Bob Rice desires to share the love of God using every talent he has been blessed with. He is an Assistant Professor of Catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, and he ministers to over twenty thousand people each year by hosting conferences, giving talks, teaching workshops, leading worship, and performing original music. He has written numerous articles, has a popular blog, and just released his first novel, "Between the Savior and the Sea," which tells the Gospel story from Simon Peter's point of view. Bob's creative use of humor, personal stories, and extensive knowledge of the Faith have made him an internationally sought after speaker for people of all ages. He lives in Steubenville with his wife Jennifer and six children. You can find out more about him at bob-rice.com.Speakers:
Dr. Jerry Galipeau is Associate Publisher at World Library Publications, the music and liturgy division of J.S. Paluch Company, in Franklin Park, Illinois. Jerry presents keynotes and workshops throughout the United States and Canada on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, liturgical spirituality, ritual music, evangelization, and adult spiritual formation. He earned the Doctor of Ministry with a concentration in liturgical studies from Catholic Theological Union at Chicago in 1999. Jerry also has a blog, Gotta Sing Gotta Pray, in which he shares reflections on current events in the Church, including a focus on the upcoming Translation of the Roman Missal. 
Fr. Robert Lombardo, C.F.R., a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, has received degrees from the University of Notre Dame, the Maryknoll School of Theology and Iona College. He has held various ministry and mission positions, working with both the youth and the homeless. He has served as a member of the Franciscan Friars Preaching Team and the Vicar of St. Crispin's Friary. He also served as his community's Vicar for 3 years. He has served as a Board member for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, and is presently the Director of the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in Chicago, a member of the Priest Advisory Board for the Respect Life Office in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and a Board member for the Institute on Religious Life. Father Robert has been the recipient of several awards including the Thomas Dooley Award from the University of Notre Dame, being named Notre Dame New York Club's "Man of the Year," and the Notre Dame Chicago Club-Fr. Don McNeill Award for Exemplary Service. 
Sr. Mary Rose Bratlien, T.O.R., a Franciscan Sister T.O.R. of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother, has received degrees from Franciscan University of Steubenville and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. In her community she has served as Sister Servant of Vocations, Sister Servant of Postulants, Sister Servant of Novices, and local Sister Servant of their Formation House. For the last 7 years she has been serving at Franciscan University of Steubenville as Assistant Director of Evangelization.
Msgr. James Turro - Monsignor James Turro has received degrees from Seton Hall University, NYU, Catholic University and the Pontifical Biblical Institute. He has served as visiting professor at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Dunwoodie Seminary, LaSalle University and St. John's University in Jamaica. He has given retreats and Scripture workshops for various Religious Communities of women and to priests of 10 archdioceses and dioceses. He has published Reflections, Path to Prayer and Conversion: Reflections on Life and Faith. He has also published articles in publications such as Paulist Press and monthly articles on Sunday readings in MAGNIFICAT. Presently, he serves as a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark and Professor Emeritus of N.T. Studies: Seminary/Seton Hall.
Sr. Anne Bryan Smollin, CSJ, Ph.D. -A Sister of St. Joseph- therapist and group facilitator- lecturer and consultant. Sr. Anne is an international speaker on topics such as humor, laughter, joy, stress, interpersonal relationships, communication and motivation. She has made presentations throughout the United States, Hawaii, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. She is Executive Director of Counseling for Laity, and presently a member of the Board of Trustees for the College of St. Rose, President of the Board of Clowns on Rounds, and Committee member of the Chairman's Circle- Northeast Health. Sr. Anne has received degrees from Walden University, the SUNY Albany, and the College of Saint Rose. She is the author of TICKLE YOUR SOUL: Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often, GOD KNOWS YOU'RE STRESSED: Simple Ways to Restore Your Balance, LIVE, LAUGH AND BE BLESSED: Finding Humor and Holiness in Everyday Moments, WINGS FOR THE SOUL: 99 Sayings on Happiness, and MAKING EACH MOMENT COUNT: 21 Reflections on a Fulfilled Life. 
Sr. Peter Lillian DiMaria, O.Carm. BA, LNHA, DCP has been the Director of the Avila Institute of Gerontology in Germantown, New York since January 1997. The Avila Institute is an education arm of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm. The Institute creates opportunities for individuals to share experiences and knowledge regarding their work with the aged and contributes to the field of gerontology through workshops, publications and studies. She has lectured many times on Alzheimer's Disease, Palliative Care, Geriatric Spiritual Care, Family Care Issues, Stress Reduction and Team Building. Sr. Peter has developed successful Dementia Care Programs, Dementia Care Curriculums and assisted in developing a Palliative Care Resource Manual that is specific for Geriatric Care.
Nate and Christa Krakowski are currently living outside of South Bend, IN. They studied at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio where Christa received a B.A. in Theology and Catechetics and a minor in Human Life Studies. Nate works in information technology and is studying Computer Science. Christa is a nanny and substitute teacher for the Diocese of Fort-Wayne South Bend. They are currently on core team for the local Antioch youth ministry program and are active members of their parish. They are expecting a new addition to their family in July of 2011!
Fr. John F. Russell, O. Carm. was born in Springfied, MA and made profession of vows with the Carmelites in 1954. He studied theology in Rome and obtained an S.T.L. degree at the Lateran University. After teaching in a Carmelite high school in Mundelein, IL for several years, he went to the Catholic University of America and earned a doctorate in sacred theology with specialization in systematic theology. He then taught at Immaculate Conception Seminary, the graduate school of theology for Seton Hall University, for 28 years. For 5 years he was also the Spiritual Director of the seminary. He has published in many Catholic journals, e.g., Spiritual Life, Studies in Spirituality, the Downside Review, America, Church, Review for Religious etc. He has published a book entitled A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ and St. Therese of Lisieux with Christus Publishing, Wellesley, MA. Pope Benedict XVI awarded the "benemerenti" medal to Fr. Russell in Spring 2009.