Corpus Christi Blog

We Have a New Youth Minister!

08-11-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. Chad King

Many of you know Anthony Janus, our junior high and high school youth minister for the past four years, has moved to Virginia to pursue a degree in counseling and be closer to his and his wife’s families. Anthony has done a phenomenal job during his time here. There were 10 high schoolers his first year and this past year, there were over 40! On the last night of the semester before summer break, the teens were able to say good-bye and thank you. Each and every one of them said how much they will miss Anthony and how much he and the youth group has helped them grow in their faith. If you know me, it is so much more than just about numbers, it really is about each teen’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church and their desire to learn and grow more in their faith. Not only did Anthony have a solid 40 students every Sunday night, but when he offered the Thursday Bible Study for those who wanted more, he would have about 20 choosing to come to deepen their faith. As you can tell, the new Youth Minister has big shoes to fill, but is coming in with such a strong foundation.

I am pleased to introduce Grace Rivera as our new Youth Minister. Before I talk about Grace, let me share a little about how we came to the decision. I, Steve (Parish Manager), Kathy (Dir. of Evangelization), Anthony, a Core team volunteer, as well as one of our teens, were all on the interview board. I am so thankful for all of them, but in a special way, for Anthony for wanting to interview and meet the person who would take his place because he wanted the best for the teens he is leaving. About a couple weeks after posting the open position, and interviewing a few candidates, there was only one we were going to ask for a second interview, but we still had reservations. Then out of the blue I shockingly got a resume from Grace Rivera. I personally have known Grace and her family for the past nine years. Grace was a Senior in High School when I became a priest and assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Scottsdale. Suddenly I felt better having a good applicant. To make a long story short, after a first interview with her, and then after a second interview with her and another candidate, we chose Grace. As a side note and a point of reference, Grace’s brother is Noah Minton, one of the seminarians who has been staying here this past summer.

So, I have personally known Grace and her family for many years and have seen how she has grown in her faith. I believe she will do a great job in continuing to form the current teens and attract new teens. Also though, I want to say to her and to all of you, and especially the teens and parents, Grace is not Anthony. They both have certain gifts that the other does not. Thus, it will take some adjustment, but hopefully done with an attitude of openness and a spirit of receptiveness to Grace and what she brings and offers, without comparing her to Anthony. If we keep this in mind, we will all be better off for knowing not only Anthony, but now Grace, too.

Through Him, With Him, In Him,
Fr. Chad King

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