Denmark & Norway Pilgrimage

Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville on May 21, 2019. The well-known Catholic speaker and author graduated from Franciscan University with his BA in theology in 1989, then earned an MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Pivonka was ordained to the priesthood in 1996. Father Pivonka held leadership positions at Franciscan University from 1996-2008 including as vice president for Mission and Planning. For his province, he directed Post-Novitiate Formation (2008-2012) and Franciscan Pathways ministry (2012-2019). He has hosted multiple video series including The Wild Goose on the Holy Spirit, Sign of Contradiction on St. Francis of Assisi, Metanoia on conversion, and in 2024, 10th Hour Production’s My father’s Father on God the Father. He has written seven books, including Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV, 2021) and his most recent, Joyful Sons and Daughters: Embracing the Father’s Love (Word Among Us, 2024). Father Pivonka also hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN and the In Person, In Focus, and the My father's Father series on Faith and Reason.

Heather Khym

Special Guest

Heather Khym is the cohost of the internationally acclaimed Abiding Together podcast and serves as the Assistant Director of Evangelization at Franciscan University. She is the author of Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy in Jesus and the award-winning Encountering Emmanuel: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation. Along with her husband, Jake, she cofounded Life Restoration Ministries, where she serves as Director of Vision and Ministry. She is also the co-executive Director of the Celtic Cross Foundation, where she passionately advocates for the underprivileged. With over 25 years of experience as a speaker and retreat leader, Heather has led conferences and workshops across North America. She studied theology and catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville and brings a deep passion for evangelization, discipleship, and creating environments for transformative encounters with God. Heather lives in Steubenville, Ohio, with her husband and their three young adult children. Heather has been featured on many of our Faith and Reason programs, including In Person with Heather Khym, "Healed and Transformed" on Franciscan University Presents, and this episode of Legends From the Hill.