Speakers

Theology-on-Tap 2004 Speaker Bios

Mr. Phil Addante is an experienced therapist, counseling adolescents and adults, in private practice. He is an adjunct faculty member at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary.

Fr. Peter Armenio is the midwest vicar and priest of Opus Dei. He is also the official chaplain for the Chicago Bears. He has a doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

Fr. Robert Barron is professor of systematic theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake-Mundelein Seminary. He has a masters degree in philosophy and received his theology degree with a mention of très honorable from the Institut Catholique de Paris.

Sr. Pat Bergen CSJ, D. Min. is an educator, spiritual director and retreat facilitator, and on the leadership team of her community. She has master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University and a doctorate in ministry from the University of St. Mary of the Lake.

Fr. Britto Berchmans is an associate pastor at St. Anne in Barrington. Previously, he was a professor at the Salesian Pontificial University in Rome. He received a PhD in mass communication from the Univ. of Illinois, and holds masters in physics, journalism and theology.

Ms. Christie Billups is a full-time teacher Campus Minister at Notre Dame High School. She holds masters in teaching from National Louis University and a masters in pastoral studies from Catholic Theological University. She is working toward her doctorate in ministry.

Fr. John Boivin has been an associate pastor at Holy Name Cathedral for nine years. A priest for 28 years, he is well known for his homilies and sense of humor.

Fr. Pat Brennan is the pastor of Holy Family Parish in Inverness and president of National Center for Evangelization and Parish Renewal. Author and practicing psychotherapist, he holds a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Dr. Mike Cahill is a certified financial planner with Cahill and Associates and has a PhD in history from the University of Chicago. He has taught courses at Mundelein Seminary and at the Newberry Library.

Ms. Liz Collier is a doctoral candidate at Loyola University in Christian Ethics, and teaches at Loyola and DePaul Universities. She is the director of the Crossroads Center for Faith and Work at Old St. Patrick's Church.

Fr. John Cusick is the director of Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Chicago and an associate pastor at Old St. Patrick’s Church. Ordained in 1970, he was a member of the faculty of Niles College Seminary and spent 7 years as associate pastor at Mary Seat of Wisdom.

Ms. Kate DeVries is the associate director of Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Chicago. She holds masters degrees in divinity, pastoral studies and special education, and is working toward her doctorate in ministry.

Ms. Donna Dhein holds a masters degree in counseling psychology from Benedictine University and is a therapist in private practice in Downers Grove. She has over 20 years of experience working with engaged and married couples.

Mr. Jim Doherty left his position of vice president of marketing to pursue priesthood. After 2 years of study at University of St Mary of the Lake, he returned to the world of the working. Jim currently works in the hotel industry.

Mr. John Donahue-Grossman, founded and directs Creative Empowerment Ministries, is a teacher at St. Francis High School in Wheaton.

Ms. Michelle Doyle is a CPA at the firm of McCullough, Rossi & Co., LTD, and dedicated volunteer for Old St. Patrick’s Church. She is the former director of Volunteers-in-Action for the Young Adult Ministry Office. Michelle holds a bachelors degree in accounting from the Univ. of Illinois.

Fr. Matt Eyerman is pastor of St. Columbanus Church in Chicago. He spent 3 summers at Xavier University in New Orleans pursuing a master’s in black theology and was formerly an associate pastor at St. Agatha Church.

Fr. Richard Fragomeni, a priest of the Diocese of Albany, N.Y., is associate professor of liturgy and preaching at Catholic Theological Union and vice-rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii. He is a renowned speaker and author in the field of word and sacrament.

Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M. Sp.S. is an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdioceses of Chicago. He was ordained priest, June 22, 1984. He is Episcopal Vicar for Vicariate V.

Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I., the eighth Archbishop of Chicago, is the first native Chicagoan to serve as Archbishop of Chicago. Cardinal George earned a master’s degree in philosophy, a doctorate in American philosophy and received a master’s degree in theology.

Mr. Frank Giangrego currently serves as pastoral associate for faith formation at St. Philip the Apostle Parish, Addison, IL. He has a BA from Lewis University and MRE from Loyola University, Institute of Pastoral Studies.

Dr. David Goodman has 23 years experience as a clinical psychologist dealing with marital, family and relationship issues.

Fr. Gary Graf is the Pastor at Holy Family Parish in Waukegan. He serves as associate pastor at Maternity BVM Parish in Chicago and on the pastoral tem at the mission of St. James the Apostle in Quechultenango, Mexico.

Fr. John Grigus is a member of the Marytown Conventual Franciscan community and is the director of its perpetual adoration program. He offers reconciliation, spiritual direction and retreats to individuals and groups within the Marytown Retreat and Conference Center.

Ms. Judy Gross is a pastoral assistant at St. Clement Parish in Chicago. Judy has worked as a political scientist for the past 20 years and is a manager at Argonne National Laboratory. Judy holds masters degrees in political science and divinity.

Mr. Al Gustafson is a past director of the Crossroads Center for Faith and Work at Old St. Patrick's Church. He is completing a doctorate in Ministry at CTU while working as a spiritual director, chaplain and president of a foundation.

Mr. Frank Hannigan is the director of the Family Ministries Office. Frank has a B.S. from Loyola University and an M.A. from Chicago State University. Previously, Frank was the director of the Cana Conference of Chicago.

Fr. Don Headley teaches in the Pastoral and Deaconate Institutes for Latinos, the Office of Continuing Education in Ministry and the Office of Catechesis. He is now retired and resides in St. Mary of the Woods Parish.

Fr. Tom Hickey is the pastor of St. Clement Church, where he shares many years of experience and service in marriage and family life programs, spiritual formation and parish priesthood.

Fr. Tom Hurley was associate pastor at Most Holy Redeemer and St. Cajetan churches in Chicago before becoming associate pastor at Old St. Patrick's Church. He attended the University of Notre Dame and holds his masters in divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake.

Ms. Maureen Hughes is a clinical psychologist is private practice. Her area of focus is the integration of psychology and spirituality.

Fr. Jamels James is a priest of the Archdiocese of India, the director of campus ministry for IIT, and director of Young Adult Ministry at St. James.

Fr. Frank Jenks is pastor of St. Alphonsus in Lemont, and former pastor of Ascension parish in Oak Park, where he directed adult retreats and formation days. He has also served at St. Mary of Vernon, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Our Lady of the Wayside Parishes.

Deacon Bill Johnson teaches at Marmion Academy and is a deacon at St. Patrick’s in St. Charles, Illinois.

Fr. David Jones is pastor at St. Ambrose and president of Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary. He also serves as a member of the priest placement board, dean of deanery 6A, and on the archdiocesan finance council.

Fr. Terry Keehan, ordained in 1986, is the pastor of St. Matthias and Transfiguration Parishes. Previously, he worked in the Vocation Office for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Mr. Steve Kellmeyer holds graduate degrees in both European history and theology and has authored a popular book on Christian sexuality.

Ms. Kathy Kelly is a long-time activist and teacher, and was instrumental in launching Voice in the Wilderness, a campaign to end the United Nations/United States sanctions against Iraq. She helped initiate the Iraq peace team.

Fr. Jerome T. Kish, ordained a priest for the Joliet Diocese in 1998, is an associate pastor at Ss. Peter and Paul parish in Naperville. He holds a doctorate in electrical engineering from UIC.

Dr. Helen Kenik Mainelli is director of adult faith formation at St. Michael Parish in Wheaton. She holds a Ph.D. in biblical languages and literature from St. Louis University, she has taught at a number of Seminaries at other institutions.

Ms. Beth Knobbe is a full-time graduate student seeking her masters in divinity at Catholic Theological Union. She is an active member at Old St. Patrick's Church involved with RCIA and liturgical ministry, and is a part-time project manager with Hewitt Associates.

Mr. Bob Kolatorowicz directs adult spirituality at Old St. Patrick's Church, and has earned degrees in Urban Studies, Philosophy and Theology. His current focus is linking contemplative spirituality and action on behalf of social justice.

Ms. Mary-Louise Kurey, director of the Respect Life Office for the Archdiocese of Chicago, is an experienced speaker and author on chastity and pro-life issues. She is the recipient of the “2002 Life Without Limits Champion Award.”

Fr. Ed Linton, OSB, Ph.D. is a priest monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey. He was named pastor of Saint James Church in June, 2002. Fr. Linton holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a Ph.D. in speech communications.

Fr. Pat Marshall is the director and chaplain of the John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois. He holds a masters degree in social work from UIC and a certificate in addictions counseling from Grant Hospital.

Ms. Desiree Maurer holds a bachelors degree from DePaul. Desiree volunteers with the Metropolitan Tenants Organization, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the Women’s Empowerment Coordinating Committee.

Fr. Dan McCormack was ordained in 1994. Presently, He is pastor at St. Agatha Parish in the west side.

Fr. Pat McGrath, S.J. is director of Jesuit and Ignatian Identity at Loyola Academy. He holds an M. Div. from the Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley. He served as chair of the Religious Studies Department at St. Ignatius College Prep.

Ms. Nancy McKnight has served as a youth minister and director of religious education in the Joliet Diocese for more than ten years. She is certified in Youth Studies from Loyola University in Chicago.

Mr. Pat McWard is a national speaker, coach and trainer who has spoken to over 600 audiences. He has holds an MBA, and has over 21 year of business experience.

Mrs. Noelle McWard has an MBA and is a national speaker, coach and trainer working with business leaders who want to improve relationships, create more satisfying work environments and accelerate profits.

Ms. Monica Miller holds a Ph.D in theology from Marquette University. She has written two books on women in the Church: Sexuality and Authority in the Catholic Church and The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church.

Brother Tom Minta is the manager of Statewide Employment Services for the Illinois Department of Human Services/Office of Rehabilitation service. He received his undergraduate degree from De Paul University and is certified as an American Sign Language interpreter.

Prof. Margaret M. Mitchell is Associate Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Literature at the University of Chicago. Her research interests range broadly within the New Testament itself and various forms of biblical interpretation -- literary, homiletical, theological and iconographic -- in the early church.

Fr. Bill Miscamble, CSC is Associate Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame and has served as the rector of the Holy Cross seminary on campus. He is the author of Keeping the Faith, Making a Difference.

Mr. John Morales began his career in 1985 by hosting and producing Beisbol en Chicago, the first truly bilingual baseball show in Chicago television history. In 1987, John served as producer and weekend sports anchor for Chicago’s all-news station WBBM-AM/CBS.

Ms. Laura Nelson is the executive director of Woman Care Services, a crisis pregnancy center. Laura acted as Director of The Woman’s Center North Riverside office for 5 years and has worked as a counselor with various crisis pregnancy centers for over a decade.

Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson, who was on faculty of Loyola Academy for 14 years, is currently on staff at Old St. Patrick’s Church as a director of community formation. He holds a doctorate in ministry from St. Mary of the Lake University.

Fr. Paul Novak was ordained as a Servite priest in 1990 and now serves as assistant provincial for his order. He currently assists at Old St. Patrick’s Church and was formerly a faculty member and campus minister at De LaSalle Institute.

Mr. Kevin O’Donnell has worked in College Campus Ministry for the last nine years and is currently the Director of Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Joliet. He holds a BA and an MA from Lewis University and is a working towards a Doctorate in Ministry at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Mr. Michael O'Keefe is Associate professor of Religious Studies. He holds a Ph.D. from Notre Dame Systematic Theology. He teaches Catholic Studies, focusing on Christology, Ecclesiology, Catholic Social Teaching, and the American Catholic Experience.

Fr. Bill O'Shea is a pastor at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Naperville. He taught scripture and ethics at Rosary College and grew up in St. Philip Neri in Chicago.

Fr. Edward Panek is the pastor of St. Thomas Becket Church, and former dean of formation at Archbishop Quigley Prep. Seminary. He holds a Masters of Divinity from USML, and is completing an MA in Spirituality.

Mr. Joe Paprocki is associate director of catechetical services at Loyola Press in Chicago and the author of eight books on pastoral ministry and catechesis. He has over 20 years of experience in pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Bishop Joseph Perry was ordained a priest for Milwaukee in 1975 and appointed as auxiliary Bishop in 1998. He served for 12 years as chief judicial officer of the tribunal, where he also taught canon law at Marquette University. Bishop Perry is currently episcopal vicar for Vicariate VI.

Mr. Tom Quinlan is the director of the Religious Education Office for the Diocese of Joliet. Tom holds masters of divinity. He worked at the Office for Catechesis in the Archdiocese.

Ms. Elsie Radtke director of School for Marriage and associate director of the Family Ministries Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago, she is a relationship coach and speaks on topics related to couples and individuals seeking successful, long term relationships.

Fr. Bob Rohrich is a marriage/family therapist, and has been a teacher of Christian morality and sexuality for over 25 years. He is involved in parish missions and works extensively with the engaged, married, separated and divorced.

Mr. Gary Riebe-Estrella is associate professor of practical theology and Hispanic ministry. Gary treats traditional theological themes and questions of theological methods from within the experience of the U.S. Hispanic community.

Mr. David Ryan is the president of Gray Matters, Ltd., a consulting firm that helps services companies accelerate and optimize their revenue/business development operations. He directed the 150th anniversary celebration for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Ms. Kristin Sadie has been a Pastoral Associate and Director of Young Adult Ministry at Holy Name Cathedral for the past six years. Previously, she worked with graduate students while pursuing masters of divinity from the University of Notre Dame.

Eric Scheidler is a Catholic “re-vert” committed to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Church’s views on marriage and sexuality. Eric is the vice-president of The Gift Foundation, promoting the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage and the family.

Mr. Steve Smith is a full time doctoral student in New Testament at Loyola University. Steve grew up Catholic, then spent nearly a decade in leadership training at Willow Creek. While director of YAM at Holy Family Church, he created E.P.I.C.

Fr. Michael Sparough is a storyteller, writer, director and spiritual director. He holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and a Doctor of Ministry from St. Mary of the Lake. He is the Director of Charis Ministries -- an outreach and evangelization ministry to young adults.

Ms. Angela Swain is a candidate for the Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work degrees from Catholic Theological Union and the University of Chicago's School for Social Service Administration, respectively.

Mr. Eric Styles holds a BFA in Electronic Media from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and was the liturgy coordinator at St. Benedict the African (East) Parish.

Ms. Sarah Tardiff earned her bachelors in sociology from the University of Notre Dame and elementary education certification. Currently, she is the campus minister and a member of the theology department at St. Scholastica Academy in Chicago.

Fr. Michael Wanda was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1991. He is an associate pastor at Mary Seat of Wisdom and was the associate pastor at St. Louise de Marillac in LaGrange Park.

Mr. Jim Warda has written for the Chicago Tribune, the Crossroad Center’s and “Disney” Magazine. He is a member of the Chicken Soul for the soul speaker. He offers workshops for people who are busy and stressed and for those looking to rediscover their passion and purpose.

Ms. Annie Waugh is a Catholic recording artist who lives in Bolingbrook with her three children. It has been said, and you will hear, that Annie has one of the most powerful and soulful voices in Christian music today.

Ms. Vanessa White is the director of the Augustus Tolton pastoral ministry program at CTU. Vanessa was the retreat director at LaSalle Manor Retreat center as well as co-director of the Claretian Volunteer and Lay Missionary Program.

Ms. Todd Williamson is the Director for the Office for Divine Worship with the Archdiocese of Chicago. He is an author and presenter in the areas of liturgy and sacraments, and has ministered in the Archdiocese of Chicago teaching religion and theology.