Rick Clark In spring 2025 a sudden invasion of grace brought me back to faith after 27 years away…” I was baptized Pentecostal, then grew into a Bible Church Protestant in young adulthood. After a divorce at age 25, I rejected Christianity. God pulled me into the Catholic Church and I began attending Mass at SFACC and started OCIA. My family and I have lived in Dayton metro since the Air Force brought me here with my wife, son and stepson in 2006. My favorite habits are exercising, reading and going out for early weeknight happy hours with my wife. |
Ehren Bieder I was baptized and raised Methodist, and my Wife Connie and her family are Catholic. We have one son, Jakob, who made his first communion last May. His communion set in motion my desire to learn more about the faith and to become Catholic. We have been attending Incarnation for one year now and it has been an extremely satisfying experience. I enjoy the my fellow parishioners and appreciate the structure of the Mass. I am excited to continue this journey and to continue learning about the faith. In my free time I enjoy golfing, bowling, skiing and going to the movies. |
Emma Daubenmerkl While I have been surrounded by Catholic friends and family my whole life, the prospect of marriage has encouraged me to seek full communion with the Church at this time. I have attended Mass at OLL since April 2025, often seen accompanied by James, my boyfriend, who is Catholic. I work as a pediatric physical therapist at Dayton Children’s Hospital with a special passion for Juvenile Arthritis and helping babies meet their milestones. In my free time, I can be found reading, crocheting, running, doing a puzzle or playing with Patella, my dog! |
Chad Ewing My interest in the Catholicism grew through family connections and desire for a deeper spiritual foundation for myself and family. Since beginning the OCIA, I have felt truly welcomed and supported by OLL and am grateful for such a faith-filled family. I grew up in Newport News, Va. after many moves with family due to my father’s military service. I settled in Wilmington, Ohio, where I met my wife. Five years ago we moved to Centerville where we now live with our two wonderful sons. I enjoy playing vintage video games, building Legos with the kids, and spending time outdoors. |
Sally Grigsby Growing up in Tennessee, I attended a Southern Baptist church, but had Catholic influence from my mother & grandmother. In college I was in a relentless pursuit of growing closer to Christ. A deep-dive into Christian theology & Church history brought me to the fullness of truth in Catholicism. I've decided to make the Catholic Church my permanent home. My commitment to the US Air Force brought me to Wright Patt in June, where I serve as an electrical engineer. I'm involved with the Cincinnati Alumnae Association for Kappa Kappa Gamma, where I oversee membership. I also enjoy running, reading, & wine tasting. |
Kelly Haws I am a mother of two boys, Maxwell (first grade) and Luke (kindergarten), who both attend Incarnation Catholic School. I also have a wonderful husband, Ben, and we reside in Centerville. I enjoy traveling, reading, listening to live music, watching my boys’ sporting events and spending time with friends and family. My sons will be baptized Catholic in June 2025 and I would like to join the Catholic faith alongside them. I look forward to attending mass as a family. I have very much enjoyed the OLL family and have learned lots by being part of the OCIA program and attending weekly sessions. |
Mark Horwitz My wife and I moved from Indianapolis in 1980 to this welcoming and loving community. We raised our family here. Our daughter now lives in Nashville, TN and our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter live in Cincinnati. Our family has been going to Incarnation since we moved to Centerville in 1986. I joined OCIA to find my path to getting closer to God and learn the traditions and beliefs of the Catholic faith. This journey is a deep interpersonal exploration of my being. Now I'm retired and enjoy nature, biking, walking, having time to visit family and volunteering. Presently I volunteer at Carillon Park in the Restoration Department and as a conductor on the train. |
Joe Laurinaitis I have been married to my beautiful Catholic wife for over 18 years and regularly attend Mass at Incarnation & St France of Assisi with our family. The truth and love of Christ has captured me and I feel the calling to be in full communion with the Catholic Church. My younger kids go to Incarnation School and my eldest daughter did as well. I am originally from Minnesota and in my free time I enjoy going to my kid’s sporting events, being physically active, watching TV Series and movies and eating a wide variety food! |
Deborah Madigan In my desire to enrich my faith, I decided to become Catholic. My husband Tom was raised Catholic and one of our four daughters became Catholic 12 years ago. I was inspired last year when Sarah, my daughter, went thru OCIA and asked me to join her! I have attended Mass at OLL for over two years and love the welcoming and friendly atmosphere and learning thru Mass. Tom and I are blessed with 15 grandchildren. I am a registered nurse and work at Miami Valley Hospital South as a Case Manager. I enjoy spending my spare time with friends and family and cross-stitching.” |
Randi Michael I was always inspired by my grandmother’s deep faith and devotion. For years I have felt a steady pull to return to the Church, and after the birth of my son, I knew it was time to come home. I was baptized Catholic but grew up in church outside of the faith. Many of my extended family remained Catholic. My husband and I have lived in Centerville for six years. We’re both from Wilmington. We have two wonderful boys who keep our lives full and joyful. I enjoy clogging, hiking, writing, and reading. We’ve truly enjoyed getting to know everyone in the OLL family and are so grateful to be part of this OCIA journey! |
Herb Mullens Several of the influential people in my life are practicing Catholics. Since moving to Centerville, I drive by Incarnation on my daily commute. After doing that for several months, I started to feel God calling me to attend. Since that time, I began OCIA and enjoy learning about the faith. I have to say I love the friendliness of the community at OLL. Everyone has been very welcoming. I am the father of two great kids. My 20yr old son is a senior at Virginia Tech and my daughter is 14 yr old. I work as a software engineer at BAE Systems. |
Tyler Peters What brought me to the church I cannot describe as anything other than the Holy Spirit spoke to me and I felt drawn to come Catholic. I was not raised attending church. I attended my first Mass with Bethany, my wife of 14 years, and her family some 17 years ago. Both our two young children (Liam 6 & Maddy 3) have been baptized. I began OCIA this past fall with my wife as my sponsor. I am a firefighter paramedic and been in the fire service for 18 years. I enjoy the gym, working on cars, and teaching as a fire instructor. |
Andrew Smith I was baptized into the Catholic Church, but rarely attended. The Holy Spirit kept pushing and pulling my heart to finally seek and embrace our Lord. I recently moved back to Dayton and have appreciated how friendly the OLL OCIA Team and parishioners are. Born in Dayton, I moved to Virginia until graduating high school. I served four years in the Marine Corps visiting Japan, Philippines and Thailand. I Graduated from Wright State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In my free time I enjoy making scale models and reading about history. |
Jessica Suber I have discovered a faith that has led me to truly follow Jesus Christ and I’ve never felt more at peace. As a young child, I was raised in the Presbyterian church. After becoming an adult, I attended non-denominational churches while serving in the US Army. Recently, a close friend introduced me to the Catholic faith. We started the Bible in a Year podcast together and I began attending Mass. I felt a strong desire to learn more, so I joined OCIA. I am joyful to attend weekly sessions as I draw more near to Jesus. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my girls, Stella (14) and Phoebe (12). |
Heather Wadsworth I have been married to Matthew, my husband, for 15 amazing years! Our sons will be baptized Catholic in December and I would love to join the Catholic faith along -side them. I am a stay -at home mom of two energetic boys who are fun, loving and energetic! Caleb (3rd grade) who attends Incarnation and Connor (4) (preschool). We love traveling as a family and experiencing new things with the boys. In my spare time I love working on home interior design projects and renovations. I am enjoying attending the weekly OCIA sessions. |
Dr. Zachary Weed Catholicism appeals to me for its rich intellectual tradition and emphasis on the Sacraments and unity of the Church. It is not easy to succinctly express why I want to join the Church, but I became interested in Christianity largely through videos and podcasts, mainly Bishop Robert Barron. Then I read the Gospels and sought to join OCIA. I started OCIA Fall 2024 and appreciate what I have learned so far, particularly from Judith Dunlap, my sponsor. I am married and have a four-year-old son. My free time is mostly spent playing with my son, Freddy; we like listening to music and reading. |
Jason Shibley I want to walk with God. I have found what I am looking for in the Catholic Church. I never again want to lose faith like I did. Catholic teachings, traditions, reverence, how the Catholic faith takes our walk with God so seriously feeds my soul. Its roots are with our Lord and Savior. My family attends SFACC and plan to make it our home parish. The parishioners are friendly & show reverence for our God. My free time is spent with my family, lifting weights, training in Muay Thai kick boxing, grappling & everything outdoors. My number one goal/priority is serving my God and the Lord Jesus. |
Liz Unverferth I have attended Mass for many years with my husband (now deceased) and our sons, and I’ve always felt that the traditions and faith of the Catholic Church draw me closer to our Lord and Savior. Now, I’m excited to take the next step and enter into full communion with the Church. I recently moved here from rural Kentucky to be closer to my son and his family. I love staying busy with hobbies like gardening—vegetables, flowers, and herbs (even indoors!)—reading, hiking, kayaking, and listening to music. |
Joshua Chambers I grew up in Tennessee going to a Presbyterian church and school, and tried many different branches of Protestantism throughout college. While researching theological literature in searching for a church, I began reading about early church history and practices. This led me to the fundamental truth of the Catholic Church. I have been learning and growing every day. I moved to Ohio recently and started work as an Electrical Engineer earlier this month. I look forward to this exciting time of change in my life, and I am very thankful for the opportunity I have been given to work in and serve my local community. |
Ramona Greathouse The kindness Pope Francis led me to the Catholic Church. I was always drawn to the Catholic faith and a dear friend encouraged me to attend Mass. For three years I have attended Mass at St Francis and at other churches and cathedrals. The kind and friendly people and the wonderful programs offered here at OLL make me feel this is where I belong! I am enjoying the weekly OCIA meetings and getting to know others in the program. I am a retired teacher, and I am happiest with a book in hand. |
Janelle Ayala God’s guidance and my curiosity and research hasled me to find the “Truth” is in Catholicism. Its rich history gives me answers that make sense to me. God gave Peter the keys to His kingdom in what later came to be known as the Catholic Church. Religion was not part of my life growing up. I had friends from different cultures, spiritual backgrounds and faiths. I researched Judaism, Christianity, Mormonism and the Muslim faith. I love attending OLL and feel connected here. I enjoy the outdoors, friends and family, painting, singing, doing jigsaw puzzles, Jiu-Jitsu, and I do massage therapy. I love helping and healing others |
Collin June I’ve been exploring the Catholic faith for the last 10 years with my wonderful wife Rachel, who has been an inspiration to me. Through her kindness and faith, I have found a deeper calling to conversion. Our three children Jacob (8), and our twin boys Noah and Henry (6) have been baptized in the faith and are attending Incarnation School. I am excited to be receiving the Eucharist this spring and our oldest son will be making his first communion a few weeks later. I appreciate the overwhelming support and prayers of the parish community during this time. |
Daniel Bandy My inquisitive nature and desire to truly know God led me to the Roman Catholic Church. A deep thirst for knowledge, a love of history, and an open heart for researching the foundations of faith drew me into The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz, studying Bishop Robert Barron’s videos, and eventually joining OCIA. At Our Lady of Light, I am finding the answers I have been searching for, and I’ve grown to love the richness of doctrine, mystery, and culture. I work as a welding fabrication foreman. My “soul cat” is Knox. I love reading, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Batman, The Lord of the Rings, the Zelda video game series, and my favorite local band is Beartooth. |
Zack Allen I grew up the son of a Protestant preacher in the Church of Christ. With a son born in January 2026, I realized in 2025 that I need to be stronger in my faith. After diligent study and prayer, I came to realize the Catholic Church, with its Traditions and reverence shown to our Lord, will provide me with the strength and fullness of faith that I wish to give to our son. I enjoy OCIA. Sponsor Mike Flanagan has been a true blessing and we’ll be lifelong friends. Beautiful Tamera is my wife of two years. I practice boxing and Thai kick boxing (Mauy Thai) and I love the outdoors. |
Brandi Shibley The reason I am coming to the Catholic Church now is because I’m seeking God. I wanted to find a place of worship that is free from lots of distractions and that is the original form of Christianity. I really love the reverence that the Catholic Church holds for God. I attend Our Lady of Light and find the people so welcoming. I have been married for 20 years now and have four beautiful children. I work at Bethesda North Hospital as a respiratory therapist. When I am not at work, I am busy homeschooling my children. I love to bake, garden and read. |
Jacob Larson I have been interested in the Catholic Church since childhood. I believe I was called to it by God. Getting to the nitty gritty of solid theology, 2000 years of apostolic lineage and scholarly thought definitely interests me. I like the adherence to tradition and focus on the glorification of God. I love Holly, my wife, and our two beautiful children, Ezra (7) and Dorothy (6). Holly and I are Army veterans. I am a Senior Intelligence Analyst at WPAFB. Hobbies are weightlifting, hiking, and tinkering with anything that has an engine. I am a certified Personal Trainer and Master Strength Trainer. |
Katie Nutter-McCallum I’ve been on a faith journey after asking God to open my heart. I was baptized and raised Methodist but stepped away from the church during college. In 2022, following the loss of my husband, I found my way back to faith and began attending OLL in 2024. Through Mass, adoration, and learning more about Catholicism, I’ve felt a deeper connection to Christ and find the Sacraments truly beautiful. I’m excited to see where the Holy Spirit leads me. Outside of faith, I love spending time with my two kids and my friends, traveling, time at the beach, working out, listening to music, and dancing. |
Greg Knapke Bio coming soon... |
Sage Lewis I want to join the Catholic Church as I seek peace and purpose. I am the oldest of nine kids in my busy family. About 10 years ago, I had a calling to feel God’s love. I had been curious about Catholicism as both my grandmothers were Catholic. Three years ago, Sophie, my fiancé took me to Mass. I really was moved by God’s love. At OCIA I am learning Church traditions, prayers and teachings. I am also excited about our wedding in October ‘26 at St Paul in Westerville, a career as a home inspector, beekeeping, gardening, woodworking and the outdoors. |
Lisa Garland For years I’ve been interested in learning about Catholicism. While looking for a local church, we attended our friend’s Mass of Christian Burial and had a profoundly positive experience. The meaningful service & friendly parishioners inspired us to attend daily Mass! Mass has a satisfying structure. Each part has true meaning & purpose. The roots of the Church, traditions, writings of Church fathers & true historical fact have led Boe, my husband of 49 yrs, and I to join OCIA. We have two sons Robert and Will (wife Jessica, their daughter Evelyn). I enjoy sewing, quilting, crafts, travel, walking, bicycling, genealogy, music, & Dobro. |
Robert "Boe" Garland As Protestants, Lisa (my wife of 49 yrs) & I have attended various denominations to grow in faith before visiting OLL. We began looking for a local church June ’25. Every visit to OLL felt right, felt like home. This made me want to know more! At Mass we are so impressed by the structure, friendliness toward us & family centered approach to fellowship. We both joined OCIA! I retired from General Motors. I enjoy being outside, yard work, gardening, walking, bicycling, occasional fishing, & small leatherwork projects. We have two sons, Robert & William (married to Jessica with our granddaughter Evelyn.) |
Marie Chambers Between focusing on my active family and working full time as a Nurse Practitioner at Miami Valley Hospital South, I have finally found the time to start the Catholic journey! Jason, my husband, is Catholic and we sent both of our wonderful sons through the Catholic school system at Incarnation and Bishop Fenwick. For over 20 years I have loved attending Mass with my family. I was able to see their faith in God flourish. I am enjoying OCIA and I look forward to my confirmation to be in full communion with the Church. My hobbies include running and cycling. |
Morgan McCleese Bio coming soon... |
James Stephenson |
Erick Shumaker |