I've had the honor of meeting many of you throughout my first few weeks here at the parish, but I thought I’d take a moment to share a little bit more about myself:
I grew up in Glendale as the youngest of two children born to Colombian immigrants, and I became an active parishioner at Incarnation Church at a young age. I attended Incarnation Catholic School, St. Francis High School, and UCLA, while being involved in youth and young adult groups at my parish. After graduation, I became a Confirmation Coordinator at my parish and began my career as a middle school teacher at St. Patrick’s in North Hollywood. It was at St. Patrick's that I decided I wanted to learn more about the Catholic faith in order to teach it better. I then enrolled in a graduate program at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, where I experienced two of the most formative years of my life. In addition to taking classes in theology, I had the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant, lead liturgical music groups, and go on mission trips. Upon graduating, I was hired to teach middle school (again!) in Douglas, Arizona at a school run by the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. While in Arizona, I also led the music for Sunday Masses, started a parish young adult group with my friends, taught formation sessions for catechists, and became interested in ping pong and CrossFit. After five years there, I prayerfully decided to move back home to California to enter St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo. Now, after three years of seminary studies for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, I’ve been sent to St. Rita’s to continue my learning and formation towards the priesthood under the guidance and example of Fr. Tom and all of you.
Aside from serving in parish ministry, I enjoy hiking, playing music, shooting hoops, writing, and learning about all sorts of things!
I look forward to hearing your stories and sharing great moments with you as we serve and pray alongside each other this year!