Category: Team Northwest

2020 Youth Conferences

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Sarah Swafford

Sarah Swafford is the founder of Emotional Virtue Ministries. She speaks internationally on faith, relationships, and interior confidence to audiences of all ages at school assemblies, retreats, rallies, parishes, and conferences. She is the author of Emotional Virtue: A Guide to Drama-Free Relationships and cohost of EWTN’s At the Heart of Relationships. Sarah is a contributor to Chosen and What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith, both published by Ascension. She resides in Atchison, Kansas, with her husband, Dr. Andrew Swafford, and their five children. Learn more about Sarah and Emotional Virtue Ministries at theswaffords.com.

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Nic Frank

Nic Frank has been reaching youth and young adults all around the country for over a decade. He has worked in large and small parish communities, sharing the Gospel and walking with people as they enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. He lives in the Chicagoland area with his amazing wife, Carolyn, and five kids. In his downtime, you can find him arguing over the correct pronunciation of the word “gif.”

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Fr. Leo Patalinghug

Father Leo Patalinghug is a priest member of a community of consecrated life called Voluntas Dei. He founded PlatingGrace.com, an international apostolate connecting food and faith. He’s an internationally renowned speaker, best- selling author, TV and radio host, and a theological and cultural contributor to the media. Father Leo’s unique background as a martial arts instructor and former breakdancer helps him connect with people of all backgrounds. In addition, he has appeared on The Food Network, where he won Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Father Leo uses food, faith, and fun to bring people closer to the Lord’s Table.

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Dcn. Bob Rice

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.

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Ben Walther

After producing two albums as an independent Christian musician, Ben Walther joined the Oregon Catholic Press family and released his album Make Your Home in Me in 2013. It debuted at No. 12 on the iTunes Christian charts. In June 2016 he released Ablaze, again partnering with OCP. A graduate of Franciscan University, Ben is honored to serve the Walsh University community as the director of Campus Ministry. He completed his master’s degree in theology and spiritual direction training through Franciscan University. He and his family live in North Canton, Ohio.