Fr. Anthony Wieck, S.J.

Instructor, Discernment of Spirits

Fr. Anthony Wieck is a Jesuit priest of the Central & Southern province. Sixth of nine children, raised on a farm in Oregon, Fr. Anthony began religious life in 1994, spending his first five years of formation in Rome, Italy, studying at the Casa Balthasar and the Gregorian. The former was under the watchful patronage of Pope Benedict XVI (then-Card. Joseph Ratzinger).

After various assignments working in Jesuit high schools and colleges throughout the province, Fr. Anthony was missioned to St. Louis, MO, in 2017 to become a retreat master at the White House Retreat Center, on the bluffs of the Mississippi. One year later, Fr. Anthony began complementing the retreat experience with work at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, teaching the Trinity and Prayer courses. Now he offers spiritual direction for 26 men there.

Fr. Carter Griffin

Instructor, Theology of the Body

Father Carter Griffin is a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC.  Raised Presbyterian, he converted to Catholicism while attending Princeton University.  After graduating in 1994, he served for four years as a line officer in the United States Navy prior to entering the seminary.  He attended Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland for two years of philosophy followed by the North American College in Rome for five years of theology.  Father Griffin was ordained to the priesthood in 2004 and served as priest-secretary for three years before beginning doctoral studies in Rome in 2008.  After completing his doctorate and serving as the parochial vicar of St. Peter’s parish on Capitol Hill, in 2011 he was appointed Director of Priest Vocations for the Archdiocese of Washington and Vice-Rector of St. John Paul II Seminary, where he now serves as Rector. He is the author of Why Celibacy: Reclaiming the Fatherhood of the Priest, published in 2019 by Emmaus Road.

  • Module 11: The Way of Manhood in Christ

    This module explores Saint John Paul’s Theology of Body to show what it means to be created in the image and likeness of God, the original unity of man and woman, and the struggle for integrity.  The module opens up discussions on healing the wounds of sexual sin in our culture and supplies practical tools for chaste living.

Dr. John Bergsma

Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville

Dr. John Bergsma is Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Steubenville, Ohio. He holds the M.Div. and Th.M. degrees from Calvin Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and served as a Protestant pastor for four years before entering the Catholic Church in 2001 while pursuing a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He specialized in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls, graduating with high honors in 2004. His major study of the interpretation of the Year of Jubilee in ancient times is published as The Jubilee from Leviticus to Qumran (Brill Academic, 2007).

Dr. Bergsma’s articles, some co-authored with Dr. Scott Hahn, have appeared in several academic journals as well as Lay Witness, the magazine of Catholics United for the Faith, and he has published many books, A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament (Ignatius Press, 2018), Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic (Our Sunday Visitor, 2018), Psalm Basics for Catholics (Ave Maria Press, 2018), and Yes! There is a God! And Other Answers to Life’s Big Questions (The Word Among Us, 2017), Bible Basics for Catholics (Ave Maria Press, 2012) and New Testament Basics for Catholics (Ave Maria Press, 2015). He also has a wealth of resources on his website, johnbergsma.com

Additionally, he has appeared as a guest on EWTN’s The Journey Home, Franciscan University Presents, and Relevant Radio’s Drew Mariani Show, and has given presentations internationally through Parousia Media. Twice voted Faculty of the Year by graduating classes of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Dr. Bergsma is a popular teacher who inspires his students with a love of Scripture. He and his wife Dawn reside with their eight children in Steubenville, Ohio.

  • Module 4: The Way of Priesthood in Scripture

    Did you know that Adam, in the garden of Eden, was a priest? Who was Melchizedek? What does the Old Testament priesthood have to do with Catholic priests today? In this module, we will walk through the scriptural roots of the Catholic priesthood with Dr. John Bergsma. Dr. Bergsma will reveal how the priesthood is a major thread holding together the biblical storyline and how those who receive Holy Orders today are sewn into that same story!

Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Fr. James Brent, O.P.

Fr. James Brent, O.P.

Instructor, Spiritual Theology and the Interior Life

Fr. James Dominic Brent, O.P. was born and raised in Michigan. He pursued his undergraduate and graduate studies in Philosophy, and completed his doctorate in Philosophy at Saint Louis University on the epistemic status of Christian beliefs according to Saint Thomas Aquinas. He has articles in the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy on Natural Theology, in the Oxford Handbook of Thomas Aquinas on “God’s Knowledge and Will”, and  in the Oxford Handbook of the Epistemology of Theology on “Thomas Aquinas.” He earned his S.T.L. from the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, and taught in the School of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America. He is presently on the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, and frequently gives lectures for the Thomistic Institute.

  • Module 1: The Way of Prayer

    This module explores the wisdom of St. Teresa, Doctor of the Church, and the normal progress of prayer and holiness of life as revealed in her writings.

    An advocate of contemplative prayer, her writings are filled with practical suggestions and a living devotion to Christ that can enrich one’s prayer and discernment.

Chuck Stokes
Chuck Stokes

Chuck Stokes

Instructor, Human Formation

  • B.A. (Samford University)
  • M.Div. (Beeson School of Divinity)
  • Ph.D. (University of Texas, Austin)

Dr. Charles (Chuck) Stokes earned his undergraduate degree in Congregational Studies from Samford University and his Master’s of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School, with the intention of entering evangelical Protestant ministry. His love for sociology and teaching led him to pursue a PhD in sociology at the University of Texas, where he and his wife Betsy converted to Catholicism after a long investigation of the truths of the Catholic Faith. Today, he teaches at his beloved alma mater (Samford) and sponsors the Catholic Student Association there, where he and Betsy (and their two teenagers) host college students in their home for fellowship, Bible study, and regular social events. Chuck’s research interests center around education, religion, and healthy, sustainable relationships—particularly in dating/courtship. You can hear more from him about building healthy relationships in the Rock Your Relationships podcast, available at ChuckAndBetsy.org.

Simone Rizkallah
Simone Rizkallah

Simone Rizkallah

Instructor, Evangelization and the Interior Life

  • B.A. in Marketing Communications (California Lutheran University)
  • M.A. in Theology (Christendom College)

Simone Rizkallah is currently the Director of Program Growth for Endow Groups. Previously she worked at St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Phoenix, Arizona as Theology Department Chair and Senior Theology Teacher. She is also an Institute of Catholic Theology Fellow based on the campus of St. Thomas the Apostle in Phoenix, Arizona.

Her graduate degree is in Theological Studies from Christendom College with an emphasis in Systematic Theology. Her undergraduate studies and professional background include marketing communications, media, radio, and theatre before discovering her passion for the Faith and the call to evangelize through teaching and speaking.

Simone is also a Witherspoon/John Jay Institute Fellow and an Acton Institute Fellow. She has studied at the St. Albert the Great Center for Scholastic Studies in Norcia, Italy, at the Phoenix Institute at the International Theological Institute in Trumau, Austria, and at the Tertio Millennio Seminar in Krakow, Poland.

She has led local chapters of the ecclesial movement of Communion and Liberation in Virginia and Arizona and the Washington, D.C. based non-profit organization In Defense of Christians. She is also a member of Women Speak For Themselves. As the daughter of immigrants from the Armenian Diaspora in Cairo, Egypt, she has a particular interest in matters of religious freedom and culture. In her free time she enjoys teaching RCIA, speaking and writing. She has been published in ChurchPOP, Aleteia, Verily, CatholicU, Ethika Politika, The Catechetical Review and Angelus and was featured as a Guest Contributor in the book Road Signs for Catholic Teens published by Our Sunday Visitor.

She blogs at www.culturalgypsy.com

  • Module 13: The Way of Memory/Sending Forth Seminar 2

    Psalm 105:5 tells us to remember God's wonders—His miracles and the judgments He pronounced. God is the essence of goodness, mercy and love. But sometimes, we forget what He has done for us. This module, our closing seminar, will consider the importance of "remembering" and how our memories can serve us in discernment, particularly emphasizing the virtue of hope. Among other topics, we will also reflect upon the nature of time, Christ's words, "do this in remembrance of me," and ways we can better serve the path of remembering what God has done for us.

Peter Stur
Peter Stur

Peter Stur

Instructor, Spiritual Theology and the Interior Life

  • Design, Construction and Technology, Literature and Russian Language (Central Technical College, Czechoslovakia)
  • Certificate of Completion in Spiritual Direction, Direction of Spiritual Exercises, Supervision of Spiritual Directors (Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality)

Peter Stur is the founder of In Ipso, a Denver-based Catholic ministry designed to help the lay faithful develop a more intimate relationship with Christ through prayer. The ministry draws heavily on Saint Ignatius’ principles of prayer and discernment of spirits, but expands its Ignatian foundation with wisdom from other spiritualities within the Catholic Church, including the Dominican and the Carmelites, among others. Peter, was formed as Spiritual Director at the Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Denver. In addition to conducting parish missions and public speaking programs, he directs silent retreats for laity and deacons, is one of the formators of future deacons at St. John Vianney seminary, guides faithful through the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, teaches pre-seminary program at Avila Institute.

Reverend Samuel Aquila, S.T.L, Archbishop of Denver granted In Ipso the decree of Private Juridical Personality and its programs are supported and recommended many spiritual and retreat masters as Father Daniel Barron, Director of Spiritual Formation at the Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, and Father Greg Cleveland, OMV, executive Director of the Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality. Prior to founding In Ipso, Peter owned and operated a high-end custom kitchen and cabinet design, manufacture and installation business, and won a number of awards including Kitchen of the Year in 2007 according to Colorado Homes and Lifestyles Magazine.

Peter has been married for 32 years and has 10 children. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and falconry.

  • Module 2: The Way of Conversion

    This module offers reflective insights on the experience of conversion and matters of spiritual importance that arise in the wake of conversion.

    The aftermath of conversion is as important as the conversion itself. There will also be special emphasis placed on understanding sin, mercy, and the soul’s response to grace.

Msgr. Michael Caruthers
Msgr. Michael Caruthers

Msgr. Michael Caruthers

Instructor, Seminarian Formation

Msgr. Michael G. Carruthers is currently serving as Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg, Florida. He holds graduate degrees in divinity, systematic theology and in exceptional student education. He has served as Rector-President of St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, as well as the Pastor of St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center at the University of Miami. He has been a lecturer at the seminary, in formation programs for the diaconate, and in ecclesial lay ministry formation. He served on the Mission Advisory Board for the Institute for Priestly Formation. He also leads retreats (preached and directed) and parish missions.

  • Module 12: The Way of Seminary Discipleship

    This module reflects on the call of God and the way of seminary life. By emphasizing missionary discipleship, this module starts the conversation on the importance of being an instrument of grace in the place God calls you.

Fr. Sam Morehead
Fr. Sam Morehead

Fr. Sam Morehead

Instructor, Liturgy

A native of Colorado, Fr. Sam Morehead was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Denver in 2012. Having first studied broadcasting journalism and English at the University of Colorado at Boulder, he completed his formation and studies for the priesthood at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Having a passion for priestly formation, he has also served over the years as a regular guest lecturer on the Sacred Liturgy and the spiritual life for the Spirituality Year of his alma mater seminary, in addition to being a visiting professor for the Midwest Theological Forum's Rome Experience summer formation program. He currently serves at pastor of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, CO. With a penchant for history and culture, he is particularly passionate about his family's English homeland. Yet, his greatest loves are Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin, and the Catholic Church.

  • Module 5: The Way of Sacramental Friendship

    This module explores the role of the priest who is “in persona Christ” – the power to act, in the person of Christ, when exercising their sanctifying, teaching, and guiding functions for the sake of the mystical Body of Christ, the Church. With a special emphasis on the sacrament of the Eucharist, this module then explores how the sacrifice of Christ helps shape and form friendships into holy, sacramental friendships.

Meghan Schofield
Meghan Schofield

Meghan Schofield

Instructor, Theology of the Body

  • M.T.S. in Biotechnology and Ethics (Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington D.C.)
  • Ph.D. Candidate (Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington D.C.)

Meghan Schofield was born and raised in Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Ave Maria University where she studied theology and literature. She later earned her MTS from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington, D.C., concentrating in Biotechnology and Ethics.

For eight years she served as the Co-Director of Formation and Instructor of Theology at the Language and Catechetical Institute in Gaming, Austria. While in Austria, Meghan spent five years as instructor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville’s study abroad program. She also has taught as an adjunct instructor for Assumption University.

Meghan is the creative visionary and author of grades 6-8 in the supplemental curriculum series, ROOTED: Theology of the Body K-12 from Ruah Woods Press. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute, writing her dissertation on Joseph Ratzinger’s theology of creation.

  • Module 10: The Way of Communion

    This module looks specifically at the different ways a missionary disciple may be called to live out the Christian life found in the Gospels and the teachings of St. Paul.  Drawing from Theology of Body, it explores the nuptial meaning of the body as a gift of self for God and for others as part of an integral vision of Man.