Bishop Peter J Jugis (Celebrant)
Bishop Peter Joseph Jugis is a native of Charlotte, N.C., and is the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop Jugis was educated in Catholic and public schools in his hometown of Charlotte, earning a degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1979. After graduation he entered the seminary at the Pontifical North American College in Rome and studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1983, by Pope (now Saint) John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Pope (now Saint) John Paul II named Father Jugis a bishop in August 2003, succeeding the Most Reverend William G. Curlin, who retired as the third Bishop of Charlotte in 2002. His episcopal ordination took place at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte on Oct. 24, 2003.
His official title is The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, J.C.D., Bishop of Charlotte. Bishop Jugis’ episcopal motto is “Caritas Christi Urget Nos” (The Love of Christ Impels Us) from 2 Corinthians 5: 14. In addition to his sacramental and official duties as shepherd of the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Jugis established the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress in 2005. This annual event draws more than 10,000 people to the see city of Charlotte in celebration of our faith in the Eucharist as the source and summit of Catholic life.
His official title is The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, J.C.D., Bishop of Charlotte. Bishop Jugis’ episcopal motto is “Caritas Christi Urget Nos” (The Love of Christ Impels Us) from 2 Corinthians 5: 14. In addition to his sacramental and official duties as shepherd of the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Jugis established the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress in 2005. This annual event draws more than 10,000 people to the see city of Charlotte in celebration of our faith in the Eucharist as the source and summit of Catholic life.
Charles Fraune
Charles D. Fraune was the founding Theology teacher of Christ the King Catholic High School in Huntersville, NC and was a Theology teacher there for ten years. He now works full-time with his Slaying Dragons Apostolate, writing and researching on topics related to spiritual warfare. He has a Master of Arts in Theology from the Christendom College Graduate School, as well as an Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Diploma. He is the author of Come Away By Yourselves, a guide to prayer for busy Catholics, Swords and Shadows: Navigating Youth Amidst the Wiles of Satan, and the international best-selling spiritual warfare book Slaying Dragons: What Exorcists See & What We Should Know (also in Spanish). He has also completed a much-requested study guide to Slaying Dragons that serves as a companion book and spiritual warfare manual, called Slaying Dragons - Prepare for Battle: Applying the Wisdom of Exorcists to Your Spiritual Warfare. He lives in the Diocese of Charlotte, NC with his wife and four young children.
Jonathan Fanning
A traumatic car accident left Jonathan Fanning hanging from a bridge, 106 feet above the ground. As a result, he committed to pursuing more important questions. “Who are you BECOMING?” and “Who are you helping others to BECOME?” became central to every aspect of his life. Now an author to three books, and best speaker at a 2016 TED conference, Jonathan has been coaching top leaders–from Fortune 500 executives to sole proprietors–for over 15 years. As a sought-after global keynote speaker, Jonathan inspires and challenges his audiences to ask themselves critical questions. The answers create a roadmap to greater value in their lives and careers. He has also built several successful businesses, including a national children’s fitness franchise and Entrepreneur Adventure, helping young people experience business start-up and ownership. Jonathan lives in NY with his amazing wife, Dominika, and two angelic little girls, Ella and Maya.
Deacon John Clarke
Deacon Clarke was born Aug. 15, 1977, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. As a child, his family moved to North Miami Beach, where they attended Holy Family Parish and where he graduated from Chaminade-Madonna High School. During high school and upon graduation he worked in the family boat building business. He and his wife Dawn were married on Nov. 25, 1995, at Nativity Church, her family parish in Hollywood. Early in their marriage Deacon Clarke returned to Chaminade-Madonna High School as its wresting coach and eventually left the family business to become a police officer in the SWAT and K-9 units.In 2006 Deacon Clarke attended a retreat at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. Soon after he became a volunteer and promoter for the retreat house. He was so involved that he became a Passionist Associate and gave retreat talks.
On Dec. 6, 2014, he was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Miami by Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski. After ordination, Deacon John was assigned to St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., where he was involved in youth ministry and served as an advocate with the tribunal. In addition, he was assigned to the archdiocesan Respect Life Office, where he participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C., was the main speaker for Youth Chastity Day, and counseled abortion-minded fathers.
On Dec. 6, 2014, he was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Miami by Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski. After ordination, Deacon John was assigned to St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., where he was involved in youth ministry and served as an advocate with the tribunal. In addition, he was assigned to the archdiocesan Respect Life Office, where he participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C., was the main speaker for Youth Chastity Day, and counseled abortion-minded fathers.
Scott Weeman
Scott Weeman was born and raised in northeast Wisconsin where he enjoyed involvement in sports and activities with his friends and family. After high school he moved from a developing rural community to attend college in New York City after being awarded a scholarship for his participation in policy debate. At this point, his experience around drugs and alcohol started to spin out of control and, after a series of unconventional events, he found himself seeking the mercy of the Lord at age 26. Scott attributes this re-conversion to a very strong Catholic community at St. Brigid’s Parish in San Diego, CA, where he lives today. In addition, the experience, strength, and hope shared in recovery groups that he regularly attends has guided his own recovery, although imperfectly, one day at a time. An opportunity at a new way of life has brought Scott to a point where he is passionate about bringing the Good News to people who struggle to find healing from alcoholism and addictions. Blending both the spiritual tools made available to him through addiction recovery and the wisdom of the Catholic Church, he founded a nonprofit organization, Catholic in Recovery, to bring hope to those who struggle finding freedom from the bondage of their addictions. The organization also helps people from all walks of life strengthen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of the principles of the twelve steps. Scott contributes to these efforts by writing on a variety of Catholic and twelve-step topics, speaking at events, and developing one-on-one relationships with those seeking help. Moreover, his first book, The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments: A Catholic Journey through Recovery, was published in November of 2017 by Ave Maria Press. In addition to forming new Christ-centered relationships, he enjoys a wide range of recreational activities including sports (golf, tennis, beach volleyball, football), cooking, hiking, reading, traveling, and relaxing over a pot of hot tea. Above all, Scott is blessed by his relationship with his wife, Jacqueline, who he met through the Catholic Church in San Diego and married in September of 2016.
Kevin Spalding (Master of Ceremonies)
Kevin Spalding, has over 25 years progressive professional experience in technical, management and leadership positions both as a military officer and in industry. After flying on and off aircraft carriers, he has managed and implemented hardware and software programs in military uniform and industry. Kevin is now a retired US Navy Reserve Captain. He has also worked to develop and implement the change management program for the deployment of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for the US Navy to almost 100,000 users.
In addition to business and executive coaching, Kevin is a polished keynote speaker, author and workshop facilitator. He offers extremely engaging and motivating presentations in the areas of leadership, change, customer service and communications skills. These presentations will generate immediate benefits to your organization. His recently released book, From Panic To Power is focused on overcoming your fear of public speaking and developing the public speaking and presentation skills you need to succeed.
Based in the Western Piedmont of North Carolina, Kevin challenges his clients and audiences to rethink the way they have always done things to improve their productivity and the quality of their lives. Kevin's broad, eclectic background has given him the opportunity to learn from the rigors of the military, the discipline of program management, the depth of spirituality and the challenges of parenthood. Additionally, Kevin and his wife, Anne, have adopted their two youngest children as infants from the former Soviet Union. He brings lessons and principles from these and other domains to develop "make sense," everyday tools and techniques that listeners can use to improve their perspectives and thus their productivity and ultimately the quality of their lives.
In addition to business and executive coaching, Kevin is a polished keynote speaker, author and workshop facilitator. He offers extremely engaging and motivating presentations in the areas of leadership, change, customer service and communications skills. These presentations will generate immediate benefits to your organization. His recently released book, From Panic To Power is focused on overcoming your fear of public speaking and developing the public speaking and presentation skills you need to succeed.
Based in the Western Piedmont of North Carolina, Kevin challenges his clients and audiences to rethink the way they have always done things to improve their productivity and the quality of their lives. Kevin's broad, eclectic background has given him the opportunity to learn from the rigors of the military, the discipline of program management, the depth of spirituality and the challenges of parenthood. Additionally, Kevin and his wife, Anne, have adopted their two youngest children as infants from the former Soviet Union. He brings lessons and principles from these and other domains to develop "make sense," everyday tools and techniques that listeners can use to improve their perspectives and thus their productivity and ultimately the quality of their lives.