Special Guests
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Bishop Patrick J. Zurek
Most Reverend Patrick J. Zurek is the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Amarillo and was installed on Feb. 22, 2008. A native Texan, he was born in Sealy on August 17, 1948. His family belonged to Guardian Angel Parish in Wallis, where he attended elementary school and high school. After he graduated from the University of St. Thomas, Houston, with a degree in mathematics, he attended St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and received his Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Angelicum and his Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Alfonsianum in Rome. He was ordained a priest in St. Peter’s Basilica on June 29, 1975, and served as associate pastor in Temple and Bryan, and as pastor in College Station and Austin. He worked in vocation ministry and became president of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors. After his episcopal ordination as Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio by Archbishop Patrick F. Flores on February 16, 1998, Bishop Zurek assisted Archbishop Flores and Archbishop Jose H. Gomez in numerous ministries and served as Vicar General and liaison for partnership with the Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Bishop Zurek serves on the USCCB Committee for Protection of Children & Young People, serves on the Board of Governors for the Pontifical North American College in Rome, serves on the USCCB Planning Committee to develop a new Spanish Bible, serves on the Border Bishops Committee, serves on the Texas Catholic Conference subcommittee for Health Care, serves as Liaison for TCC to the Diocesan Respect Life Coordinators and Group of Ethicists who advise Catholic Health Care Institutions in Texas and is president and CEO of the Czech American Priests Association.
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Donovan Moses
Donovan Moses is a singer/songwriter and worship leader in Austin, TX. Originally from California, Donovan has led worship for countless churches and communities over the last 10 years. In 2013, he moved to the Twin Cities as a missionary with NET Ministries and later graduated from Arizona State University. He is known for sharing heartfelt prayer-infused music and inviting others closer into the heart of God in and through it.
In 2022, he independently recorded and released his debut EP, Garden of Praises, merging the Gospel message with his up-brought musical influences of indie rock and folk. Today, Donovan spends his time writing and releasing new music, making homemade coffee, and exploring the outdoors with his beautiful wife and three boys.
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https://donovanmoses.com
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Genesis Pirolo
Genesis is a motivated, high-energy speaker that speaks from the heart. Genesis's WHY is to inspire change and to help students lead, reach their full potential, and make the world a better place. She has spoken alongside a 2X Olympic Gold Medalist and to over 4,000 youth.
Genesis had to face adversity from an early age. She lost her father from cancer at five years old, was severely bullied, and fell into a deep depression feeling hopeless while growing up. Having faith and a growth mindset helped her navigate through the darkest times in her life with optimism and resilience.
When she is not working she is spending time with family, volunteering, working on her many passion projects, and networking. She recently moved from California to Dallas, Texas where she currently resides alongside her husband.________________________________________________________________________________________
Brad Farmer
Brad Farmer is a nationally known evangelist with over 25 years experience at conference keynoting, MCing, retreats, parish events, and entertainment. Combining juggling, comedy, theology, and a passion to dive deep into the lives of the Saints, Brad has entertained, evangelized, and inspired in all 50 states and 5 Canadian provinces, at thousands of parish, diocesan, regional, and national Catholic events.
Father of 7 children, Brad lives with his wife in the Archdiocese of Denver, where he serves as the Director of Youth Ministry at Our Lady of Loreto.
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Sr. Maria Irina Teiner
A native Austrian who now resides with the 14 American sisters in Panhandle, Texas