Marge Fenelon

Bio

Author, Columnist, Speaker

Marge has been writing for secular and Catholic publications for nearly two decades including Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Midwest Living, Wisconsin Magazine, Our Sunday Visitor, National Catholic Register, Liguorian, Messenger of the Sacred Heart, and Catholic Parent. Her work frequently appears on Catholic Exchange and Phases of Womanhood. Her column, The Whirl, runs in the Milwaukee Catholic Herald and has won favorable reviews from clergy and laity alike. She's the author of Waiting with Mary; Advent Reflections for Those Who Hate to Wait, and Ecce Mater Tua - Behold, Your Mother Marian Stations of the Cross. Her new book, When's God Gonna Show Up? has gained substantial momentum since its release in early Summer 2009 by Liguori Publications, spawning her snappy and inspiring When's God Gonna Show Up? Workshop. Liguori will release her next book, Reveille for the Soul; Prayers for Military Life in Spring 2010 and When's God Gonna Call Me Back? in Fall 2010.

Marge has been a welcomed guest on Catholic and Christian radio in the US and Canada, including Relevant Radio's "Morning Air" with Sean Harriot, Sacred Heart Radio's "Son Rise Morning Show" with Brian Patrick, Sirius Radio's "Busted Halo Show" with Fr. Dave Dwyer and "A Conversation with the Archbishop" with Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, and The Light's "Morning Show" with Jon Ramer.

She holds a B.A. in Mass Communications/Journalism with a Public Relations Emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a Certificate in Spiritual Mentoring from Cardinal Stritch University and a Certificate in Marian Studies from the International Marian Research Institute. She worked as a public relations consultant for several years, serving clients such as BancOne Corporation (now USBank), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Medical Complex, American Heart Association, and SHARE, Inc.

Mark and Marge have been married for 28 years and are members of the International Schoenstatt Movement. They have four children: Matthew, 24, Monica, 21, Luke, 19, and John, 14, who combined with a rocket of a dog named Daisy configure the fun-loving and sometimes outrageous Fenelon Clan.

Marge's warm, conversational tone and knack for meeting people where they're at makes her a gifted speaker who draws her audiences in and touches their hearts. Her down to earth, real-life experiences and examples lets them know that she understands where they're coming from because she's been there herself. She offers substance and encouragement, giving listeners practical methods and ideas that they can take home and immediately begin applying to daily life. Marge's specialty is practical faith in Divine Providence and everyday sanctity and her charism is helping others to discover the working of the Divine in the world around them. As wife, mother, and mentor, she's also able to speak on a wide range of family, parenting, and lived spirituality topics.

She's an enthusiastic large and small group leader and has given retreats, days of reflection, and presentations to women, couples, families, and mixed groups. She spent six years working with young adult women in a mentoring capacity. With her husband, Mark, she assists in the faith formation of couples.

Speaking Topics Include:

When's God Gonna Show Up?
Noticing and understanding those "tingle down the spine" moments that let us know Divine Providence is not only in action, but calling for our attention.

Daily Discoveries of the Divine
Learning how to be a top-notch "God spy".

Joy to the Whirl
Finding joy amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Divine Providence
Defining the concept in layman's terms and playing "The Game of Love" with God the Father.

Called by Name; Discovering Your Personal Ideal
The unique GPS that God has designed specifically for you from all eternity.

She's My Mother, and She's Your Mother, Too!
Getting to know our Blessed Mother more intimately as a real-life woman and developing a deeper relationship with her.

Married Apostles
The special charism and calling of family apostleship.

Testimonials:

"Marge would be the first to confess that she's no saint - which, by the way, only confirms my hunch that she's on the path to holiness! - but she enchants us all with homey, perceptive meditations on the mystery, mercy, presence, and power of God in our day-to-day lives."
--from the Foreword of "When's God Gonna Show Up?"
Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan

From "When's God Gonna Show Up?" workshop participants:

"I enjoyed the sharing and learning about something I never thought about or really knew existed. Over the years I have... wanted to have that experience but never knew what to do to achieve it. Thank you so much for showing me where to start. I believe that even though I've been waiting many years my WGGSU experiences began today."

"Wow... I could relate! The small groups and stories were great. I know I will enjoy reading your book! Thank you!!"

"I really enjoyed your presentations. They were so real to our everyday. I think it has made me more aware of God moments."

"The break-out sessions were a great chance to reflect on what we learned. The Scripture booklets were helpful."

"I liked the Bible references compared to daily life and relating to the stories in the book."

"I liked the training throughout [the workshop] about listening for God. I wish it could have been longer."

From "When's God Gonna Show Up?" Workshop hosts :

"I was able to coordinate Marge Fenelon to speak at various venues in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Her time with us began with a Women's Retreat [workshop] and Family Retreat [workshop], which were warmly received. She then spoke at various parishes in the Dayton area, as part of their Adult Faith Formation programs. All of these presentations went very well and I appreciated Marge's ability to involve the audience in her presentation through small groups and question/answer. Overall, Marge did a fantastic job helping people realize that God is present in their everyday experiences and I would highly recommend her to your Archdiocese."
-Curtis Kneblik
Director, Transfiguration Center for Spiritual Renewal
Archdiocese of Cincinnati, OH

"...the Bishop wanted you to know that he will share this information on your workshop with the various departments of the Diocese to see if your services could be used in the years to come if not immediately. The Bishop is grateful for your kindness..." -Sister Collette, OSF
Administrative Assistant to Bishop Fabian F. W. Bruskewitz
Diocese of Lincoln, NE