About Patrick Rivera

I’ve spent more than 35 years in the film industry as a producer, director, and editor—creating documentaries, TV series, music videos, and independent films that have reached audiences around the world. But after decades in the business, I felt a deeper calling: to use the talents God gave me to serve something greater than myself.

I’m a cradle Catholic who’s never been far from the Church. I spent 12 years in Catholic school, and my mom was the parish secretary at our church in Nebraska for 50 years. During college, I volunteered for the Diocese of Grand Island and helped lead the Going Bananas for Jesus youth retreat. When I moved to California I went on to serve as a youth minister and confirmation teacher for 10 years at St. John Neumann in Irvine, California.

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Over the years, my faith deepened through Catholic apologetics—especially under the teaching of Tim Staples, Director of Apologetics at Catholic Answers. I also volunteered my filmmaking skills for my parish, St. Kilian in Mission Viejo, creating video content to support its ministries and message.

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Through it all, I’ve never stopped loving the Church that our Lord blessed us with. Now more than ever, I feel a responsibility to defend her teachings, spread the truth of the Magisterium, and help rekindle belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. That’s the heart behind The 16:15 Project.

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Today, I live in Tennessee with my wife and children. Both of my sons attend Pope John Paul II Preparatory School, and I want them to see what it means to answer God’s call boldly and faithfully. This next chapter of my life isn’t just a shift in career—it’s a mission. And I hope you’ll join me in it.