Shortly after that we formed our ministry (Agnus Dei Ministry) which within the year of forming we began to travel the country leading praise and worship. In the midst of all that, God called me deeper into the speaking ministry aspect (something that till this day I know is a grace from Him because I am by nature an introvert.

The little boy who wanted to stay as far away from Church as possible is now the man who can’t imagine his life without it or the Eucharist. It’s all God’s work—it’s all grace.

My wife never pushed Catholicism on me. She showed it. She went to Mass every Sunday without fail. I would gently ask questions and she would answer them. Slowly, her example and firmness in her faith led me to try and figure out what the heck Catholicism was all about.

Early on in our music career, we were focused only on success and trying to “make it” in the industry. Slowly, our music became more about doing something good with the gifts God gave us. We never thought we’d end up making music for God, but slowly, He worked on our hearts, softening them.

It was at Franciscan I not only discovered a way of worship which made my heart come alive, I met friends whom I still have today. Community centered on Christ is everything.

“When I was ordained as a Deacon, I never intended to go around the world to speak at conferences. God just opened doors and opportunities. And now I feel that God has called me to spending my every remaining time in this earth committed to promoting marriage and family life.”

My time in seminary eventually came to an end as I discerned out after 4 years. And so I chose to pursue more missionary opportunities in the states and abroad. I found my wife while on mission and our family is expanding.

Each member of Steadfast can attest to the truth that music is powerful. Paired with the Gospel, we have every confidence that prayer through praise and worship transforms.

For close to 20 years I have had the privilege of working on the front lines of evangelization. First with a lay missionary movement, CCO, and now with the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

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 (as well as in Europe, Australia, and the Philippines) on dating, marriage, the moral and spiritual life, St. John Paul II, and Sacred Scripture.

During her meeting with the 8th grade class, this Sister said: “I know you all are thinking about what YOU want to do with your life, but don’t be afraid to ask Jesus what HE wants for your life. I promise if you do that, you’ll never regret it.”

I continued to paint, recognizing in each saint not only a model and inspiration, but a friend to help us on this journey. I now spend my days balancing motherhood with running my business, while my evenings are usually devoted to painting.

Josh Blakesley believes his calling is to make music that moves people into prayer and action. As a Christian songwriter, the question that provokes him is, “How do I create a song that will honor traditions yet speak to the modern Church and lead them to worship?”

I left the bar and gave my life to Jesus. From there, He broke my shame, He broke my addictions and He called me to be His priest. And now, I am experiencing a greater joy and freedom in Jesus that I never thought possible!

God has always been moving the pieces in my life. And, He is not just a distant, abstract concept but a real and living presence in my life. Jesus has brought me through difficult times and helped me to grow in faith and my life is so good because of His Love.

I have felt the desperation in the process but always shared that with Jesus in the Tabernacle, and I know it is because of Him that I am now what I am and what He wants me to be to keep being and doing.

I’m now in Catholic education for the long haul, a life transition that I could have never seen coming. Love Good continues to grow, especially now that we have an oceanfront studio in a family home just outside of Tampa. God is good, and God is faithful.

Ryan now manages @ewtnmedia’s YouTube channel and Video OnDemand as the Digital Media Specialist in TV Production, is a host of the show The Catholic Sphere