ST. FRANCIS YOUTH MINISTRY

The Core Team is the vehicle through which our ministry works. Our Core Team is made up of a dedicated group of people who live lives focused on God’s will and on Leading Teens Closer to Christ.

The 2009 Core Team is:

Stephanie Jones(YM): Child and servant of God, Wife of my loving friend Mike Jones for 19 years, Mother of three wonderful children Allie, Thomas and Benjamin. Taught in one form or another most of my life. Passionate about the ministry of showing teens the unending love and acceptance of Jesus Christ. Found the true meaning and purpose in my life in a National Geographic in 1995.

Chris Brooks: (AYM) I have been involved in St. Francis Youth Ministry in one form or another since 7th Grade. Since then, the program has grown from a small group meeting at various family’s houses to a vibrant ministry that this parish deserves. Right after graduating High school, I became involved in the EDGE program. Even through the short period of time that we stopped the EDGE program, I still felt that this was a ministry this church needed and was anxious to get it started again. I am currently starting a new career with CTSI Global as a IT support member. God has called me to a wonderful parish and is now leading me to a career which I have dreamed of for years. I am an Eagle Scout and a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. I have a twin brother, Michael, a younger sister, Jennifer, and two parents who withouth them, I don’t know where I’d be today. I am thankful everyday for the people that God has brought me to through this ministry and parish. Romans 12:1-2

Michael Brooks: I have been involved with the Saint Francis Youth Ministry as a CORE member since the spring of 2008. I graduated in 2004 from Cordova High School and was a member of LIFETEEN during my high school years. I work for Brinks Home Security as a Service Tech. I am also a member of the Knights of Columbus and an Eagle Scout. I feel very privileged to work with the youth group and thank God everyday for all the blessings has given me.  Romans 12:6-8

Chris Martinez:“Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken throughout the whole world.” [Romans 1 7-8]. It is an absolute pleasure to serve you as a member of St. Francis of Assisi and the Lifeteen ministry. Following being a servant of our Holy Trinity, I am the proud husband of Lindsey Martinez and father of Caitlyn (8), Malena (4) and Colin (18 months). It what seems like another life, I have also had the opportunity to serve on the youth ministry CORE team of St. Raphael’s in Phoenix Arizona. The program was referred to St. Raphael’s active disciples (R.A.D.). I have lived my entire life as part of the Catholic community and am still learning so much about our faith, sacraments and how to ‘love others’ the way our Lord Jesus Christ commanded. I look forward to continuing this passionate journey with you. Peace be with you.

Ryan Rosenfield: I have been a practicing Catholic all my life but it wasn’t until I finished college in 2005 that I began the journey of growing deeper in my faith. My journey was started as a result of my involvement in Life Teen at St. Francis. The relationships that I have had the privilege to build with the Life Teen teens and CORE team has helped to bring me into a deeper relationship with God. While we are all imperfect, we are truly stronger and more resistant to the temptations of the devil in numbers. I pray for each of our teens and especially those who are not part of a youth group like ours. I graduated from The Ohio State University (June 2005). I’ve am married to my beautiful wife Rachel (July 2005). I am a loving father of two daughters - Riley (June 2007) & Avery (October 2008).

Rita Eastmond: I grew up in a very active Catholic family, going to youth ministry and later filling in as junior youth minister in highschool. I always felt God was with me, but as a young woman, it was difficult to listen when the voices of my peers were so strong. I didn’t want to miss out on all that life had to offer because I had plans! According to my friends, God wanted to cage me in. In college, a friend challenged me to give myself to Jesus at a rally. I was too ashamed to go up for the alter call because I felt I should have been His all along, but in my heart, I know Jesus heard me. Since then, I have volunteered in the youth chior and youth ministry in California, co-chaired young adult programs, taught children’s praise group and acted as co-youth minister on the Navajo reservation, taught classes for confirmation and volunteered as youth ministry assistant in Hawaii, and lead small group bible studies and faith sharing groups. I have traveled to several countries and many states. I am always willing to listen, and encourage someone wherever they are in their faith. One thing I have learned: Giving your heart to Jesus is a dangerous thing, He will take it and run with it! Be prepared for the adventure! I’m not sure what God has planned for my future, but I am more than willng to go. During the journey, I am more than open to sharing what God has done for me and encouraging teens ( and anyone else I meet) to take up the challenge themselves! I love to see teens fully alive, and the only place that happens is in Jesus Christ.

Tom Salem: Tom Salem has been in the St. Francis parish since Aug. 2007, when he moved from Montana. In Montana, Tom started volunteering as a Sunday school teacher and eventually helped with the high school youth group. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He went to grade school at the local parish, Our Lady of Angels–which at the time was run by Franciscan monks. He is a Cleveland sports fan. He like baseball and softball. He also likes to watch the weather.

Greg Vandeven: born 8-16-61 in Cape Girardeau, MO; Eagle scout; Biochem 1983 and Doctor of medicine 1987 U. of MO - Columbia; member Knights of Columbus 1980 - present [4th degree]; Internal medicine physician.

Kelly Griswold: BIO COMING SOON

John and Robyn Orr: John and Robyn are both wonderful members of the CORE team. They are the “behind the scenes” help which allows the CORE team to focus all their efforts towards the teens. From helping prepare dinner to making sure everything is cleaned up, they give of their time to the program and are invaluable. Saint Francis Youth Ministry is blessed to have this wonderful couple as part of the team.