Guitarist, composer, instructor, clinician, and author, Steve Petrunak is known nationally for his service as President and CEO of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians from 2017-2020. He is also a founding member of the non-profit Catholic Liturgical Ensemble Formation (CLEF) that offers formation and music programming for ensemble church musicians.
Jaime Cortez is a talented international composer, arranger, performer, and liturgical musician. Born in New York and raised in El Salvador, Jaime has dedicated a portion of ministry to promoting better Hispanic liturgies and bringing cultures together for worship.
Jesus chose ordinary people—those society often overlooked or deemed unimportant—and transformed them into the greatest saints the world has ever known. Simple fishermen, traders, and everyday individuals became bold witnesses who reshaped the society around them. In our ministries, we are called to do the same: to form disciples who transform cultures and change lives. This mission begins with each of us. It starts with ordinary steps taken by leaders and embraced by every disciple, sparking a ripple effect that brings vibrancy to our communities. To change the world, we must first allow ourselves to be transformed—from the inside out. Only then can we fully live out our mission with purpose and joy. With warmth, humor, and practical insights, Julianne will inspire you to grow deeper in your own discipleship. She will lay out a vision for how we can become a community of missionary disciples—on fire with the Holy Spirit—ready to bring Christ’s love to the world.
The concept of a “thin space” is an ancient one, rooted in Celtic tradition, yet it speaks profoundly to the moment we find ourselves in today. Thin spaces are wild, messy places where heaven and earth seem to meet, and where God is actively at work. For many of us, the relentless pace of life has worn us down, moving us across hard, inhospitable ground. In these moments, we find ourselves searching deeply—for joy, forgiveness, healing, wholeness, and peace. Ministry, too, can become its own thin space—a sacred intersection where the divine and the human meet in powerful and transformative ways. Drawing on her rich Irish heritage, Julianne Stanz invites us to retreat to these holy places of transformation through four essential practices of H.O.P.E.—Healing, Openness, Prayer, and the Eucharist. With wisdom and grace, Julianne reveals how these thin spaces help us encounter ourselves more authentically, deepen our relationships with others, and draw closer to God
Director of Outreach for Evangelization and Discipleship, Loyola Press
Julianne Stanz is a nationally known speaker and retreat leader who is from Ireland originally. She is currently the Director of Outreach for Evangelization and Discipleship for Loyola Press also a consultant to the USCCB. For over twenty years Julianne has spoken throughout the world on the topics of faith, spirituality and leadership integrating lessons from her Irish roots into her talks, seminars, retreats and writings. She is the author of the books “Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace” and “Start with Jesus: How everyday disciples will renew the Church” Her newest book is “The Catholic Parent’s Survival Guide: How To Answer Your Children’s Toughest Questions about Faith” published by Loyola Press. She is married to Wayne and they have three children.
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To report an abuse, please contact local law enforcement and:
Kathleen McComb, Victim Assistance Coordinator
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