About Us
Bishop Michael J. Sis
Bishop Michael J. Sis is the sixth Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo. He oversees the Catholic Church in 29 counties in West Texas, covering an area of 37,000 square miles.
Bishop Sis grew up in Bryan, Texas. He is the son of Raymond and Janice Sis. He is the fourth of five children.
He was ordained a priest of the Di
Bishop Michael J. Sis is the sixth Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo. He oversees the Catholic Church in 29 counties in West Texas, covering an area of 37,000 square miles.
Bishop Sis grew up in Bryan, Texas. He is the son of Raymond and Janice Sis. He is the fourth of five children.
He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Austin in 1986 and served more than 27 years in various roles as a priest in that diocese. He was ordained and installed as Bishop of San Angelo on January 27, 2014,
on the feast of St. Angela Merici.
He considers his most precious treasure to be his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Board Members
JoAnn Turner - Founder, President, & Event Coordinator
Texas born, Yankee raised, born in Fort Worth and raised in New York and Connecticut! I came to San Angelo in November 1988 and in January 1989. I started to work at the American Cancer Society local office where a job quickly turned into a Ministry. In 2005 Our Lord brought me to the Pecos Benedictine Monastery in Pecos, NM where I studied to become a Spiritual Director and in 2006 received my certification. In 2007 I made my Perpetual Oblation as a Benedictine Oblate, attached to the Pecos Monastery. I have called Holy Angels Catholic Church my home since I moved here. I was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 2000 and have been a member of the Heart of Mercy Catholic Charismatic Prayer group since. I am active in a number of ministries at my Church, a member of the ACTS community and lived my Cursillo in 2002. I am single and share my home with two very active and adorable cats, Sasha and Esther, whom I rescued August 2021. I retired in 2014 and love it! My time is spent reading, attending daily Mass, and spending time with friends. God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams.
Lupe Blackwood - Founding Board Member, Spiritual Coordinator
Hello, my name is Lupe Blackwood. My home parish for the past 54 years is the Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart. I have been involved in various ministries throughout the years, including choir, religious education, Lector and I am currently involved with the Legion of Mary and the Guadalupana Society . I have four wonderful grown children and seven (almost 8) beautiful grandchildren, ranging from ages eighteen to nine months. I have been with Heart of JMJ Foundation since its beginning. I coordinate the Prayer Circle for the Foundation and the San Angelo Women's Conference. I truly believe in the power of prayer and have seen the wonderful results of heartfelt prayers. Each year there are about fifty ladies who join us in a novena prayer every month. I am so humbled and grateful to them for keeping us 'lifted up" while we do the leg work. To God be all the Glory and Praise! Thank you also to Our Lady of Sorrows!
Patricia Garza - Vice-President & Volunteer Coordinator
I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. I’m a cradle Catholic and attended Catholic schools from elementary through high school. Upon graduating from college, I taught in New Orleans Public School System for three years. I married a military member and spent 2-1/2 years in the Philippines before getting an assignment back to the United States, Wichita Falls, TX. Our next assignment took us to San Angelo, Texas, Goodfellow Air Force Base. I transferred as an instructor for the Department of the Air Force. With expert training programs, I served in several technical training positions. I retired from Civil Service in January of 2014 with over 33 years of faithful service to the government. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband Johnny for 34 years and have a blended family of 4 wonderful children.
I’ve been a member of Sacred Heart Cathedral since 1988; taught CCD classes from the mid-1980s to the present. I’m a member of the Ladies Altar Society having served as secretary for 2 years.
Served on-team for two ACTS retreats; attended religious education programs, conferences, workshops, etc. all of which have contributed to my spiritual growth.
Pam Kempen - Secretary; Exhibitor/Vendor Coordinator; Registration
I was born and raised in San Antonio and lived there until 2010. My husband and I moved here after my retirement from teaching Agricultural Science for 29 years. We are blessed with a blended family of 4 children and 7 grandchildren.
I was raised in the Lutheran Church. When I married my husband, David, a cradle Catholic, we attended St. Mary’s in Somerset where he was brought up. I was confirmed into the Catholic Church at St. Ambrose in Wall, TX in 2011. Since that time, I have been active in the Church, as a Lector, Commentator, and Choir member. I am an active participant in the ACTS Community.
Jeremiah 26:11 says “I know the plans I have for you” – I cannot wait to see how these plans are laid out in the future!!!!
Ruth McPherson - Board Member; Religious Contact for Reconciliation
A parishioner at the Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart, I relocated to San Angelo, Texas, in 2015 from the Houston area.I am a retiree from Katy Independent School District where I worked as a reading specialist, specializing in dyslexia.
As a mother of 4 children, one son and three daughters, my pride and joy comes from the eight grandchildren they and their spouses have blessed me with. So moved by the first San Angelo Catholic Women's Conference, I am honored to now be a board member.
Nancy Book - Board Member; Merchandise & Food Coordinator
My goal in life is to make a difference by helping others. I have been blessed to have a wonderful family. My husband and I have lived on a farm/ranch where we raise crops, and cattle. What a great place to raise children too. Things on the farm can be hectic, but never ever dull. After my children were older, I was the registrar at Wall High School. Teenagers can definitely give you a different perspective on life. It was a joy to work there and now see these same students grown into successful adults. Since retirement, I have come full circle and I am again helping full time on the farm.
The JMJ Conference has been a great opportunity for me to set aside time to be in the presence of Jesus. We all have busy lives, but it is so good to spend time with the Lord. It helps put things into perspective and place my focus on what is REALLY important. My hope for you as participants in the conference is that you experience God's love and go home with a special "peace" that only He can offer you!
Perla Garcia - Board Member; Emcee, Social Media Coordinator
I'm a growing disciple of Jesus. And I cling to His Mercy daily. I currently work as director of Youth Ministry for St. Ann's Catholic Church in Midland, TX.
A few of my favorite things: long chats with real people over coffee; being outside; and taking spontaneous trips!
I hope you really encounter God and His Love at this conference! I've been praying for you and I'm so happy you are here!! Enjoy."
Chris Garcia - Board Member, Treasurer, Registration
I am blessed to be on the JMJ Foundation board, as it gives me the opportunity to work along side a group of wonderfully spiritual ladies. And helps to bring a faith filled and empowering event to women, that renews and reinforces their joy and peace in God's love.
I have been a member of the Cathedral of Sacred Heart since my conversion and receiving my sacraments in 1982. I enjoy serving as Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion, usher, enviroment committee, and finance council member. I am also a member of the Legion of Mary, ACTS, and have been a regular adorer at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel since it's opening in 2005. After 17 yrs with GTE/Verizon, I now continue to operate my husband's business with my son. I was blessed with 40 yrs of marriage before the Lord called my love to heaven. I am blessed with 2 daughters, 1 son, 4 granddaughters, and 1 great-granddaughter.
I pray that each woman that attends the San Angelo Catholic Women's Conference will experience a spiritual renewal of their faith, reconnect and build new friendships with other women of faith, who will always be our Sisters in Christ.
Diane Johnson - Board Member, Advertising, Marketing, Registration
As someone who has attended the Women’s Conference for several years, I am now blessed to be a part of their Board.
I was born in Colorado, and as my father was in the Air Force, I have traveled most of my life. I was fortunate to have lived in Spain, most of Europe and Bangkok, Thailand. When my Dad retired after 22 years of service, we moved to San Angelo, where I currently call home.
For the past 40 years I’ve been in the banking world but I now have decided to slow my life down a little bit. I’ve been a volunteer with West Texas Rehab, Accounting Chair for Tom Green County Relay for Life, as well as also serving as treasurer for my Beta Sigma Pi chapter.
I presently attend St Mary’s Catholic Church, where I am the Finance Council Chair, work with our Festival Committee, facilitate a Griefshare group, Lector for the 10:30am mass, and have been a member of ACTS team.
I looking forward to what God has planned for me in my next chapter of life!