Contributors

CAROL COLE, illustrator, cover and Mary, Untier of Knots, page 23 As a convert to Christianity, Carol Cole fi nds Catholicism to be a bottomless treasure chest. Her technique, seen on the cover and in the article on page 23, “takes abstract works and adheres them back together into something recognizable: a face, a bird, a moment in time,” says Cole. “My process was born out of a group process as a teacher. I continue to enjoy engaging others in working together to create amazing artworks for home and offi ce.” For more about Cole’s artwork, visit her website: CarolColeCatholicArtist.com.

JANICE LANE PALKO, writer, A Memorial to a Different Kind of War, page 18 For over 20 years, Janice Lane Palko has worked as an editor, columnist, freelance writer, teacher, lecturer, and novelist. Her writing has appeared in a number of publications such as Reader’s Digest, Guideposts for Teens, Woman’s World, the Christian Science Monitor, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, as well as this magazine. Janice lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband. She is a mother of three, grandmother to three granddaughters, and has a lovable dog, Mickey.

PATRICIA MISH, writer, Finding Harmony in the Franciscan Spirit, page 14 Patricia Mish is managing editor of FAITH Grand Rapids, the magazine of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has been a reporter, editor, and proofreader at daily newspapers in Michigan and Catholic publications, including St. Anthony Messenger. She is the mother of three sons and enjoys running, Chicago Cubs games, reading, camping, and discovering local bakeries.

MARÍA RUIZ SCAPERLANDA, writer, Faith and Family sidebar: “The Purest Love,” page 45 An award-winning journalist, María Ruiz Scaperlanda is the author of countless articles and six books, the latest of which is The Shepherd Who Didn’t Run: Fr. Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma (Our Sunday Visitor). She also wrote an article about Father Rother for our September 2017 issue. In June 2016, she was awarded the St. Francis de Sales Award, the highest honor from the Catholic Media Association, for her contributions to Catholic journalism.

MARK P. SHEA, writer, I’d Like to Say: Stop Weaponizing the Eucharist, page 28 In addition to blogging and writing, Mark P. Shea has also done podcasting, radio and TV work, and even some acting. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including The Work of Mercy: Being the Hands and Heart of Christ (Franciscan Media). His website, MarkPShea.com, features commentary on a wide range of topics. He and his wife, Janet, live in Washington State along with their sons and grandkids.

BOB VOJTKO, illustrator, Friar Pete and Repeat, page 45 For years, Bob Vojtko’s cartoons have appeared in St. Anthony Messenger, but in 2021 his artwork became a regular feature when he introduced Friar Pete as the next incarnation of the Pete and Repeat character. Vojtko became interested in art at about 5 years old when he was watching his dad paint a comic book character on a basement wall in their house. In addition to Friar Pete, Vojtko creates singlepanel cartoons for magazines such as Saturday Evening Post and Good Housekeeping.