c o v e r s t o r y A YOUTH The Church of Today B y A m e l i a E u d y 18 <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Augustine</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>September</strong> 2007 All photos by scott smith
Across the Diocese of Saint <strong>Augustine</strong>, middle and high school youth are living the Gospel and building the Kingdom of God. Their accomplishments are admirable and their passion is contagious. Meet these outstanding young people who just might be serving Mass for you on Sunday. Avante Upshaw and Susan Houle – A dynamic, dedicated duo “Outstanding,” “Inspiring,” and “Special,” are just a few of the words used to describe two high school students at <strong>St</strong>. Patrick Parish in Jacksonville who have grown in faith together and became lifelong friends in the process. Avanti Upshaw, a senior at Bishop John Snyder High School, and Susan Houle, a senior at Bishop Kenny High School, have been friends since they were students at <strong>St</strong>. Patrick Parish School. In eighth grade, these two confirmation classmates made a pact to continue the work of the Lord in their parish and their community. Although they now attend different high schools, the two friends have managed to stay close by working as and training altar servers and co-teaching a fourth grade religious education class. Individually, Avanti, who wants to be a pharmacist, has received awards for his years as an altar server, is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and involved in the parish youth group, participates in basketball and track at school, and attends various leadership programs. “I had to give back (to <strong>St</strong>. Patrick Parish) because they gave me so much. They allowed me to become the person I am today,” he says. Houle Susan was also baptized and reared at <strong>St</strong>. Patrick Parish. As the youngest of six children, she had an example to stay involved in parish life. She is a leader in her school ROTC unit and wants to become an Air Force pilot. She says her faith life and school responsibilities are not hard to juggle because she goes to a <strong>Catholic</strong> high school. “All my friends understand what I believe; most believe the same thing. It’s not hard to keep it all together,” she says. However, her schedule as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, altar server, member of the softball team and ROTC, ZIP (a group that keeps students from drinking and smoking), and Christians in Action campus ministry is intimidating. Their pastor, Carmelite Father Jose Kulathinal says, “They are the most dedicated, committed and sincere to their ministry and to the community.” Lisa Daley – Speaking out for what she believes in Through her love of public speaking and dedication to church life and youth activities, Flagler Palm Coast High School senior Lisa Daley is making a difference in the diocese. “She’s a natural-born leader,” says her mother, Eileen. A member of <strong>St</strong>. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Parish for 17 years, Lisa is well known among the parishioners and her peers. “The parishioners have seen me grow up. When I Upshaw Daley go to church it feels like home,” Lisa says. Participating in the Urban Plunge retreat in June, Lisa said one of her greatest accomplishments is being able to make people laugh and smile after a hard day. She attends Mass regularly and is “always” on retreats. She receives encouragement from her Youth Ministry coordinator, Jan Balota, C.P.S, who “calls me to make sure I am on everything. Even if I think I am too busy, I can’t say no to her.” Lisa has been a lector for three years and in the past has served as a classroom aid for religious education and an altar server. For three years, Lisa has also led the drama segment for <strong>St</strong>. Elizabeth’s Vacation Bible School. She is a member of the Thespian Society at school and works part-time as a cashier at Albertson’s. She would like to become an elementary school teacher. Karla Rodriguez – Keeping culture alive A strong family tradition introduced 16-year-old Karla Rodriguez of <strong>St</strong>. Francis Xavier Parish in Live Oak to the faith, but self-discipline has kept that faith alive. “I have always been active, even as a child. I would go to church with my mom and see her involved,” Karla remembers. “(Church) has always been a part of my life.” Originally from El Salvador, Karla moved to Florida six years ago and learned English quickly. However, she still attends the Spanish Mass on Sunday and serves as a lector. Keeping ties with her culture is very important to Karla. “(In Live Oak) there are a lot of Hispanics,” she observes. “We need to get them involved, too. I’m proud to know that I’m involved with my culture and I can help them and the church that they go to.” Karla is a junior at Suwannee High School Rodriguez and wants to continue on to college and become a doctor. “She is a joyful young lady with much initiative who is greatly admired both by her peers and adults in the community,” Claretian Sister Tere Gallarreta says. Karla is also active in drama club, the parish youth group, and she volunteers at Grace Manor Community Center and Restaurant in Live Oak. Tommy Gschwind – A young man in charge Santa Maria del Mar Parish in Flagler Beach is lucky to have Tommy Gschwind at the reigns of several church ministries – and he’s only 18. In addition to coordinating, overseeing and serving at the 5 p.m. Sunday Youth Mass, Tommy gets up for the 7 a.m. Sunday Mass to ready the golf carts used to shuttle passengers up and down the church’s steep driveway. Tommy also took charge of the youth group after the departure of Richard Pagano, who is now a seminarian in formation for the diocese. The new youth group spent the summer raising funds for a trip to <strong>St</strong>eubenville South in Atlanta, Ga. “We are starting to grow and get good, active members,” he observes. He has just become a First Degree Knights of Columbus and worked full-time during the summer as a recreation leader for kids in Palm Coast. Having recently graduated from Flagler- Palm Coast High school, he is discerning a Gschwind career with the fire department or the United <strong>St</strong>ates Coast Guard. The choice is tough; he doesn’t want to have to say goodbye. “It’s the goodness that comes from all of this. God does a lot for you and you see that being here every week,” Tommy says. <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Augustine</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>September</strong> 2007 19
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