Institute Team
Fr. Tim Ralston is Pastor of the Stella Maris Family of Parishes. Originally from Georgetown, OH, he studied Philosophy at the University of Cincinnati. He went on to seminary at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary and was ordained a priest on May 22, 2010. He served as Parochial Vicar of St. Charles Borromeo in Kettering
and Holy Trinity, St. Mary, and St. Anthony in Coldwater. In 2017 he was named Pastor of St. Bernadette in Amelia, and Stella Maris in 2022.
Brad Bursa, PhD, is director of evangelization for the Stella Maris Family of Parishes and the director of the Institute. He has held various roles in parish ministry, education, and evangelization since 2008. Brad completed his undergraduate studies in English and Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, before going on to earn a MA in Theology and Christian ministry from his alma mater. He went on to earn a PhD in Theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia where he studied under Dr. Gerard O’Shea and Dr. Tracey Rowland. His dissertation, which focuses on the catechetical crisis after Vatican II, has since been published as Because He Has Spoken to Us: Structures of Proclamation from Rahner to Ratzinger. Brad contributes frequently to The Catechetical Review, Catholic World Report, and the Eucharistic Revival blog. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife and eight children.
Institute Support Team
- Tom Speth (Digital Offerings and Library)
- Mark Bailey
- Diane Brunner (Hospitality)
- Andrew Nelson (Programming)
- Marge Kellerman (Programming)
- Jeanie Stephens (Programming and Library)
- Charlie Stephens (Programming)
- Patty Pryor (Programming)
- Lisa Nelson (Programming and Marketing)
- Dorene Farwick (Hospitality)
- Jessica Chalifoux (Digital Offerings and Marketing)
- Lisa Rose (Digital Offerings and Marketing)
- Fred Kinkel (Hospitality)
- David Hall (Hospitality)
- Carisa McFadyen (Programming)
- William Shula
- Nancy Shula
- Susan Hall (Hospitality and Library)