Sanctity of Life Conference

Bishop-Elect Thomas Hennen pursued studies at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport Iowa. He also studied at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and the Pontifical Gregorian University, earning a bachelor’s in sacred theology (2003). He received a licentiate of sacred theology (2005) from the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy in Rome. Father Hennen was ordained to the priesthood on July 10, 2004.

Bishop-elect Hennen’s assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar, Prince of Peace parish in Clinton (2005-2010); campus minister and parochial vicar, Newman Center and Saint Mary in Iowa City (2010-2011); chaplain and theology teacher at Assumption High School in Davenport (2014-2017). He also served at Sacred Heart parish in Oxford Junction, Saint James parish in Toronto, Sacred Heart parish in Lost Nation and Saints Philip and James parish in Ground Mound (2015); chaplain and director of campus ministry at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport (2017-2021); parochial vicar at Saint Anthony parish in Davenport (2017-2018). Since 2021, he has served as priest moderator of Saint Andrew parish in Blue Grass and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport.

Bishop-elect Hennen’s additional responsibilities for the Diocese of Davenport have included: director of vocations (2011-2018); associate director of vocations (2018-2021); consultor and vicar general (2020-present). Bishop-elect Hennen speaks English, Spanish, and Italian.

On July 10, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop-elect Hennen, 47, as the next Bishop of the Baker, Oregon Diocese.




Fr. Kyle Ratuiste, a native of Eastern Washington, is a priest of the Diocese of Spokane and the diocesan Director of Vocations. He also serves as Vice Rector and Director of the Cor Christi Propaedeutic Program at Bishop White Seminary, a regional college seminary in Spokane. Additionally, Fr. Ratuiste acts as Bishop Daly’s Liaison to Catholic Health Care and as Diocesan Bioethicist. He also supports Spokane’s health care community by participating in regional ethics consultation services and acting as chaplain to a local guild of the Catholic Medical Association.

Fr. Ratuiste earned undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and philosophy at Gonzaga University, where he began priestly formation through Bishop White Seminary. He studied theology at the Catholic University of America and was ordained a priest for Spokane in 2015. In 2019 he completed a M.S. in Bioethics degree through the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND.








Makyra Williamson, Community Outreach Director for Oregon Right to Life (ORTL). After four years of insisting that she would not be a teacher just because she was an English major, Makyra graduated from Harding University and became (you guessed it!) an English teacher. She then pursued graduate education at Boise State University, where she taught freshman composition. After completing an MA in English Rhetoric and Composition, Makyra joined our team as the Community Outreach Director. She brings her educational background and passion for learning to this role as she connects pro-life communities across the state. An avid fan of Jane Austen and Anne Brontë, Makyra lives in Salem, where she spends her free time reading Victorian literature, writing bad poetry, playing the piano, and baking chocolate chip scones.

“History, science, and reason demonstrate that all humans—regardless of age, development, intelligence, or ability—have an inherent right to life. The injustice against the most vulnerable in our society must end, and I’m committed to being part of that change.”







Sharolyn Smith, Political Director for Oregon Right to Life (ORTL), a Willamette Valley native and lifelong Oregonian, began her career in real estate before finding ORTL to better fulfill her passion for advocating for vulnerable people. Joining the team as office manager in 2019, Sharolyn explored a variety of positions but found her stride in the fast-paced world of political advocacy, officially taking on the role of Political Director in 2023. Sharolyn resides in Gresham with her golden retriever, Millie, and enjoys exploring Portland’s vibrant food and nature scene in her free time.

“There’s truth that needs to be shared, fear that needs to be relieved, people who need to be supported, and hearts that need to be changed. The pro-life movement doesn’t stop after birth.”