fALL 2019 IMMERSION TEAM
Elizabeth Sindelar
Hello! My name is Elizabeth and I am from rural Northeast Nebraska. I just finished my second year at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS majoring in Theology. I enjoy farm life and partaking in any outdoor activity, especially sports. I met the Beatitudes in 2017. My hope is to take my studies to a new level by being immersed in Israeli culture and to more deeply discern my vocation.
Nate Meyers
Hi! My name is Nate Meyers! I'm 22 years old and from the land of 10,000 lakes (Minnesota). I converted to the Catholic faith in the spring of 2019 during my senior year at college thanks to the help of some FOCUS missionary friends and the main man himself, Jesus. In my spare time I enjoy tinkering with computers, going fishing, playing video games and sports, and pretending to be good at chess. I just wrapped up degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Let's see what the Lord has in store for my life next!
Nicole Munoz
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Hello friends!!! My name is Nicole and I'm an ER nurse in Tallahassee, Florida. I grew up in a little Florida town called Sebring and attended Florida State University where I received a bachelor degree in nursing and a minor in psychology (Go Noles!). I have a great passion for my vocation as a nurse and taking care of others brings me great joy. And at the center of my love and joy for my vocation is a greater love for Jesus and the Church. While in college I randomly went to Mass one day and was invited to events hosted by the Catholic Student Union, a beautiful and radical campus college ministry. This is where my journey began and where my conversion happened. Since then, my life forever changed and the Lord is doing incredible things in calling me to Israel for the fall. As Saint Pope John Paul II said, "A life with Christ is a wonderful adventure." My greatest desire and joy is to live a life fully alive for Him, because it was in laying my life down that I found mine.
Josh Greene
Hello, I'm Josh from Riverside, Southern California! I met the Community of the Beatitudes at FOCUS SEEK Conference in Indianapolis, and loved being able to join them for liturgy of the hours and fellowship! I just graduated from California Baptist University with a Masters of Architecture and hope to design beautiful Catholic churches in the future. Since meeting the Beatitudes, I have prayerfully discerned that joining them for pilgrimage in Israel is the perfect way to deepen my relationship with the Lord in the historic places where He lived His earthly ministry, as well as to broaden my perspective of the international character of the Catholic Church. I love camping, hiking, and visiting new Catholic churches, so I am very excited for this trip!
Lilly Cao
Hello everyone! My name is Lilly Cao, and I was born and raised in south Louisiana. This past May, I graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Pre-Medicine. I was brought up in a large, traditionally Catholic family. Always being around cousins and siblings taught me the importance of community. This fall, I am looking forward to entering into a new community where I can grow through service and love alongside the Beatitudes, while also learning about our Jewish roots. With this immersion, I hope to find clarity in God’s will for my life, as well as a rekindling of love for Him in my heart.
Marianne Hansalik
Hello! My name is Marianne Hansalik and I am 21 years old. I grew up in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire with three older siblings. After graduating from high school I began college at the University of Florida in Gainesville and soon after experienced a deep reconversion to Catholicism. I just graduated this past May with a degree in psychology and a minor in zoology! Right after graduating I went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a group from Florida State University and Fr. Anthony! While in Israel, I learned about this Fall Immersion and was delighted to learn that the goals and purposes of this immersion aligned perfectly with the desires the Lord has placed on my heart presently. I'm so excited to be stretched in formation and mission while deepening my love and understanding of the Lord in the beautiful Holy Land of Israel this upcoming fall.
Anja Ozols
Hi! My name is Anja Ozols, and I'm excited to spend the next four months on adventure with the Lord! I just finished my sophomore year studying Theology and Music at the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota, but I'm originally from Wisconsin. I enjoy singing, hiking, and casual games of ultimate frisbee. I can't wait to learn and serve with the Community of the Beatitudes, and ultimately grow in deeper intimacy with Christ as we (literally) walk His footsteps... this opportunity is a blessing beyond what words can describe; praise be to God!
Jennifer Branecky
Hello! My name is Jennifer Branecky, and I am from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. I am 24 years old and super excited to spend my 25th birthday in the Holy Land! I graduated from Benedictine College with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Theology in 2017. The past two years I have been teaching at a Catholic classical school in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This August I am entering into my year of Candidacy with the Community of the Beatitudes! I am extremely thrilled to embark on this journey of formation, prayer, and mission in the Holy Land where I will be able to further discern and grow in union with the Lord as I walk in His footsteps!
Clarissa Fierro Cheda
Paz y bien! My name is Clarissa Fierro Cheda. I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri in a wonderful, Mexican large family and had the privilege of graduating with theology and Spanish degrees from Benedictine College in 2017. That summer, I felt the call to serve in a foreign country and was given the opportunity to teach high school students in Belize with the Society of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT). The Lord radically changed my heart in beautiful and unknown ways. It has been a few months since I returned home from Belize, and I am thrilled to continue listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He leads me to new lands. Please pray for me that I may encounter God's children in Israel and Palestine and that I may listen with my heart to their unique, precious and unrepeatable stories.
Claire Pioch
Shalom! My name is Claire and I am a long-term intern with Beatitudes Missions from May 2019-August 2020. I grew up in Newport, Michigan (in between Toledo and Detroit). I recently graduated with my degrees in Pastoral Ministry and Psychology from Madonna University. I met Father Anthony at SLS 2018 and spent two months in Israel for pilgrimage and service in the summer of 2018. My time with the Beatitudes in the Holy Land transformed my life, and upon return I was certain Christ would bring me back some day. I am so blessed to open myself to the Lord in service to this mission!
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