Jenny is a Consecrated Virgin in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana and was consecrated in November of 2017 by Bishop Doherty. She is a parishioner of Saint Maria Goretti but also enjoys participating in Mass at a variety of parishes around our diocese. She is a student of the Theology of the Body Institute where she has taken numerous week-long courses. This teaching of St. John Paul II is a beautifully profound explanation of what it means to be human and informs all aspects of her life. She works as an outpatient physical therapist specializing in orthopedics and oncology care.
Tom Ponchak is a disciple of Jesus who is passionate about helping others encounter the love of the Father through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. He studied theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and Asbury Theological Seminary. Tom is currently the Associate Director of Adult Formation at St. Alphonsus Liguori in Zionsville, and the Campus Director for the Encounter School of Ministry – Indianapolis Campus. He and his wife live in Westfield and have six children.
My name is Kent Leckrone. I was born and raised in Central Illinois. My undergraduate degree in Theology is from Millkin University, and my graduate work is from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. I studied Moral Theology, Biblical Studies, and Doctrinal Studies. My wife, Kendra, and I and our two girls are members of St. Mary Cathedral in Lafayette where I am the Adult Faith Formation Coordinator. I love teaching about the faith and have experience teaching in youth groups, for marriage prep, the permanent deaconate, the Ecclesial Lay Ministry program, and for RCIA.
Chris grew up in eastern Pennsylvania and joined the Navy in 2001. Jen grew up on the southside of Chicago, attended 12 years of Catholic school and graduated from Purdue in 2005. She commissioned into the Air Force and worked for 5 years as a criminal investigator for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. They were married in 2011 and Chris converted to the Catholic faith the same year. Chris retired from military service in October 2021 as a Naval Aviator. They have lived all over the country and have been in Kokomo for over 2 years. They have 6 children: Jack (11), Kylie (9), Kate (6) and Leo (4); Their sons, Peter and Simon were born sleeping in 2021 and 2023 respectively. They work for the Kokomo pastorate as the Stewardship Team. They are homeschoolers and live on a homestead that includes cats, a dog, chickens, ducks, pigs, mini donkeys, cattle, and reindeer.
Sister Mariam is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia. She was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. The first time she ever saw the Dominican Sisters was in 11th grade when they came to speak at her high school. The Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia serve on missions all around the United States, Canada, Australia and in Europe. When studying in college, Sister Mariam saw a picture of her college friends with three of the Dominican sisters... on a rollercoaster... and knew... these sisters know how to have fun! She loves getting to see the LORD powerfully at work in people's lives, and to witness their unique response to His love! Sister Mariam is currently assigned at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, where she teaches 5th & 6th grade religion.
Annie Aker is the Director of Evangelization, Family Life, and Pastoral Ministries at Sacred Heart of Jesus Pastorate in Cicero, IN. Annie has served in ministry for the last 20 years after obtaining her bachelor degree in Pastoral Leadership from Marian (College) University and Youth Ministry Certificate from the Center for Ministry Development as a San Damiano Scholar. Annie is married to Nathan, an assistant football coach at Wabash College, and the two have managed to merge ministry and football together as a core component of their relationship. Annie’s greatest joy is seeing the lightbulb moments of faith in both young and old.
Rob Hartley is a revert to the Catholic faith and serves as the Diocesan Director of Evangelization, Family Life and Pastoral Ministries in Lafayette. Before his return to the Church in 1999, Rob earned an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Capital Bible Seminary. He has taught Scripture in two Catholic high schools and for the adult faith formation program for the Archdiocese of Washington (2000-2014).
The youth track will be led by Marian University students who will be going to World Youth Day in Portugal in 2023. As they prepare for the WYD pilgrimage, they are excited to share their love of Christ and the Eucharist at the Diocesan Congress.
Pictured from left to right: Colette Cline, Kyle McCreary, Sarah Getman, Connor Matthews, and Anna Siler.
Colette: I was born and raised in South Bend, IN and am part of the best family with 6 crazy, amazing siblings and stellar parents. I am a current sophomore nursing student at Marian University and involved in many campus activities including the San Damiano Church Leadership Program. I love Jesus, walks, coffee, ice cream, sunshine, and smiles that reach your eyes.
Kyle: Heyooo! I am a sophomore at Marian University studying Spanish and Biology with a pre-med focus. Through all of life's hectic moments - and I have had my fair share of them - God still finds unique ways to use me as His hands and feet. If you see me, come say hi! :)
Sarah: I am studying theology, history, and global studies at Marian University. I love to sing, travel, read, write, and spend time with my friends and family. I have fallen in love with Christ in the Eucharist through adoration and the celebration of the Mass, and I can’t wait to learn more at the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress.
Connor: Born and raised a Hoosier, hometown is Westfield, Indiana. I am a Sophomore Marketing and Communication major as well as a San Damiano Scholar of Marian University. A fun fact about me is that I am from a family of fifteen.