Elizabeth Ministry Founders and Spiritual Advisors
Jeannie is married and the mother of two young adults. She is a dynamic woman with a passion for making connections between abstract spiritual ideas and concrete living. With a masters degree in Community Leadership: Adult Christian Community Development, she is a Family Life Minister, Early Childhood Specialist, Parent Educator and Retreat Director. She is an internationally recognized speaker, author and consultant. Her programs have won diocesan, state and national awards within the church and secular community. She is the founder of Elizabeth Ministry and executive director of the Elizabeth Ministry International Headquarters. Back to Top
Rev. Kurt Gessner, OFM Capuchin (deceased)
Fr. Kurt Gessner was a Capuchin Franciscan. His understanding of parishioner’s needs, as well as church structure, came from years of serving as parish priest, diocesan consultant, and retreat master. He also served as a family therapist in the private sector and through the Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Green Bay. He also had a master's degree in Community Leadership: Adult Christian Community Development. Fr. Kurt developed numerous programs that address the needs of today’s society. He was an accomplished author, insightful consultant and motivational speaker. He was cofounder and the Spiritual Advisor of Elizabeth Ministry International. Fr. Kurt died on September 24, 2000. His legacy lives on through Elizabeth Ministry. Back to Top
Bruce is married to Jeannie and the father of their children. He has been the “behind the scenes founder” as he created the “foundation of love” that empowered Jeannie and Fr. Kurt to pursue the dream of Elizabeth Ministry. His dedication to taking care of the details of family life and ministry organization, along with providing a father’s perspective, was vital to the establishment of Elizabeth Ministry. He has a masters degree in Community Service and Administration: Adult Education. His passion for service has involved him in numerous outreach projects. He is a dynamic speaker and a sensitive poet. After years of infertility problems, pregnancy loss and the birth of a child with problems, Jeannie and Bruce are dedicated to helping families deal with special childbearing needs. Bruce has used his video production experience to help create a video series for Elizabeth Ministry International. He is a teacher at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wisconsin.
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ELIZABETH MINISTRY SPIRITUAL ADVISOR
Bishop Morneau first learned of Elizabeth Ministry in a visit to the founding parish, St. Bernard Faith Community, in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1992. He encouraged the founder, Jeannie Hannemann to write materials to help other church communities establish an Elizabeth Ministry. Bishop Morneau personally sent the materials to publishing companies and was instrumental in the promotion of the Elizabeth Ministry throughout the country. Following the death of Fr. Kurt Gessner, the original spiritual advisor, Bishop Morneau graciously accepted the title of Elizabeth Ministry Spiritual Advisor. Bishop Robert F. Morneau was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Green Bay on May 28, 1966. In 1979 he was ordained auxiliary bishop of the diocese where he is highly regarded as an author and lecturer. He has served as instructor of philosophy at Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wisconsin; and diocesan vicar for religious. He has also taught several courses at the Summer Theological Institute of St. Norbert's Abbey in De Pere, Wisconsin. Bishop Morneau is the author of several books, and his articles appear frequently in many periodicals. He is very popular as a retreat director and lecturer throughout the United States. Back to Top