NWI Catholic Men's Conference
October 8, 2022
Father Leo Patalinghug
Fr. Leo Patalinghug is a priest member of a community of consecrated life, Voluntas Dei (The Will of God). He is the creator and founder of an international food and faith movement called Plating Grace, and founder and chair of the nonprofit group The Table Foundation. He is a best-selling author, acclaimed international speaker, host for radio, podcast and a weekly international food and faith show on EWTN, Savoring our Faith. His unique background as a chef and his previous experience as a two-time black belt martial arts instructor and former award-winning break dancer and choreographer has earned the attention of major media outlets, including the Food Network where he won "Throwdown with Bobby Flay!" The mission to see food as a gift from God to nourish your family and to strengthen relationships is making this world a better place one meal at a time.
Deacon Darrell Miller
DARRELL MILLER is a former player of the California Angels (1984-1988) and currently serves as the Director of MLB’s Urban Youth Academy. He is the brother of the Olympic athletes and hall of famers, Cheryl and Reggie Miller. As a convert to the faith, Darrell is especially mindful of the depth and truth of the Catholic faith. He is a dynamic evangelical speaker who loves to share his testimony and faith far and wide. He was a participant in the Vatican’s first ever conference on Sports in 2005. On October 23, 2021, Darrell was ordained to the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Orange.
Jim Beckman
Jim Beckman serves as the Executive Director of ImpactCenter, a Catholic apostolate dedicated to ministry and leadership development in the Church. He is the former Executive Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Jim has been involved with Diocesan and parish ministry, evangelization and leadership development for many years. A graduate of Franciscan University and the Augustine Institute, Jim has served in various roles of leadership for national, regional and local ministry. He is a dynamic and passionate speaker and has a great love for the Catholic Church. He has built solid and thriving ministry programs in numerous parishes and Dioceses over the years. Jim also serves as an adjunct professor for the Augustine Institute, teaching on topics of leadership, evangelization and discipleship. He and his wife, Meg, live in Oklahoma City with their five children.
Patrick Williams
Patrick Williams is a singer, musician, and liturgist from Atlanta, Georgia He is excited to accompany the church with music while integrating the head and the heart. Patrick graduated from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, pursued music (writing, recording, performing, and collaborating with other artists) and mission work. He then entered St. Joseph’s Seminary on the north shore of New Orleans with the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux (under the direction of Fr. Mark Toups) and later discerned out. He has worked with the Christopher West and the Theology of the Body Institute, Echo Community (Dumb Ox Ministries), Life Teen International, FOCUS, and many Dioceses across the United States. He has also been the director of music and campus ministry for the Georgia Tech Catholic Center (2017-2020) and is currently working towards becoming a licensed professional counselor with Mercer University and interning at Emory Wesley Woods mental health hospital.