots as a writer and eclectic polymath. He was received into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil of 2006 and is active in several parish ministries. He lives in Texas with his wife of 47 years, two cats, a sweet dog, and too many books for the available shelf space. He and his wife have one adult daughter by blood and a number of children of the heart.

Mary Meo

Mary Ennis Meo is a Catholic wife, mother of four grown children, and grandmother of two little ones. She is retired from twenty years of teaching public high school, and five years teaching Catholic elementary school. She serves as a parish music minister, RCIA team member, and parish elementary school theater director. Mary holds an M.A. in Pastoral Theology. She authored a thesis entitled “The Apostolate of the Public School Teacher”. Her blog, www.theuniversalcall.com., explores the universal call to holiness, as described by St. Francis de Sales and the Vatican II Fathers. She is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild. In addition to writing and the arts, Mary enjoys puzzles, crochet, gardening, reading, and, most of all, preparing breakfasts, dinners, and desserts for her family.

Masha Goepel

Masha Goepel lives off-grid in the woods of western Maine with her husband, children, saints, and livestock. She likes to feel her heavy skirts brush the earth and always goes a little heavy on the eyeliner. Most of her days are full of drying herbs, crackling fires, well-loved books, and leaky pens; her nights are full of stars. Masha can be found on Instagram as @beautifulcrows and blogging about yurts, books, herbs, and faith at www.yisforhome.com

Maurice A. Williams

Maurice A. Williams is retired. He worked fifty years in heavy industry equipment manufacturing, serving the animal feeds industry and vegetable oil crushing. He is an avid reader and a staunch Christian. He is also a writer. He posts book reviews on The Internet about many of the books he has read.

When he joined the Air Force in 1950, he was given a small pocket-sized New Testament, and, having little else to read, he wound up being fascinated by the imagery in Revelation. He never lost that fascination. Later, in his mature years, he had a conversion experience and tried to work out the contradictions between his scientific aspirations and his newly rediscovered Christian roots. He wound up putting his entire faith in the Christian message and rejecting almost everything he had so feverishly held as true in science, especially Darwinian evolution. website: www.mauriceawilliams.com.

Melanie Jean Juneau

Melanie Jean Juneau serves as the editor-in-chief of Catholic Stand. She is a mother of nine children who has edited her kid’s university term papers for over a decade. She blogs at <a href=”https://melaniejeanjuneau.wordpress.com/”> joy of nine9</a> and <a href=”https://themotherofnine9.wordpress.com/”>mother of nine9</a> . Her writing is humorous and heartwarming; thoughtful and thought-provoking. Part of her call and her witness is to write the truth about children, family, marriage, and the sacredness of life. Melanie is the administrator of ACWB, a columnist at CatholicLane, Catholic Stand, Catholic 365, CAPC, author of <a href=”http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Jean-Juneau/e/B00UR9ZJSC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1467768700&sr=8-1″>Echoes of the Divine and Oopsy Daisy, and coauthor of Love Rebel: Reclaiming Motherhood</a>

Nada Mazzei

Nada Mazzei is a freelance writer from Toronto, Ontario. She has an MA in Theology from the University of St. Michael’s College and a ThM from the University of Toronto, with a focus on New Testament Studies. She is fluent in Italian and French. Born and raised a Catholic, she is interested in the lives and writings of St. Therese of Lisieux and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

Nate Guyear

Nate Guyear returned to the Catholic Church in 2012 and immediately gravitated toward apologetics. He earned an M.A. in Theology and a post-Master’s Certificate in Moral Theology. He is excited about sharing the good news of God’s love and the truths proclaimed by Jesus Christ’s one and only, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church. Nate served 10 years in the Air Force and 20 years with the federal government. He and his wife live in California, volunteer as catechists, and bring Communion to the sick. Nate also writes for catholicismexplained.com.

Fr. Nathaniel Dreyer

A priest of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, Fr. Nathaniel Dreyer is originally from Ypsilanti, Michigan, and studied at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. After graduated, he entered the seminary and was ordained in 2015 after finishing his philosophical and theological studies and obtaining a licentiate in philosophy from the Catholic University of America. Currently, he resides in Fossanova, Italy, at the Cistercian abbey where Saint Thomas Aquinas died, is a doctoral student in philosophy at Regina Apostolorum in Rome, and works as parochial vicar at the con-cathedral of Santa Maria in Sezze, Italy.

Neil Jopson

Neil Jopson is a father and teacher. As a keen student of history he likes to look at the world through the lens of history; imagining the past of areas, families, buildings and nations . Originally from the north of England, he now lives in Kent on the outskirts of London with his wonderful wife and daughter. When not being a dad, teacher and writer he likes to go running to clear his head.

Pamela Mandela

Dr. Pamela Mandela Idenya is a teacher, motivational speaker, inspirational writer, resolute intercessor, spiritual mentor, and published author. This cradle Catholic actively practices the Faith at the Consolata Shrine Parish in Westlands, Nairobi (Kenya), where she serves as lector. She is also a member of the Vincentian Ministries in Kenya. She has taken the Course in Theology for Laity at the Hekima University College. Her interest is Applied Catholic Spirituality. Her heart’s desire is to help others become the best versions of who GOD created them to be. Her writings lean heavily on Catholic Tradition and Spirituality, with a purpose to motivate personal growth and nurture spiritual development in all whom she encounters. She thinks of herself as the greatest teacher of eternal truths! Her books include Calling sin, SIN; Become A Wholesome You!; Under the Watchful Eye of Mary; Living the Common Prayers; Standing in the Gap, and Living the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Dr. Mandela is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi School of Medicine, where she focuses on Medical Education, Academics & Research, and Student Mentorship.

Patty Knap

Patty Knap is a Catholic revert who lives on Long Island where she continues to discover beautiful new beaches. She’s a certified pregnancy counselor, working with young women and men in unplanned pregnancies, and a faith formation teacher. The mother of two young adult sons, she’s written about conversions, adoption, saints, autism, pornography, abortion, and more. Her articles have appeared at the National Catholic Register, OnePeterFive, and Aleteia.

Paul Escott

Paul’s area of expertise is the field of interfaith-relations. His principal area of interest is contemporary evangelization, especially as it relates to non-practicing Catholics. Paul received a BA in history and economics from Georgetown University as well as an MBA from the Yale School of Management. He also received an MSt in interfaith relations from Cambridge University.

Paul Kniaz

Currently living in the Boston area, Paul recently completed his Masters in Teaching English as a Second language. Raised in Catholicism, he deepened his faith by completing his undergraduate degree at a Catholic liberal arts school. There he became familiar with inseparability of faith and reason even with a deeper realization of the ideological warfare faced by the faithful. A passionate educator and learner, Paul has taught in Mexico and Chile, as well as Boston. Faith and obedience to the teachings of the Catholic Church remain the core of Paul’s life. Encouraging others in their walk with Christ, he hopes to share the joy and peace of the Gospel by following in the footsteps of Pope Francis who reaches out to sinners with humility and compassion.

Pete Socks

Pete Socks converted to the Catholic faith in 1996. He continues to learn the riches of our Faith through books. The passion to read has led to his ministry as a book reviewer for leading Catholic publishers. You can find his reviews at The Catholic Book Blogger (www.catholicbookblogger.com). Pete also serves as General Manager of the national Catholic podcasting network Breadbox Media (www.breadboxmedia.com) where he also hosts his own weekly show Off the Shelf. When not reading, writing, and recording interviews, Pete is the happily married father of five working his way through life as a freelance consultant in rural PA.

Ray Sullivan

A retired engineer from Texas, because the cowboy thing on the ranch growing up didn’t work out. Actually rode the Vomit Comet at NASA in Houston once, being totally weightless for 20 minutes! Married with two kids and Vinnie the Wonder Dog. I love the Church and what it stands for. Without the sacraments, I am nothing.

Richard Auciello

Richard served in the military for six years; has a B.A. degree from the University of California. In his mature adult years, Richard reached out to God, and God saved him by bringing him into the Catholic Church. After his conversion, he earned a Master’s Degree in Catholic Doctrine from St. John’s University, New York and found his vocation in marriage. He and his wife are now the proud grandparents of fourteen grandchildren. In his Parish Richard is a member of the Knights of Columbus and a catechist for Adult Faith Formation. Recently retired, he has taught math and science in Middle School for 28 years in underprivileged neighborhoods. He considered his teaching career as a ministry and now looks forward to doing God’s work through writing.

Richard Dole

Richard Dole is transplanted from Iowa to Texas. He works as a mental health clinician in the public sector. Mr. Dole was an above average sinner prior to joining the Church and beginning his conversion. Richard has several books on prayer available at Amazon.com.

Robert P. Marco

Rob Marco is a happily married father of three living in southeastern Pennsylvania. After a few years in high school exploring Buddhism and Hare Krishna, he had a profound conversion experience of encountering Christ and converted to Catholicism in 1998, his freshman year of college. In 2002 he moved to the inner-city to help run a Catholic Worker house of hospitality for homeless men with drug and alcohol addictions and to minister to the poor. He spent ten years discerning a vocation to monastic life, and at one point sold everything he had and bought a school bus, which he renovated to live in as an urban hermit on the streets of Philadelphia. Rob is active in the work of the New Evangelization, starting a Catholic street evangelization apostolate in his area to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and regularly visits men incarcerated in prison. He holds a B.A. in Geography from Penn State University and an M.A. in Theology from Villanova University. He writes about faith, family, chastity, and Catholic manhood at “Wisdom and Folly” (www.robthefob.blogspot.com)

Rory Fox

Specialising in Philosophy and Theology, Rory has been a UK based teacher and Principal; working in universities, schools, prisons and refugee camps. He is currently writing stories which explore religion, ethics, and politics @ Greyle Tales.

Deacon Steve Greco

Deacon Steve Greco is a permanent deacon serving the Diocese of Orange in California. He is the founder and president of Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry (www.spiritfilledhearts.org). He delivers talks and leads seminars at Catholic parishes and for Catholic organizations throughout California and beyond. He has a Relevant Radio program, Empowered by the Spirit, and his ministry has an active social media presence.

Tom Collingwood Ph.D

Tom Collingwood Ph.D. is an exercise psychologist who has installed exercise programs to prevent substance abuse for at-risk youth and in developing physical fitness programs for law enforcement agencies nationwide. In addition, he has instituted numerous environmental education projects while serving as a Master Naturalist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife and as a volunteer Interpretive Ranger at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. A convert to the Catholic Church he serves as a catechist in the RCIA program and adult ministries such as “Renew” and “Why Catholic”. Working with CREATIO, the faith based stewardship organization affiliated with the Christian Life Movement, he provides lectures and seminars on “A Catholic Ethic for Stewardship of the Environment and the Body” (physical fitness)” His guardian angel is St, Michael the archangel, the patron saint of paratroopers and law enforcement officers in which he has served in both those capacities. He has authored 10 books and is the recipient of the Healthy American Fitness Leader Award from the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as one of the top 10 fitness leaders in America.

 

 

 

9 thoughts on “Columnists”

  1. Please pass my message to Sydney Solowski

    Desolation
    Excelente article Sydney Slowski:
    Your definition of Consolation; in tune with the universe, and desolation, the oposite, could not be better.
    That’s the way I perceive reality. Fortunately physicist, lead by the Nobel Laureate Roger Penrose are realizing and publishing that human consciousness is connected to the rest of the universe.

  2. Please accept our sincerest sympathies on the passing of Michelle Meder. She was a gifted writer whose faith guided her in the words she wrote. God comfort her family and all who knew her!

  3. Trish Irvine, re: “God’s country”: Have you ever been to God’s hometown, Texas? Guy McClung, Texas

    ps: it’s about 73 here today

    1. my father always told me never to ask someone where they’re from. If they’re from Texas, and if they’re not, you don’t want to embarrass them.

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