Catholic Evangelization Outreach: Catholic Witness Stories

Mike Goldsmith seemed to have it all…a great family, a faith community and a job as a teacher at Xavier High School that he loved. Then he found himself almost inexplicably at a level of spiritual depression he had never before experienced. The joy of his faith was leaving him. He was in the middle of a spiritual dryness when God’s grace reached down in a special way to bring him back to true joy.

As a former Methodist minister and youth director, Keith spent many years inspiring others and leading them to Christ. His passion for truth and his love of the Lord will inspire you to believe in the plans God has for you!

David Harris’s life was filled with heavy drinking, self-centeredness, and emptiness. He finally asked God for help. “God, I don’t even know who you are, but please help me.” Listen to David share his journey to Catholicism, about the power of prayer, and the strength that comes when we surrender to Christ Jesus.

God’s grace is with us always. We have enough for the moment. We don’t get tomorrow’s grace today. Sheri Springman has had her share of challenges including times where she felt God was carrying her. It was through these difficult times where she became aware of God’s loving grace.

Dr. Patrice Winkel is a wife, mother, teacher, and SURVIVOR. She has journeyed through thyroid cancer, three “freak” car accidents, a traumatic brain injury, a branchial cleft cyst, and most recently a rogue wave that tried to extinguish her life in the Pacific Ocean. How has her faith been affected?

Renée Bondi had a beautiful singing voice, a thriving career as a music teacher, and a loving family. But then one night a bizarre accident shattered her spine and left her quadriplegic. Her life changed forever.

Looking back, Emily Logan can see how different people spoke the word of God into her life. But at the time, it seemed like God was silent.

College student Noelle Resse will share her story how she learned to give herself grace and is learning to love herself with the help from God.

Talk 3 of 3 featuring Deacon Mark Sanderfeld at our Annual CEO Evangelization Retreat

Talk 2 of 3 by Archbishop Michael Jackels at our Annual CEO Evangelization Retreat

Talk 1 of 3 by Archbishop Michael Jackels at our Annual CEO Evangelization Retreat

Ryan Jansa’s life was forever changed when a fun night out with friends turned into a tragic accident. His renewed faith and the strength of his family saved him from a destructive path and inspired him to walk with God…one step at a time.

Russell Yount was content and comfortable in his spiritual life… and then a conversation with a neighbor sparked his interest in the Catholic faith. His investigation became a journey that led him home to the “One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.”

Fr. Chris speaks on “The Porn Myth: Exposing the Reality Behind the Fantasy of Pornography”

John Winkel wanted the FAME of playing professional football. As a star wide receiver at Peru State, John was approached by 10 teams and told by many he would be drafted. Disappointingly he was not drafted, because God had a different plan. He became a school teacher, coach, and mentor in Rockford, IL. Hear how he used his talents for many!

A deeply personal and inspiring story of great faith, hope and love in the face of tremendous danger and against all odds. Ildiko Kiss shares her riveting account of growing up in Hungary during the Soviet Occupation, her family’s escape and their journey to freedom in the United States.

In a near death experience, Greg Clauson had a 24-minute encounter with Christ. What did Jesus say? What did He look like? What did His voice sound like? See Greg, with some help from his wife Kathi, share his faith experience at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

“It was only after I learned how to be quiet with God, that I found my purpose in life.”    

Kasey Kaimann experienced a miraculous encounter with Jesus at a Steubenville Conference that changed her life. She shared her faith journey of following Jesus’ call as a Mt. Mercy student on Dec. 7th. Watch the video of her testimony, “Who You Follow…Determines Who You Become.”    

Tony and Sue May gave their story, “The Rosary Changed Everything” at St Patrick parish center on August 10th.  

Gary Smith shares about Catholic Evangelization Outreach on the Terry and Jesse Show. 

Bill Hunter’s life has been one of broken relationships, addictions, fear, lost identity, self-hatred, insecurity and shame. Hear Bill tell his story of living a Catholic life, while living with the guilt of same sex attraction. 

Stephanie used to equate academic success and worldly achievement as the measure of self-worth. As control over her success started to slip, so did her confidence. It was during this time that the Lord showed her identity as a daughter of the King. Finally, after years of struggling, she surrendered herself to Him and He started the healing process.

Jesse Romero delivered a dynamic witness and easy to remember ways to evangelize to others.

Running has always kept me grounded in my faith. It helped me learn humility and companionship and how it related to living a Christian life. But when the thing you once had so much joy from suddenly is the root of anger and disappointment, how can you bounce back? This is a story of embracing change and learning to trust in God’s plan.

While still newlyweds, Emily and Jordan Meyer were expecting their first child. However, life didn’t go as expected. Born with Trisomy 13, against the recommendations of doctors and against the odds, their son, Bennett, was their little miracle. See Emily share how the power of prayer, the sacraments, and love, transformed her son and her heart.

Angela's faith journey began in the Catholic Church -- led her to explore many different denominations -- and ultimately she returned to her roots. “God carried me some days and held my hand always.”

Despite a childhood filled with constant moves, 16-year-old Zach Gaubert’s faith, family, & friends have been the constants that have guided him in following God’s plan. In this world where faith isn’t always popular, Zach shares his journey of navigating through life’s options, and realizing that his life is based on the choices he makes. Whether you are a teen or an adult, Zach’s story will challenge you to deepen your faith as he reminds you that everything is part of God’s plan.

Please enjoy Archbishop Kurtz' story of how family has impacted his faith journey and life.

Bill was a back pew Catholic, who struggled with making a full commitment to his faith. God gently nudged him forward to the front pew and a deeper relationship where his light would shine. “I was far from being a light for my family or anyone else for that matter and soon I would fail to be a light for my own kids.”

As a child, Lou loved Jesus & going to church, but as she grew older, her relationship with God disappeared as her pursuit of worldly desires led her further and further away from her faith. After a life-changing moment, she discovered who she really was. “I thank God not only for the grace to see myself as I was, but more importantly, to understand who I was called to be!”

Mistianna Barnes had a strong faith-filled upbringing that continued well into her adult life.  However, nothing could have prepared her for the near-death experience a few years ago that absolutely changed her life. “I was begging to get back into heaven… I had seen what few get to see… I wasn't ready to let it all go.” Please listen and enjoy her story about her journey to Heaven and back.

Through divorce, annulment, and remarriage, Debby learned that God was always with her, beckoning her to come closer through the many “God Moments” that she experienced. “My faith journey has been in taking small steps. I know God was there all along waiting for me.”

"I remember lying on my bed as a teenager, listening to popular music and wondering, is this all there is to life? What's missing? That emptiness continued into my adult years, and I looked to externals to fill that void." After many years of searching and questioning, Donna Lang experienced a conversion of heart that has absolutely transformed her life.

Born & raised Catholic, Lisa Bellafato found herself turning her back on the Church in her young adult years. Even though she maintained her relationship with God, she questioned the need for the very institution that had meant so much to her as a child. Through God’s grace, & after many years of searching, Lisa discovered the relevance that the Catholic church still holds for her today. Please listen to and enjoy her story of how our Blessed Mother Mary, gently guided her home.

From all outward appearances, Michael Bartley lived a charmed life, complete with a praiseworthy academic & professional career & a storybook marriage. However, for years Michael battled personal demon & interior struggles that prevented him from embracing his faith & the call to discipleship.

Throughout his life, Bill Roby’s faith was constant. When he was sent to Vietnam and lost a friend to the war, he wondered if he too would meet the same fate. Bill eventually began to realize that he just might survive and return home. What was God’s plan for him, and how was he to fulfill that plan? “I prayed I wouldn’t be sent to Vietnam, but in a land faraway, God became my very best friend.”Please enjoy Bill’s inspiring story.

Hear the witness talk of Dr. Mary Ducey, Professor of Philosphy at Mt. Mercy University.  Feeling week and powerless, Mary found her cross in surviving disaster.

Steve was raised Catholic and slowly drifted away from his faith after moving away from home. After losing his wife in her mid 20′s and his parents shortly after, he became angry with God and drifted even further away. Hear his amazing personal witness of how God called him back to the Church.

Gary Smith needed to re-evaluate his life and his priorities.  His first step was to renew his relationship with God and everything else started falling into place. 

Pete Mathison achieved success beyond his dreams as a founder and owner of a multi-million dollar athletic apparel company. But despite his success he felt anger in his heart and suffered from suicidal depression. See how hearing a fellow businessman’s witness put him on the track that would change his life

Chris and Dee Dee Scaffidi share the many challenges married life and how they have put “Faith” as the foundation of their marriage.  

In his early years as a husband and father, Jim lived a selfish and irresponsible life. Only when he finally grew to know God, could he truly love Him and serve Him.

When John Harris was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 it deeply impacted he and his wife Phyllis. Hear their witness of how God was present to them in each other and those who cared and prayed for them

In 1992, Haley Scott DeMaria was a freshman and a member of the Notre Dame women's swim team when the bus carrying the team from a meet overtruned in a snow storm.  The accident left Haley paralyzed from the waist down.  After two emergency surgeries, Haley was told she would never walk again.  That was not acceptable to this swimmer.  Days later, drawing on the strength and training she learned as a swimmer, Haley began to wiggle her toes, and slowly began to unlock her body.  In October 1993, Haley returned to Notre Dame's swim team, competing again for the Fighting Irish and winning her first race back.   "It is the story of my faith, which was not yet defined at the start, but that was shaped by the goodness of others.  It is a story that has already touched the lives of those whom I have met, and a story that now needs to be shared with as many as possible." Haley Scott

International speaker John Pridmore is an ex-mobster from the streets of London’s east end who gave up violence, power and money for the love of Jesus. He has inspired hundreds of thousands to grow in their faith.

Come and hear how Lorrenne's son’s miraculous healing led her to follow a closer walk with the Good Shepherd.  "God whispers to us in our pleasures, but shouts in our pain." C.S. Lewis

Tony Philips, a lifelong Catholic, had a storybook childhood in Iowa.  After experimenting with alcohol and drugs throughout high school his substance abuse grew and his life spiraled out of control.  He lived in darkness for over a decade, in and out of homeless shelters, battling addictions, struggling with thoughts of suicide, in and out of jail until his faith was revived through a deep personal encounter with God.  Hear Tony's powerful testimony to how the touch of God led to his radically changed life.