Keynote Speaker: Father Ken Geraci
Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, lived the life of the prodigal son for most of his young adult life. Raised in a nominally Catholic family, who only lived the externals of the faith, Fr. Ken left the Catholic Church for many years. During that time he earned a business degree and worked as a business profession in Advanced R&D and software testing; a few years into his career he joined a few of his co-workers in establishing a $4.5 million Internet software company. Focused on money, fitness, and success, he made little room for God; but God did not give up on him. During this journey, God presented him with challenges that forced him to question his personal beliefs and the question “What is Truth?” Through a series of conversions, years of struggle, study and questioning, Fr. Ken found his way from agnosticism, to non-denominational Christianity, and ultimately back to the Catholic Church.
Fr. Ken joined the Fathers of Mercy in 2006 and was ordained in 2012. For two years, he served as an associate pastor of a medium sized parish and currently serves as a Missionary, webmaster and vocation director for the Fathers of Mercy. Fr. Ken has a great understanding of the personal and societal pressures that individuals face and knows what it is like to “hate coming to church.” His mission talks are for people of all levels of faith; from those who are madly in love with Jesus to those who struggle with church and religion.
Fr. Geraci is the author of two books, “Why Be Catholic” published 2021 by TAN Books and “Spiritual Warfare & Divine Mercy” publishing in late 2023.
Keynote Speaker and Inspirational Music:
Jackie Francois Angel
Jackie Angel is a full-time traveling speaker, singer/songwriter, and worship leader from Orange County, CA. In 2006, she became an artist with Oregon Catholic Press, with whom she has released two albums.
Francois travels both nationally and internationally preaching and using her musical talent. She has sung at events such as World Youth Day 2011 in Spain, March 4 Life Youth Rally and Mass in Washington D.C., National Youth Conference 2013 and 2015, Life Teen Training Conferences in the Netherlands and Phoenix, and various Diocesan Youth events.
Celebrant: Bishop Joseph Bambera, DD, JCL
Bishop Bambera will celebrate the Mass for Refresh Your Faith: Fifth Annual Catholic Conference for Women. His homily and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will fill us with our Lord as the perfect preparation to Refresh Your Faith!
Hostess: Mary Clare Hallman
Mary Hallman began her position as the Diocesan Secretary for Parish Life on Jan. 3, 2022.
She served as Director of Evangelization in the Diocese of Syracuse for eight years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Irvine, and a master’s degree in theology from Augustine Institute in Denver, Colo. She brings a fresh joy and enthusiasm to her role. The Holy Spirit is her guide!