Special Edition Summer 2012 - St Thomas the Apostle Church

LIFE TEEN TIMES
Get
to
Sain know
COR t Thom the
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a
emb s
ers!
Summer 2012
Special Edition
And Here We Go!
Name: Deacon Ed Sheffer
Age: 59
Confirmation Saint Name: Thomas the
Apostle
High School: Montini Catholic
College: Western Illinois University
Current Occupation: Pastoral Associate
Favorite Movie: A Man for all Seasons
Favorite Book(s):
Spiritual: The Hidden Ground of Love
Fiction: Les Miserables
Poetry: The Prophet
Favorite Food: Italian
Favorite Quote: Fear will hold you
prisoner - Love will set you free!
Favorite Scripture Passage: “… God is
love. In this way the love of God was
revealed to us God sent his only Son into
the world so that we might have life
through him. In this is love: not that we
have loved God, but that he loved us and
sent his Son as expiation for our sins. ... If
God so loved us, we must also love one
another." 1 John 4: 8-12
LT TIMES!
DEACON ED CONTINUED...
Random fact about yourself: Placed 2nd in the Junior Olympics in Greco Roman Wrestling
Favorite memory from high school: Gut-wrenching Laughter
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: I listened to a friend of my son speak about
how with all his Catholic Education he never felt he was in relationship with God.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: It is repeated every year – when a teen visibly enters
into a loving relationship with God!
Name: Andrew Starbuck
Age: 29
Confirmation Saint Name: Luke
High School: Canyon Del Oro
College: Pima
Current Occupation: Associate Youth Minister at STAP / Graphic Designer at
Starbuck Design
Favorite Movie: Star Wars, The Princess Bride, Fight Club
Favorite Book: A Song of Ice & Fire (Game of Thrones Series)
Favorite Food: Spaghetti OR Sushi
Favorite Quote: "Lord, grant me work until my life is over and life until my work is
done." Mark Hart
Random fact about yourself: I’m a blue-belt in Kendo (Japanese sword-fighting)
Favorite memory from high school: All of the nerdy things my best friend at the
time and I would do to kill time between class and cross country practice. We played
games, went to the theater and one time even made a full loaf of bread’s worth of
PB&J sandwiches…and then drove around giving them to the homeless.
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: My mom forced me to go to
Life Teen when I was in high school and thanks to some awesome youth ministers, I
found myself really enjoying it. Without those people, I doubt I’d know my faith at
all and my desire is to be able to help others find the same love in their faith that I
have!
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: My favorite memory to date was the
giant cardboard “starship” fight we had on the STAP Wars Fall Retreat! So much
fun!
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Name: Matthew Angiulo (aka MANGIULO)
Age: 33
Confirmation Saint Name: Vincent, but don’t ask me which one. I picked it because it was my Uncle’s name
and he had recently died. I had a specific one in mind at the time.
High School: Saint Gregory College Preparatory
College: The University of Arizona
Current Occupation: Aerospace Engineer specializing in aerodynamics
Favorite Movie: Goodfellas
Favorite Book: A Man on the Moon, Andrew Chaiken
Favorite Food: Italian sausage and peppers
Favorite Quote: “Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” Abraham Lincoln.
Random fact about yourself: I hold the world record for “Medal Score” on the classic arcade game “720
Degrees” as documented by Twin Galaxies.
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MATT CONTINUED...
Favorite memory from high school: My friends and I used to stand at the top of the parking garage on
Euclid and 1st St. and throw water balloons on all the drunk fraternity guys as they stumbled back to their
houses once the bars on University Ave. closed. We were chased a few times but never caught.
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: I started this by accident. I was in my twenties when I
decided to take my faith seriously. I got involved at the parish to try to learn about what I had taken for
granted my whole life. I volunteered to chaperone a Confirmation retreat once and was hooked ever since.
I’ve always been inspired by the excitement and energy that young people have for the faith when it starts
to speak to them in a personal way.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: I think it would have to be when Deacon Ed and Andrew
Katsinas did a Mr. Rogers like skit as Mr. Cogers (or whatever it was) and lil’ Andy Wankster. It was
hilarious.
Name: Carly Regan
Age: 23
Confirmation Saint Name: St. Clare
High School: Seton Catholic, Chandler, Az
College: U of A
Current Occupation: Audiology graduate student
Favorite Movie: Elf
Favorite Book: My Sisters Keeper
Favorite Food: Bean and Cheese burritos
Favorite Quote: If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this
world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for
another world” – St. Thomas Aquinas
Favorite Bible Verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens
me.
Random fact about yourself: My favorite animal is a sea turtle
Favorite memory from high school: Cheering for football games
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: I was involved with
ministry at the Newman Center all throughout college, and I wanted to
continue that with high school students. I loved my confirmation
experience, and I wanted to be able to share that with others.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: The 2012 confirmation
retreat.
LT TIMES!
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Name: Maxemilio (Max) B. Jiménez
Age: 21
Confirmation Saint Name: Sebastian Philip Longinus
High School: Homeschooled until age 14.
College: Pima Community College (2005-2009), University of Arizona Class of 2013
Current Occupation: Cadet, US Army; Part-time Tutor
Favorite Movie: Gladiator
Favorite Book: A Patriot’s History of The United States by Larry Schweikart
Favorite Food: Yes
Favorite Quote: “But we can hold our spirits and our bodies so pure and high, we may cherish such thoughts
and such ideals, and dream such dreams of lofty purpose, that we can determine and know what manner of men
we will be, whenever and wherever the hour strikes and calls to noble action.” –Major General Joshua Lawrence
Chamberlain
Random fact about yourself: When I was 9 years old, I began my first research study at the local library, and
for the next 2 years, I checked out a stack of 24 books on the American Civil War every 3 weeks.
Favorite memory from high school: Becoming an Eagle Scout at age 15.
Favorite Bible Verse: John 13:36
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: I was confirmed in 2007 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Parish, since then I have become a godfather, sponsored 4 Confirmandi, and worked on retreats and small group
mentorship in all sorts of ministry positions. I have built up a wealth of knowledge and skills in subjects that vary
from Church History, to Praise and Worship, to Advanced communication and leadership techniques. I want to
witness to the Faith that can exist in a young person, teach about what a wonderful experience the Catholic Faith
is, and guide others to a closer relationship with Christ, as I seek Him my self.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: When I had the privilege of leading a teen workshop on retreat. The
subject was team dynamics, and we put the teens through a series of obstacles and trust tests to build better
cohesion with their peers. I probably ended up learning more from the teens than the teens did from me!
LT TIMES!
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Name: Patrick Copeland
Age: 24
Confirmation Saint Name: St Patrick
High School: Kolbe Academy (HOMESCHOOLED!)
College: University of Arizona (Bachelor in Accounting)
Current Occupation: Accountant at the University of Arizona
Favorite Movie: Braveheart/Gladiator/The Avengers/The Dark Knight
Favorite Book: The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit
Favorite Food: Chicken crescents
Favorite Quote: VIVA CHRISTO REY! – Blessed Jose Sanchez del Rio
Random fact about yourself: I count stairs when I walk up them.
Favorite Scripture Passage: John 15:12-13 - This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have
loved you. Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Favorite memory from high school: I really enjoyed going to the Steubenville West when I was in high
school. It was the first nationwide retreat I had been and really brought me closer to God. This retreat made
me want to grow in a deeper relationship with Him and gain a deeper knowledge of The Church.
Why I decided to be involved with youth ministry: I was asked by The Starbucks to volunteer with the
Confirmation team and assist in any CORE functions also in August of last year. I never expected it to be as
gratifying as it has come to be for me. The past year spent with the teens has been very inspirational and
helped me to grow closer to Christ.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: The confirmation retreat in May was the most spiritually
revitalizing retreat I have been on in a long time!
Name: Kelsey Cummings
Age: 22
Confirmation Saint Name: I don't have one, I used the name Kelsey
Jane, because of the connection it has to my ancestry.
High School: Catalina Foothills, graduated from Edge High School
(charter)
College: Northern Arizona University
LT TIMES!
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KELSEY CONTINUED....
Favorite Movie: the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Favorite Book: Moby Dick
Favorite Food: Zweigle White Hots
Favorite Quote:
“Before I do anything I ask myself, 'Would an idiot do that?' And if the answer is yes, I do not do that thing.” Dwight Schrute, from the TV show The Office
Random fact about yourself: I don't like wearing nail polish; it distracts me too much.
Favorite memory from high school: This one is easy. It was my senior year, and I was on the leadership Team
here at STAP for the youth group. We were leading the confirmation retreat in the spring, and it was just such a
happy time. I specifically remember being on the volleyball court with everyone for an activity, and all of us
laughing so hard, loving being together.
Why you decided to be involved with youth ministry: It wasn't really a decision. You know how everyone
says that they went through some sort of period finding themselves? They have to search all this stuff until one
day they find it. They get it, it works for them, it's like the blinders have finally come off. Well, youth ministry
is the only thing that's ever fit me. It's the only thing that makes sense, it's all I understand.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: I don't have one favorite, there are too many. But honestly one of
my tops is the Starry Night Auction. I, like most of CORE, believe that real youth ministry starts and ends at
home. So to see all the lifeteen parents come together in such a way, was amazing. Yes I of course reaped some
of the benefits (which I still cannot thank everyone enough), but everyones motives and reasons for being there
that night was the teens. I am always moved when the Church comes together as a community to show the teens
how much they are loved. And to all our life teen parents, old and new, so completely URLVD!
Favorite scripture passage: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” -John 10: 11. This is a very standard, common scripture I know. But, it is the truth. And I have always
been a sucker for the gospels, because I love the authority in which Jesus speaks.
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Name: Ross Helland
Age: 23
Confirmation Saint Name: St. Patrick
High School: Basic High School (Henderson,
NV)
College: The University of Arizona
Current Occupation: Middle School Music
Teacher, TUSD
Favorite Movie: The Dark Knight, Inception
Favorite Book: Screwtape Letters
Favorite Food: Bacon, Duh. Favorite Bible Verse: Phil 4:13
Random Fact: I collect swords and anything
having to do with dragons. Favorite memory from high school: Making AllState Band all 4 years. Why you decided to be involved in Youth
Ministry: I decided to get involved in youth
ministry because of my youth minister. My YM
was a volunteer who wanted to make a difference
in young peoples lives. He genuinely cared about
everyone and always wanted to make sure that our
faith/family lives were in balance. He showed me
what it means to be a true disciple of God. He
showed me how to get back up after my mistakes
and to keep pushing through the pain. He helped
me to surrender to God. And for all this, I wanted
to be able to give back to God's children through
youth/music ministry.
Favorite STAP Life Teen Memory to date:
My favorite LT moment has to be when I dressed
up as leprechaun for St. Patrick's day. I went up
to talk about him in an Irish accent and defaulted
to an Indian accent. I didn't even feel
embarrassed. We all just laughed. It was great.
Name: Carey Lacey
Age: 20
Confirmation Saint: St. Carmen
High School: Catalina Foothills
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CAREY CONTINUED...
College: U of A
Current Occupation: Student and Pink Victoria's Secret Sales Associate
Favorite Movie: The Lion King (duh)
Favorite Book: Ella Enchanted
Favorite Food: Mashed Potatoes with garlic seasoning
Favorite Quote: " You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and
smarter than you think" - Christopher Robin
Random Fact: Argyle socks are my favorite articles of clothing
Favorite memory from high school: Prom! What girl doesn't love being treated
like a princess?
Why you decided to be involved in Youth Ministry: I got involved with youth
ministry because I'm such a people person and love seeing Christ in others. And
it's so fun!
Favorite STAP Life Teen Memory to date: Being on the retreat (Magnificent 7)
and laughing so hard with my fellow core members til three in the morning. My
stomach hurt so badly the next day!
Name: Andrew Katsinas
Age: 21
Confirmation Saint Name: Andrew (if I could choose again it would be
Francis... at the time I didn’t care to research other saints... whoops!)
High School: Catalina Foothills High School
College: University of Arizona
Current Occupation: Student (senior) at the University of Arizona
working on a BFA in Film and Television Production. Also a server at El
Charro.
Favorite Movie: This changes every week for me, but at the moment
“50/50”
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ANDREW CONTINUED...
Favorite Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Favorite Food: Sushi / A bloody red steak.
Favorite Quote: “Life is what happens when you are busy making
other plans” - John Lennon
Random fact about yourself: I have been to over 30 countries! (My
dad is a travel agent... I’m a tag along)
Favorite memory from high school: Getting pulled over for
joyriding at 2 in the morning my Sophomore year.
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: I decided to be
involved with youth ministry after my Confirmation because the
sacrament changed my life for the better in so many ways. Prior to my
Confirmation, I didn’t take the Church seriously and was counting
down the days until I never had to go again. However, once I came
into real contact with God, I couldn’t ever leave. I’m still here at St.
Thomas because I believe God still wants me here to lead others to
Him. Catholicism flipped my life upside-down in revealing God’s love
to me, and I want to help lead others to that same, amazing gift of His
love.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: Even though it stung, I
have to say getting Pie’d in the face at the Life Teen Kick off last fall.
Thanks to Cat Chua and Gregory Hathorn.
Name: Deidra Reiff
Age: 23
Confirmation Saint Name: St. Elizabeth of Hungary
High School: Ironwood High School
College: University of Arizona
Current Occupation: University of Arizona Medical Center Nurse
Favorite Movie: Any Hayao Miyazaki film
Favorite Book: Sabriel
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LT TIMES!
DEIDRA CONTINUED...
Favorite Food: Pizookie
Favorite Quote: “The most wonderful things in life aren’t the
things we expect to take but the surprises we receive.”
Random fact about yourself: I have a pet fire belly toad named
Blaze.
Favorite memory from high school: Friday night football
games! I was a total band nerd and played flute and baritone in the
marching band. I loved the songs, chants, and dancing we used to
do at the games. After every game we would all go out to TGI
Fridays or Applebees and get the happy hour appetizers. There
was nothing better than pigging out with all your friends, laughing
about good times, and not caring that we all were sweaty and
disgusting.
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: I got invited
to become part of Life Teen, but I said think I am too old. That’s
when I was told about Core and decided to join. My favorite job I
ever held was being a Resident Assistant in the dorms. I got to
plan events and programs, decorate, and be there for residents
when they needed someone. I no longer live in the dorms, but I
feel being in youth ministry is a way for me to continue using
those skills and is a way to serve my community and God.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: Senior night when all
the seniors got to revisit past Life Teen nights. It was fun dressing
up and recognizing the seniors for all we have seen in them and all
that we believe they will become.
Name: Jayson Rickel
Age: 20
Confirmation Saint Name: Sebastian
High School: St Gregory
College: University of Arizona
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JAYSON CONTINUED...
Current Occupation: Student Intern at TEP
Favorite Movie: Inception
Favorite Book: The Giver
Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo
Favorite Quote: “Use the Force, Harry” –Gandalf (The Chronicles of Narnia)
Random fact about yourself: In high school, I played on a nationally ranked wiffleball team and played in
tournaments across the southwest.
Favorite memory from high school: I have two favorite memories and they’re both sports related, shocker.
The first was scoring a goal from defense against Desert Christian in the soccer state tournament as a junior
(this was my first high school goal as well). I was called up to attack on a corner kick and was able to power
it in with a header. STG and Desert don’t get along too well, so it was a big moment that put us up 2-0 in that
game. The second was when our baseball team defeated the defending State Runner-ups to advance to the
state semi-finals. We were one run away from being mercy ruled and came back to win by one in the final
inning.
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: I enjoyed Life Teen as a senior in high school, and I
liked listening to what the CORE members had to say, so I figured I’d like to get to know them better and
also help fill the role that they were playing. Basically, I just wanted to stay involved, and I was too lazy to
make new friends at the Newman Center.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: Confirmation Retreat 2012. It’s always really cool to see where
the teens start in the beginning of the year and where they grow to at the end. After the hours that CORE and
the teens put in during the entire school year, it’s very rewarding to see that it’s all worth it.
Favorite Scripture Passage: “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” --Genesis 1:31
Name: Tucker Pudwill
Age: 20
Confirmation Saint Name: Paul
High School: Catalina Foothills High School
College: The University of Arizona
Current Occupation: Engineering Intern at Raytheon Missile Systems
Favorite Movie: Apollo 13
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TUCKER CONTINUED...
Favorite Book: Ender’s Game
Favorite Food: Elk tenderloin with a brandy mustard sauce
Favorite Quote: “I never let my schooling interfere with my education” – Mark Twain
Random fact about yourself: I drink a minimum of two cups of coffee every day.
Favorite memory from high school: Mr. Moody threatening students and administrators alike if they
dared walk by his classroom making too much noise.
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: To demonstrate that there is more than one way to
praise and worship God.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: Watching everyone participate in the Minute To Win It night
last year.
Name: Brianna Kennedy
Age: 22
Confirmation Saint Name: Helena Theresa
High School: Sabino
College: UofA
Current Occupation: Nanny
Favorite Movie: 500 Days of Summer and Elf
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BRIANNA CONTINUED...
Favorite Book: Drops Like Stars by Rob Bell
Favorite Food: My Grandpa’s spaghetti
Favorite Quote: “No, that trauma you faced was not easy. And God
wept that it hurt you so; but it was allowed to shape your heart, so
that into His likeness you'd grow.” - Russell Kelfer
Random fact about yourself: A piano fell on me when I was in the
4th grade!
Favorite memory from high school: Freshman year my older sister
Danielle (who was a senior at the time) would hide me under a
blanket in the backseat of her car and sneak me out of school at lunch
time!
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: It’s super fun
and really rewarding. It’s just so great to be given the chance to help
people grow in their faith and to show others what real, true love is
all about. Also, I mean, not many people can say they’ve gotten to
dress up as a Storm Trooper, Cop, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
or Deb from Napoleon Dynamite at their Church…! :]
Name: Martha Luebbering
Age: unknown
Confirmation Saint Name: Frances
High School: Bishop Ward Catholic High School
College: University of Arizona
Favorite Quote: “Love is a friendship that has caught fire…” (See Martha for entire quote.)
Random fact about yourself: Loves to Polka Dance
Favorite memory from high school: The Croatian Day Picnic where I met my husband, Charlie.
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: I like working with teens. I love to be a part of their journey
on their road to loving God.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: The Road to Emmaus Retreat, my first Life Teen retreat, was my
favorite memory because I witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit through the CORE and the teens
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Name: Jessica Luebbering
Age: 22
Confirmation Saint Name: Elizabeth
High School: Salpointe Catholic High School
College: Gonzaga University
Current Occupation: Social Physicist/Part-time Ninja
Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings
Favorite Book: Ella Enchanted
Favorite Food: Onions and garlic sautéed with a dash of olive oil, cooked to perfection in a swirling,
joyous dance of flavor.
Favorite Quote: “Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something
unknown,
something new.
Yet it is the law of all progress that is made by passing through some stages of instability and that may take
a very long time. And so I think it is with you.
Your ideas mature gradually. Let them grow. Let them shape themselves without undue haste.
Do not try to force them on as though you could be today what time – that is to say, grace –
and circumstances acting on your own good-will will make you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new Spirit gradually forming in you will be.
Give our Lord the benefit of believing that his hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling
yourself in suspense and incomplete.”
- Pierre Teilhard de Chardain
Random fact about yourself: I am ridiculously terrible at constructing balsa wood towers.
Favorite memory from high school: Making a Mythbusters video about duct tape for physics class.
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: Youth group was such an important part of my high
school experience, that I want to be able to give back to that same community.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: XLT
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Name: Matthew Frederick Watson
Age: 18
Confirmation Saint Name: Lorenzo
High School: Catalina Foothills HS
College: University of Arizona
Current Occupation: Student
Favorite Movie: The Incredibles/Inception
Favorite Book: The Kingkiller Chronicles
Favorite Food: Lasagna
Favorite Quote: “Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.”/”If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody
isn’t thinking” –Both by General George Patton
Random fact about yourself: The highest point I’ve reached on foot is Mount Baldy, at 12,441 FT.
Favorite memory from high school: Earning my Eagle Scout award, and completing my project.
Why decided to be involved with youth ministry: To stay involved with something that matters, and to
spend time with all the awesome people here.
Favorite STAP Life Teen memory to date: My confirmation retreat experience.
Name: Ryan Bequette
Age: 3,000
Confirmation Saint Name: ????
High School: ummmm he has a diploma....maybe.
College: NAU? Perhaps?
Current Occupation: Frolicking in fields of daffodils.
Favorite Movie: Mean Girls
Haha I could go on but I won’t... Ryan didn’t turn in his answers. BUT he is a great member of our team!
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Name: Susana Starbuck
Age: 23
Confirmation Saint Name: Joan of Arc
High School: Homeschooled
College: The University of Arizona
Current Occupation: Communications Coordinator/
EDGE Coordinator at STAP
Favorite Movie: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Favorite Book: I really need a top ten or twenty... (English Major)
but if I’ll give a top three. The Last Man by Mary Shelly, The Robe by Lloyd Douglas, and Anna
Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.
Favorite Food: Steak with a glass of dry red wine. Oh and coffee. Coffee coffee coffee.
Favorite Quote: I have a lot of these too, four years swimming at the UofA will do that to you...
1) “Whatever it takes” -Frank Busch
2) “If you even dream of beating me you better wake up and apologize” -Muhammad Ali
Random fact about myself: I hate the word button... and I hate actual buttons too. The world would
be a better place without buttons.
Favorite memory from high school: My senior year I was at Nationals for USA swimming and I
qualified for the 2008 Olympic trials. It was one the best races I had ever swam.
Why you decided to be involved with youth ministry: In college my life was feeling really
unbalanced. All I did was swim and it was getting harder to not get caught up in the partying lifestyle
of my teammates. So I decided to be a CORE member at my family’s parish. It was a very random
decision, I didn’t even do Life Teen in high school. But it was clearly all apart of God’s plan because I
met my husband Andrew there. So basically I do it because I love it but more so because my husband
loves it. Andrew is so passionate about youth ministry and it brings me such joy being by his side while
he ministers to the teens. I am so proud of him!
Favorite STAP memory to date: Confirmation day for the 2011-2012 class. After working with them
for nine months I was bursting with pride as they took ownership of their faith. Actually all nine
months were wonderful because I was able to see the teens slowly open up and embrace the joy that
comes with the Catholic faith.
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Finally... Introducing the CORE team mascot... Peter Starbuck!
The End! See you at our first Life Night!
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