Name: Jay Downing
Position: Co-Director of Youth Ministry
Parish: St. Jude
Office Phone: 540-891-7350
Email: youthgroup@stjudechurch.us

History/Resume

In current position since: 9/10/2012
Active in Youth Ministry since: 9/10/2007

Youth Ministry program includes: Currently we meet every 2nd and 4th Sunday (with occasional "bonus" meetings on demand).  We mix up the meetings from instructional, to community service, to social activities (like indoor rock climbing...yeah!!)

Favorites

Favorite Food(s): Sugar(and anything it comes in...especially chocolate)

Favorite Band: Pentatonix, Matt Maher and MercyMe are some current favorites

Favorite Pastime: Sports (I will play just about anything...although I am not very good at any)

Favorite Saint: WOW...can't pick just one.  I chose St. Joseph for my Confirmation saint for guidance.  I love St. Paul for his knowledge.  St. Therese of Lisieux for her love of the simple things.  St. John Paul II for his instruction on the human body.  Wow!!  I could go on for a while.  Suffice to say that every time I learn about a new saint, I am in awe of their lives.  

Favorite Scripture: Nope...not possible.  Here are a few of them: John 4:1-42 - The story of the Samarian woman at the well 1 Samuel 3:10 - “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Luke 22:42 - “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” Matthew 28:19 - “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” John 13:35 - “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Favorite Book: Here's a few: “The Hobbit”; that was pretty awesome.  Loved the Harry Potter series too.  Also really liked “The Screwtape Letters” and “Mere Christianity”

Why I work in Youth Ministry: The truths of the Catholic faith that I have learned as an adult, I did not know as a teenager or young adult.  The world we live in does not make it easy for anyone to learn them either.  I want to do my best to show every teen that I come in contact with these truths I have “discovered.”  I desire to let them all know the personal love that God has for each one of them and the awesome plans He has for their lives.

About Me: No...Not really.  I would like to take the time I have to thank the Academy for this award....wait, wrong speech...  But seriously, I would like to thank every person that works within this, and all, youth ministry programs.  It is inspiring to work alongside so many that want to share their faith with the young church of today.  Keep up the great work!!  ...Oh, and the unforgettable words of Pope Benedict: "The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness."

Birthdate: January 16