OUR TEAM
The Catholic Parenting Initiative is proud to have a dedicated team of individuals who are fully committed to its mission. With a range of backgrounds and skills, the team works collaboratively to empower families and guides parents and caregivers in their journey. Please take a moment to meet our talented brothers and sisters.
If you'd like to join us, please contact us at 716-828-9633 or cpi@olvcharities.org.
Program Director
Riley Emer
Riley is the Director of the Catholic Parenting Initiative, a ministry of OLV Charities. She has an undergraduate degree in theology from Boston College and a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame, as an alumna of the Echo Graduate Service Program out of the McGrath Institute for Church Life. During her time in the Echo Program, Riley served in the faith formation department of a parish in the Archdiocese of Atlanta for two years, lived in an intentional faith community, and for the first time in her life, was formed and equipped to develop a personal relationship with Christ. Prior to assuming her role at OLV Charities, Riley was the Campus Minister at Hilbert College for the 2023-2024 school year. She and her husband, Nate, are newlyweds, married in July of 2024 in Riley’s home state of Massachusetts. They are parishioners and catechists at St. Mary of the Assumption in Lancaster, NY. When not spending time with family and friends, Riley enjoys serving on the core team for Magdalene, a dynamic and vibrant Catholic women’s group based in WNY. Why CPI?: There is a great deal of research in the areas of faith transmission, parenting, and human development that points to the critical role that parents play in passing on faith and a religious worldview to their children. For many years, the Church has poured its time and energy into forming children, with ample resources being allocated to youth groups, retreats, and religious education classes. While this is certainly a good thing, as children are eager to learn about God and deserving of religious education, we often neglect to accompany parents and to help them to grow in their own faith. Parents and caregivers are the ones that children look up to, who inform their sense of identity, what their priorities should be, and what constitutes living a happy and morally upright life. If parents do not have a relationship with God, do not know that they are loved by God, and do not have the ability to talk about how God is acting in their life, how can we expect them to model a life for their children that is imbued by God’s infinite mercy and love? Pope Paul VI astutely writes on this very point in his encyclical Evangelii Nuntiandi, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” If we are asking parents to share Jesus and the Gospel with their children, we must help them to be witnesses, people who have a personal relationship with the living God and who see their role in the story of salvation history. If we can help parents to grow in their faith, to love their faith, and to take ownership of their faith, then we know that they will be perfectly capable of teaching their own children about the Catholic faith. The goal of the Catholic Parenting Initiative is to walk alongside parents and caregivers in our parishes to prepare their hearts for a deeper relationship with God and to invite them into deeper levels of engagement, conversion, and discipleship. We want to empower parents and caregivers, to listen to them, and to support them as they live out their vocation. It is my sincerest hope that by helping the parents and caregivers to grow in their relationship with God and in their relationships with other Catholic families, that we will have more intentional disciples, who will serve as the catalysts for stronger domestic churches, stronger parish communities, and a stronger future for our Church.
Consultants
M. Mookie Manalili, LICSW
Mookie is a psychotherapist, professor, and researcher – interested in suffering, embodiment, meaning-making, narratives, trauma, memory, and ethics. In terms of formation, he has received an engineering degree from Loyola Marymount University, theological pedagogy degree from Notre Dame, and clinical social work and theological studies degrees from Boston College. Mookie trained as a Licensed Independent Certified Social Worker (LICSW) psychotherapist, who blends narrative therapy, psychoanalysis, logotherapy, body-based techniques, and mindfulness traditions. Mookie is a Part-Time Faculty for the School of Social Work (i.e. Narrative Therapy, Adult Psychological Trauma) and Department of Psychology & Neuroscience (i.e. Introduction to Psychopathology) at Boston College. In terms of communities, Mookie is involved with the Psychology and the Other conference, the Center for Psychological Humanities & Ethics, the Morality Lab, and the Danielsen Institute. In all his various roles, Mookie hopes to participate in our duty to better our society: particularly for folks who suffer injustices; for the widow, orphan, and stranger; for a future and world beyond one’s self. Currently, Mookie resides in Boston, Massachusetts - and is also pursuing a PhD in Pastoral Theology & Psychology at Boston University. Inquire about therapy/research or chat about life’s mysteries over tea (or bourbon), feel free to email him: manalili@bc.edu. Why CPI?: I'm honored to be involved in the Catholic Parenting Initiative - through partnership with OLV Charities! The concept of the "ecclesia domestica" (the domestic church) is very near and dear to my heart. I'm moved to contemplate the hidden life of Christ, thinking of St. Joseph and Mother Mary imparting wisdom upon the child Jesus. Particularly in post-Vatican II theology, there is a recovery and emphasis on the nurturing of faith not only in the buildings of parishes and schools, but in that of the home. Especially in the shifting and diverse landscape of both the Church and the world, the nurturing of little souls to have faith, hope, and charity is ever present. Across the culture, languages, and charisms, we are curious to see the elements that nurture loving families which transmit the faith lovingly. May this project be a blessing to the families, parishes, and communities involved - for us to better be the hands and feet of Christ in our suffering world. Pax Cristi.
John Roberto
John Roberto is Executive Director of the National Community of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL). He has spent a lifetime working in faith formation—teaching, writing, researching, consulting, and developing programs. He founded Lifelong Faith Associates in 2006 to continue his work. Among his publications are Lifelong Faith: Formation with All Ages and Generations, Families at the Center of Faith Formation, Seasons of Adult Faith Formation, Reimagining Faith Formation for the 21st Century, Generations Together, and Faith Formation 2020. He has a masters degree in religious education from Fordham University and a honorary doctor of divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School.
Design Team Members
Lisa Benzer
Mrs. Lisa Benzer has been the Diocesan Director of Faith Formation for three years. Prior to her current role, she served as Director of Religious Education (DRE) for two parishes over ten years. After one year of directing a traditional religious education model, and observing its ineffectiveness, she instituted a successful family faith formation program the following year and the results were astounding. Parents and children were connecting in a way that gave them great joy and families were uniting with other families, developing deeper lasting relationships. They began to volunteer more at the parish, made connections with the greater parish community, attended Mass regularly, joyfully celebrated the liturgical year, and participated in Eucharistic adoration and the Sacraments. At the First Reconciliation service for the children that year, the parents were also invited to participate. Parents remained in the pews of the church until they felt ready to go, and for some parents, it was their first time going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation in decades. This is one of the many joys of being a parish catechetical leader. Lisa has been married to her amazing husband, Shawn, for twenty-seven years. They have three children, and they belong to Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Orchard Park, NY.
Deacon Mark Bialkowski
Deacon Mark is the Pastoral Associate for Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica and the Archivist for OLV’s Institutions. He holds graduate degrees in both Library Science and Pastoral Studies and has experience working in both higher education and ministry. Deacon Mark has been married since 2007 and ordained since May 2022. He lives in South Buffalo with his wife and two children.
Christina Egelston
It is an honor to participate in this opportunity to strengthen our Domestic Church. I am very excited to work beside the outstanding and talented people who make up the design team. Together we assist in creating a framework for parishes to follow that will align with the grant presented to us. I have been part of the ministry of the Church through catechesis for over 30 years. Our focus in catechesis is passing on the faith, bringing others to Jesus. To grow in their relationship and fall in love with Him. This initiative directly supports the efforts of the vocation I have been blessed to be called to.
Marlene Lamparelli
Marlene and her husband Jim recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. She enjoys travel with her family, parish pilgrimages, and quiet time spent in God’s creation. Previously, she held a career in Nursing and Massage Therapy. Currently, she serves in a newly merged Family of Parishes as Pastoral Assistant and Faith Formation Coordinator. Why CPI: I am blessed to work with so many talented individuals on this project. As a mother of three, I experienced deep loss when our Catholic school options were closed, more than once, over several years. I had always thought I would have the support of Diocesan Catholic Education to provide essential catechesis to my children. I certainly didn’t believe I was able to do it! When faced with no options, I realized that I am called to be the best teacher of my child’s faith. With my husband’s support, I dove in head-first twelve years ago and haven’t looked back. In 2019, I accepted a position as a Faith Formation Coordinator in a rural parish in Wyoming County. Using the most recent recommended education pathways, with the help of others, we turned our parish program into a Family Formation Model. Today we are seeing growing proof of seeds we planted several years ago. Now parents and grandparents are joining in with their children to invest in faith formation together. The relationships being fostered among families and the change in the parish at large are evident. It brings me joy to assist in designing family support with the CPI Team to help solidify and strengthen a parent’s confidence in leading their children’s journey towards Christ and growing the domestic church at home.
Sarah Leahy
Sarah is the Youth Minister at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Orchard Park, NY where she concentrates on Adolescent Faith Formation, Youth Ministry, & Family Events. Sarah has been married for almost 19 years and is a mom to an 11-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter. Though she was baptized Catholic as a baby, she grew up in different Protestant denominations before discovering Catholicism in a new way toward the end of high school. While originally from the Albany-area, Sarah lived in MA, VA, and FL before settling and raising her family in the Buffalo area. She has seen God's hand in her life and believes the anchor of faith has grounded her and my family when various trials have come their way. Sarah graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Communications. She has always been an active volunteer in faith settings, but her primary jobs were in theatre and tourism marketing prior to shifting to full-time ministry over a decade ago. Sarah loves to be outside in nature in all seasons - especially skiing, hiking, and enjoying time on the water. Her family loves exploring cultural festivals and events in the area. Why CPI?: I was very excited to become part of the Catholic Parenting Initiative because parenting is SUPER hard! Even with a faith background it stretches and challenges you in ways you never expect and it's always evolving. As culture and technology continue to change rapidly, the understanding of previous generations to the unique challenges of parenting today breaks down. I believe the Church needs to and can do more to meet parents and families in the trenches of life and help them grow in confidence and faith to not just survive but thrive in the love of Jesus. I think many are trying to figure out and muddle through in silos and craving community with other parents trying to figure out the same things. I hope some of our offerings can bring the richness of faith out of the church buildings and into the authentic and messy moments of family life.
Jesse Saltarelli
Jesse is a husband of 8 years to Sarah, and they have 3 small kids and one on the way. He loves playing soccer, doing projects around the house and spending time in his leather workshop making bags and custom items when he is not wrestling with his kids. Jesse has degrees in Theology and Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He thoroughly enjoys his work in Classical education as the Headmaster of Chesterton Academy in Bowmansville. Jesse’s favorite saints are St. Joseph, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Sebastian, St. Joan of Arc and G.K. Chesterton. He loves creating spaces and opportunities with his wife Sarah to encounter other people in their faith and grow in community. There are few things Jesse enjoys more than sitting around a table or a fire with good people and good food and drink. Jesse and his family are parishioners at St. Gregory the Great in Williamsville, NY. Why CPI?: I believe we are in the midst of a revival of faith in our diocese, and I am passionate about focusing on the domestic church and building up solid homes to serve Christ and His Church. It is relationships that will bring people back into the fold of faith. Meeting folks where they are, getting to know them and then inviting them into the wealth and depth of the Faith to me sounds like a great place to be. I am grateful to be here.
Sarah Saltarelli
Sarah is currently living the dream as a stay-at-home mom to three small children with another baby on the way. Holding a degree in psychology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, she has over 10 years of experience in youth ministry including parish ministry, summer camps, and missionary work. Born and raised in Colorado, she has a great love for the mountains and the outdoor adventures they offer. She enjoys playing soccer, painting, playing the guitar, reading, and cooking creative, delicious food for family and friends. Some favorite saints are John Paul II, Mother Teresa, and Our Lady. Sarah and her family are parishioners of Family #19 and worship at St. Gregory the Great parish in Williamsville. Why CPI? I am convinced that the Holy Spirit desires renewal and revival in the Diocese of Buffalo and, as I encounter people and hear their stories, I am ever more convinced that the domestic church is where the roots of this renewal will take place. It is such joy and privilege for me to pray for and dream up ways to support parents in their efforts to evangelize their children and encourage them to walk always closer to Jesus themselves.
Andrew Sember
Andrew Sember is the Director of the Confirmation Program at Our Lady of Hope Parish, where he guides young people as they prepare for this important sacrament. He also serves as the coordinator of Altar Server training, helping young people develop the skills to serve with reverence and devotion. In addition to his work at the parish, Andrew is a program leader at Amherst Youth and Recreation, where he engages with local youth to foster growth and community. He is excited to participate in the Catholic Parenting Initiative to give parents the support they need to help raise their families. He looks forward to helping parents strengthen and grow their faith through valuable resources and community activities.
Erin Sember
Erin Sember is the Religious Education Director at Our Lady of Hope Parish, where she leads programs to support the faith formation of the community. With eight years of teaching experience, Erin is also a writer and content creator at Super Teacher Worksheets, developing educational resources for teachers and students. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her two dogs. Erin is excited to be a part of the Catholic Parenting Initiative and looks forward to providing parents with valuable resources to help strengthen their faith and support their spiritual journeys. Erin became involved with CPI to help young families grow in their faith and love of God. She looks forward to seeing families form connections and friendships with each other.
Eileen Warner
Eileen Warner joins us with extensive experience in Diocesan and parish ministry. She holds a Masters degree from the Seminary, taught theology courses at Canisius University, and served on the Formation Faculty at Christ the King Seminary. She worked at the Diocese of Buffalo for over 15 years, and has served as a Pastoral Associate in various parishes. Eileen is a certified Spiritual Director, and continues to serve as a presenter for workshops, retreats, and conferences throughout the Diocese. “After considerable prayer and discernment, I accepted the invitation to serve on the CPI design team because I believe that the domestic church is paramount to living out and passing on our Catholic faith. The more that we can support and empower parents to know and live their faith, the stronger our family units will be, which makes for a vibrant Church. I am excited to assist in offering support, mentoring and faith experiences for parents and grandparents who are navigating so much in raising children in today’s world.”
Theresa Marie Zielinski
Theresa is a parishioner of St. John Neumann Parish and serves as Youth Leader/Mentor for Wyoming Association for Catholic Youth, a county wide youth ministry program for families and youth in grades 7-12. She is also involved with inreach and outreach for Fields of Grace Family of Parishes, is a Safe Environment coordinator, and has been involved in faith formation on different levels over the years. Theresa is the wife of a Deacon, a homeschooling mother of eight, and now a grandmother to three little ones. She grew up in a blended family, where her mother was Catholic and her stepfather was not, and has great appreciation for what the non-traditional family looks like, and the struggles experienced by both non-traditional and traditional families. She has a passion for sharing her faith in and outside the Church and helping others in need. She also enjoys using her organizational skills and experience to encourage parents and new homeschoolers and loves to read books about the Catholic Faith, parenting, history, and Sacred Scriptures. Why CPI? I am excited about Catholic Parenting Initiative (CPI). I was blessed to be part of mom's group through another church that really opened my eyes to how faith could be shared with other parents and grown in the family. CPI will give parents of our Diocese added support. For me it is important that families see that Faith is possible in the family unit, no matter what the family looks like. As seen in Celebrating the Liturgy of the Domestic Church Life, Liturgy is Sacred work. I don't think we see our family life and the work done in our homes is sacred work. If we can open our eyes to this sacred work and tap into the graces received through the sacraments again, Catholic parenting and the transmission of the faith will flourish. Parents need guidance and support in finding a balance in the world we live in and making faith an important part of that. There are many things keeping the families preoccupied and discouraged, I see the Catholic Parenting Initiative to bring new incite and hope.