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Convention Online Videos
Regnum Christi Convention Online Videos
(Note: Sorry we had audio trouble at the beginning so the first 3 minutes are silent)
Father John Connor is the Territorial Director of the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi in North America. Before entering the seminary, he graduated from Loyola University in Maryland with a degree in finance. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2001, after earning a degree from the Center for Humanities and Sciences in Salamanca, Spain, and degrees in philosophy and theology from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome. In 2003, he helped found the Lumen Institute, whose purpose is to further enhance the character, faith, and leadership skills of today’s business and cultural leaders and their families. From 2003 – 2010 Father Connor served as the Regnum Christi director for the greater New York metropolitan region. He has served in a variety of areas, including retreat director, spiritual director, development director and Lumen Institute chaplain.
Drop in on Mary Williams’ life on any given day and you may find her at her desk working, pounding out some miles with the cross country/track teams she coaches, studying at a coffee shop, enjoying a glass of wine with friends, reading a good book, or off traveling to visit friends and explore unknown places. Mary has worked at Everest Collegiate High School and Academy in Clarkston, Michigan for the past seven years, where she recently swapped out her responsibilities in their International Program for her current role as Advancement Administrator. She will complete her MS in psychology from Divine Mercy University this August which complements her previously earned BA in mathematics/secondary education and MA in educational leadership.
Father Shawn Aaron is the oldest of four children and hails from Modesto, CA. He entered the Legion in 1991. On December 24, 2002, he was ordained a priest. He has degrees in philosophy and theology from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy. He currently serves on the Legion’s territorial council and helps Father John Connor care for the religious life of the Legionary communities in the North American Territory. Father Shawn resides at St. Peter’s parish in Yonkers, NY.
After completing university studies in philosophy and then working as a paralegal, Nancy Nohrden consecrated her life to God in the Regnum Christi Movement in 1998. As a consecrated woman, Nancy also earned degrees in Education & Development from the Anahuac University, and Religious & Pastoral Studies from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum. Her ministry with families, youth and in Regnum Christi schools has brought her to Rhode Island, Missouri, Georgia and Germany. Nancy has been serving as territorial director for the consecrated women in the North American territory since 2012.
Originally from Minnesota, Maria has been consecrated in Regnum Christi for sixteen years. She has her bachelors in Education and Development from the Anahuac University in Mexico and her masters in Pastoral Sciences from Regina Apostolorum in Rome. Maria has served in youth work and schools all over the United States for over 10 years in different roles from teaching, to school administration, to youth mentor to national trainer and speaker. Her hobbies include puzzles, biking, reading and spending time in nature. Currently Maria does youth work and young adult ministry in the Ohio Valley area and for National ECYD. She also serves as a Youth Work Support Team Leader. She enjoys working with young people and accompanying them to an experience of Jesus Christ.
Mike Williams and his wife Lisa recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They have one son, Michael, who with his wife Jessica, is expecting their first baby in July. Mike became a member of ECYD in 1977 and Regnum Christi in 1980. He served as a team leader, secretary and group leader of the men’s section in Michigan.
In 1997 Mike and his family moved to Connecticut where he served on the team of the territorial director, assisting with Regnum Christi sections and apostolates. In 2005 they moved to Atlanta where he helped found and lead the national office of Mission Network.
Since 2010 Mike has worked in marriage apostolates and has participated on his parish’s RCIA team. He also serves as a spiritual guide and team leader in the Atlanta men’s section. Since August of 2014 he has served on the Regnum Christi Territorial Committee for North America.
Father John Pietropaoli was born in Malone, New York. After two years of university studies, he entered the Novitiate of the Legionaries of Christ in Cheshire, Connecticut, in September of 2000.
Following his religious profession in August of 2002, he studied Classical Humanities in Cheshire and Philosophy in Rome, Italy. He subsequently spent several years in Thornwood, New York, in a ministry internship and began his theology studies there in 2009.
In 2011 he returned to Rome to finish his studies and was ordained a priest on December 15, 2012. He completed a Licentiate in Spiritual Theology at Rome’s Regina Apostolorum University. Father John is currently serving as the chaplain at Divine Mercy University in Arlington, Virginia.
Jeff and Donna have been married for 29 years. They have four adult children Katie, Chris, Aly and Zach.
Jeff has been a member of Regnum Christi since 1999. He is currently Section Director and a team leader. He has led summer camps, the Leadership Training Program and Conquest. He has also been on mission trips to Mexico and Haiti. Jeff runs the Garrett Bed, Breakfast and Sometimes Dinner along with Donna. Their home is an open door to the Legion, theconsecrated women and other members of Regnum Christi that travel through Omaha. They are known for great steak, good wine, bourbon and the man cave.
Jeff is currently an Executive Business Coach, Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and Business Consultant. He has been in the corporate world for over 30 years, specializing in the mortgage banking industry.
Donna holds a BSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a Certificate in Biblical Studies from the Omaha/Denver Biblical School. She is a parishioner of St Stephen the Martyr, a long-time instructor in the Adult Education department and currently serves on the Archbishop’s Committee for Development. She created and hosts “Fountains of Grace, Discussions on Contemporary Spiritual Classics,” a radio broadcast program. How We Roll: Team Life for Men and Women – Donna & Jeff Garrett (Continued) Donna’s 18 years in the Regnum Christi Movement include experience as a facilitator for Familia, a Challenge Club formator, Challenge Club president, Youth and VAC (Vocation Action Circle) coordinator, Section Assistant and Section Director of Nebraska. For 11 years, she has served as a lay spiritual guide for the Omaha section and currently serves the Heartland Locality as LCA. She also serves on the Regnum Christi Territorial Committee.
Donna is an avid reader. Her favorite books include “Interior Freedom” by Jacques Philippe and numerous scripture commentaries. She likes red wine, the Red Sox and traveling with her husband. She recently spent a week with Mission Youth in Haiti and went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Janet Lees was born, raised and resides in Cincinnati, has been happily married to Tim for 33 years. They have seven children and six grandchildren here on earth and one living with Jesus in heaven.
Tim and Janet have their own physical therapy practice where she works very part time because most of her days are spent doing spiritual guidance or enjoying the kids and grandkids. (In the late 90’s Janet received training in spiritual guidance — not necessarily to do that as a ministry but to assist her in being a good wife, mom and friend — because listening is her passion. But God had other plans.)
After finishing Familia, Janet joined Regnum Christi in 2003. She has served as a team leader, Familia trainer, ECYD auxiliary, and group leader. She serves as coordinator of the spiritual guides and their monthly formation in her section with Father Matthew Summe LC. She also serves as Section Assistant.
Brian and Valerie have been blessed with seven children, and have been married for over 18 years.
Brian has a career as a Family Physician, and currently has a full-time practice with hospital privileges in a rural setting. Before graduating with a Doctor of Medicine degree, he obtained an Honors degree in Physiology, both at the University of Alberta. After his conversion back to the Catholic faith, he began actively serving the Church in 1998. During four years of full-time ministry associated with the John Paul II Bible College and Behold the Lamb Ministries, he launched several backpacking expeditions called Catholic Adventure Ministries. While attending college, he incorporated into Regnum Christi, and became the Regional Coordinator for the ConQuest Boys’ Clubs in Alberta. In 2003 he launched Camp Rivendell, which would later become known as Arcātheos. Brian takes his calling as a Catholic and Regnum Christi member very seriously. His dedication to the apostolate of Arcātheos comes from a sincere desire to help form young men in the faith. Those close to him appreciate his exquisite attention to detail in all areas of his life.
Valerie has desired for many years to help young people experience God’s love, and acquire a deeper knowledge of the Catholic faith. While growing up, she led music in her parish for ten years. As a young adult, she obtained a certificate in sacred studies at John Paul II Bible School and traveled for a year with NET Ministries. During this time, she helped run retreats for youth all over America.
Within Regnum Christi, Valerie has served on the AFIRE team, Familia, a women’s team leader, and continues to serve as a spiritual guide. After seeing the success of Arcātheos over the first eight years, she saw the growing need to answer the desire girls were expressing to have an adventure camp of their own. In 2010 she founded Captivenia and gathered a team of talented young women and mothers. They have endeavored to help girls discover God’s love and the gift of the feminine genius (as taught by John Paul II).
Developing a Culture of Generosity: A Model of Stewardship – Jeff and Val Sprague
Residents of Greenwich, Connecticut, Jeff and Val have been married 28 years. They are the parents of two daughters and are active parishioners of the Church of St. Patrick’s in Armonk, New York. Jeff and Val Sprague are active apostles through their work with Regnum Christi and their local church.
They incorporated into Regnum Christi in November 2013. Val and Jeff work on the apostolate of fundraising.
Jeff is Founder and Managing Partner of Vertical Research Partners, an independent equity research and consulting firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. He recently completed a three-year term as Regnum Christi Local Director for the NY Tri-State area. Jeff currently
serves as chair of the Finance Committee for the NY Tri-State locality and is a member of the RCLC. Jeff’s personal apostolic work focuses on evangelizing men in the workplace though apostolates such as Holy Happy Hour (H3).
Val has served as a Regnum Christi Section Assistant. She is a Spiritual Guide and a Walking With Purpose team leader. Val co-founded The Children’s Hope Chest, a non-profit, which supports youth become actively involved in helping children who suffer from poverty, neglect, abuse and hunger. She is a member of her parish counsel, works with a parish team to lead on social ministry, leads the RCIA program and assists her pastor with various initiatives. Val is also a Eucharistic minister and lector.
In 2016, Jeff and Val received the Graymoor Award from the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement for their devotion to serving the Lord and promulgating Catholic values in both their personal and work lives.
As a team, Jeff and Val are involved in the Regnum Christi couples apostolate (C4) which endeavors to help build strong Catholic marriages and to bring married couples closer to Christ. This work includes personal and group accompaniment, as well as facilitating retreats with the Legionaries of Christ.
The Mighty Millennials – Gail Gore
Gail Gore is the Director of Marketing and Communications for Regnum Christi and the Legionaries of Christ. She’s also a wife and small business owner, serving as Chief Problem Solver at her communications and marketing company Sierra Miller Marketing, LLC.
Gail has worked on traditional and digital strategies for some of the most well-known brands in the world like Coca-Cola, Puma and Tata Motors, to name a few. Most recently she was the Vice President of an international Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality company headquartered in the greater Milwaukee area. Prior to that, she worked for one of the largest, most diversified, communications and media companies in the world, Hearst Communications and in earlier years owned a financial services practice while simultaneously starting a communications and marketing business.
Gail is an avid travel enthusiast, was a collegiate soccer player, and has spent countless hours over the past fifteen years serving her community. She’s lead communications, marketing and fundraising committees for the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House Charities to name a few. She also served as Vice President for onsite fundraising for Yacht Blast for Kids, benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation and on the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Burlington, VT.
Gail is an alumna of Boston University where she earned a Master of Science in International Marketing Management. She also possesses a Bachelor of Science in International Business and an Associate of Science in Business Management.
The Positive Culture of Regnum Christi- Fr John Paul Duran
Fr John Paul Durán was born in Tucson, Arizona to Colombian parents and grew up in Bogotá, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Atlanta. He entered the Legionaries of Christ in 1998, and was ordained a priest on December 12, 2011. His pastoral formation included serving as a seminary formator in both Spain and Rome, leading youth groups in the US and Spain, and preaching missions in Colombia, Mexico and Fiji. He served four years as Vice Rector of Legion of Christ College in Cheshire, Connecticut, and is currently President of Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center and Director of the Women’s Section in Washington DC.
Judy Guilfoil is the wife of 45 beautiful years to Bill Guilfoil and mother of Shannon (40), Jessica (36) and Meghan (32) and grandmother of 13 wonderful grandchildren. She graduated in Art Education, moved to Atlanta in 1984 and was co-founder of MAGNIFICAT MEALS for WOMEN, CARMEL RETREAT CENTER, PINECREST ACADEMY, PrK-12 and the founding of RC here is Atlanta. Judy currently serves in her parish at the Good Shepherd in Cumming, Georgie having established the parish ministry of WALKING WITH PURPOSE. She is currently a Spiritual Guide for RC women and has a deep, love and commitment to women discovering their feminine genius.
Margaret Matthews is currently the Formation Director at Clear Water Academy in Calgary, Canada. Prior to her role as Formation Director, Margaret spent 10 years as Admissions and Development Director, overseeing communications, admissions and fundraising. She works on the RCLC in Calgary supporting communications and fundraising. Margaret has been a Regnum Christi member for over 15 years and is incredibly grateful to God for the movement and all that He has done in her life through it! Margaret and her husband Millard, also a Regnum Christi member, have two children, both of whom attended Clear Water Academy and are now in University.
Download the Powerpoint from Margaret Matthews
Jeannine Backstrom has been married for 34 years to her husband, Gregg and together they have 5 children, two daughters in law, a son in law and 7 grandchildren. For Jeannine and her family service in the area of marriage and family have been a primary focus of their family’s missionary outreach for the past 22 years. Initially, Jeannine supported Familia teams and facilitators locally as a trainer and program coordinator. As Familia grew nationally, she worked as the Assistant to the National Directors for 11 years assisting in the establishment and support of other branches across the country. Jeannine also served as President of the Challenge Clubs of Minnesota for 3 years and Executive Director of Regnum Christi St Paul & Minneapolis for 6 years. She is a marriage mentor, former RCIA Team member and Adult Formation Speaker at her parish, St Albert’s Catholic Church, in Albertville. In April 2012 Jeannine joined the founding members of the Board of Directors of Cana Family Institute as its President and Executive Director. She plans to finish a master of science in psychology from Divine Mercy University, loves to cook and travel with her husband and family.