An inside look at the life of 8 Catholic speakers
An inside look at the life of 8 Catholic speakers
You’ve encountered them at your church, on television or YouTube, or listened to their podcasts sharing uplifting narratives about their spiritual journeys.
At times, their names are familiar, bordering on celebrity fame, while at other times, they may be entirely new to you. Yet, here they stand, interpreting Scripture, guiding individuals on how to discern God’s voice, and how to understand Christ. They might perform songs and strum a guitar or tell jokes to help you feel at ease. It could even be an entire group performing together.
They are speakers of the Catholic faith, responsible for organizing youth conferences and marriage initiatives. They address men’s gatherings, women’s assemblies, youth groups, senior citizens, and all demographics in between.
Numerous individuals are balancing their evangelistic efforts with other full-time employment, or perhaps this is their primary vocation. They depart from their families when they hit the road, or occasionally they journey as a couple to share their testimonies collectively.
They can become exhausted from the constant traveling and organizing. They long for their partners and kids. They may even doubt their own significance and ponder why God chose them, an individual so average, to share his message. Yet they agree because God did choose them. Thus, they find themselves in a nearby church, on the journey, or in the studio, disseminating the Good News.
Here are a few of their narratives.
Jon Leonetti: ‘I felt a divine calling to take this path’
Jon Leonetti shares an anecdote regarding an individual inquiring of his spouse, Teresa, how she manages to remain married to a man who is away for travel seven months each year.
“Since he is on the road for seven months annually,” she joked.
It’s closer to 80 days annually, he shared with Our Sunday Visitor, that he conducts around 25 parish programs and five or six men’s conferences across the United States and Canada. The support from his wife, accompanied by her sense of humor, bolsters his mission to spread the gospel.
Leonetti, residing in Des Moines, Iowa, alongside Teresa and their three kids, aged 2, 6, and 9, holds a master’s degree in moral theology and is a well-known Catholic speaker, radio personality, and author of five books. The upside of his demanding schedule is that his other role of coaching entrepreneurs takes place from his home office.
“It definitely isn’t always simple to be apart, but when I’m at home, I’m really at home,” he remarked.
Leonetti aimed for a calling since the fifth grade, but he felt something was absent when he joined the seminary to train as a diocesan priest. Being tied to a parish was not his desire, nor did he find fulfillment in the experiences of the religious orders that he also considered.
“It doesn’t take canonization to be a saint, and holiness isn’t something accidental that happens in one day.” — Jon Leonetti |
In the meantime, he had been delivering presentations to church congregations, and one speaking opportunity resulted in another.
“I sensed it deep within me that God was leading me towards this path,” he stated.
He departed after three and a half years in the seminary, returned home, and established a grilled cheese stall close to a college campus. From 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., he sold sandwiches to students to sustain himself as he broadened his mission.
Leonetti’s central theme in all his efforts is that everyone is destined to be saints, asserting that there is no other significance or goal in life apart from striving to be saints and to dwell with God in heaven for eternity.
“Being a saint doesn’t require canonization, and holiness isn’t a random occurrence that happens overnight,” he remarked. “Consider the lives of the apostles. They certainly didn’t have it figured out. They were flawed and they were sinners, but they had a clear understanding of the vision that encompassed holiness, sanctity, and eternal life with Jesus Christ. The battle to achieve this is genuine. We contend with all the issues that every one of us faces.”
He mentioned that he faces his own difficulties, one of which is relinquishing control.
“For a long time, I believed that if God wished to accompany me, I had tucked Him away in the trunk, but now He’s seated beside me,” he expressed. “What I’m understanding is God’s purpose for me.”
His belief has deepened through his service, and as a family-oriented individual, he can relate to what other partners and caregivers are going through in their experiences.
“It has made me realize that we are all flawed and in need of redemption, regardless of how well we believe others are doing,” he stated, “Everyone is engaged in their own struggle.”
Learn more about Jon Leonetti and his ministry at jonleonetti.com.
Maggie Craig: A ‘community no matter where I am’
Maggie Craig dedicates three out of four weeks each month traveling to spread her passion for Jesus Christ. She mentioned that she is away so often that she needs to keep artificial plants in her Los Angeles apartment since real ones would not thrive.
Her purpose, however, is enriched with vitality and development — for her personal beliefs and for her listeners around the nation. Via Maggie Craig Ministries, she connects with youth “who are in need of fulfillment but are reluctant to acknowledge it,” to elderly individuals who are frequently taken aback that the presenter is merely 10 years removed from high school, and individuals of every age in between.
Craig originated in New Jersey and eventually settled in Ohio. She was brought up in a Christian home brimming with happiness and affection, yet she mentioned that she wasn’t specifically raised as Catholic. During her high school years, she formed friendships and deepened her faith through a nearby Catholic youth group. It was through this group that she learned of Franciscan University, located two hours away in Steubenville.
“I wasn’t aware of their Catholic identity,” she stated.
Upon her arrival, she pursued the study of theology to deepen her understanding of God, and she started organizing retreats, attending camps and conferences, as well as accepting invitations to give speeches.
“My career was happening when I was falling in love with God.” — Maggie Craig |
“My profession was thriving as I was developing a deep affection for God,” she stated.
Craig earned a master’s degree in theology from the institution. She relocated to Los Angeles when numerous speaking requests were arriving from the West Coast.
She has delivered numerous presentations to audiences of various age groups. Older individuals who are doubtful about hearing from someone so youthful are taken aback by her knowledge, message, and passion for her beliefs. Certain young adults who believe that, at 28, she is far too mature come to understand that her experiences resonate with their own, and she conveys them genuinely.
“I find it hard to discuss reconciliation without tearing up,” she expressed. “That is profoundly significant to me and holds me responsible. When I deliver a speech on prayer and I skipped morning prayer due to oversleeping, I must embody my own message. That truly brings it all to life for me.”
When she talks, she mentioned, she aims to be extremely affectionate and approachable with a touch of humor.
“I aim to connect with individuals by sharing a few narratives and helping them feel at ease,” she stated. “When you inform a young person that they are sinning and have to alter their behavior, they won’t heed your words. You can’t be shouting through a megaphone on a street corner and warning them about hell.”
Spending 75% of her time traveling is not always simple. She enjoys remarkable stays when she is welcomed at convents and monasteries. However, the majority of her nights are spent in hotels, and she often relies on suitcases for her belongings. This doesn’t imply that she feels isolated. Regardless of her accommodations, she is passionate about connecting with others and immersing herself in local communities, such as participating in Bible studies or various church events during her visits.
Sustaining friendships can be difficult due to distance and absence; however, Craig remarked, “I have numerous good friends who hold me accountable while I’m traveling. We can connect via FaceTime, so I genuinely don’t experience loneliness. God has blessed me with a community wherever I am.”
More about Maggie Craig can be found at maggie-craig.com.
Chris and Linda Padgett: ‘Our aim was to support families and relationships’
Linda Padgett cannot even tally the number of hurricanes she faced by herself while her family resided in Florida and her spouse, Chris, was away traveling.
Initially, he performed with a Catholic band that secured numerous engagements with youth gatherings. Later, he ventured out on his own, focusing on his music and outreach efforts. As the couple’s lives evolved, his ministry transformed as well when Linda joined him in creating and showcasing new initiatives.
“We aimed to focus on aspects that mattered most to us,” Chris stated. “We intended to assist families and couples in deepening their faith journey. However, we recognized the need to live this ourselves for some time prior to discussing it. By the time our 7th child was on the way, we felt we had valuable insights to share about this.”
The Padgetts reside in Constantia, New York, in a rural environment they refer to as Happy Place Homestead. This couple, who became high school sweethearts, has been married for 31 years and is the proud parent of nine children, ranging in age from 10 to 30.
— Chris Padgett |
“When you talk about ministry, there’s something about allowing Jesus to come into where you are, and ministry should be an overflow from that. How we love each other gives us a firm foundation to share something with others. We are trying to help couples find a balance in both masculinity and femininity and how it comes together in a marriage.”They traveled together once their kids were older, and they also provide virtual programs. Their Center For Holy Marriages online courses offer materials and resources for couples. They additionally host events at Happy Place Homestead.
They offer marriage retreats and pre-Cana preparations for their home diocese of Syracuse, New York, as well as virtual retreats for the Diocese of Newark, New Jersey. Furthermore, Chris provides online instruction with the Catholic Distance University.
Linda dedicated the majority of their married life to managing the household and caring for the children. Along with that, there was all the laundry and numerous other tasks she needed to handle to keep things running smoothly while her husband traveled across the nation for his music and speaking events. It wasn’t always simple, but her contributions behind the scenes were vital as Chris grew his ministry.
“I perceived that as my responsibility, and it was a significant role, not a belittling subordinate role,” she remarked. “We consistently viewed it as being cohesive. Unity was central to it.”
Chris acknowledged a great deal more.
“It’s the charm of discovering holiness in performing the small tasks that no one appears to acknowledge or appreciate, or they simply take for granted,” he remarked. “Linda excelled at that. Consider the number of laundry loads for nine children. Reflect on her body as a blessing in the kids she conceived and brought into the world. When discussing ministry, there’s something special about inviting Jesus into your current situation, and ministry should naturally flow from that. The way we love one another provides us with a solid groundwork to share with others. We aim to assist couples in achieving a balance between masculinity and femininity and how they harmonize within a marriage.”
Learn more at chrisandlindapadgett.com.
Aires Patulot: ‘I came to understand that God is omnipresent’
Aires Patulot devised 20 years’ worth of justifications for his inability to traverse the Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James’ series of paths throughout Europe culminating in Santiago, Spain.
“I was a university student and couldn’t manage it,” he stated. “I required employment. I got married and had children. I lacked time. I believe my wife, Aleah, grew weary of listening to my complaints.”
She motivated him to achieve his dream, and so he did. The strength of solitude during his 33-day solo journey surrounded him in the stillness that represents God’s communication.
“I came to understand that God is present everywhere,” he remarked. “Simply spending time with myself and God felt so sacred.”
Another factor that significantly influenced him occurred while he was ascending a hill and encountered a notice that was displayed in both Spanish and English. It stated, “Don’t you know that you were always on the path?”
He mentioned that it served as a reminder that every aspect of his existence has been influenced by God and directed by God, and that, he stated, “I have always been on the Camino.”
— Aires Patulot |
“It was in the back of mind that I was born in the Pacific Northwest, one of the typically most unchurched areas of the United States. Part of me said that this was always the place for me to do mission work, that mission is where your feet are, where God calls to me.”Patulot resides in Takoma, Washington, alongside his spouse and four kids. He serves as the director of campus ministry at a Catholic high school and is a professional Catholic speaker, workshop facilitator, musician and singer, as well as an organizer of retreats and various programs. Additionally, he hosts the Fatherhood Arise Podcast and features videos on YouTube.
Similar to numerous individuals who find themselves in lay ministries, he experienced several detours before reaching his intended destination.
He grew up in a family that practiced Catholicism casually. It was only after he encountered other Catholic peers who were fervent about their beliefs that he understood that there was a void.
“I aimed to discover what brought them such joy and [why] I was not, and why they were able to discuss their beliefs while I could not,” he stated.
He changed his focus in college to pursue theology at Seattle University, an institution run by Jesuits. Following his graduation, he became a full-time missionary. He traveled to the Philippines, the homeland of his parents, where he constructed houses with ex-rebels in the sugar cane plantations. He spoke in mud huts in Ghana and facilitated retreats throughout Europe. He learned that there are still individuals suffering from leprosy in the world.
“I traveled as a missionary, yet it felt more like an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of individuals who have intertwined their faith with their culture,” he expressed. “For me, it was also a sense of returning home. In the back of my mind, I recalled that I was born in the Pacific Northwest, which is often regarded as one of the most unchurched regions in the United States. A part of me believed that this was always the right location for my mission work, that the essence of mission is where you stand, where God beckons me.”
Patulot journeys throughout the area and further afield, and his podcasts extend to numerous additional listeners. He mentioned that his spouse is quite encouraging, and while she does not accompany him on his travels, she has participated in the fun-filled podcasts “Pod I Want For Christmas,” where they discuss made-for-TV holiday films.
“I believe that emphasizes the significance of my commitment to marriage, as we discover methods to bond with each other amid the usual daily routines,” he stated. “Even though it may be chaotic, we continue to experience joy, laughter, and love.”
Connect with Aires Patulot at calledtorise.org.
Alex Gotay: ‘I was unaware of Catholic beliefs’
Alex Gotay faced numerous obstacles and diversions on his path to becoming a Catholic youth minister with a global mission. In reality, he had no desire to be a Catholic whatsoever.
Yet that’s where he found himself, despite having previously stated, “Alright, Lord, I’m finished,” but the Lord wouldn’t allow him to give up.
Gotay’s father was a nonbeliever, and Gotay identified as an agnostic. When he turned 21, he chose to explore various religious beliefs. Christianity resonated with him the most, leading him to become a nondenominational Protestant, and ultimately, he attended a seminary to prepare for a career in youth ministry.
A pivotal moment occurred when he attempted to persuade a Catholic who questioned him regarding Scripture.
“I wasn’t even aware of what Catholics held to be true,” he stated.
He initiated an inquiry to gain further insight. Later, when he and his spouse, Jessica, attended a holiday service at a large church, he found discontent with the pastor’s sermon.
— Alex Gotay |
“People were coming to me and asking me to speak. I said, ‘No, I’m good.’ Then after I opened my website, I was sitting with Jesus and I said, ‘OK, Lord, I’m good. I did my part. I’m done.’”“He was discussing the Annunciation, and he remarked that Mary was merely utilized by God,” stated Gotay, a resident of Houston. “That really startled me. I was engaged in extensive studying, and I leaned towards Jessica and said, ‘Don’t listen to him.’”
His spouse, a fallen-away Catholic, started to read the Gospel passages that were being delivered, then remarked, “No. Mary must be more than merely an object that was utilized.”
They rose and departed, never returning. Two weeks afterward, Gotay was enrolled in RCIA. However, his path didn’t conclude with his conversion. In addition to other qualifications, he possesses master’s degrees in theological studies and philosophy and holds a doctorate in ministry. He serves as a youth minister at a Catholic high school, has delivered speeches and conducted programs both locally and nationally, and has appeared on international radio stations and podcasts.
He journeys throughout the nation to address parishes, schools, retreats, and youth gatherings. As the father of three boys, aged 13, 16, and 22, he can easily connect with young people, who are central to his ministry and who, as he noted, desire to feel loved and to have faith in something greater than their own lives.
Gotay never intended to extend his ministry to this level.
“Individuals approached me and requested me to give a speech,” he remarked. “I replied, ‘No, I’m fine.’ Then after I launched my website, I was conversing with Jesus and I said, ‘Alright, Lord, I’m fine. I fulfilled my role. I’m finished.’”
Jesus wouldn’t accept no for an answer. The Lord still had plans for the former agnostic, nondenominational, heavily inked Latino who possesses a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was summoned, and that’s all there was to it.
“God has granted me blessings,” Gotay stated.
More about Alex Gotay can be found at alexgotayjr.weebly.com.
Emily Jaminet and Michele Faehnle: ‘God desires our unity’
Emily Jaminet and Michele Faehnle forged a friendship at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, and when Jaminet subsequently tied the knot, Faehnle encountered her future spouse at the reception. They ultimately settled just a mile and a half apart in Columbus, Ohio, and on June 8, 2011, both welcomed daughters merely one hour apart in the same hospital.
Years later, they discovered that June 8 is National Friendship Day.
“It was a divine moment that allowed us to motivate other women,” Jaminet stated.
The two women have co-authored four books and engage in a collaborative speaking ministry. They also exchange the microphone between them, symbolizing their mutual support in their friendship.
As occupied mothers and spouses, managing their collective and personal ministries has at times proven to be a challenge.
“That’s the reason we co-authored our initial four books,” Jaminet remarked. “Since our kids were quite small at the time, we believed that one of us could always handle speaking events or interviews, or take care of tasks related to the work we were advocating.”
Jaminet and her spouse, John, are parents to seven kids, whose ages range from 6 to 22.
“I manage a highly structured routine,” she stated. “I wake up quite early in the morning to complete all my emails, and I also focus on book writing during that time.”
— Michele Faehnle |
“I rarely go out on my own now. … Sometimes I’m asked to do things by myself, and I ask if I can bring Emily, especially if the program is about our friendship. We complement each other so well. That’s the best version of our talk. God wants us to stick together.”Faehnle and her spouse, Matt, have four kids, ranging in age from 8 to 18, and she also holds a full-time position as a nurse at a Catholic school. Throughout the pandemic, she led a community COVID response team. Her ministry role is part-time.
“I hardly venture out alone these days,” she remarked. “I had intended to handle a significant event solo, but then everything was closed down because of COVID. Occasionally, I receive invitations to participate individually, and I inquire if I can bring Emily, particularly if the event revolves around our friendship. We balance each other perfectly. That’s the most effective version of our discussion. It feels like God wants us to remain united.”
Their initial publication on spiritual companionship became a best-seller and is their most sought-after topic on the speakers circuit. It has served as the focal point of their Friendship By Candlelight Dinners, which resonate with women who frequently allow their hectic lives to overshadow their desire for significant friendships.
Jaminet and Faehnle have navigated those identical difficulties of meeting those commitments, which gives them insight into what numerous other women are pursuing. They have deepened their faith as they exchange those experiences with others, and they are fortunate to receive support from their spouses and families.
Their website features podcasts, inspirethefaith.com, along with complimentary materials, study aids and details regarding their publications, including “The Friendship Project” and “Divine Mercy for Moms.” They have appeared on a variety of radio and television shows. Additionally, they participate in a ministry that encourages individuals to embrace the Sacred Heart of Jesus in their households, which is accessible at enthronements.com.
Be inspired by Emily Jaminet and Michele Faehnle by visiting inspirethefaith.com.
Maryann Gogniat Eidemiller writes from Pennsylvania.
