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Shannon Deitz
Shannon Deitz is a survivor of incest and date rape. At the age of 27, Shannon could no longer take the depression, anger, resentment and emotional pain she incurred from the abuse and relented all control to God. Shortly after she felt a distinct calling to begin teaching the teens in her local parish. Her work with teens led to a full-time youth ministry. Within the next four years, the ministry blossomed, allowing her to witness God’s amazing work in her church and her life. In 2007, her youth group was voted in the top five of EWTN’s Catholic Youth Groups in the United States, and in 2008, she was invited to speak on God’s unfailing love at the World Youth Day Festivities in Sydney, Australia. In 2011, she was again asked to speak at the WYD Festivities in Madrid, Spain.
Shannon has offered encouragement and hope to both teens and adults suffering from physical, sexual, or emotional abuse across the United States, speaking with the Franciscan University Steubenville Youth Conferences and to various women’s groups and conferences.
Shannon is the author of EXPOSED: Inexcusable Me…Irreplaceable Him, REDEEMED, and founder of Hopeful Hearts Ministry, an advocacy non-profit organization (501 c3) giving a VOICE to survivors of abuse. Shannon has spoken across the United States and internationally, addressing the realities and affects of abuse in our culture and the graces faith provides for one’s healing journey. She has been a featured columnist with Choose-Now Ministries.com “Shannon Deitz: On Hope”, featured on Charismamag.com, SpiritledWoman.com, CatholicLane.com, Lifestyle & Charity magazine and Catholic Women’s magazine.
She and her husband, Neal, live in Kingwood, Texas, where they are active in their local church and community. The couple has two sons, Ryan and Seth, who provide them with endless joy and reason to continually count their blessings.
9:30 AM Keynote: “Awake My Soul”How can we ‘let go and let God’? Taken directly from Ephesians 5:6-20 Shannon instructs audiences through a step by step biblical directive on how to overcome the ‘why me’ and ‘I’m not worthy’ mentality. Through her own personal journey following this directive from Ephesians, she has learned to dispel the ‘lies’ and receive God’s love. Both funny and compelling, this topic is one that reaches all audiences.
2:00 PM Keynote: “Mercy!”What is Mercy? Shannon shares her personal experience of discovery in learning to receive and offer mercy, and at the same time pose the question 'What is Mercy to you?'. Are we able to receive it with abandon? And what does it take to offer Mercy with a sincere heart to everyone in our lives, including our 'sand paper people?’ A key aspect of this particular topic will focus on forgiveness of others and of self, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of God's healing grace.
3:00 PM Breakout Session: “Exposed”Shannon’s personal testimony is often requested by most support groups or events that focus on bringing about the awareness of abuse and the healing journey of surviving abuse - ALL TYPES OF ABUSE - mental, physical, sexual and emotional. Shannon shares her story with raw abandon, giving hope to the audience that they, too, can overcome being a victim and live as a true survivor turned THRIVER. Those that have not been abused or are loved ones of abuse survivors come away with a better understanding of the turmoil that can erupt during a survivor’s journey to true freedom.
Judy Hehr*
Bankrupt at 20, a millionaire at 30.
Single, homeless, drug addicted at 22, a healthy mother of 4 at 34.
College dropout at 22, a seminary graduate at 42.
Scorned, broken, almost divorced at 37, sanctified in a thriving marriage at 45.
Judy Hehr is an author, speaker, coach and radio host, but her greatest identity is found as a child of God. As a spiritual motivator and inspirational speaker, Judy has been described as engaging, compelling, entertaining, knowledgeable, enlightening, heart breaking and always electric.
Judy will expand your self-awareness, enrich your attitude, rekindle your love for Christ, and encourage your own personal relationship with God. Judy’s message of captivity to freedom is engaging, entertaining and enlightening. She conveys the gospel message of the infinite love and mercy of God in a passionate and profound way . . . while helping you to dig deeper and connect faith and life by using her sense of humor and examples of her personal trials and triumphs.
Judy is a child of God, wife to Bob, & mother of Carter, Chandler, Kennedy and Kampbell. She currently resides in Southeastern Wisconsin.
10:30 AM Breakout: “Measureless Love”Judy will unpack from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians the measureless love of God, exploring how it is relevant always and in all ways in our daily lives. When we come to perceive, believe, and receive His love, our lives are transformed and we pour out that love - desiring the highest and best good for all in His kingdom.
3:00 PM Breakout: “Wisdom . . . It Starts with the Heart”
Judy will unpack the Book of Proverbs as timely wisdom for today, bringing light to the biblical principles that call us to be women who are wise in the eyes of God. Letting God’s truth and wisdom transform who we are from the inside out will ensure we are living out our calling to be Christ to all.
*Judy will also serve as our conference emcee
Dr. James Link
Dr. James Link received his graduate education in theology and clinical psychology from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. He now operates his own private practice in Bismarck, providing evaluation and therapy to individuals and couples – both pre-marital counseling and marriage counseling.
In addition to his general practice as a psychologist, he also specializes in the integration of religion and spirituality within the practice of psychology. He provides assessment and consultation for seminarians, permanent deacons, and those interested in religious life for several dioceses in the upper Midwest. He also serves as an expert witness on annulment cases for various Diocesan Tribunals.
He and his wife, Tonya, have 7 children and reside in Bismarck. He was born and raised near Richardton, ND. In free time, he enjoys hunting, spending time at the lake, and being with his family and friends.
10:30 AM & 3:00 PM Breakouts: “Grace Builds on Nature: Sanctity and Self-Care”Dr. Link will share how to maintain a sense of self (mental and spiritual) in the midst of a busy and hectic life. Tips will be offered on maintaining balance in life and keeping a healthy and holy mindset/perspective.
Karie Kinzler
Karie Kinzler is a nurse by profession but has been a stay-at-home mom for the past 11 years. She likes to call herself "The Guardian of the Home." Karie is 56 years old and has been married to her husband, Jeff, for 33 years. They have seven children: Sara (married to Tim), Dan, Jeff, Rachel, Jenny, John and Mary. They are expecting their first grandchild in June. Karie and Jeff attend St. Anthony Catholic Church in Kenosha, WI. Born and raised Catholic, Karie describes herself as a once "Cafeteria Catholic", until the Holy Spirit in 1998 reawakened her to the truths of Holy Motherhood.
1:30 PM Testimony: “Nothing Is Impossible with God” (Luke 1:36-37)Karie testifies how this once self-described "Cafeteria Catholic" made a fateful decision one day that led her on a spiritual journey of re-discovering God's Plan for her marriage and the joys of motherhood. Come hear this witness of a powerful conversion of heart that transformed one woman's brokenness in spirit and body to one of restored wholeness and holiness through perseverance, prayer, and God's s grace and love. Experience our Lord's continuous call to each of us to TRUST in Him.
Women's Panel
10:30 AM Breakout: “FINDING and FOLLOWING our FAITH: A Generational Journey”Join us for this powerful session featuring four unique and beautiful women that come from very different backgrounds and experiences, yet who share a common bond in their quest to find and grow in their Catholic Faith. Moderator: Valerie Jundt
Single/Young Adult
Katrina Gallic – Katrina is a recent graduate of the University of Mary. She was raised in a very strong Catholic family; the second oldest of seven children. In high school, Katrina moved from her home state of New Jersey to Colorado. After being there for only a short while, she became paralyzed from the waist down, due to a previously undiagnosed genetic disorder. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but it was there that Katrina learned to wholeheartedly trust in God's love. When she left for college, Katrina took on living out the faith without the constant presence of her family and began to develop a more personal relationship with Christ. While studying at the University of Mary, Katrina had the honor of speaking on behalf of the university at the 2017 March for Life. She is a passionate believer in the sanctity of life and has a deep appreciation for New York bagels.
Married/Mother with Young Children
Jennifer Dahlstrom –Jenny was born in 1987 and is the 2nd of 5 children. Jenny's mother and father divorced when she was in middle school, and after the divorce her mother moved back to her roots in ND with Jenny and her siblings. Jenny graduated from BHS in 2005 and attended NDSU in the fall. While at NDSU Jenny decided to join the military. After military training she returned to Bismarck and married her husband, Corey, in 2009. They are the proud parents of three children (ages 4, 5 & 8). As a young family, Jenny was determined to raise her children in a faith- filled home. Throughout her life she had attended many different church denominations with friends but nothing ever felt as peaceful and like home than the Catholic Church did. Jenny made the decision to join the Catholic Church and was baptized and confirmed at the Church of St. Anne during the Easter Vigil in March 2016 (her children were baptized the very next day. Jenny enjoys learning about her faith, growing in her faith and really enjoys attending the Traditional Latin Mass.
Married/Mother of Teens
Deb Schweitzer - Deb was born and raised in Dickinson, ND. She graduated from Mary College in Bismarck with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Deb worked at Saint Alexius in Bismarck before moving to Dickinson and working in various nursing jobs. Deb is married to Todd Schweitzer. They have six children and have fostered over 100 more. She and Todd are also enjoying the title of “grandparents.” Deb says, “If there is one thing I want to be known for, it is perseverance. My mom told me when I was young to find a Bible verse that I could hold to, and use as my motto. I have always found great peace in Romans 8:28 – We know that all things work for good for those who love God, Who are called according to His purpose.”
Married/Grandmother, Great Grandmother
Mary Richter – Mary is a 1955 Graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Richardton, ND. Mary married Victor Richter in October of 1957 at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck. They have spent their lives working on the Richter farm and raising 14 children. They are life-long members of St. Hildegard’s Catholic Church in Menoken. All of their children attended St. Mary’s Central High School and two of their sons were ordained priests for the Diocese of Bismarck (Msgr. Thomas and Fr. David). Victor and Mary are the proud grandparents of 57 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren!