Hometown: Reno, Nevada

Role at the Diocese of Reno: Assistant to the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Contact bilingual: brianad@catholicreno.org, 775-326-9413

Education:

• North Valleys High School, Honors Diploma, 2014
• National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer, 2020

Ministry Background:

Minister as a verb is to give aid or service and a synonym of ministry is instrument and/or vehicle.

As I am writing this and reflecting back on my life I see that I have been molded to live my life in a way to serve others. When I was in elementary school I would go with my mom to the Charismatic group at St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral during the week. I grew a love for going because, with the help and guidance of others, we were able to host our own little youth group by crafting activities that related to our faith. I did my confirmation at St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral and I loved every second of it. I saw people from other schools and communities and we all came together and were grounded in Jesus, at least we were trying our best to. While in High school I also served in the office of St. Michael with administrative help, and this allowed me to see how much effort is put into the preparation of each mass, event, and ministry. While at St. Michaels I helped organize their first ever Show’n’Shine Classic Car Show. My career has been a series of paid-ternships with one common factor we are all searching for a way to be better and become better human beings, community is important, and just as you were trained up it is important to seek the talents of others to help be a link in the chain for them to become the best they  can be HOWEVER, this does not happen on accident or by itself. Reflection, preparation, and intentionality, and listening to that quiet voice which you develop as your relationship grows closer to Jesus is a necessity.

Passions and interest:

I enjoy crafting, weight training, learning new things (it makes me uncomfortable and humbles me), dancing, and loving my domestic church: my husband, and our three beautiful children. Who I am becoming is also a passion of mine: I am reading more (click here to see my book list for the year), I am being intentional about fostering the relationships in my life (starting with my personal relationship with Jesus) and reminding others that they are also lights of this world.

How did you become involved with OYYAM/why are you involved?

By the Grace of God and for the Glory of God. Somehow I have always enjoyed working with others and encouraging them to grow. Keeping it positive and focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot control and giving it to God. I am involved because I have seen how being rooted in your Faith gives you the foundation needed to also have a successful career, impactful relationships, a supportive community, and an appreciation for the talents you are uniquely given.