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The Department of Evangelization, Education, and Youth Ministry equips Catholics in the Diocese of Marquette with training and resources to grow in friendship with Jesus, invest in relationships with others, and invite those in their circles of influence to discover and follow Christ.
We do this in four key areas of ministry:
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Father Ryan Ford, S.T.L.
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Father Ryan Ford is the Vicar for Evangelization & Catechesis. He grew up in Gladstone, attended Holy Name Catholic School, and graduated from Gladstone High School. He studied music education at Central Michigan University, where he got involved in a Bible study that fueled his faith. After working a summer at Bay Cliff Health Camp, he entered Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He was ordained a priest in 2011 and served as associate pastor in Marquette, Big Bay, and Menominee, then returned to Sacred Heart Seminary to serve as a spiritual director and teacher while earning his Licentiate in Sacred Theology in evangelization. He served as Pastor of the Ishpeming Catholic parishes for six years, then began his current position in July 2024.
Evangelization training, Catechetical training, Family ministry training, Youth ministry training
Contact:
[email protected]
906-379-5069
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Dr. Jessica Betz, Ed.D.
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Dr. Jessica Betz is the Director of Catholic Schools. She grew up in Marquette and entered the education field as a middle school and high school teacher. She attended Northern Michigan University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education, a Master of Arts in English and pedagogy, and an Education Specialist degree. She worked her way to be a professor at the NMU School of Education, then principal of Father Marquette Catholic Academy. She earned a Doctorate in Education from Central Michigan University in 2019 and was appointed Director of Catholic Schools in May 2024. She is passionate about shaping young minds in the nurturing, faith-filled environment of Catholic schools. She and her husband Jonny are proud parents of two daughters.
Catholic schools, Principals formation, Curriculum and policies
Contact:
[email protected]
906-227-9127
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Tiffany Ampe
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Tiffany Ampe is the assistant to the Vicar for Evangelization & Catechesis and the Evangelization Coordinator. She and her husband Joe live in Marquette and are proud parents of thirteen children, adopting four with special needs. Tiffany is passionate about evangelization and coordinates Department initiatives that align with the mission to share Christ with others.
Evangelization coordinator, Confirmation Mass coordinator, Special events coordinator, Family ministry coordinator, Pro-life ministry coordinator
Contact:
[email protected]
906-379-3860
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Sara Shusta
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Sara Shusta is the administrative assistant to the Director of Catholic Schools. She lives west of Champion in Three Lakes, and is dedicated to the mission of supporting and assisting the development and success of our Catholic school principals, teachers, staff, and students.
Education events coordinator
Contact:
[email protected]
906-227-9137
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