Speaker
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Kitchie Ranillo BakkenSpiritual Director, JCOC Board Member
Kitchie Ranillo Bakken was born and raised in Oakland, CA. She is a child of immigrants from the Philippines and grew up in a bi-cultrual home. She moved to Chicago, IL for college. Surprisingly, the skyline and the lake captivated her Californian heart enough to withstand the harsh winters, and she has been here since. She studied at North Park University and received her bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. After college, she began working in the non-profit world as an administrative coordinator and event manager. She has planned and executed countless events and enjoyed doing so. Her passion is to always create a space where people feel loved, cherished, and seen. Ultimately, this passion is what brought her into her work of spiritual direction. She desires to walk with people so that they can experience how much the Divine loves and cherishes their full authentic selves. She is especially passionate about the intersection of spirituality and culture.
Kitchie is a life-long partner to Tommy Bakken and is a dog mama to a mini schnauzer named Todd. She describes herself as a serial hobbyist because ultimately her favorite hobby is trying new hobbies. However, of her many hobbies, her favorites are food-related. Whether it is cooking or going out to eat to new restaurants, there is no greater joy than sharing a meal together. Especially when it is a labor of love. 🙂
Holy Saturday Contemplative Retreat
We invite you to join our Holy Saturday Contemplative Retreat. Holy Saturday. The day before resurrection. The last day of Lent. The day scripture says “Jesus descends into Hell.” It’s a solemn, silent, and dark day, but a day that ultimately welcomes in the Resurrection! It may be dark, but light is felt brightest when it comes from the darkest dark. Join us as we pause and reflect on Holy Saturday and prepare our hearts for Resurrection Sunday.