MORE INFORMATION FOR
THE VISION FOR YOUTH EVANGELIZATION
HOW WE CAN HELP
Consultation
- We can be a sounding board as you wrestle with a specific problem in youth evangelization in your parish, and we can help you brainstorm solutions.
- We can help your team re-vision a Comprehensive approach to Youth Evangelization.
Half-Day, Full-Day, or Multiple-Day Retreats
- Build trust and team cohesion
- Spiritually refresh and renew themselves
- Take a deep-dive into a spiritual or theological topic
- Practical Training in an area of Youth Evangelization
- We can lead a retreat for the ministers on your parish campus, or we can organize a retreat off-campus.
Youth Evangelization Apprenticeship
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, February 1st 20255:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.Dinner and Awards: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Location: Savanah Center 5533 Chappell Crossing Blvd,West Chester Township, OH 45069 The […]
West Chester Township, OH 45069 United States
CONTACT US
Sean Ater
Contact me for:
- General questions about how the CNE can serve you
- Guidance for Evangelization efforts
- Questions or concerns regarding Archdiocesan Policies and Guidelines
Bio: My role in the Center is to direct the efforts of the Center for the New Evangelization Leadership Team in fulfilling our Mission and Vision. I am blessed to work with the best people in the world. . I love it when our Team comes together to proclaim the Gospel in new and creative ways. Having worked in parish ministry for many years, I have the highest appreciation for parish workers. I love to be a part of helping them in their evangelization efforts.
A Little About Me: My wife Sarah and I have four children and we attend St. Gertrude parish. I have a great devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, a concerning addiction to coffee, and an ever-growing appreciation for bourbon.
Favorite Saints: St. John of the Cross and St. Theresa of Avila
Favorite Bible Verse: “Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Mario Amaya
Contact Me For:
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Hispanic Youth questions
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Trainings
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Retreats
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Missions
Bio: I will be supporting the various Hispanic parishes with their youth programs, as well as providing training, missions, retreats, and pastoral accompaniment. I come to Cincinnati from Columbia, South America, where I was a lawyer with a bachelor's degree in theology, as well as a specialization in Canon Matrimonial Law. I have been a youth group coordinator in two parishes, and have participated in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for more than 12 years as the formation coordinator.
A Little About Me: have been married to Nohora for 5 years and am the eldest of five siblings. I like to participate and watch sports, and visit various stadiums to attend games. I also enjoy traveling and reading books.
Favorite Saint: Saint Augustine of Hippo
Favorite Bible verses:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” Revelation 12: 15
“for nothing will be impossible for God.” Luke 1: 37
Denise Austing
Contact me for:
- Any general Center questions
Bio: I am the main administrative assistant for the Center for New Evangelization. I support the efforts of all the various parts of the Center. I am everywhere! I love the opportunity to support the great work the Center is doing for the Church and I am able to connect a lot with the people in parishes.
A Little About Me: I am a life-long West-Side Cincinnati native. In fact, I grew up on the same street my father grew up on. I have been an administrative assistant at the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for all of my professional career, right out of Seton High School. In my free time I enjoy vacationing & spending time with my family & friends.
Favorite Saint: St. Anne
Favorite Bible Verse: “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” Philippians 4:13
Christine Baumgardner
Contact Me For:
- Launching Adult Small Groups
- Family Evangelization Questions
- Help with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Bio: I will be assisting parish evangelists with creating and implementing evangelization methods that target the whole family.
A Little About Me: My husband Steve and I have been married for 28 years and have three grown boys. I taught 2nd grade before deciding to spend some time at home with my children when they were young. My most recent position was at Our Lady of Sorrows as the Director of Religious Education. While there, I completed my graduate degree at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology.
Favorite Saint: St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Favorite Bible verses:
“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Jake Emser
Contact Me For:
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CNE Event Details
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Newsletter Questions
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Marketing/Communications Consulting
Bio: As Managing Director of Strategy and Communications, my main responsibility is to work with each our four teams in the CNE, along with the CNE as whole, to direct communication efforts. Whether we’re working to better connect with parish staff, pastors, parishioners, etc., I’ll be working on the strategy and tactics by which we can make our CNE services, events, and opportunities known.
A Little About Me: I studied marketing at Ashland University and most recently worked for a digital marketing agency where I learned how to craft effective storytelling and brand management. I live in Dayton, Ohio with my wife Liz and our son Charlie. We’re parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi and my wife teaches at Archbishop Carroll High School. I love to spend time outdoors, cycling on the bike trails throughout the Miami Valley, visiting local craft breweries, and cheering on the local sports teams!
Favorite Saint: St. Augustine
Favorite Bible verses:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
Katie Englefield
Contact me for:
- Information regarding the Genesis marriage prep retreat
- Becoming a presenting couple for a Genesis retreat
- Hosting a Genesis retreat at your parish
- Becoming a mentor couple to walk with an engaged couple
Bio: My role at the Center is to coordinate Genesis, the marriage preparation program at the Archdiocese. I also organize mentor couples to walk with couples during their engagement. With over 17 years of catechetical experience, including youth, young adult and marriage and family ministry, I look forward to helping couples deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and one another.
A Little About Me:I am originally from San Diego, CA, and after meeting my husband Josh as an undergrad at Franciscan University, decided to stay in the Midwest. After 17 years of marriage we are both proud Ohioans and parents to five wonderful children. I am a road trip fanatic, classic literature enthusiast and a gatherer of people around the dinner table.
Favorite Saint: St. Catherine of Siena
Favorite Bible Verse: "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Maria Garcia-Gallegos
Contact Me For:
- Information regarding the formation of leaders within the Hispanic Community
- Information on Hispanic courses, workshops and trainings
Bio: I am very excited to be involved with the faith formation of the Hispanic Community. In 2019 I earned a Doctorate of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.). My doctoral topic was Mary as a Jewish Mother in relation to the women of the Hebrew Bible. I have also been working as a faith formation teacher for more than fifteen years. I am a theology Catholic speaker and I have been writing articles for different publications. My former job position was Director of Faith Formation and Evangelization at a parish in Indiana. I have spent my life studying theology and also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Sciences from La Salle University in Mexico City, and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) in Biblical Studies from the Pontifical University of Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. Concurrent to my studies in Mexico, I studied at the International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) at University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio.
A Little About Me: I was born in Mexico and have been a member of the Catholic Church since the day I was baptized at one month old. I love to read to spend time with my family, including my husband Enrique and two sons, Diego and David.
Favorite Saint: St. Therese of Lisieux
Favorite Bible verse: Ps 23:1 : The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Nicholas Hardesty
Contact me for:
- Guidance for evangelization efforts
- Formation of parish staff and volunteer leaders
- Renewal of your Adult Ed initiatives
Bio: As a member of the Parish Support Team, my job is to accompany parish leaders and offer them formation and support so that they can grow in their identity as missionary disciples and be catalysts for renewal in their parishes. I also develop content for our blog and for the Catholic Telegraph, and give talks at retreats, conferences, workshops, and in-service days throughout the Archdiocese. What I love about my work is that I am encouraged to use the gifts God gave me, I get to have a real impact in people’s lives, and I get to work alongside people who value and support me.
A Little About Me: I’m from Owensboro, Kentucky (Go Cats!). I have a twin brother who is a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Louisville, KY. I met my wife, who’s from Maine, on a website for fans of Catholic Hip Hop. I like my food as spicy as you can possibly make it.
Favorite Saint: St. Michael the Archangel
Favorite Bible Verse: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were no people but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.” (1 Pet 2:9-10)
Shane Legg
Contact me for:
- Onsite training and formation for your youth evangelization team
- If you have questions about Athletics
- Youth evangelization questions regarding the Dayton area specifically
Bio: As the Assoicate Director for Youth Evanglization, my role is to assist with training and development for youth evangelists, mainly in the Dayton area. I also oversee the parish athletic programs for the Archdiocese.
A Little About Me: I have been married to my wife, Jenna, for just over 5 years, and have 13 and 10-year-old (foster) sons. I previously worked in youth ministry at the Catholic Communities of Northwest Dayton for over 7 years, while also serving on the Greater Dayton CYO Executive Board.
Favorite Saint: St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Favorite Bible Verse: “For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.” – Romans 5:10
Audrey Melton
Contact Me For:
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Questions regarding the following youth programs:
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One-on-one coaching and training
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Information about programs, materials, and events for you and your youth
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Any needs, questions, or concerns you might have. I’m here to support you!
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Bio: I most recently was a member of the Youth Ministry team at the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford. In 2022, I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Dayton with a BA in Religious Studies & Theology and a minor in Theatre, Dance, & Performance Technology. During my college years I worked as a liturgy intern and as a music minister in Campus Ministry, and as a summer missionary at Damascus Catholic Mission Campus.
A Little About Me: I'm originally from Rock Falls, IL. My parents still live there, and I have an older brother in Minneapolis. I love music and the arts. I'm a singer and a bassist, always finding opportunities to lead and participate in worship. I find a lot of life in the outdoors, particularly around water, and I have a deep love for liturgy, especially the Eucharist.
Favorite Saint: St. Joan of Arc and St. Padre Pio
Favorite Bible verse: “After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.” All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, and exclaimed: “Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?” I said to him, “My lord, you are the one who knows.” He said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “For this reason they stand before God’s throne and worship him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”” Revelation 7:9-17
Paco Patag
Contact Me For:
- Getting started with your own young adult apostolate or ministry in your community.
- Learning about some of the latest research in Young Adult Ministry
- Sharing your insights about what may be missing in the landscape of Young Adult Ministry in your parish, your community or across the Archdiocese.
Bio: I help empower each young adult in the Archdiocese to live out their unique and personal vocation in and through the local Church. I love seeing each person around me come alive, and it is such a joy to be able to dedicate my work to helping others see what a gift they are and respond to the invitation to the incomprehensibly magnificent life that Christ places before each of us.
A Little About Me: I have an associate degree in Electromechanical Engineering Technology with minors in Lasers and Renewable Energies, and a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. During college I served as the President for the UC Society of St. Paul. I am currently nearing the end of my MBA program with Walsh University and the last semester of my two years in the Missionary Innovator formation program at the Saint John Leadership Institute. I'm a poet and appreciator of music; I love to read and write, be outside, play sports, and go on all manner of adventures with friends.
Favorite Saint: Joseph & Mary
Favorite Bible verse: "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which you have given me in your love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you; and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” - John 17:24-26
Ana Ramirez
Contact Me For:
- Assistance with administrative questions focused on Marriage and Family and Hispanic Evangelization
- Questions regarding anniversary certificates
A Little About Me: I was born and raised in Colombia, South America, and emigrated to the United States of America twenty years ago. I am married and mom of three teenagers. I have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, and am a certified English/Spanish Medical Interpreter. I am eager to put my organizational skills and knowledge of my culture to use for the Archdiocese.
Favorite Saint: St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Favorite Bible verse: “It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres,” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8
Fr. Matthew Summe, LC
Contact Me For:
- support in fostering the young adult communities in your parish family
- assistance in formation for your young adult leaders to help them nourish their communities,
- help to foster larger communities for young adults in their deanery or geographical area through formation in Catholic spirituality, community, and mission
Bio: I have worked throughout my religious and priestly life in evangelization and building faith communities around the US. During these times I worked in spiritual and apostolic formation as well as different types of ministries including directing and chaplaincy in schools, men and women groups, marriage ministry, and youth and young adult ministry. I moved back to the Greater Cincinnati area to live in the Archdiocese in 2012, where I have dedicated my ministry to evangelization and the formation of lay people and seminarians, collaborating on projects for strengthening Catholic identity in education institutions, as well as the chaplaincy for Regnum Christi and the Cana Family Institute in the Greater Cincinnati area. I have spent a great deal of time giving retreats especially the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius all over the country, and work in the formation of spiritual guides.
A Little About Me: I am one of ten children from a large Catholic family, and have over 40 nieces and nephews. I grew up in Fort Mitchell, KY at Blessed Sacrament Parish and went to Covington Catholic High School. I discovered my vocation to priesthood and religious life in the Legion of Christ in college studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Kentucky. I enjoy hobbies like walking, hiking, swimming, reading, and other cultural activities.
Favorite Saint: St Ignatius of Loyola, St Edith Stein, St Paul, St John Paul 2
David Ulmer RN BSN
Contact Me For:
- NFP and Chastity outreach events
- General questions about Natural Family Planning and Chastity
- Information and support on issues of sexual morality, reproductive technology, and other related topics
Bio: My role is to promote and teach the virtue of chastity, primarily with young adults and couples in the first 5 years of married life. I hope to facilitate connections to Christ - the Way, the Truth and the Life - and share the good news of the beauty of God’s creative design and purpose for sexuality and marital intimacy. It is a blessing to help young people lay strong foundational stones on which to build their lives and marriages.
A Little About Me: I am a husband, father, and a registered nurse with 30 years of experience in pediatrics both in the clinical setting and at home with 9 kids. I graduated from Cedarville University with a BA in biology and a minor in biblical studies, and then received a nursing degree. My wife and I have been NFP instructors for 18 years. During our training, it was the teachings of the Catholic Church, in particular Humanae Vitae, that drew us into full communion with the Body of Christ at the Easter Vigil in 2005.
Favorite Saint: St. John the Baptist and St. Frances de Sales
Favorite Bible verse: “Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” Phil 3:13-14
Adriana Vasquez
Contact Me For:
• Information about the marriage catechumenate and sexual ethics
• Questions about fertility awareness and Natural Family Planning
• Support to any married couples facing the cross of infertility and miscarriage
Bio: My role at the Center is to offer leadership formation on marriage and family and all related topics, including Natural Family Planning in Spanish and English. It is a great joy to work with newly engaged and married couples and teach my Catholic faith at the same time.
A Little About Me: My husband Samuel, who is managing director of Hispanic Evangelization, and I married in 2010 and we are blessed with two children. I love playing with my kids, making pilgrimages to Marian shrines, listening to and playing classical music, reading novels, and making/eating guacamole (my favorite food).
Favorite Saint: Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. John Paul II (three way tie!)
Favorite Bible verse: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
Samuel Vasquez
Contact Me for:
- Catechesis and formation in Spanish
- Youth ministry to the children of Hispanic immigrants
- Any Questions about Hispanic ministries in the Archdiocese
Bio: I will be at the service of the growing Hispanic community in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, providing catechesis, sacramental prep and formation in Spanish and English. I love to share the life-giving beauty of our faith with all people but I am especially drawn to service to the poor. Hispanic Catholics suffer from a great disparity in outreach by the Church and I am utterly thrilled to be at their service. Hispanic immigrants need Christ more than anything and I want to serve that need.
A Little About Me: I am married to the Managing Director of Marriage and Family, Adriana, and we have two children: Peter Julian and Zoe Anastasia. I love to workout, read, listen to all sorts of music and follow sports. I was raised in California and went to college at Notre Dame (Go Irish). My parents are Mexican immigrants and I have two brothers and two sisters.
Favorite Saint: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Thomas Aquinas, Therese of Lisieux and John Paul II
Favorite Bible verse: "Look towards Him and be radiant," (Psalm 34:4)