Our Ministry Team
Archbishop Kristina Rake
The Most Reverend Kristina Rake is the Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Exile. She will serve as our Eucharist presider and visiting priest until and beyond the deacons’ upcoming priestly ordination. She will also lead thought-provoking educational sessions and discussions at CCE-UC, supporting our learning and spiritual growth.
Bishop Rake holds a Master of Theological Studies from Andover Newton at Yale Divinity, plus an additional 18 graduate credits concentrated in Psychology and Theology.
Archbishop Rake is the author of hundreds of articles and standardized tests on topics as diverse as writing, literature, embryology, physics, IQ intake, American history, and more. She is also author of God and the Paranormal: Ghosts, Mediums, and the Afterlife in the Bible. She is an award-winning writer, an award-winning speaker and teacher, a member of Mensa, and a religious consultant for movie studios such as MGM and Spooked TV. She has appeared in several documentaries as herself and has cowritten entertainment projects which involved her areas of expertise of science, theology, demonology, and fringe sciences.
Bishop Rake has been married for 24 years to her best friend, Mark, and has two adult children. She also lives with her beloved ferret children.
Rev. Mother Kelly
Rev. Mother Kelly is an ordained Priest of the Catholic Church in Exile.
“I’m happy to be pursuing my lifelong vocation to ministry in the Catholic priesthood. A resident of Urbana-Champaign, I am the on-site minister for St. Michael’s.
“I’m a mother, grandmother, and former foster mom to a total of six fascinating humans. I’ve been married for 20 years to my true love…the man who sees me, gets me, and loves me as if I’m perfect, which I’m so not. But don’t tell him!
“I’ve also worked as a college instructor, an emergency medical technician, a physician assistant, a graphic designer, a writer for nonprofits, a podcaster, a police training role-player, substitute teacher in the Champaign public schools, and a freelance fiction writer.
Recently, I’ve revived my inner visual artist to create icon-like images that support prayer, grief work, and social justice.
“I have graduate degrees and advanced studies in literature, medicine, psychology, and theology. I’m also an undergraduate instructor for St. Hildegard’s Theological School, the CCE’s seminary, which is a great way to enhance my own learning.
“It’s all led up to this, my lifelong dream of ordained pastoral ministry that was denied to me because I’m a woman.
“I finally figured it out…you can’t deny your true self or your call. You have to stand up and be who God made you to be, because that’s amazing!”
Reach out to Mother Kelly through the contact buttons on this site.
Father Johannes Strobel
Johannes is an ordained Priest of the Catholic Church in Exile. He has been a college administrator and faculty member for over 20 years (not at UIUC :-)). He serves as remote support clergy for our Urbana-Champaign community.
“My spiritual journey started as a novice of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) many years ago. I left the novitiate as I felt too young to make this a permanent life and because of my desire for a family.
“I have degrees in philosophy, catholic theology, information science and learning technologies and several certificates in higher education management.
“I am married to my wonderful wife who helps me stay grounded. My biggest teachers are my two young sons who keep me on my toes, awakened the gift of being a father, and teach me what love and patience is. 😊
“Through different enriching experiences within the body-positive movement and eastern spirituality, I found my spiritual home in the “Catholic Church in Exile”. It allows me to live my vocation – which never stopped knocking on my door btw – and serve in a community which is radically inclusive AND Catholic.
“I am open for conversations and accompanying you on your journey – wherever you start and wherever you go.”
Reach Father Johannes by messaging through the contact button on this website.