Featured Artists & Speakers
Joe Melendrez
Joe Melendrez has forged a unique path to becoming one of America’s most exciting Catholic performers. His journey began at age fifteen when he appeared on MTV, sparking a passion for performance. It was during a Teen A.C.T.S. Retreat later that year where Joe experienced a profound encounter with God’s love,
inspiring him to commit his life to spreading the Good News.
Joe shares the Gospel in many unique ways, including founding a
faith-based clothing line, God Swagg Apparel, and releasing five major Catholic hip-hop albums. Notably, he creatively uses opportunities like winning a year of free Chipotle burritos as a means to evangelize with each meal.
Equipped with a BA in Religious Studies from the University of Dayton, Joe has served as a Religion Teacher and Youth Minister for over a decade. In addition to his work in Catholic education, his dynamic ministry extends globally, from electrifying audiences across Europe, Africa, Australia, South America, and the USA, to captivating crowds at major youth rallies, conferences, and
national events. Today, Joe Melendrez thrives as a devoted husband and father, natural MC, dynamic musical performer,
inspirational speaker, and expert retreat leader.
inspiring him to commit his life to spreading the Good News.
Joe shares the Gospel in many unique ways, including founding a
faith-based clothing line, God Swagg Apparel, and releasing five major Catholic hip-hop albums. Notably, he creatively uses opportunities like winning a year of free Chipotle burritos as a means to evangelize with each meal.
Equipped with a BA in Religious Studies from the University of Dayton, Joe has served as a Religion Teacher and Youth Minister for over a decade. In addition to his work in Catholic education, his dynamic ministry extends globally, from electrifying audiences across Europe, Africa, Australia, South America, and the USA, to captivating crowds at major youth rallies, conferences, and
national events. Today, Joe Melendrez thrives as a devoted husband and father, natural MC, dynamic musical performer,
inspirational speaker, and expert retreat leader.
Fr. Raj Derivera
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Father Raj Derivera is a priest of the Diocese of Sacramento currently assigned as the Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Anderson, Ca. Father Raj completed his graduate studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, California in 2016, with a Master of Divinity and an STB in Theology, and he completed his undergraduate studies in Philosophy and Literature at Mt. Angel Seminary and University in St. Benedict, Oregon in 2011. His Master's Thesis is on Beauty and Evangelization and his Bachelor's Capstone was on Film and Evangelization. His favorite saints are St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Pope St. John Paul II, St. Peter, and the Holy Martyrs of every generation. He is passionate about all the feasts that the Church celebrates, because they often involve three of his favorite things: the Liturgy, parties, and food.
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Papa Joe & The Family
Papa Joe and the Family have been making music together since the kids were born! For more than 20 years, they have shared their gifts at St. Dominic’s in Benicia, with the core group made up of Sheriden, Elias, and Selia Lucero alongside Papa Joe.
For this event, the group is joined by longtime vocalist Janice Dispo—who has been with them since the beginning—and newcomer Carmen Unson, along with talented musicians Vince Rillera on keyboards, Guillermo Landaker on bass, and Sean Nelson on drums.
Over the years, Papa Joe and the Family have performed at numerous diocesan events as well as special gatherings beyond the diocese. Still, their greatest passion remains serving their parish each weekend, leading music at Mass and fulfilling their ministry through song.
For this event, the group is joined by longtime vocalist Janice Dispo—who has been with them since the beginning—and newcomer Carmen Unson, along with talented musicians Vince Rillera on keyboards, Guillermo Landaker on bass, and Sean Nelson on drums.
Over the years, Papa Joe and the Family have performed at numerous diocesan events as well as special gatherings beyond the diocese. Still, their greatest passion remains serving their parish each weekend, leading music at Mass and fulfilling their ministry through song.
