1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I come from a very firm and grounded Catholic Family background.  A cradle Catholic. I am the oldest of 3 siblings, My sister Cynthia 3 years younger and my brother Frank 6 years younger they are all married, and I have a wonderful 7 year old nephew/ God son.  My parents are very caring, supportive, loving and giving, they are the reason I am who I am today.  I grew up in the San Gabriel Region, and grew up my Teen and young Adult life in Baldwin Park.  I graduated from Baldwin Park High School in 1992.   On October 7, 2000, I married my best friend my husband Eduardo Melendrez we took our vows and continued our journey in our faith together as husband and wife.  Together we encourage one another and journey as a team to bring teens closer to Christ. 

 I Attended Mt. San Antonio College, Attended PCDI, in Virginia, received my certification as an Event Planner,  & Florist.  I have received extended training with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, in Youth ministry, Confirmation, First Communion and RCIT.  I am still learning and as you know we never stop.

 As a teen I attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where I was not only involved in Youth ministry but became a Catechist for First Communion, eventually became a Confirmation Catechist as I completed my Confirmation. I was very active in Youth ministry in music ministry, skits, team preparation of  jr. Core team, development of topics, retreat development as a core team member, and director, retreat facilitator, faith sharing, fundraising, and many other things. 

 In 1987 I had the privilege along with my sister and 13 other teens to partake in a skit during now Cardinal Roger Mahony's homily at Youth Day in Anaheim.  The most wonderful experience, Fr. Jim Forsen my pastor at the time ask our team to perform the same skit for our parishioners. I enjoyed being part of Youth ministry, Confirmation not only for my own faith and personal growth, but to assist other teens like myself to know that they were not alone. I wanted to share Christ with all whom I encountered.  I still to this day continue in this same journey.  My service, always is to serve Christ.

I have been part of SEARCH, for those of you who have been part of SEARCH, know that it is a wonderful experience. It can be Life changing, for those who open their hearts to the Lord.  As a Young Adult, I continue to journey with my fellow SEARCHERS a family in itself.  I encourage all Young Adults, whom are experiencing some sort of void or emptiness to seek out a retreat or come and talk to me, and I will guarantee you will find an overflow of abundant love of our Lord there.

I speak fluent Spanish, English, some Portuguese, some american sign language-that needs to be brushed up, and some tagalog.  I would love to
learn more and I am sure I will.  

My hobbies, include making jewelry, rosaries, volunteering, I love working with teens and children, helping others, hiking, riding a bike, drawing,
reading a book, walking, watching a movie, going for a drive, going to the beach, and being with family. Just having fun.  This year I hope to learn how to play guitar, one of my most passionate desires to play for our Lord.

2. When did you feel that this was your calling? What interested you in St. Luke the Evangelist?
 
Being a Youth minister has not only brought me the joy of seeing teens come closer to God, but knowing the Lord is working within them.  Love of the Lord, will always bring that joy.  I knew this was my calling as a teen, and know that he has always put me in the place where he always needs me. St. Luke was a model parish for Youth ministry when I was a teenager, and I want for St. Luke's teens to become alive to Live OUT LOUD!  To be on fire for our Lord. 

After visiting Spain this summer, for World Youth Day 2011, I feel our Lord has called me to a place where I can share my Love for him.  A place where I can Encourage, Empower and Nurture our teens.  With the Support of Fr. Mark, whom I have known for a long time, the Staff, and parishioners, I know that as a community we can help these teens to Stand FIRM in their Faith.

3.  What do you hope to bring to Youth Ministry program?

My hope to bring to Youth ministry, is to assist our teens in feeling able and confident in sharing their faith.  To Nurture them, Encourage them and Empower them to be God and faith filled Catholics.  Knowing that it takes not only a ministry but a Parish, to build this community of teens with love, and strong faith.  I am here to serve, and to work along side other ministries, to encourage our teens to be a part of this wonderful community.

4.  What can our teens look forward to with the coming year of Youth Ministry?
 
The teens of this parish, can look forward to wonderful new things, prayer, fun, bible study, open topics.  That every Service they encounter, they learn from the experience and in knowing that when they give of themselves it is not only rewarding but fulfilling. Service to others is not a shore, but a part of our everyday life, something that we live by every day.   I want them to encounter Jesus, in all they do.

5. What experience do you have with Youth Ministry?

I come with experience in many aspects of my faith journey, but also in my past studies.  Working and studying in a convalescent home it gave me the fulfillment of compassion for those elderly and sick.   I saw Jesus in each and every one of them.  I am an Annulment Advocate/Auditor for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which has allowed me to learn more about relationships, and has been a fulfillment in bringing Adults closer to
Christ.  As an event planner, I enjoy putting together events which helps me be on top of things. I am photographer who enjoys taking pictures, both portraiture and Nature, in fact I share this passion with my husband.  As a National Certified Youth minister I come to you with the Knowledge that you are not only working with teens, but with a whole family.  I have known this not only in my past experience as a Youth minister, Core member/ assistant to the Youth minister but know the importance of what it is to be a family. The importance, of working alongside school principals, counselors, school psychologists, city oficials and community leaders.  A youth minister is very important as they are an advocate for teens, in a community as sometimes our teens do not have a voice that is heard.

6. Please include any other information that you think the parish should know or that you feel like sharing.

I have studied, child development which helps me understand that sometimes a child does not have issues, it is a skill they have just not developed. 

 As a teen I was in the Police Explorer program, which gave me not only the background of confidence and leadership, but the opportunity to identify crisis and evaluate scenarios.  I was part of a team who led emergency training, and assigned ride alongs, interviewed and fingerprinted suspects. All my training has allowed me to be a better person and has shown me to be compassionate with others.

 I am here to share my faith journey and inspire those around me to continue their faith journey.  I pray that together we can make a difference.