Our Team
Who we are
ACTS XXIX is a Catholic apostolate founded in 2019 by Fr John Riccardo, based in Detroit, Michigan. A 501(c)3, ACTS XXIX is comprised of missionaries of hope called by God to renew and transform the Church. We do this primarily through four missions: The Rescue Project, reviving and equipping clergy, leadership immersives, and leveraging media and events.
Our leadership team
FR. JOHN RICCARDO, missionary and ACTS XXIX Executive Director. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1996. In 2019, after 23 years in parish ministry, he founded Acts XXIX to proclaim the gospel in an attractive and compelling way and to equip clergy and lay leaders for the age in which God has chosen us to live. Fr. John is a graduate of the University of Michigan, the Gregorian University, and the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family.
MARY GUILFOYLE, missionary and The Rescue Project lead. A wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary is a former parish Director of Evangelization and Discipleship. She has equipped more than 100 parishes in prayerfully discerning how to best care for those in the pews, and reach the fallen away and the lost. She's passionate about helping disciplesform small group communities in order to live more authentically human lives. Mary is a graduate of Washburn University.
ALBERT FARAJ, missionary and Chief Mobilization Officer. A husband, father, and grandfather, Albert has been active in parish life throughout his entire adult life. He brings over 30 years of experience in leadership in both entrepreneurial and corporate settings. His expertise includes developing leadership teams, vision and strategy, and operationalizing transformation. His work has spanned multiple continents. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan.
RICK POPP, missionary and lead with leadership teams. A husband and father, Rick is a recognized authority in leadership with over 30 years experience as a consultant and HR executive. As an active part of the leadership team, he equips bishops, pastors, leaders, and their teams for Mission. Rick is a graduate of Northern Michigan University.