Neha Alex

When You 'Wish' Upon a Saint

Bio:

Hi y'all! I'm a senior at the University of Houston, studying Communication Disorders and Psychology. I have 2 full-time goals in life: one is to get to Heaven and the other is to one day work as a speech therapist. My side-passions include doing work in mental health awareness and autism acceptance, enjoying nature (especially a good sunset), and creating/drawing. The UH Newman Center has been a wonderful home for me for the past 3 years and I am so blessed to be a part of this family of future saints. Go Coogs! (And go saints!)

Sara Alexander, MA, LPC

Title: Women’s Discussion on Addictions & Pornography

Speaker’s Bio:

Sara Alexander is a licensed professional counselor who works at Gratia Plena counseling, a Catholic mental health non profit organization. She works with individuals and couples from the St. Therese/Stafford office. She and her husband are involved in Adore ministries and have 5 children.

Fr Jorge Alvarado, CC.

Orphan Mentality
I have been ordained for 5 years and I am part of the Community of the Companions of the Cross. I am currently ministering at the Catholic Charismatic Center and I love to share the Word of God with others.

CJ Arienza

Title: Finding Christ in Our Daily Lives

Speaker’s Bio:

I am a rising sophomore at UH. No I will not say my major because that's cliche. I like to annoy my little sister because she bakes when she is stressed. I come from a family of 8 kids (yes we're Catholic), and I have 3 nieces and 3 nephew.

Jaime Badillo

Planning for Heaven

Speaker’s Bio:

Jaime is a UH grad from Fall 2019 currently working as an Automation Engineer. He enjoys sports, biking, and feeling productive. Jaime hopes to become a saint at some point and help others do the same.

Doris Martin Barrow, III

Pressed into Service: The Passer-by Simon of Cyrene

Speaker’s Bio:

Doris is the Coordinator of Religious Education at St. Monica Parish and the Campus Minister & Director of the Newman Center at Texas Southern Univ.

Michaela Barta

Embodied Living: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Body

Speaker’s Bio:

Michaela Barta is a classically trained ballerina, writer, speaker, dance instructor, and lover of salsa dancing and lava cakes. She spends her days trying to be moved and move others to love beauty, goodness + truth. She is currently in Pensacola, FL with Greenhouse Collective.

Laura Bolling

The Dignity of Every Person

Speaker’s Bio:

Hello! My name is Laura, and I am a Texas native with some family in Louisiana too. I work as an engineer in the oil & gas industry, and I live in the Heights in a cute, little blue house with a porch that is continuously open for porch drinks and good conversation.

Fritz Claydon

What does it Mean to be Catholic in a Secular World

Speaker’s Bio:

UH Faculty Member, Cullen College of Engineering

UH CSO faculty Advisor 2012-2014

Deacon Candidate Archdiocese of Galveston Houston

Ordination Date: January 30, 2021

Dillon Duke

Writing for the Lord
Speaker’s Bio:
Dillon is a proud UH alum and currently works at the University of the Incarnate Word. He is a former Life Teen missionary and has been writing for the Life Teen blog for over four years. He enjoys spending time with his family (even in quarantine) and is praying for of y’all to have a safe and fun summer!

Claudia Flores

Creating space for God is key in our relationship with the Lord.

Speaker’s Bio:

Claudia Flores has four daughters, and just completed her Masters in Theology at the University of St. Thomas. She is currently a teacher with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and has taught courses on the Old Testament, Christology, and New Testament for the Spanish Program.

Julie Fritsch

Title: Human Dignity: Navigating "Pro-Life" in a Polarized World

Speaker’s Bio:

Julie Fritsch has worked as Director of the Pro-Life Office for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 2016. Prior to joining the ministry team, she worked as an attorney in New Mexico in the areas of discrimination and human rights. She is a proud alum of the University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!)

Melissa Garcia

The Importance of Community

Speaker’s Bio:

A third year college student student who enjoys running, playing with her dog, and socializing with others.

Angie Hilbun, a Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi

Interior Freedom Found in Christ

Speaker’s Bio:

A Consecrated Woman in Regnum Christi, for 20 years! That's right. Living vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in missionary communities for 20 years and how time flies! I've been assigned to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various parts of the USA (California & New York) and now reside in H-Town! My favorite ministry is my current one: to offer spiritual direction for college students and young professionals. If you would like more information talk to Claire at U of H or check out www.consecratedwomen.org and angiehilbun@gmail.com

Basil Housewright III

Spiritual Plan for Life
Hey y’all, I’m an incoming Junior planning to study marketing and entrepreneurship. I’m a cradle Catholic who didn’t really start to dive into his faith until about 4.5 years ago after I hit a low. Since then I’ve been on dozens of retreats, lead multiple groups on retreats, given multiple talks, and even served as a missionary for a month in the mountains of Georgia. Been involved with the CSO for about a year now and love the community and retreats. So let’s get it!

Clau Ibañez

Guiding Others to Christ

Speaker’s Bio:

Clau is now a current sophomore at UH, studying Public Relations with a minor in Graphic Design. Before starting college, she took a gap year to do mission work in Manila, Philippines. She worked with elementary, middle school, high school and college students by mentoring, organizing retreats, teaching catechism, and more to help students connect with God.

Athulya Johnson

Power of the Holy Spirit

Speaker’s Bio:

I am a second year medical student in El Paso, Texas. I also serve as a youth minister with Anointing Fire Catholic Youth Ministry, USA. I am a proud 2018 Alumni of University of Houston.

Fr. Charles Johnson, O.P. (Fr. Charlie)

Using our gifts to glorify God
Speaker’s Bio:
Fr. Charles Johnson, O.P. (Fr. Charlie) is a priest of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and the chaplain and director of the Catholic Newman Center at the University of Houston. His previous service includes regional vocation director for the Dominicans, chaplain and director of Catholic campus ministry at Tulane University and nearly 10 years of missionary service in Latin America (Ecuador and Guatemala). Fr. Charlie professed first vows as a Dominican friar in August 2002 and was ordained to the priesthood on August 26, 2006. Fr. Charlie’s studies include a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Oblate School of Theology, Master of Divinity degree from Mundelein Seminary and a BA from Belmont Abbey College. He is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Nicole Labadie, MDiv.

Civilize It!: Dialogue and Disagreeing Well

Speaker’s Bio:

Nicole Labadie is a wife, mother, and lay ecclesial minister. A native Texan, she graduated from St. Edward’s University with a BA in Social Work and Theology and received her Master of Divinity from the University of Notre Dame. She currently works as the Director of Campus Ministry at the University of St. Thomas and enjoys praying through music, drinking coffee, and cake decorating.

Deacon Wayne Ly

Reflecting on Matthew 16:13-20 (NABRE) “Obedience is real freedom.”

Speaker’s Bio:

I was born in a refugee camp in Malaysia. I was working in financial services prior to entering seminary. I enjoy lifting weights.

Laura Malcotti-Sanchez

Momma Mary: Is she on your team?

Speaker’s Bio:

Laura Malcotti is a recent UH Engineering graduate. She will be pursuing a Masters in Mechanical Engineering this fall at UH. Laura has been a small group leader for a year and has been a rosary leader for 3 1/2 years. Laura comes from a very Marian family. She consecrated herself to Jesus through our lady in 2015. Since then, she has been happily serving Our Lady by representing her, helping others pray the rosary, and by leading others into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Fr. Raphael Mary, OP

Same-Sex Attraction and God's Plan for Human Sexuality

Speaker’s Bio:

Fr. Raphael Mary Salzillo, O.P. is a Dominican friar and a priest. Originally from Oregon, he converted to the Catholic faith in high school. He went on to study applied physics for seven years before joining the Dominican Order in Oakland, CA. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2009 and, after three years of campus ministry at the University of Washington in Seattle, was then sent to study philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. In 2019 he moved to Houston and now teaches philosophy at the University of St. Thomas.

Ageo Minigutti

The Tales of a Reluctant Evangelist

Speaker’s Bio:

College grad, majored in intramural sports, minored in civil engineering. Loves talking about Jesus and soccer.

Brandon Murray

Reflecting on Psalm 28:7 Let’s get to the heart of the question, “Is Jesus the center of your life?”

Speaker’s Bio:

I am a 22 year old Mechanical engineering senior. I am a proud convert and I love diving deep into the Word!

Dani Nguyen

Praying with Scripture

Speaker’s Bio: Nineteen year old nap enthusiast, number cruncher, and Jesus follower!

Ana Paula Panzarini

“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Lk 12:34)
Our personal efforts to self-transcende are not isolated drops in the ocean that go unnoticed, rather they have a ripple effect that little by little is regenerating the world and healing our society.

Speaker’s Bio:

Ana Paula Panzarini is a consecrated member of the Focolare Movement, since 2003. For the past 2 years, she has worked as Campus Minister at Incarnate Word Academy and is currently pursuing a M.A. in Faith and Culture at the Center for Faith and Culture at UST. Ana Paula is the coordinator for the youth activities of the Focolare Movement, teaching the principles of the Golden Rule as it applies to everyday life and organizing activities that aim at building unity across religious, cultural and socioeconomic boundaries. She facilitates weekend retreats, summer camps, pilgrimages and mission trips, that promote spiritual, cultural, social, psychological and emotional growth through meaningful projects and experiences, highlighting the beauty and high dignity of every human being.

Christie Peters

In Him We Are Found
Speaker’s Bio:
Christie Peters is an art teacher turned full time artist and co-founder of Every Sacred Sunday. She specializes in watercolor and has illustrated the last three Every Sacred Sunday journals as well as writing and illustrating for other independent projects. This past year she started taking aerial dance classes for fun and likes to daydream about joining the circus.

Fr. Rajeev Philip

Social Justice - Peace

Speaker’s Bio:

I was born in Tampa, Florida. My parents are George and Vimala Philip. I have two younger sisters who are Rhea and Rayna. As I grew up, my schooling was all done through the Catholic schools of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. I went to an elementary/middle school run by the Salesian Sisters. I went to a high school run by the diocese called Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School. After graduating, I decided to start my undergraduate program at the University of South Florida as I majored in Biology. I was intending on becoming a doctor as I was on Pre-Medical track at USF.

I began to take my faith very seriously during this time at the University of Florida. I became very involved in the Jesus Youth Movement and also at the Catholic Student Center. I discovered my heritage as an eastern Catholic belonging to the Syro Malabar Catholic Church. I soon began thinking seriously about priesthood and when I decided to move forward in discerning I joined the St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago.

During my seminary formation, I studied Philosophy at Loyola University of Chicago and theology in Rome at the Regina Apostolorum. I also spent two years in India learning and doing some missionary work. I was ordained as a priest June 2, 2018. Since my ordination, I have been serving at St. Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church in Missouri City.

Fr. Nicholas Reynolds, OP

Discernment in the Day-to-Day Life (Cost of following Jesus)
Speaker’s Bio:
Fr. Nicholas Reynolds, O.P. is a Dominican friar of the Province of St. Martin de Porres (The same province as Fr. Charlie). He is the parochial vicar at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Midtown. He is a nerd who loves movies, books, Star Wars, and loves all things science-y.

Bridget Richardson

Faith in the Dominant American Culture

Speaker’s Bio:

Bridget Richardson is the Assistant Director of Pastoral and Ecumenical Initiatives in the Donald S. Nesti, CSSp Center for Faith & Culture at University of St. Thomas-Houston. She earned her B.S. in Journalism and Electronic Media with a minor in Theatre at University of Tennessee, Knoxville and completed her Master of Arts in Faith and Culture at the Nesti CFC.

Dr. Stuart Squires

St. Augustine: Doctor of Freedom

Speaker’s Bio:

I am the Associate Director of the Center for Faith and Culture at the University of St. Thomas. My area of interest is the Church fathers. I came into the Church in 2011.

Armando Tovar, LPC

Men’s Discussion on Addictions and Pornography
Speaker’s Bio:
Armando Tovar is a licensed professional counselor and a Ph.D. candidate who works for Gratia Plena Counseling, a Catholic mental health counseling non-profit. He works with and researches process addictions such as pornography, social media, and video game addiction. He treats individuals, couples, groups, and families. He is a Marine Corps veteran and he works with traumas and anxiety. He practices from the St. Thomas office. Armando and his wife are proud parents to a kitten and a few plants.

Chloe E. Tovar

Science and Faith
Chloe Tovar is a junior physics major here at the University of Houston. Shes loved God all her life but has been in training to be a scientist for three of those years. After erning her undergraduate degree, she hopes to earn a masters in aerospace engineering. She also hopes to serve God through ministry.

Hannah Ventura

Worship: All the Glory be to God
Speaker’s Bio:
Hello Catholic Coogs! My name is Hannah Ventura, I am a current UH student studying EC-6 Education. Some of you may recognize me as the CSO's 2019-2020 co-Historian, or maybe we've had the chance to talk during Small Groups! Whether you've seen me around the Catholic Newman Center before, or if this is the first time you're seeing my face, I'm so glad we're all blessed with the opportunity to do this VBS together!

Meet the Speakers

Neha Alex

Sara Alexander, MA, LPC

Fr Jorge Alvarado, CC.

CJ Arienza

Jaime Badillo

Doris Martin Barrow, III

Michaela Barta

Laura Bolling

Fritz Claydon

Dillon Duke

Claudia Flores

Julie Fritsch

Melissa Garcia

Angie Hilbun, a Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi

Basil Housewright III

Clau Ibañez

Athulya Johnson

Fr. Charles Johnson, O.P. (Fr. Charlie)

Nicole Labadie, MDiv.

Deacon Wayne Ly

Laura Malcotti-Sanchez

Fr. Raphael Mary, OP

Ageo Minigutti

Brandon Murray

Dani Nguyen

Ana Paula Panzarini

Christie Peters

Fr. Rajeev Philip

Fr. Nicholas Reynolds, OP

Bridget Richardson

Dr. Stuart Squires

Armando Tovar, LPC

Chloe E. Tovar

Hannah Ventura