UPCOMING SPEAKERS
At the Holy Family Fests
2024 HOLY FAMILY FEST SPEAKERS
Featured Speakers for Adults
Connor Gallagher
Speaking July 6-12
Conor Gallagher is the CEO of TAN Books. He is the Executive Director of the Benedict Leadership Institute at Belmont Abbey College, and also on the Board of Trustees for Belmont Abbey College. He is a Board Member at Saint Joseph College Seminary for the Diocese of Charlotte. He is the author of “If Aristotle’s Kid Had an iPod: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Parents”, “Still Amidst the Storm: A Family Man’s Search for Peace in an Anxious World”, “Parenting for Eternity”, and he has a series of shorter books coming out, including “You Are Never Too Busy” and “You Have Only One Problem”. He and his wife Ashley are the parents of fifteen children.
Abby Johnson
Speaking June 8-14
All Abby Johnson ever wanted to do was help women. Her passion surrounding a woman’s right to choose even led her to become a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood, fighting to enact legislation for the cause she so deeply believed in. However, she experienced a “change of heart” while participating in an ultrasound-guided abortion procedure. Today, Abby travels across the globe sharing her story, educating the public on pro-life issues, advocating for the unborn, and reaching out to abortion clinic staff who still work in the industry. The media continues to be interested in Abby’s story as well as her continued efforts to advocate for the unborn and help clinic workers escape the abortion industry. She is a frequently requested guest on Fox News and a variety of other shows. She also the author of the nationally best-selling book, Unplanned, which chronicles both her experiences within Planned Parenthood and her dramatic exit. The movie adaption Unplanned the Movie was released in the spring of 2019.
Michael Gormley
Speaking August 3-9
Married to his college sweetheart and father to four children, Mike balances his full-time parish work with speaking and traveling. In evangelization and discipleship training, his main task is bent toward unifying personal faith with a sacramental and biblical worldview. If Christ is truly present in the Eucharist of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, then that summit of Christian faith has to be found in every inch of Scripture. And it is. Leading parish missions, youth conferences, and diocesan events, Mike Gormley helps Catholics find Jesus Christ and make Him alone the Lord of their lives.
Dr. Ian Murphy
Speaking June 8-14, June 15-21, July 27-August 2, August 3-9
Dr. Ian Murphy left his Baptist church position as head pastor to enter the Catholic Church in 2004. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon, Ian also earned an M.A. in theology in Texas and completed the Ph.D. in systematic theology at Duquesne University, defending his dissertation on the New Evangelization in the United States. In addition to working as a full time professor at Rosemont College, Murphy has taught a range of courses in world religions, comparative religious studies, Catholic thought, Christian spirituality, and Biblical studies for Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Penn State, and Duquesne. He recently published both installments of a two-part series on Marian Consecration. Ian is the author of “Dying to Live,” which shares the story of his conversion to Catholicism.
Megan Murphy
Speaking June 15 – 21, June 29 – July 5
Megan Murphy is a dynamic Catholic speaker, teacher, and evangelist engaging audiences of all ages in the New Evangelization. She is featured nationally at women’s conferences, retreats, seminaries, universities, and youth and young adult events. She serves her home parish as the Youth Minister. Megan teaches Theology of the Body, and has been instructing couples in St. John Paul II’s teaching since 2006. She has been a certified Natural Family Planning instructor for over twenty five years. She hails from Dunmore, Pa where she lives with her husband Neal. They have four beautiful daughters. You can find her on Facebook at Megan Murphy Ministries or on her website at www.meganmurphyministries.com
Patrick Novecosky
Speaking July 6-12
With more than 25 years’ experience in Catholic communications, Patrick Novecosky has assembled a team of experts to bring life to Catholic organizations’ communications efforts. Patrick founded NovaMedia in 2016 to meet a growing need for professional, high-quality marketing for Catholic leaders. As Legatus’ Publications Director for 12 years, he transformed the organization’s marketing, media relations, and PR efforts, achieving national media coverage for the now well-known membership organization for Catholic business leaders. As one of America’s most accomplished young Catholic communicators, he is the winner of more than two dozen awards from the Catholic Press Association of the United States. Patrick has written for some of America’s top Catholic publications, including the National Catholic Register, Fox News, Our Sunday Visitor, and Catholic Digest. His work has been published in five languages.
Steve Weidenkopf
Speaking June 29-July 5, July 13-19
Steve Weidenkopf is a Lecturer in Church History at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology in Alexandria, Virginia. He has given numerous presentations and seminars on Church History, marriage and family life, human sexuality, and theology throughout the U.S. and Canada. He served as the Director of the Office of Marriage & Family Life for the Archdiocese of Denver (2001 – 2004) and as an advisor to Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. and was an instructor at the Our Lady of the New Advent Catechetical Institute.
Featured Speakers for Youth
Fr. Joseph Gill
Speaking July 6-12
Originally from Maryland, Fr. Joseph Gill was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT in 2013. He has served in parish ministry and as a high school chaplain. Since 2021, he has served as the Pastor of St. Jude Parish in Monroe, CT, and teaches theology at a classical Catholic School, the Cardinal Kung Academy, in Stamford, CT. A graduate of Franciscan University and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Fr. Gill grew up attending Holy Family Fests at CFL and is overjoyed to be speaking at a Fest this year. He enjoys sports and the outdoors, and has a deep passion for helping young people encounter a relationship with the Lord Jesus through their Catholic Faith. He has published two novels (the latest one, “The Shores of Heaven”, tells the story of four early-Church martyrs – available on Amazon.com) and four albums of Christian folk-rock music (available on iTunes and Spotify). Ad majorem Dei gloriam!
Fr. Allen Hoffa
Speaking June 29 – July 5
Fr. Allen Joseph Hoffa was born June 4, 1983. Fr. Hoffa graduated from St. Catharine of Siena School, Reading, PA in 1997 and moved on to Reading Central Catholic High School. In High School Fr. Hoffa was a 3 sport athlete participating as a member of the Football, Basketball, and Track and Field Teams. Fr. Hoffa moved on to attend Albright College in the fall of 2001 and was a part of the 2001 Albright College Football Team. In the Fall of 2002 Fr Hoffa entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia for studies for the Roman Catholic Priesthood. Fr. Hoffa currently serves as Pastor of Holy Guardian Angels Parish in Reading after being appointed by Bishop Schert on June 15, 2021. Additionally, Fr. Hoffa serves as an Episcopal Master of Ceremonies and is the Chair of the Diocese of Allentown’s Lumen Christi Commission, a ministry focused on the evil of pornography in the world. Fr. Hoffa also works in this same ministry on a national level with Integrity Restored.
Art Bamert, Jr.
Speaking July 13-19, August 3-9
Art Bamert, Jr. has worked with young people since 1990 in various capacities as a volunteer and paid Catholic youth minister. Art has authored numerous articles, ministry materials, and prayers for Catholic youth. Art speaks to youth and adults on a variety of topics as well as planning and running retreats. In 2019 he founded Pierced Heart Productions, his very own film company dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary and hopes to work on projects to help tell the stories of our beautiful Catholic faith. Art has been married for over 32 years to his wife Donna, a Pediatric Oncology nurse. They have two adult children and reside in the beautiful bucolic Borough of Elizabethtown, PA.
Henry Cordonnier
Speaking July 13-19
Henry Cordonnier is an author and speaker from the small town Russia in midwest Ohio. Henry spent several decades as a high school theology teacher at Lehman Catholic high school. Henry’s book My Gospel recounts his conversion story, while his book More Gospel shares stories of faith and Scripture. Henry is passionate about the truth of the Catholic Church and shares his love for the faith through his Youtube channel, his books, and his speaking.
Maggie Craig
Speaking June 29 – July 5, July 6-12
Maggie Craig graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville cum laude with her M.A. in Theology and her B.A. in Catechetics. Equipped with humorous personal stories and dynamic authenticity, Maggie delights in bringing the message of the joys of the Gospel to parishes, schools, youth groups, and college campuses around the country.
Nathan Crankfield
Speaking June 15-21
Nathan Crankfield converted to Catholicism at the age of 13, becoming the first Catholic in his entire family. After graduating from Mount St. Mary’s University, he was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the US Army. Nathan served as a ranger-qualified platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division for four years, including one combat deployment to Afghanistan. After the Army, Nathan has worked for the Church in several different roles in parish and young adult ministry. He is now a Partnership Executive at Hallow and the host of his podcast, Seeking Excellence with Nathan Crankfield. Nathan lives in Denver with his wife, Emily, and their son, Jordan.
John Kinuthia
Speaking July 6-12
John Kinuthia is a Catholic Speaker who grew up in Kenya, with his parents and 6 siblings. John is passionate about sharing the Joy of Christ and telling the story of what God has done in his life. His inspiring and engaging talks are filled with stories from his home country and wisdom learned from his mother and grandfather. John conveys a message of awakening the saint within, cultivating a deeper personal relationship with Jesus, and sharing the Joy of Christ. John and his wife Katie live in the Philadelphia area with their 5 children. He loves reading the wisdom of the saints, hiking with his family, and playing & coaching volleyball. Learn more about John at www.JohnKinuthia.com
Brian Kissinger
Speaking June 8-14, July 13-19, August 3-9
After over a decade in parish youth ministry and seven years working abroad with Franciscan University’s Austrian Program, Brian Kissinger and his family now live in Steubenville. Brian has a passion for sharing the Gospel, emphasizing a message of hope in a culture that has lost its sense of purpose.
David & Noelle McHugh
Speaking June 8-14, June 15-21, August 3-9
Noelle and David have worked in ministry for twenty years. They have served youth, adults, and families. Recently they even started a ministry for families that meets in their Garage! Noelle serves as the Director of Programs for EQSaints. David owns his own company – Percoustix. They live in Oklahoma City and homeschool their six children.
MarySarah Menkhaus
Speaking July 13-19
MarySarah was born and raised in a family of 10 in Cleveland, Ohio and some of her favorite and earliest memories are of attending Holy Family Fests! As a young girl she knew God was calling her to spend her life spreading the Gospel. She credits her time spent serving at CFL on Service Corps in 2013 and Alumni Corps in 2016 to helping train and prepare her for that mission. After graduating from college MarySarah completed the two-year missionary program with the apostolate Damascus. MarySarah now works full-time with them as Worship Coordinator.
Taylor Scroll
Speaking June 8-14, July 27 – Aug. 2
Taylor Schroll is the President of the evangelization and media ministry, Forte Catholic. He is a highly regarded speaker, worship leader, podcaster and producer. He has traveled the country the share the joy of the gospel through his speaking and worship leading for retreats, diocesan conferences and more. He hosts one of the top Catholic podcasts in the world and has helped over 20 other creators launch their podcasts to share the good news online. He lives in Bryan, Tx with his lovely wife Sam and their three children. You can listen to his podcast wherever you enjoy listening and check out his videos on the Forte Catholic YouTube channel.
Kim Zember
Speaking July 27-August 2, August 3-9
Kim Zember is the founder of Overcome Ministries. She is a dynamic speaker and mentor for young adults and adults struggling with same-sex attraction. Through her book, “Restless Hearts: My Struggle with Life & Sexuality” Kim offers encouragement to those seeking peace and joy for their own restless hearts. Kim is passionate about sharing the Good News of the Father’s love for us and our identity in Christ as His children.
Children of Mary Sisters
July 6-12 Children’s Ministry
The Children of Mary Sisters are based in Newark and Cincinnati, Ohio. A semi-contemplative community, the sisters spend their lives adoring Jesus enthroned on the altar, and continuing our adoration of Jesus with acts of love as we work in household duties, outdoor chores, or apostolic work.
School Sisters of Christ the King
Children’s Ministry June 15-21
The School Sisters of Christ the King are based out of Lincoln, Nebraska. They are a community of contemplative/active women religious who belong totally to Jesus Christ the King. The spirit of their community is joyful fidelity to Christ the King. Their charism is manifest in their particular love for the Holy Eucharist and for the priesthood, where Jesus is made present to us both in sacrament and in the person of the priest. They hold a special devotion to Mary our Queen and to the Passion of Christ, our Crucified King, in the spirit of St. Alphonsus Ligouri. The Sisters primarily serve in the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lincoln as principals, full-time classroom teachers, spiritual life and sacramental preparation coordinators, and in other school roles. The goal of their teaching is to prepare the students to be disciples of Christ the King in this world and saints in the Kingdom to come.
Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration
Children’s Ministry June 8-14
The Sisters of St Francis of Perpetual Adoration are based out of Mishawaka, Indiana. Through their charism of perpetual adoration, the sisters adore the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Eucharist, finding there Love and comfort, as well as the source of joy and strength for apostolic service. The Sisters strive to combine the contemplative life with the active through perpetual adoration and the works of mercy in education, healthcare, and other ecclesial ministries.
CATHOLIC FAMILYLAND®
The Holy Family Fests take place at Catholic Familyland®—a place set apart for families and home of the Holy Family of Fatima Prayer Site.
As a pilgrim to these holy grounds, we invite you to let go and let God, so that you can experience His grace in a powerful new way!
~20 minutes from Franciscan University of Steubenville
~45 minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Sponsors
We rely on the generous support of our sponsors to bring amazing, faith-filled experiences to hundreds of families every year.
Financial Assistance
Our “Family to Family” program makes AFC events like the Holy Family Fest accessible to families and individuals facing financial constraints.
Thanks to the generosity of attending families, the program offers discounts on registration and basic lodging costs.
BRING YOUR FAMILY TO CATHOLIC FAMILYLAND®
1
Pick Your Event
Choose a Holy Family Fest event to attend.
2
Register & Pay
Book your stay entirely online.
3
Have the Best Catholic Vacation. Ever.
And return home spiritually nourished and physically rejuvenated.