Meet Our Ministry Team
We're excited to announce this year's speakers, worship team, and host! This year’s RENEW Toronto Young Adult Conference will dive deep into the topic of identity, purpose, and discerning God’s will for our lives.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
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Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford found Jesus Christ in a powerful way in college and have devoted their lives to sharing the joy of his truth ever since. They speak frequently across the country (and in Europe, Australia, and the Philippines) on dating, marriage, the moral and spiritual life, St. John Paul II, and Sacred Scripture. Together, they are the authors of Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships and cohosts of Ascension’s What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith, filmed in Rome. Sarah is the author of Emotional Virtue: A Guide to Drama-free Relationships and cohost of EWTN’s At the Heart of Relationships. She is also a contributor to Ascension’s Chosen. Andrew is Professor of Theology at Benedictine College; among his publications are What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith and A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament. He is also general editor and contributor to Ascension’s Great Adventure Catholic Bible and host of Ascension’s Bible studies on Romans and Hebrews. Andrew and Sarah live in Atchison, KS with their six children: Thomas, Fulton, Cate, Kolbe, John Paul, and Avila. You can find more information on their website: theswaffords.com.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
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Fr. Alex Colautti, CC is vocations director for the Companions of the Cross, a community of Catholic priests and seminarians who are passionate about their mission of Evangelization and Parish renewal. They are inspired by the conviction that God is real, alive, and desires to be powerfully active in the life of the Church for the evangelization of the world.
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Dr Andrew & Sarah Swafford discovered the transformative power of Jesus Christ during their college years and have been passionately sharing His joy and truth ever since. They are renowned speakers, captivating audiences across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the Philippines with their insights on dating, marriage, the moral and spiritual life, St. John Paul II, and Sacred Scripture.
WORSHIP TEAM
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Fr. Matt McCarthy is the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Toronto. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he assists young men and women discern and embrace their God-given vocation. Working with archdiocesan youth groups, he is able to help individuals honestly ask the question, “Lord, are you calling me to the priesthood or religious life?”
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Sr. Beata Victoria, SV, is from Belleville, Ontario. Before entering religious life, she worked in public relations and communications in Toronto. Sr. Beata Victoria currently lives at St. Joseph’s Convent in Toronto with the Sisters of Life. Their mission is to serve women who are pregnant and those suffering after abortion. Every day they proclaim the truth that God sees, loves, and desires the good of every human person.
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Christy Dupuis is a missionary, seeking to proclaim Jesus and raise up leaders for the renewal of the world. She serves as the Content Development Specialist for Catholic Christian Outreach. Her passion for proclaiming the gospel has led her to speak at many conferences and retreats. Home, however, is where her heart finds rest as she raises four adventurous children with her husband Dan.
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Steadfast Worship is a Toronto-based music ministry started by a group of friends passionate about praying with music. Since their formation in 2019, Steadfast has released original music reaching over 100,000 streams and has led worship at multiple Catholic events. Steadfast’s mission is to inspire all people to “Bless the Lord at all times,” worshiping from the heart, and leading from a place of deep, personal relationship with Jesus.
HOST
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Michael is a speaker, musician, TV host, and writer who has been inspiring and motivating people for over 20 years. As founder of The Chiasson Group and the Canadian charity Access52 , Michael knows that people thrive when they have a clear vision of who they are, what they’re capable of, and how they can make their greatest contribution.
HOME IS WHERE CHRIST IS
Sign up for RENEW Toronto and join hundreds of young adults who are ready to answer the call to discipleship and friendship with Jesus.