Presenters
Jack Rigert
Vice President & Director
Jack is a co-founder of the John Paul II Renewal Center, the host of the "Become Who You Are" podcast, and a writer for several online Catholic outlets. Jack was a professional chef and entrepreneur who owned restaurants, real estate, and a financial service company. Dramatic “encounters” with Jesus Christ at his dying brother’s bedside and again in the Eucharist at his brother’s funeral, brought him back into the Church after a twenty-year absence. While attending graduate school in Theology, Jack came across the teaching of Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” He immediately understood that this was the treasure he had been seeking all his life, sold everything, and now devotes his time presenting Parish Missions, Retreats, and Classes. Jack has three grown children and seven grandchildren. He lives in Elburn, Illinois with his wife, Jeannie. Jack is an active member of St. Gall’s Parish, in Elburn, IL.
Mark Schmitt
After overcoming a life of sin, Mark began presenting alongside Jack Rigert at parish missions and talks. Growing up he had heard the list of “rules” about our sexuality and desires, the problem was he never understood the WHY behind it all. Mark studied at the Theology of the Body Institute and has a passion for presenting parish missions and working with teens and young adults. He graduated from Wheaton College in 2014 and works for his family landscaping business. Mark is now married with young children and attends St. John Cantius parish in Chicago.
Jacob Groth
After hearing Jack speak at an event at the Newman Center at Northern Illinois University, Jacob quickly built a relationship with Jack and eventually joined Jack to speak to teens and young adults on Theology of the Body. Jacob primarily earns a living as an artist and creative writer for Catholic productions, including Catholic films.
Isabel Chavez
After leaving a life of acting in Hollywood behind over a decade ago, Isabel has dedicated her life to causes near and dear to her. She now works part-time at a pregnancy care center, while presenting for The John Paul II Renewal Center in her spare time. Isabel is bilingual and connects well with Spanish speaking audiences, particularly when facilitating LoveEd.
Coleen Kelly Mast
Dr. Coleen Kelly Mast, an author, speaker, life coach and radio talk show host speaks on family life issues throughout the world and hosts a syndicated call-in radio advice show on Saturday mornings, “Mast Appeal” on more than 500 Catholic Radio Stations through EWTN as well as on Sirius Satellite Radio. Mast holds an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Quincy University, a Masters Degree in Health Education, and Secondary Teaching certificates in four specialty fields: Theology, Health, Physical Education and Science. She has taught at the elementary, junior high and high school levels, and has been a pioneer in modern Catholic Family Life Education. Mast has written the “Love & Life” (Ignatius Press) and “Sex Respect” (Respect, Inc.) chastity education programs, which include books for teachers, teens and parents. Her newest video/discussion program ‘LoveEd’ is the focus of the Theology of the Body outreach for the John Paul II Renewal Center.