SIMONE RIZKALLAH
Curriculum Vitae
Academic Studies & Affiliations
Institute for Human Ecology (IHE) Scholar & Fellow, 2024—present
Jewish-Armenian Friendship Council Member, 2024—present
The Charles Malik Institute Advisory Board Member, 2024—present
Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg, Episcopal appointee, Eastern Catholic Formation of the Eastern Catholic Association of the USCCB, 2021-Present
Institute of Catholic Culture, Board member, 2022-2023
Tertio Millennio Seminar on the Free Society Fellow, Ethics & Public Policy Center, Krakow, Poland July 2019
Institute of Catholic Theology Fellow, Fall 2017-Present
International Theological Institute (ITI), The Phoenix Institute, Trumau, Austria, Summer 2013
St. Albert the Great Center for Scholastic Studies, Norcia, Italy, Summer 2011
Gailliot Fellow, Acton Institute and Acton University 2009, Grand Rapids, MI, 2009
Witherspoon Fellowship/John Jay Institute Fellow, Washington, DC, 2004
Education
MA, Christendom Graduate School, Theological Studies (Systematic Theology) Magna Cum Laude, 2010
BA, California Lutheran University, Marketing Communication, Summa Cum Laude, 2003 (Honors, Dean’s List, Departmental Distinction Awards); Minor in Drama
Academic Experience
Faculty member, The Avila Institute, Montgomery, AL, 2021-Present
Teach courses for Spiritual Formation (e.g. On the Christian Meaning of Suffering) and for the High Calling Program for Priestly Discernment
Faculty member, Institute of Catholic Theology, Phoenix, AZ, 2017-Present
Teach a variety of courses related to theology, history, education and spiritual formation
Senior Theology Teacher & Theology Department Chair, St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Phoenix, AZ, 2013-2019
Taught Church History & Moral Theology courses
Speaking Engagements
The Given Institute
Washington, DC
June 8, 2024
How Can Christians and Jews Respond to Antisemitism?
Institute for Religion and Democracy & The Philos Project
Washington, DC
June 7, 2024
For the Martyrs
Washington, DC
April 27, 2024
Teach Me Oh Lord
“Ecce Homo: Conversion Stories & A Call To Prayer” Conference
Avila Institute
March 21-23, 2024
Two Notions of Leisure: Resting in the Lord v. Restless Consumption
Institute for Human Ecology
February13, 2024
Be the Light: The Epidemic of Loneliness and the Eucharist & Moderator for Religious Freedom Panel Armenia Today, America Tomorrow
Focus
St. Louis, Missouri
January 3, 2024
Equipping the Next Generation: From Maintenance to Maturity (Preview Conversation)
ICT Alumni/Student Association Breakfast
Institute of Catholic Theology, Phoenix, AZ
November 11, 2023
The Epidemic of Loneliness & The Eucharist
Wine & Wisdom at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Phoenix, AZ
November 10, 2023
The Apostolate of the Laity (Apostolicam Actuositatem)
The "Hour of the Laity" Conference
Orange County, California
November 2-5, 2023
Nostra Aetate and the Future of Catholic-Jewish Relations at a Time of Rising Antisemitism
Panelist Speaker (Panel Discussion 3 includes speakers, Rabbi Mark Gottlieb, Simone Rizkallah, and John Henry Crosby as the moderator. The Panel's discussion is titled: "Orthodox Communities Shoulder to Shoulder: Sustaining Faith, Family, and Community in a Hostile Age".)
October 24-26, 2023
Franciscan University of Steubenville & The Philos Project
Teenagers & The Epidemic of Loneliness
Faculty Presentation
St. Monica's Academy in Montrose, California
August 28, 2023
The Spiritual Response to the Crisis: The Christian's Role in a Distracted Age
A Special Webinar
August 16, 2023
The Cardinal Virtues—Courage & The Feminine Genius
Mentors Presentation
August 8, 2023
The Eucharist & The Epidemic of Loneliness
San Francisco Eucharistic Congress
St. Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco, CA
June 10, 2023
The Feminine Genius
TLI National WOMEN'S Session on the Feminine Genius
June 6, 2023
That They May Be One: Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart
A look at Armenia's faithful history and mysticism as a model for all Christians
Legatus-Ventura Chapter
June 5, 2023
Sent On the Way Module -On Memory
High Calling Program—Avila Institute
May 24, 2023
The Epidemic of Loneliness, Evangelization, and the Feminine Genius
Breath of Spring Fundraiser Brunch
Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra, CA
May 13, 2023
Entering Into Holy Saturday: A Pathway for Healing
“Ecce Homo: Prayer and the Paschal Mystery” Conference
March 30-April 1, 2023
"Introduction to Moral Theology," Retreat
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Phoenix, AZ
February 19, 2023
The Catholic Church, Oppressor of Women?
Catholic Answers Local Lectures
San Diego, CA
February 17, 2023
Venerable Jan Tyranowski: The Most Influential Tailor in History
Legatus-San Diego Chapter
San Diego, CA
February 16, 2023
Holy Saturday & Healing
Saint Anne's Young Adults Group
San Diego, CA
February 15, 2023
"Recognize the Gifts You Have Been Given"
The Given Institute & The Diocese of Orange
Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA
January 28, 2023
You Are Called: Personal Vocation
Focus
St. Louis, Missouri
January 2-6, 2023
Leisure - Disposing one’s heart for Fiat
Feminine Genius Circle Brunch
Endow & Sisters of Life
Denver, CO
October 8, 2022
The Body of Christ: Eucharistic and Ecclesial Communion in the Life of Church
2022 Catholic Answers Conference
The Eucharist - I Am With You Always
San Diego, CA
September 22-25, 2022
"The Feminine Genius"
The Feminine Genius & Authentic Masculinity
Love & Responsibility LA
San Gabriel Region, California
August 20,2022
On The Christian Meaning of Suffering According to John Paul II
Instructor for a 6 week course
Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
July12-August16, 2022
"Habit Building"
Hallow
July 29-31
"The Wholeness of Healing: Body, Soul, Spirit"
Exclusive Avila Army Webinar
Avila Institute
July 19,2022
A New Era of Health Care: Reuniting Healing and Whole Health
June 15, 2022
"Man Alive"
2022 Magnify Women's Conference
World Ablaze, Inc.
St. Mary's of the Annunciation parish
Oakdale, CA
June 11, 2022
The Feminine Genius
TLI National WOMEN'S Session on the Feminine Genius
June 7, 2022
Missionary Discipleship Module
High Calling Program—Avila Institute
June 1, 2022
Letter to Women Series
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022
The Vision For You: Discovering Your Personal Vocation
Wine & Wisdom at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Phoenix, AZ
April 22, 2022
Ut Unum Sint: Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart
A look at Armenia's faithful history and mysticism as a model for all Christians
Legatus-Palos Verdes Chapter
April 13, 2022
Personal Vocation & The Feminine Genius
Thomas Aquinas College
April 7, 2022
Personal Vocation, Edith Stein, and Spiritual Motherhood
idND & The Edith Stein Project
Notre Dame University in South Bend, IN
March 19, 2022
"Receive the Gift that You Are"
The Given Institute & The Diocese of Orange
Christ Cathedral in Garden Grace, CA
March 12, 2022
Legatus-Ventura Chapter
January 20, 2022
Keynote Speaker & Lumen Gentium Award for Excellence in Education and Letters
Boonton, NJ Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
November 6, 2021
"A Personal Vocation and the Feminine Genius"
Personal Vocation & The Christian Woman Retreat
Lincoln, NE Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House
October 16, 2021
"Man Alive"
October 9, 2021
The Risk of Education: A Method for Life & Happiness and the Intellectual Life
Graduate Student Orientation 2021
Institute of Catholic Theology
August 14, 2021
Real Life Joseph Coaching
On St. Joseph and the Flight to Egypt
Begins June 17, 2021
Loving Women As Christ Loves The Church
TLI National WOMEN'S Session on the Feminine Genius
June 9, 2021
On The Christian Meaning of Suffering According to John Paul II
Instructor for a 6 week course
Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
May 4-June 8, 2021
"Work of Our Hands" Breakout session emcee
Young Catholic Professionals
April 30-May 2, 2021
John Paul II & The Feminine Genius
Beauty, Arts, and the Feminine Genius
Institute of Catholic Theology
April 17, 2021
St. Joseph and His Virtues
Heroic Virtue Summit: The Virtues of St. Joseph
March 27, 2021
Edith Stein & Cultivating the True, the Good, and the Beautiful
The Caritas Conference: Equipping Women For the War on Femininity
March 19, 2021
The Risk of Education: Discovering Our Ultimate Destiny by Father Luigi Giussani
Book Club Guest Speaker
Seton Teaching Fellows
March 15, April 17, June 7, 2021
The Prodigal Son: Lent Retreat
The Maronite Servants of Christ the Light
Dartmouth, MA
March 7, 2021
St. Agnes of Rome: The Witness of Early Christian Women
Legatus-Ventura Chapter
January 21, 2021
Cultivating Leisure in Quarantine
FemCatholic: Rest & Resilience in 2021 Summit
January 16, 2021
Emmanuel: A Christmas Faire & Festival: "Hidden Saints for a Hidden God"
December 29-31, 2020
The Avila Institute
Helena, AL (via teleconference)
December 10, 2020
"Venerable Jan Tyranowski: John Paul II's Youth Minister"
The Institute of Catholic Theology
Phoenix, AZ (via teleconference)
December 5, 2020
Called to be Holy Retreat: "The Universal Call to Holiness & Your Personal Vocation:What It Means to be a Christian"
The Little Sisters of the Poor
Denver, CO (via teleconference)
November 13, 2020
Modern Saints: Missions from God: "St. Edith Stein"
October 22-23, 2020
Festival of Friendship 2020: "Four Saint Teresas: Boss Women Who Changed the World" Click here to view. (My talk on Edith Stein begins on Timestamp 39)
The Revolution of Tenderness
Pittsburgh, PA
October 1, 2020
"St. Edith Stein: A Model for Theology Students"
The Institute of Catholic Theology and Franciscan University of Steubenville
Phoenix, AZ (via teleconference)
August 15, 2020
"An Integrated Approach: How School Departments Can Build a Culture of Life Together" (click here to view)
National Catholic Education Association Conference
Baltimore, MD (via teleconference)
April 7, 2020
"Community: Essential to Interior Formation"
Spiritual Life Conference 3
Institute of Catholic Theology, Phoenix, AZ (via teleconference)
March 21, 2020
"Avoiding the Sin of Gossip"
2020 Phoenix Catholic Women's Conference
Phoenix, AZ
February 22, 2020
"Introduction to Moral Theology," Retreat
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Phoenix, AZ
November 16, 2019
"The Primacy of Faith and Culture"
Endow & Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Sacred Heart Retreat House, Alhambra, CA
October 26, 2019
"What It Means to Be a Christian" by Joseph Ratzinger
Institute of Catholic Theology, Phoenix, AZ
October 19, 2019
"Pope St. John Paul II: Human Dignity and Social Justice"
Institute of Catholic Theology, Phoenix, AZ
August 3, 2019
"A Priest is Not His Own" by Bishop Fulton Sheen
Institute of Catholic Theology, Phoenix, AZ
February 5, 12, 19, March 5, 12, 19, 2019
"St. Jerome," Institute of Catholic Theology, Phoenix, AZ
November 3, 2018
"Studying Theology and the Spiritual Life"
Theological Formation Program for the Institute of Catholic Theology
Phoenix, AZ
August 18, 2018
"Forming Authentic Community," University of Mary Summer Institute, Tempe, AZ
June 23, 2018
"St. Ambrose," Institute of Catholic Theology, Phoenix, AZ
May 5,2018
"Beauty," St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Phoenix, AZ
April 22, 2018
Introduction to Prayer,” St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Phoenix, AZ
December 17, 2017
“St. Bernard of Clairvaux,” Institute of Catholic Theology, Phoenix, AZ
November 4, 2017
“Christian Persecution in the Middle East,” St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Gilbert, AZ, Spring 2017
“Current Plight of Christians in the Middle East,” Institute of Catholic Theology, Phoenix, AZ February 15, 2017
“Persecution and the Middle East,” St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Phoenix, AZ October 2015
“A Christian’s Relationship with Wealth,” Meal and Message, Tempe, AZ
August 4, 2015
“Catholic Social Teaching, Charitable Works, and the Charisms,” Maggie’s Place, Phoenix, AZ
June 22, 2015
“The Cross and the Beatitudes,” Institute of Catholic Theology, Phoenix, AZ
March 15, 2015
“Theology Q&A,” Grand Canyon University Catholics, Phoenix, AZ
January 2015
“Addressing the Needs of the Youth,” Lion of Design Podcast, Chantilly, VA
August 8, 2014
“The New Evangelization,” Catholics United for Faith, Phoenix, AZ
December 14, 2014
“The Charisms of the Holy Spirit,” Theology on Tap, Catholic Diocese of Arlington
February 25, 2013
"The Hook-up Culture," The Dennis Prager Radio Show, Dec. 4, 2003
Articles
Featured Alumna, “Graduate Alumna Brings Hope to Youth,” Instaurare of Christendom College, Front Royal, VA July 29, 2014
Featured Contributor, "Discussion: The Future of the Church in America,"
John Jay Institute, October 4, 2016
Guest Blogger, "Another Sort of Feminism: 7 Risks of the Pill," uCatholic, October 25, 2018
Guest writer, "Community in the Renewal of Catholic Education," Ethika Politika,
January 28, 2019
Featured Alumna, "Master's Degree from Christendom Helps Teachers Make a Difference," Instaurare of Christendom College, Front Royal, VA March 12, 2019
Guest writer, "5 Tips for Good Friday, etc.," Aleteia, April 18, 2019
Guest writer, "Wonderful and Difficult Lessons Learned from Being a Child of Immigrants," Verily, July 2, 2019
Interview, "Transforming How We Learn & Grow in the Faith," St. Josemaria Institute, April 1, 2020
Guest writer, "Leisure in the Life of the Christian," (including A Litany of Leisure and Leisure: A Biblical Examination of Conscience) The Catechetical Review, April-June 2020
Guest writer, "A Personal Vocation,"The Catechetical Review, January-March 2021 (Click here)
Guest writer, "Why we need the feminine genius," Angelus, January 14, 2021
"Endow: The Remedy to Gender Confusion." Catholic Exchange, September 21, 2022
Is Love a Feeling or a Choice? Catholic Answers Magazine
January 26, 2023
The Secret Ingredient to Evangelizing
Catholic Answers Magazine
February 9, 2023
For a list of all my articles for Catholic Answers Magazine Online, click here.
For a list of all my articles for The Catechetical Review, click here.
For a list of all my articles featured for ChurchPOP,
Books
Author, The Daily Routine: The Vision for You Journal. (2023)
Guest Contributor, Road Signs for Catholic Teens, Chapter entitled, “Stop Sign Sabbath." (2019)
Podcast & YouTube
Host of Beyond Rome. (2024-present)
Beyond Rome is a podcast that seeks to reconnect Catholics with their Hebraic and Christian roots in the Near East. Hosted by Simone Rizkallah, she and her guests explore a variety of topics related to religion and culture in the West and why the Near East matters for a healthy Church and world. Beyond Rome looks beyond the West to understand what makes the Catholic Church truly universal.
Host of Tradition Rewired. (2024-present)
Join Simone Rizkallah, Director of Philos Catholic, as she explores topics at the intersection of faith, culture, and the Middle East. As an Egyptian-Armenian American, Simone brings a unique perspective to conversations about Israel, the Jewish people, and Middle Eastern Christians. Through thoughtful discussions and personal reflections, Simone examines how timeless traditions can inform and inspire a life rooted in truth and community.
Host of The Endow Podcast. (2020-2023)
Endow is a Catholic apostolate for women. We call women together to study the important documents of the Catholic Church. Through Endow groups, women encounter their identity as daughters of God, enabling them to grow in their faith and ultimately discover their mission in life.
Host of The Catholic Pulse: Godly Views on Worldly News — A six part series on The Catholic Channel. (Fall 2023)
Interviews
The Lila Rose Show 8/15/19
Grateful Haven 10/19
Mamas in Spirit 12/11/19
How Did You Get Here? 3/6/20
Creedal Catholic (On Gossip)3/24/20
The Way of Beauty 3/27/20
The Catholic Exchange 4/15/20
FemCatholic 4/23/20 (Video Chat)
Revolution of Tenderness 5/13/20
Creedal Catholic (On St. Catherine of Siena) 5/18/20
Mamas in the Spirit -Instagram Live Interview 7/29/2020
Creedal Catholic (On St. Edith Stein) 8/6/20
The Catholic Mama 8/13/20
LA Catholic Morning Show on 94.5 Archangel Radio 8/7/20
Fiat Ministry Network 9/17/20
To Grow Good 10/6/20
Bread with the Sisters (Youtube) 12/2/20
Dismantle Podcast (Thank God for Women) 3/18/21
EWTN In Depth 4/16/21
Mater Dei Radio - Morning Blend 5/24/21
Hearts + Minds 7/1/21 (The Great Female Saints)
Mater Dei Radio - Morning Blend 7/22/21
Catholic Faith Network 9/22/21
Elevate Ordinary 2/24/22
The Genius Podcast 3/10/22
The Fides Podcast 3/11//22
Catholic Answers 3/28//22- Hour #2
Catholic Faith Network 3/29/22
Barbatus Catholic Podcast 5/10/22
Respect Life Radio 8/8/22
Catholic Answers 8/26/22 - Hour #1
Catholic Answers 9/23/22 - Hour #1
Sacred Heart Radio 9/26/22
Find Your Purpose Now 10/30/22
The Being Human Podcast 11/8/22
Catholic Answers Focus Live (The Church Oppresses Women DEBUNKED) 11/17/22
Catholic Answers Live 1/20/23 - Hour#1
Outside the Walls 2/2/23
Catholic Answers Live 2/16/23 - Hour #1
The Edify Podcast 3/10/23
Discerning Your Personal Vocation with the Daily Routine Journal 3/23/23
Catholic Answers Live (Suffering) 4/5/23
Catholic Answers Focus Live (Confirmation) 4/12/23
The Deep Map 5/1/23
Catholic Answers Live (Suffering Part 2) 5/1/23
Catholic Answers Live (Eucharist & Loneliness) 6/19/23
La Catholics Story 6/28/23
Physically Spiritual 9/12/23
Catholic Answers Live 9/25/23
Catholic Answers Live 12/19/23
Good Distinctions 12/27/23
EWTN Life on the Rock
EWTN News In-Depth 1/12/24 (Min. 2.50-4.00)
Covenant Radio 1/3/24
Kresta in the Afternoon (Antisemitism) 5/15/24
Divine Intimacy Radio Part 1 and Part 2 5/28/24
Dewing Virtue -6/27/24
Divine Intimacy Radio (Novena for Peace) 7/8/24
Orange County Diocese (On Loneliness) 7/17/24
Armenian Voices (Egyptian Armenian Roots) 9/22/25
Catholic Answers Live 10/16/25
Unlicensed Philosophy 12/21/25
Bioethics Babe 1/7/26
On Armenia:
Catholic Answers Live (Min. 29-55) 7/19/23
EWTN News In Depth 8/4/23
The Counsel of Trent 8/14/23
Divine Intimacy Radio 8/21/23
EWTN The World Over 8/24/23
The Lila Rose Show 9/5/23
LOOPCast by Catholic Vote 10/17/23
According to Bridget 12/13/23
Webinars
Lent: A Path to a Deeper Peace
What is the Christian's Role in a Distracted Age?
The Gates of Hell Will Not Prevail: Prayer Vigil Against Armenian Christian Persecution
The Christmas Conversion & St. Therese
Philos Black "Inspire & Inclusion" 2024 International Women's Day
What is it like to be a Christian in Gaza and the West Bank?
October 7: Remembering the Victims and Honoring the Survivors
