Special Guests
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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.
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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)
https://joshblakesleymusic.com/about
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Susej Thompson
Susej Thompson, a native of Little Rock, has ministered in the Diocese of Little Rock for over 30 years. Over the time, she has served as a youth minister, campus minister, music minister, and faith formation director. She is a mother of five, grown children and is currently pursing her Masters Degree in Pastoral Ministry. God has given her a heart for praise and worship, prayer, healing, and the Holy Spirit.________________________________________________________________________________________
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
witness of what can happen when you don’t settle for what the world offers, and instead allow God to breathe life into your gifts. Pulling from influences such as Macklemore, Mat Kearney & Toby Mac, Connor’s acoustic roots plus love for hip-hop have allowed him to create a unique sound that is accessible by any audience. From driving anthems to acoustic pop, Connor’s ability to bring his songs to life on stage is what sets him apart. From booking and promoting his own album release tour, to opening for acts such as Kari Jobe & David Crowder, Connor is committed to crafting a live experience that communicates both hope & encouragement to all those in attendance.
https://www.connorflanaganmusic.com/________________________________________________________________________________________
Gian Gamboa
Gian Gamboa is a Youth Conference MC, Speaker, and Director of Campus Ministry with one mission: to help young people develop a personal relationship with Jesus so they can become everything God created them to be. With over 1,000 talks nationwide, he brings high energy and a whole lot of heart to every stage. Gian’s dream is for every young person to fall in love with Christ. He loves giant burgers, 90’s movies, and lives in Austin, TX with his wife & three kids. Gian is the (self-proclaimed) #1 fan of Taco Bell.Roxana G. Duran
Roxana Garcia Duran, A Catholic born and raised in Plainview, Tx and since the age of 5 has dealt with medical issues. Ministered in Youth Ministry from the age of 17 to the age of 30. Now mother and Step-Mother and above the knee amputee. Also a Life Insurance agent informing our community of better options and plans for their future while leading a life focused with God in the center.