St. Michael Welcomes Jenny Rohde as Our New Youth Formation Coordinator

Ever since she was young, Jenny Rohde has been passionate about helping young people encounter Christ.

“For as long as I can remember, I have loved working with young people,” she says. “I love their curiosity, and how deeply they think. I appreciate their silliness and their sense of humor, and I feel very rejuvenated and inspired when I work with them. Over time, it brought me so much joy to work with them and see them mature and grow in their spiritual lives.”

For eight years prior to coming to our parish, she worked with the young people of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Frisco, Texas.

“I oversaw the entire middle school program and all of the sacramental preparation,” Jenny says. “I also coordinated two different youth leadership programs, organized retreats, and arranged for my middle school students to run the Stations of the Cross each year on Palm Sunday. Over the years I was with them, it was wonderful to see them grow into the people they are called to be. I also enjoyed encouraging the young people and their families to be more involved in the parish. It was really beautiful to be part of this journey with all of them.”

Now, as our new Youth Formation Coordinator, Jenny looks forward to making use of her God-given talents to help our parish youth come to know Christ in an intimate way. She will be overseeing middle school and high school sacramental preparation, particularly Confirmation preparation. She will also coordinate the Youth Group, which is part of the catechesis program for middle and high school students, including large group nights, Youth Households and Discipleship Small Groups. Most youth formation related activities and catechesis have been virtual or livestreamed in recent months.

“First and foremost, I am really excited to meet the parish families and volunteers,” she says. “I want to figure out what some of the needs of the families are, and how we can grow in faith together. I have also been assessing what it will take to help the teens deepen their faith. I want to see what community aspects they need, and how we can help facilitate their development as Catholics.”

Above all, Jenny hopes to assist our parish families in making lifelong disciples of our young; to form our young people into Catholics who are zealous to bring the God’s love, mercy, and truth to all they meet. With her help, they may bring great hope to Mother Church.

“Ultimately, as we are going forward with the youth program that is in place at St. Michael, my biggest plan is to help the young people grow in their love for the Lord and become faithful disciples,” she says. “I want to help them build a strong foundation upon which they can build their Catholic faith.”

For further information on our parish youth programs, please contact Jenny Rohde at 817-510-2733 or at jrohde@smcchurch.org.

Ever since she was young, Jenny Rohde has been passionate about helping young people encounter Christ.