“Inspiring men, by the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, to IGNITE their Catholic faith in everyday life."
Saturday, March 20, 2027
2027 SPEAKERS
Matt Swaim
Matt's that special blend of snarky, smart, and self-effacing that make him not only fun to listen to, but worth reading and talking to. Matt Swaim is communications coordinator with the Coming Home Network International. He is the cocreator and cohost of Sacred Heart Radio/EWTN’s Son Rise Morning Show.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in media communications from Asbury University in 2002. Swaim is the author of three books and has written for a variety of publications including Our Sunday Visitor, The Liguorian, Integrated Catholic Life, and the Catholic Telegraph. He has appeared on EWTN TV and radio, Relevant Radio, CatholicTV, The Catholic Channel on Sirius/XM Radio, and has been a guest host on Catholic Answers Live.
Swaim and his wife, Colleen, live with their son in Damascus, Maryland.
Matt Swaim started life in the Nazarene tradition in central OH as the son of faithful parents. They instilled within him a love of scriptures. Matt moved to central KY as a teen where his family became free Methodists and he got involved in youth fellowship and music. Upon entering Asbury College, Matt began to explore the writings of spiritual authors, many of whom were Catholic. Post graduation, he moved to Cincinnati, where he met his Catholic wife-to-be. He also began experiencing “cultural Catholicism”. At the same time, Matt explored the emergent church movement. It all came together for Matt when he realized that the logical conclusion of his faith journey was to reside in the richness and truth of Catholicism. Matt was the producer and eventual host of the “Son Rise Morning Show” on EWTN before joining the staff of The Coming Home Network in the spring of 2016.
Fr Gregory Pine, OP
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., is an Assistant Professor of Dogmatic and Moral Theology at the Dominican House of Studies and the Assistant Director of the Thomistic Institute. He was ordained a priest in 2016 and holds a doctorate from the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). He is the author of several books including Prudence, Your Eucharistic Identity, and Training the Tongue. He is a regular contributor to several podcasts including Godsplaining and Catholic Classics.
Dave VanVickle
Dave VanVickle fell in love with the Lord at the age of 14 and has dedicated his life to bringing others into a radical relationship with Christ. He is a popular speaker and retreat leader who presents on topics related to spiritual warfare, the universal call to holiness, and authentic
Catholic spirituality. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville and has years of experience assisting priests with their ministries of deliverance and exorcism. He is also co-host of the popular Ascension podcast “Every Knee Shall Bow.” Dave resides in Pittsburgh with his family.
A Message from Bishop Douglas Lucia
In the heart of the Lenten season, this day offers a sacred opportunity for us to renew our commitment to Christ amid our ongoing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I join those who have made this day possible by calling us to wholeheartedly "Trust in His Strength.”
As men we are challenged each day to live boldly in our witness that we live relying not on our own power, but rather on the Lord's unfailing grace, especially when life's challenges test our resolve. Whether you come seeking deeper faith, renewed purpose, or simply the joy of the brotherhood of fellow Catholic men, know that the Lord has his graces in store for you.
May the Lord abundantly bless our time together and may the fruit of IGNITE 2026 return with you to your parishes, your communities, and to your homes. I look forward to celebrating the Eucharist together and to sharing the encouragement of this day with you.
Feedback from previous conferences:
“Thank you for the beautiful rosary as a Parish captain gift. I will put it to use today. The IGNITE conference was once again excellent.” – Gary, Baldwinsville
“We are so very blessed to have such a great event through which we get to be ‘re-charged’ in our faith.” - Mark, Camillus
“The conference was great, and I received many positive comments about it. One of our ‘rookies’ already signed up for next year. Thanks again for everything that you do.” – Ken, Binghamton
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