Meet the 2025 Speakers

Bishop Coffey

Welcome to the AMS. I am Bishop Joe Coffey, one of the 5 Auxiliary Bishops for the AMS. I am from Philadelphia and was ordained a priest for that Archdiocese in 1996.
After 5 years in parish ministry there, Cardinal Bevilacqua, gave me his permission to serve on Active Duty as a Navy Chaplain. It was his second permission, the first one was 9 years earlier when he allowed me to be a Chaplain Candidate as a seminarian studying for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
I loved being a parish priest but I also felt a strong calling to serve on active duty as a Navy Chaplain. Cardinal Bevilacqua and his two successors, Cardinal Rigali, and Archbishop Chaput allowed me to continue in the Navy for twenty years and I can honestly say I loved it.
I was able to serve the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard on aircraft carriers, helicopter squadrons, base chapels, two boot camps, and a tour on recruiting duty.

I tried to never take it for granted that I had the permission of my bishops because I have met many priests who would love to serve as a military chaplain but their bishops can’t spare them from the diocese or religious order.

Just as I was preparing for my last assignment and return to my home diocese , I got the most unexpected call in my life from the Papal Nuncio, informing me that Pope Francis chose me to be an Auxiliary Bishop for the AMS. I trusted and said yes.

Most of my duties now are to make pastoral visits to the Catholic Priest Chaplains serving in our over 150 VA Medical Canters all across the USA. It is a tremendous honor to serve the Lord, our Country and Veterans and to represent Abp Broglio and the AMS wherever I go. I hope your experience will be just as rewarding and fun as mine has been. Welcome aboard!

Speaker 1

Joe Heschmeyer
Apologist, Podcaster, & Speaker

Joe Heschmeyer is a staff apologist for Catholic Answers and the host of the popular YouTube channel and podcast, Shameless Popery. A former litigator in Washington, D.C., Joe brings a sharp, logical approach to his work, which he further refined during five years of seminary discernment for the Archdiocese of Kansas City.

He holds a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, and a degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum) in Rome.

Joe is the author of several acclaimed books, including:

The Eucharist Is Really Jesus
Pope Peter
The Early Church Was the Catholic Church
A Man Named Joseph and
Who Am I, Lord? Finding Your Identity in Christ

He is a frequent guest on Catholic Answers Live and a contributor to Catholic Answers Magazine online. Joe lives in Kansas City with his wife and children.

I don’t know if you can use it or not, but his headshot is also on Catholic Answers at: Joe Heschmeyer | Catholic Answers Speaker.

Speake 2

Speaker 3

Justin Fatica

Justin Fatica has impacted over two million people by sharing a message of hope wherever he goes. Whetheron a stage or in a Panera Bread, his message gives people a chance to choose hope amidst their suffering. Justin’s gift for motivating others has resulted in the development of strong leaders who prioritize uplifting others. His commitment goes beyond mere enthusiasm; it is a lifestyle aimed at helping every individual recognize their inherent greatness. Justin dedicates his energy and resources to ensure that each person understands their incredible value.

Justin has spoken at over 1,500 live events, speaking professionally for over 20 years in 4 countries and 46 states.He is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education.

Justin has been featured on numerous media outlets such as Good Morning America, ABC Nightline, TBN, Our Daily Bread, and was the subject of an HBO film called “Hard as Nails". Justin is also featured in a 10-episode television series on EWTN called “You’re Amazing with Justin Fatica,” which focuses on the impact that he has made while traveling on the road. Justin is the author of 5 books, including 2 best sellers, “Hard as Nails: A Mission to Awaken Youth to the Power of God’s Love” and “Win it All: The Way to Heaven for Catholic Teens.” Currently, Justin coaches an AAU Basketball team, Team Amazing. Justin’s passion for encouragement has
overflowed into the team, bringing them together in a brotherhood that is impacting the culture of young athletes. “In The Paint” is a 6-part docu-series following Justin and his team of players as they strive to follow their dreams and make a difference in the world.

Justin is the Executive Director of You’re Amazing Fitness (youreamazingfitness.org) and Hard as Nails Ministries (amazingnation.org). Justin, along with his team of amazing staff and volunteers, are dedicated to
bringing encouragement and hope to every person they encounter.