Hello,
This is Kelly and Grace! Welcome to the Children’s Revival: Saintly Scribbles at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.
My name is Kelly Gallagher. I am the Program Director for the Children’s Revival. I graduated from Empire State College with a degree in Health and Human Service Management and graduated from Lourdes University with a degree in Theology. I am also fully trained in levels 1-3 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. I was privileged to have the opportunity to establish a team that created two new atriums in my parish community, including one in a large Catholic school. My journey to Saint Meinrad has been full of great experiences. I began as a case manager for a small not-for-profit social services agency, I became a case manager for a large public housing corporation, a county children’s service worker, and an Adult GED teacher. All these positions helped me grow relationships in and through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
As my work life expanded and grew, so did my career in pastoral ministry. I have been a catechist for the sacrament of Confirmation classes for as long as I can remember. I also served as the director of a parish school religion /faith formation/youth minister for a Catholic parish. Then the classroom beckoned—a space where I could ignite young minds, shape character, and foster lifelong learning. For years, I taught theology and science at the junior high and high school levels. And now here I am! I am a novice oblate at Saint Meinrad and have the wonderful opportunity to work with partner parishes for the Children’s Revival of Participation at Sunday Mass. In my role, I will work to support parishes in implementing best practices to increase the participation of children in Holy Mass. I truly believe that together, we will write a symphony of grace in which every child’s scribble becomes a sacred note in the chorus of worship.
My name is Grace Soellner. I am the Program Assistant for the Children’s Revival. I recently graduated from Marian University with a degree in Pastoral Leadership, where I was actively involved in multiple ministry roles. These experiences, along with my long-standing engagement with youth and young adult programs, have deeply enriched my understanding and passion for ministry. But perhaps the most significant source of inspiration in my life has been my deep love for the Mass, a devotion that began in my childhood. I believe the Mass is not just a religious ritual, but a cornerstone of our faith, offering a unique experience of community, worship, and divine connection. My passion for the Mass is the driving force behind my dedication to sharing this beautiful tradition with our partner parishes, helping others to appreciate and cherish it as much as I do.
As the Program Assistant, I am responsible for collecting and analyzing data to ensure our programs are effective and impactful. Additionally, I coordinate our annual gathering where partner parishes could grow a deeper understanding of children's participation in Mass. I handle various office duties that keep our program running smoothly, from managing communications to organizing resources. Outside my professional role, I am deeply involved in my local parish community. Volunteering as a catechist and participating in parish activities keeps me grounded and continually inspires me in my work. I am excited to continue my journey in ministry with the Children’s Revival, constantly seeking new ways to inspire and support our partner parishes in their spiritual journeys.