Ximena DeBroeck is enrolled in the doctoral program in Systematic Theology at Duquesne University.  She earned her MA in Theology (with a concentration in Sacred Scripture) from St. Vincent Seminary in 2009 with highest honors.  She was the recipient of the 2009 Scripture Award.  Ximena is adjunct faculty at St. Vincent Seminary and has been an instructor for the Diocese of Greensburg adult formation program.  She also serves as a faculty for the Permanent Deacon program in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown where she conducts retreats for the wives of men in the formation program. 

Ximena has been a guest speaker on various occasions at a parish in Pittsburg, where she presented a Bible study entitled “Christ the Savior is Born:  the Infancy Narratives.  She co-authored this series with Fr. Dan Langa.  In the past, she served as a pastoral coordinator for the Archdiocese for the Military Services – RAF Lakenheath, England, and most recently as Coordinator of Faith Formation at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Parish, Greensburg, PA. 

She has served as a catechist for 18 years.  She firmly believes that adult formation is central to the evangelizing mission of the church because the adult faithful not only have the responsibility of passing the faith to younger generations, but also have the calling to grow in their faith and live as Christian disciples.  She considers the study of Scripture fundamental to the formation in the faith and often quotes St. Jerome’s words, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”

Ximena grew up in Quito, Ecuador, and has been married to Michael since 1984.  She currently resides in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, with her husband and four children: Robert, Andrew, Christina, and Katherine.  She has been homeschooling her daughters for five years.