February 15th & 16th, 2025
Guerin Catholic High School
Join us on "Destination Jesus" a retreat where we will deepen our relationship with Jesus through the Most Holy Eucharist, allowing us to stay rooted in Him. This retreat provides a sacred space to reflect, pray, and grow in our faith as we learn to fully embrace the transformative power of the Eucharist in our lives. Come and experience the joy and peace that comes from being intimately connected to Jesus, and discover how staying rooted in Him can bring purpose and fulfillment to our journey of faith.
2025 Theme
"With so many witnesses in a great cloud all around us, we too, then, should throw off everything that weighs us down and the sin that clings so closely, and with perseverance keep running in the race which lies ahead of us."
Meet The Emcee
Kim Zember
Kim Zember joins us as the Emcee for our 30th Anniversary celebration year, 'Sound of the Saints'! With bold faith, she will share how we are all called to step into the truth of our identity: children who are boldly beloved by the heart of God the Father! No matter what sins we struggle with or what identity the world tries to place on us, God the Father is calling us to surrender our disordered desires to Him and pursue the truth of our belovedness. Through her personal journey of ongoing surrender of her same-sex desires to Jesus, Kim will testify to the freedom that comes when we claim our identity as beloved sons and daughters. Rooted in God's bold love for us, we can then go forth into the world with our own unique 'sound' and live our path to sainthood united to the heart of the Father.
When Kim is not at home in Dallas Texas, she is most likely found serving and playing with her 400+ children in Ethiopia through her ministry Unforgotten Faces. Kim has appeared on countless programs such as Pints with Aquinas, The Lila Rose Show, Conversations with Jackie & Bobby, Ascension Presents, Encounter Ministries, EWTN, TBN, CBN, Catholic Answers, 700 Club and much more.
For more information on Kim's ministry visit:
www.BoldlyBeloved.com
Meet The Keynote Speakers
Fr. Ricardo Pineda
Fr. Ricardo is a priest with the Fathers of Mercy, originally from San Diego, California. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Philosophy and a minor in Theology, he discerned God’s call to the priesthood and joined the Fathers of Mercy in 2008.
Ordained in 2013, Fr. Ricardo has served as both a parish priest and a missionary, traveling to share the Gospel and the mercy of Christ. He now serves as Treasurer General and local house superior for his community, continuing his mission of bringing souls closer to God.
Brian Greenfield
Brian Greenfield is an inspiring educator, speaker, and storyteller who has spent over 20 years helping people discover the joy and purpose found in God’s plan. With experience speaking at major events like SEEK, NCYC, and Steubenville Youth Conferences, Brian brings energy and authenticity to his message.
Born and raised in Washington, DC, Brian’s journey has taken him from studying communications at Seton Hall University to theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville and into ministry and education. He now lives in Tampa, Florida, with his wife, Genevieve, and their three children, Mieko, Michael, and Grace. Brian serves as Assistant Principal at Jesuit High School while traveling the country to share the Gospel’s message of hope and healing.
Brian will help us dive into our theme, "Sound of the Saints", and explore what it truly means to live a life of sanctity—a call to fullness of life that’s bigger and more exciting than we may think!
Mike Debus
Mike Debus is a gifted artist from Kansas City who brings creativity to life on stage. With a passion for painting since childhood, Mike pursued his dream and became a full-time freelance artist in 2001, creating portraits, murals, and commissions. Everything changed in 2008 when he was invited to perform live painting at a youth conference—a moment that inspired him to focus on captivating audiences with his Live Art Performance Paintings.
We’re thrilled to welcome Mike to the Destination Jesus stage, where he’ll share his incredible talent with us. Get ready to be inspired as he uses art to tell a powerful story of faith and creativity!
Jimmy Mitchell
BELIEVING DEEPLY IN the power of beauty to evangelize culture, Jimmy Mitchell’s gifts of storytelling and piano-playing have brought him to every corner of the world. On top of being the founder of Love Good, he’s the Assistant Principal for Mission at Jesuit High School in Tampa, FL, which has repeatedly made national news for its growing culture of conversion.
Jimmy has always enjoyed the cross-section between faith, artistry, and entrepreneurship. Whether he’s mentoring young people in virtue or interviewing award-winning artists in his studio, he loves nothing more than helping others fall in love with God.
Jimmy has become a fast friend to Destination Jesus, speaking many times over the years. We’re excited to have him back to inspire us once again to live a life that is fully alive in Christ!
Meet The Presenters
Antonella di Piazza
Antonella di Piazza is a member of the Fr. Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata (FKMI), having committed her life to spreading the message of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Since 1970, she has been deeply involved in the Militia of the Immaculata (MI), focusing on the spirituality of St. Maximilian and living a life of service to others.
Antonella has dedicated herself to youth and family ministry in Italy, the U.S., and Poland, serving as a retreat leader, speaker, and pastoral assistant. She’s also been an editor for multiple faith-based publications and has written books on Kolbe’s spirituality.
We’re excited to welcome Antonella to Destination Jesus for the first time! She will be sharing a powerful witness before the showings of The Saint of Auschwitz, one of the many impactful experiences available to teens at this year’s event.
Fr. Stan Fortuna, C.F.R.
Fr. Stan Fortuna is a dynamic priest, musician, and founding member of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs), a religious order known for serving the poor and spreading the Gospel through creative ministry. Before becoming a priest, Fr. Stan was a professional jazz musician, studying under the legendary Lennie Tristano and performing in iconic venues like Birdland and Lincoln Center.
During his formation in Spanish Harlem, Fr. Stan discovered hip-hop’s power to connect with people through rhythm and storytelling. He blended his musical talents with his mission, using rap, jazz, and other art forms to inspire hearts and reach those in need. Over the years, he has released more than 21 albums, as well as books and DVDs, with proceeds supporting his community’s work with the poor.
Fr. Stan has been a beloved friend to Destination Jesus for many years. Fun fact: his order, the CFRs, started Youth 2000, the movement that inspired what Destination Jesus is today! We’re excited to welcome Fr. Stan back to DJ, where his passion for faith, music, and beauty will energize and inspire us all.
Dr. Casey Delcoco
Dr. Casey Delcoco is a family medicine physician who combines faith and medicine to honor the dignity of every person. As the founder of Magnificat Family Medicine, she provides holistic care and supports women in crisis pregnancies through the Gabriel Project and Women’s Care Center in Indianapolis. Dr. Delcoco is passionate about sharing the beauty of pro-life values, natural family planning, and Theology of the Body.
Dr. Delcoco has been a favorite at Destination Jesus, where her sessions on the sanctity of life are always packed. We’re excited to welcome her back to share her wisdom and inspire us to embrace the fullness of life and faith once again.
Mary Caltrider
Mary Caltrider is a TV news anchor in St. Louis, Missouri, with a passion for sharing the “good news.” After winning a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her work in South Bend, Indiana, Mary combined her love for storytelling and her faith to create her podcast, "Let There Be Light with Mary Caltrider."
On her podcast, Mary dives into topics like mental health, work-life balance, Sacred Scripture, and the Eucharist. In a world that can feel dark, Mary’s mission is to show how God’s light shines even in brokenness.
At Destination Jesus, Mary will be podcasting live, and you can be part of the audience! Join her as she shares stories and explores how we can all find beauty and hope in our daily lives.
