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Speakers & Artists

YOUR emcees

Rhyan Ramirez

Rhyan Ramirez, also known as Bro Rhy, is a dynamic speaker, facilitator, and mentor who breaks down barriers with his uplifting presentations and workshops. He creates authentic connections with youth and adults, inspiring them to embrace their Identity in Christ, live authentically, and live ON purpose.

Maggie Craig

Full-time Catholic speaker Maggie Craig was born in New Jersey, raised in Ohio, and currently resides in Southern California. Equipped with an M.A. in theology, a B.A. in catechetics, and a gift for humor and storytelling, Maggie travels the world as a speaker and retreat leader. She enjoys watching NBA basketball, climbing mountains, and consuming breakfast burritos.

FEATURED ARTIST

For King & Country

Thursday Evening

For King & Country is one of the music industry’s most respected and decorated duos. Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone have won four GRAMMY Awards, 10 GMA Dove Awards, a Billboard Music Award, 13 K-LOVE Fan Awards, and their nine No. 1 songs have produced an astonishing accumulation of over one billion on-demand streams.

The RIAA Platinum-selling act’s live show has been hailed as a must-see concert event that continues to wow sold-out crowds whether in the USA, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, or New Zealand.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Dr. Ansel Augustine

Dr. Ansel Augustine is an Emmy-nominated producer (Black Faith Matters) and award-winning author (Leveling the Praying Field: Can the Church We Love Love Us Back?). He is presently the director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Ansel is a faculty member at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, Graduate Theological Foundation, and Loyola University New Orleans’ Institute for Ministry. He began his ministry more than 25 years ago when he became the youth minister at his home parish of St. Peter Claver in New Orleans, which he helped rebuild following Hurricane Katrina. Ansel is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Peter Claver, and has masked with the Wild Tchoupitoulas (Black Masking) Mardi Gras Indians.

Aires Patulot

Aires Patulot is a Catholic author, speaker, educator, musician, and minister. With a degree in theology and a master’s degree in pastoral studies, he has served around the world, sharing the good news and using his gifts to build the Kingdom of God. He has led retreats for political leaders, lived in a leper colony, ministered to the dying in hospitals, and even taught in high school! His writing can be found in Liturgical Training Publications, as well as in US Catholic, Northwest Catholic, and other publications. His ultimate goal is to inspire people to remember that they are “called to rise with Christ.”

Cynthia Psencik

Cynthia Psencik was born and raised in New York City. Her parents are from the Dominican Republic. In 2004, Cynthia began working for the Archdiocese of New York in the Hispanic Ministry Office. Through her ministry with youth in retreat centers and especially through her involvement in the First Encuentro on Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry, she fell in love with youth ministry and pursued a master’s degree in pastoral ministry with a concentration in Hispanic ministry from Fordham University. She then became the Associate Director for Youth Ministry and served as the Director for the Office of Youth Ministry for 4 years before joining GIVEN staff. She is married to her husband Evan and lives in Austin.

House Collective

Thomas Muglia

Thomas is a singer/songwriter from Arizona, inspired by the story of humanity, God’s redemption, and the ability to create. Through campus ministry in college, Thomas discovered a passion for worship and community. Filled with fresh conviction and a heart for mission, he’s quickly gaining influence in Catholic music. 

Karla Carrillo

Karla is a performer and music minister from Los Angeles.  She has performed and recorded with composers of sacred music across the world, including Tony Alonso, Marty Haugen, and many more. She has sung for a range of national conferences, including the Los Angeles RE Congress, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians annual convention, and the NCYC.  

Dana Catherine

Dana is a nationally known Catholic singer-songwriter, speaker, and emcee hailing from Nashville. Known for her soulful voice, captivating melodies, and authentic and joyful witness to the goodness of God, she travels through the US sharing her songs and stories in hopes of inspiring each soul she encounters to dive deeper into trust and surrender to the Lord. Her most popular singles, “Surrender Song” and “Maybe,” blend a catchy contemporary pop sound with meaningful and relatable lyrics.

Benjamin Cortez

Benjamin is a multi-instrumental musician that captivates listeners with his eclectic “vintage-meets-modern” musical approach. 

Having been recruited to perform with high-profile acts such as Matt Maher, Ike Ndolo, and Sarah Kroger, Benjamin has established himself as a go-to swiss army knife for artists’ live and studio endeavors. 

BREAKOUT SESSIONS & SPEAKERS

View the current list of breakout sessions, speakers, and musicians!
This list is constantly being updated so make sure to check back for more speakers as well as session details.

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2023 Host

Mari Pablo

Mari Pablo is a proud Hispanic and cradle Catholic whose life was wrecked in the best possible way when she finally decided to stop fighting and surrender it all to Him. Mari has joyfully worked in youth ministry for over fifteen years, both as a youth minister and theology teacher, and as a presenter for Ascension Press. Mari has a deep love for food but an even greater love for Christ and is dedicated to helping others encounter Him.

2023 Host

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Sister Josephine is a native Texan, raised baptist in Houston Texas. Jesus called her to religious life in 2011 and in 2020 Sister made her final vows as a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth. She ministers as a licensed mental health counselor, and also serves on the community vocations team and as a national speaker. 

ABOUT NFCYM

The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) is a membership organization dedicated to advancing the field of pastoral ministry to young people.

Members enjoy:

  • Professional training, resourcing, and support
  • Full access to our resources and webinars,
  • Special rates to NFCYM events, and more.

You will now be directed to NFCYM.ORG to complete registration.

ABOUT NFCYM

The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) is a membership organization dedicated to advancing the field of pastoral ministry to young people.

Members enjoy:

  • Professional training, resourcing, and support
  • Full access to our resources and webinars,
  • Special rates to NFCYM events, and more.

You will now be directed to NFCYM.ORG to complete registration.

2023 Host

Mari Pablo

Mari Pablo is a proud Hispanic and cradle Catholic whose life was wrecked in the best possible way when she finally decided to stop fighting and surrender it all to Him. Mari has joyfully worked in youth ministry for over fifteen years, both as a youth minister and theology teacher, and as a presenter for Ascension Press. Mari has a deep love for food but an even greater love for Christ and is dedicated to helping others encounter Him.

2023 Host

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Sister Josephine is a native Texan, raised baptist in Houston Texas. Jesus called her to religious life in 2011 and in 2020 Sister made her final vows as a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth. She ministers as a licensed mental health counselor, and also serves on the community vocations team and as a national speaker.