Prayer: A Conversation with God, Grand Rapids

Jose Gonzalez joined the team at Sophia Institute for Teachers after more than 10 years as a high school teacher at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, Kansas. In addition to teaching, he has also worked as a youth minister and a coordinator of Totus Tuus in the Archdiocese of Denver. Jose is also an experienced speaker and presenter whose experiences include youth and Confirmation gatherings, RCIA classes, and adult faith formation. Jose has a BA in theology with a concentration in religious education from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and an MA in evangelization and catechesis from the Augustine Institute. Jose and his wife, Mary Beth, have two daughters and a son.

Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM, is Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. A member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, she holds a BA in theology and elementary education from St. Louis University and an MA from the Angelicum, awarded after completing studies at Notre Dame Catechetical Institute. She also earned the Pontifical Catechetical Diploma as well as an undergraduate degree in deaf communication. She has completed her doctorate at Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, England. Involved in catechetics in all its forms, at every level, Sr. Johanna has also spent several years as a Catholic school teacher. In 1999, Sr. Johanna joined the Theology faculty of Franciscan University. She specializes in catechetics, and teaches both graduate and undergraduate students. In addition to her teaching duties, Sr. Johanna travels throughout the country presenting workshops on catechist training, catechist retreats, and catechesis for persons with disabilities. Sr. Johanna is also engaged in research on the role of Catholic sisters in the American Civil War.