Going Bananas for Jesus | 2017 Adult Session Presenters
Angel Barrera
Project Coordinator for Youth Ministry Services, Center for Ministry Development
Angel Barrera is a Project Coordinator for Youth Ministry Services. He has over 10 years of experience in ministry with youth and families in parish, campus ministry and diocesan settings. He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Religious Studies from University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. He has served as the Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Brownsville.
Angel is a trainer for YouthLeader as well as an author for Youth Ministry Access. He is an instructor in the Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies Program, teaching the Skills for Christian Ministry Course. His role includes coordinating the Youth Ministry Access program, training in the Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies Program, and sharing in leadership in new efforts to assist youth ministry leaders.
He lives in Mission, Texas with his young family.
Angel Barrera is a Project Coordinator for Youth Ministry Services. He has over 10 years of experience in ministry with youth and families in parish, campus ministry and diocesan settings. He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Religious Studies from University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. He has served as the Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Brownsville.
Angel is a trainer for YouthLeader as well as an author for Youth Ministry Access. He is an instructor in the Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies Program, teaching the Skills for Christian Ministry Course. His role includes coordinating the Youth Ministry Access program, training in the Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies Program, and sharing in leadership in new efforts to assist youth ministry leaders.
He lives in Mission, Texas with his young family.
Missonary Benedictine Sisters
The fundamental characteristic of our way of life is seeking God in community. Our common life finds expression in praying and working together, in sharing our goods, both material and spiritual, and in mutual service, support and encouragement. In the United States, our priory center is Immaculata Monastery & Spirituality Center in Norfolk, Nebraska. For over 1500 years, the Rule of Benedict has served as a guide for ordinary men and women who want to live a full Gospel life. We were founded in Tutzing, Germany, in 1885, coming to the US to serve German immigrants in 1923. The missionary identity of our world-wide congregation is easily seen in the cultural diversity among us. Sisters from multiple different countries call the Norfolk Priory home. - See more at: http://www.mbsmissionaries.org/mbs-usa/communitylife/#sthash.itqIEclL.dpuf
Dominic Catalano
Top CAT, CATgear
Brimming with energy, a very quick wit, and a passion for living the authentic life, Dominic Catalano brings excitement, humor and purpose to Catholic evangelism. A Central Florida native, Dominic graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1990 and travelled the world for over seven years before returning home. Since 1997, he has ministered to all ages, especially youth and young adults, through youth ministry, confirmation and high school retreats, and speaking engagements throughout the country. In 2004, Dominic started CATprints to publish a variety of books and calendars. Besides completing his Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center for Ministry Development, Dominic has officiated hundreds of basketball games from the YMCA to the college level. He enjoys spending time traveling, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.
Brimming with energy, a very quick wit, and a passion for living the authentic life, Dominic Catalano brings excitement, humor and purpose to Catholic evangelism. A Central Florida native, Dominic graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1990 and travelled the world for over seven years before returning home. Since 1997, he has ministered to all ages, especially youth and young adults, through youth ministry, confirmation and high school retreats, and speaking engagements throughout the country. In 2004, Dominic started CATprints to publish a variety of books and calendars. Besides completing his Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center for Ministry Development, Dominic has officiated hundreds of basketball games from the YMCA to the college level. He enjoys spending time traveling, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.
Colin MacIver
Training Specialist, Ascension Press
Colin MacIver is Ascension Press’s training specialist and one of the lead authors of the TOB Teens Middle School, TOB Teens High School edition and the newest release, YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body studies. Colin MacIver and his wife, Aimee, are the co-authors of the Chosen Parent and Sponsor Guides. He currently teach theology at St. Scholastica Academy in Covington, Louisiana, where he serves as the religion department chair and campus minister. In addition to teaching in Catholic high schools, Colin has also served in various youth ministries for nearly fifteen years. Colin travels nationally and internationally as a team member and speaker for Dumb Ox Ministries, bringing the message of purpose and purity to youth. Colin holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a master's degree in theology from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans. The MacIvers have two children, Leo, and Zelie.
Colin MacIver is Ascension Press’s training specialist and one of the lead authors of the TOB Teens Middle School, TOB Teens High School edition and the newest release, YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body studies. Colin MacIver and his wife, Aimee, are the co-authors of the Chosen Parent and Sponsor Guides. He currently teach theology at St. Scholastica Academy in Covington, Louisiana, where he serves as the religion department chair and campus minister. In addition to teaching in Catholic high schools, Colin has also served in various youth ministries for nearly fifteen years. Colin travels nationally and internationally as a team member and speaker for Dumb Ox Ministries, bringing the message of purpose and purity to youth. Colin holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a master's degree in theology from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans. The MacIvers have two children, Leo, and Zelie.
Fr. Mike McDermott
Fr. Michael McDermott holds a B.A. degree from St. Thomas Seminary, Colorado; an S.T.M. degree from St. Mary's Seminary and University, Maryland; an M.S. degree from Creighton University, Nebraska; and a J.C.L. degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Ordained in 1979 for the Diocese of Grand Island, Fr. McDermott is the pastor of Resurrection Parish as well as the vicar judicial for the diocese. He holds positions on the board of directors and the Institutional Ethics Committee at the St. Francis Medical Center. Fr. McDermott has traveled to Burkina Faso with CRS.
Jaci Palmer
Jaci Palmer is wife of Jay, mother of Jett and Gallup Strengths Finder fanatic. She was a high school teacher who now enjoys serving as a team leader for Thirty-One and being home with her son. She has participated in the Gallup Strengths Summit, numerous talent-oriented leadership programs and has facilitated strengths-based activities in the classroom. She continues to pursue opportunities to be involved in the strengths movement. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education from UNL and her Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from UNK. She has previously held multiple leadership roles in teacher associations and community groups. Jaci and her family are a member of St. Theresa Parish in Ericson, Nebraska.
Brenda Petersen
Dr. Brenda Petersen is the founder of an independent consulting firm specializing in academic achievement and scholarship. Dr. Petersen assists a large client base of Nebraska students who each are working to achieve their own academic potential. It is her goal to empower students of all ages by equipping them with the ability to understand and implement their own learning strengths in both academia and everyday life choices. Dr. Petersen received her Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology, Biology and Chemistry from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She received her M.D. in Pulmonary Medicine and her Ph.D. in Neurophysiology from West Virginia University. She is currently a certified master trainer and spokesperson for The National Council for Behavioral Health’s Mental Health First Aid and the QPR programs, traveling nationwide to build mental health literacy, helping the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of both mental illness, mental health crisis, both of which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Dr. Petersen and her husband Rick have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.