2020 Team
Noelle Mering is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and a scholar at the Institute for Human Ecology. She is the author of the book Awake, Not Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive Ideology, co-author of the Theology of Home book series, and editor at TheologyofHome.com. Noelle has an MA in philosophy from Franciscan University. She resides in Southern California and is a wife and a mother of six children.
John Beaulieu has worked in the Christian Outreach Office of Franciscan University since 2003 and serves as the director of Evangelization and Engagement. A graduate of Franciscan University, John has served in ministry for over 30 years. He spent 2 years serving with NET and 19 years as a parish youth minister. A regular speaker at parish and diocesan events, John addresses topics such as Life in the Spirit, media and teen culture, and Catholic evangelization. John and his wife, Lisa, live in Steubenville with their five children.
Dave VanVickle fell in love with the Lord at the age of 14 and has dedicated his life to bringing others into a radical relationship with Christ. He is a popular speaker and retreat leader who presents on topics related to spiritual warfare, the universal call to holiness, and authentic Catholic spirituality. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville and has years of experience assisting priests with their ministries of deliverance and exorcism. He is also co-host of the popular Ascension podcast “Every Knee Shall Bow.” Dave resides in Pittsburgh with his five children: Sam, Max, Judah, Josie, and Louisa.
Dr. John Bergsma is a professor of theology at Franciscan University and served as a Protestant pastor for four years before entering the Catholic Church in 2001. Dr. Bergsma holds a PhD in theology from the University of Notre Dame, where he specialized in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls. He has authored over a dozen books on Scripture and the Catholic faith, including Bible Basics for Catholics, Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls, and A Catholic Introduction to the Bible. He speaks regularly on Catholic radio and at conferences and parishes nationally and internationally. He and his wife, Dawn, reside with their eight children in the Steubenville area.
Father Louis Merosne is madly in love with the Trinity, the Blessed Mother, and the Catholic Church. Born in Haiti, he moved to Boston in 1993. He studied at the Franciscan University (undergraduate French, philosophy, and theology from 2002 to 2005 and graduate theology and Christian ministry from 2005 to 2007). Ordained in 2011, he now serves in Haiti in the Diocese of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne under Bishop Pierre-André Dumas. Preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ is both a duty and passion for him. His perpetual prayer intention is to be a saintly priest.
Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat is an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York. Growing up in Manhattan, he learned to speak three languages: English, Spanish, and Street. He loves ministering the sacraments: celebrating the holy sacrifice of the Mass, hearing confessions, and proclaiming the Word of God. He loves working with youth and helping them encounter Christ. Bishop J enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as playing softball, basketball, tennis and golf. He also enjoys watching movies, writing poetry, and rapping. Bishop J is also the founder of the ministry Messengers of Christ.
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2019. The well-known Catholic speaker and author received his bachelor’s from Franciscan University, then earned an MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. A member of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, he was ordained a priest in 1996. He served in leadership positions at Franciscan University including as vice president for Mission and Planning. He also served as director of the TOR’s Post-Novitiate Formation and most recently directed the TOR’s evangelistic outreach Franciscan Pathways.
Deacon Bob Rice lives in the Diocese of Steubenville with his wife, Jennifer, and seven children. He is a professor of catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he teaches courses on Scripture, youth ministry, and music ministry. He travels around the country preaching about Jesus and leading worship. He also does a weekly podcast with Franciscan University President Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, called “They That Hope.” Learn more about him at deaconbobrice.com.
