02/16/2026
See you THURSDAY for our next Theology on Tap!
💬: Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving: Storytelling of How St. Francis Xavier Lived These
📣: Michele Gelaude
📅: Thursday, February 19, 2026
⏰: 6:00pm
📍: Parlor City Pub and Eatery
Our Catholic schools are named Xavier, but many know little about the powerhouse, St. Paul-like-apostle and missionary St. Francis Xavier was throughout India and Japan. Join Theology on Tap for insights into his conversion towards prioritizing Christ above the rest, his approaches of service and alms, prayer, and fasting in his entrance into each new mission territory. And, how each of these both amplified his love for the people in his midst and reliance on Christ.
Michele Gelaude is a faculty member in the Department of Theology at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, IA. She aims to bring the Catholic theology, belief, and faith alive for young people, inviting them to live in close relationship with Christ, and transform our culture to be more sacramental, prayerful, vocationally driven. Her previous high school, Roncalli High School in Indianapolis, IN, knew their saint namesake (St. John XXIII) very well. This prompted Michele to do a deep-dive study into primary sources of St. Francis Xavier's life to aid in Xavier High School, and the now-system, to be aware of ways his discipleship points all to a deeper, unafraid discipleship of Jesus Christ in their here and now. Michele received a BA from Loras College, and her MA in Theology from the University of Notre Dame through the Echo program. In addition to teaching high school theology, for the past seven years, Michele has served as a ND STEP facilitator and as the Program Coordinator of ND Vision CYM and soon-to-be ND Vision Leadership week for high schoolers. Michele also serves on the Board of Directors for Biking for Babies. Michele enjoys RAGBRAI, hiking in the Rockies, time with family and friends playing games, Adoration, service in CR, and nutritional cooking (recipes, welcome!)
