Special Guests
-
Bishop Patrick J. Zurek
Most Reverend Patrick J. Zurek is the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Amarillo and was installed on Feb. 22, 2008. A native Texan, he was born in Sealy on August 17, 1948. His family belonged to Guardian Angel Parish in Wallis, where he attended elementary school and high school. After he graduated from the University of St. Thomas, Houston, with a degree in mathematics, he attended St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and received his Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Angelicum and his Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Alfonsianum in Rome. He was ordained a priest in St. Peter’s Basilica on June 29, 1975, and served as associate pastor in Temple and Bryan, and as pastor in College Station and Austin. He worked in vocation ministry and became president of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors. After his episcopal ordination as Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio by Archbishop Patrick F. Flores on February 16, 1998, Bishop Zurek assisted Archbishop Flores and Archbishop Jose H. Gomez in numerous ministries and served as Vicar General and liaison for partnership with the Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Bishop Zurek serves on the USCCB Committee for Protection of Children & Young People, serves on the Board of Governors for the Pontifical North American College in Rome, serves on the USCCB Planning Committee to develop a new Spanish Bible, serves on the Border Bishops Committee, serves on the Texas Catholic Conference subcommittee for Health Care, serves as Liaison for TCC to the Diocesan Respect Life Coordinators and Group of Ethicists who advise Catholic Health Care Institutions in Texas and is president and CEO of the Czech American Priests Association.________________________________________________________________________________________
Connor Flanagan
Connor Flanagan is a pop/hip-hop artist passionate about encouraging others to step into God’s dream for their life. In a world where people are crippled by fear, scared of the unknown, and longing for purpose; Connor desires for his career to serve as a
____________________________________________________________
Father Alvin Tshuma
Father Alvin Tshuma, originally from Zimbabwe, was ordained in 2012 and has since dedicated himself to serving the Catholic Church across various regions, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and currently, Amarillo. He pursued his academic formation at St. Joseph Theological Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Theology Degree. With a rich tapestry of experiences gathered from his service in different cultural contexts, Father Tshuma brings a deeply nuanced perspective to his Vocation. His ministry is characterized by a profound passion for the Catholic faith and a fervent love for the Lord. Father Alvin's interests extend beyond pastoral activities; he has a keen affinity for technology, theater, and the joy of bringing laughter and happiness to others. A pivotal element of his spiritual journey is his favorite Bible passage, Matthew 14:17-18, which narrates the miracle of the five loaves and two fish. This scripture serves as a constant reminder for him to place trust in God's providence, embodying the principle of offering our humble gifts to the Lord, who magnifies them for the greater good. Currently, Father Tshuma serves as the Parochial Vicar of St. Mary's in Umbarger, Texas, and Holy Name of Jesus in Happy, Texas. Additionally, he is the Director and Chaplain at the Catholic Student Center. He is delighted to be a part of this year’s DCYC.________________________________________________________________________________________
Josh Blakesley Band
The Josh Blakesley Band has acknowledged a simple calling: To make music that moves people into prayer and action. Hailing from the central Louisiana area, the band takes pride in its heritage. Blakesley, Grae McCullough (electric guitar), Corban Calhoun (bass), and Blake Powell (drums) were all “born on the bayou” in a manner of speaking. Their songs like “Revive Us” and “Brighter Days” from their album Even In This highlight the southern culture and flair that is soaked in their roots. Josh is no stranger to travel as he began speaking and leading worship in his late teens. In 2003, he released his award-winning debut album, IMMERSED (SpiritandSong/OCP), featuring the crowd favorite, “Our God is Good” and “The Lord is my Shepherd,” his popular setting of the 23rd psalm. It was soon followed by his sophomore release, WAITING (“Be Lifted High”, “Come to Jesus”) and his third, Free (“Sing Hosanna”, “Whiter than Snow”). In March of 2012, Blakesley released his fourth album, You Are the Light, produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe) and Robbie Seay (Song of Hope, Slow me Down) which peaked at #16 on the iTunes Christian and Gospel charts, and #4 on the Christian Radio weekly chart. Even in This was recorded with Grammy-nominated producer/singer- songwriter, Michael Farren.
Josh and the band have found their stride. Their refreshingly simple approach and passionate style has been featured on Sirius XM, EWTN’s Life on the Rock, Relevant Radio, KLOVE; in concerts with Kutless, The City Harmonic, Jars of Clay and Newsboys; on tour with Matt Maher and Audrey Assad; as well as at international Papal events.
Josh and the band continue to tour heavily across the US and Canada. They minister at churches, camps, youth and adult conferences, and rallies of all sizes in an effort to live out their mission and “make disciples of all nations.” (MT 28:18)