Bios
Fr. Jared Cooke
SpeakerFr. Jared Cooke is a proud 3rd generation Texas A&M Aggie and is now the Pastor and Director of Catholic Campus Ministry at Our Lady of Wisdom University Parish at Texas State University. He has traveled around the world speaking and preaching at numerous retreats, conferences, camps, missions and workshops. When he finds downtime, you will likely find him spending time with friends or relaxing out in the Texas country at his family’s Vineyard and Winery in Weimar, Texas.
Paul J Kim
Speaker / HostPaul J Kim
Paul J. Kim is an international Catholic speaker, musician, and comedian. His presentations have impacted people of all ages in 48 states and 16 countries over the past decade, leading them to life-changing encounters with Christ. He’s the founder of the Triumph Men’s Conference, he’s the best-selling author of “A Catholic Guide to Adulting” online course, he’s released two music albums, and his videos have accumulated tens of millions of views.
His background includes work as a marriage and family therapist, and religious formation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. In his free time he enjoys long walks on the beach, talking to strangers in random accents, and taco Tuesdays. He resides in the Austin, TX, area with his beautiful wife & five children.
Donovan Moses
Worship LeaderDonovan Moses
Donovan Moses is a singer/songwriter and worship leader in Austin, TX. Originally from California, Donovan has led worship for countless churches and communities over the last 10 years. In 2013, he moved to the Twin Cities as a missionary with NET Ministries and later graduated from Arizona State University. He is known for sharing heartfelt prayer-infused music and inviting others closer into the heart of God in and through it.
In 2022, he independently recorded and released his debut EP, Garden of Praises, merging the Gospel message with his up-brought musical influences of indie rock and folk. Today, Donovan spends his time writing and releasing new music, making homemade coffee, and exploring the outdoors with his beautiful wife and three boys.
Deacon Ralph Poyo
SpeakerDeacon Ralph Poyo
Deacon Ralph Poyo has been in full time ministry for almost 40 years and is the Founder of New Evangelization Ministries (NEM), based in Georgetown, Texas. His use of humor, visual illustrations and a no-nonsense style of preaching attracts audiences of all ages. His ministries include speaking at Priest Retreats, Deacon Retreats, Parish Missions, Men’s and Women’s Conferences/Retreats, Parish Leadership Training. He also does Parish Leadership and Volunteer Trainings on Evangelization and Discipleship. He has just produced a four Night Video Presentation entitled “Call To The Deep”. In Late 2020, NEM launched a brand new small group method or process entitled “Walking On Water”. He is married to his High School Sweetheart, Susan. They have five grown daughters, three son- in-laws and seven grandchildren. Deacon Ralph is currently producing a training process on how to evangelize 1-on-1 for the average Catholic in the pew.
Fr. Paul Michael Piega
SpeakerFr. Paul Michael Piega
Father Paul-Michael Piega, S.T.L., is an ordained priest and in service for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin, Texas. He was born in Queens, New York, and lived there since the age of eight, until he and his family moved to Texas. After graduating from Rowlett High School, Fr. Piega pursued pre-medical studies at Texas A&M University where he initially began with a major in Biology. After a deep conversion experience in his sophomore year by attending a silent retreat during spring break, he fell back in love with his Catholic faith and began to discern a vocation towards the priesthood. Fr. Piega graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration, where shortly thereafter he entered seminary. He is an alumnus of St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, Louisiana, and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, where he received a Bachelors in Philosophy and Theology respectively. He then studied at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and acquired a licentiate degree in the Sacred Liturgy and also studied at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
Father Piega is the Pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Church and is currently serving as a Diocesan Master of Ceremonies, is a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, and serves on the Diocese of Austin Vocation Team.