For Greg Johnson, accepting his role as the middle school youth minister at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish in Centennial was like coming home. After attending the youth group himself in middle school and eventually being asked to leave for his disruptive behavior, Johnson’s later encounter with Jesus during the annual Steubenville of the Rockies youth conference triggered his conversion. “At that point in my life, I knew I kind of needed to shape up. It was the summer going into my sophomore year of high school at Regis Jesuit High School, and I remember saying a really simple prayer,” Johnson explained. “The prayer was, ‘Lord, I know a lot about you, but I don’t know you. Please reveal yourself to me.’ And he definitely did. When the priest brought the Blessed Sacrament right by me, I started bawling. I thought, 'This stuff is real,'" he said. Through his encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist that evening, Johnson became more involved in youth ministry at St. Thomas More, especially in Life Teen programs. These experiences led him to pursue a career centered around serving youth. “I always had a passion for youth, especially in coaching, teaching or youth ministry. It was always in the back of my head that this could be a really cool job to have,” Johnson said. “It led me to Benedictine College, where I studied Theology and P.E. with an emphasis in coaching.” From Benedictine, Johnson served as a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and attributes his professional formation to his years of service. When reflecting on his work in youth ministry, Johnson continuously returns to the idea of relationship, which was central to his time as a missionary. “It's not just the relationships they build with each other, although that plays a big role in fighting against the increase of depression, loneliness and suicide that youth experience today, but particularly that these relationships are Christ-centered,” he explained. Through the various events and programs that Johnson offers, youth come to deepen their community and openness to Christ's love. "The kids get to and dive deep and have opportunities to build Christ-centered friendships or relationships through games, activities and retreats. They also have an opportunity to strengthen their own prayer life and their relationship with Jesus on a magnified level," he said. The support youth ministries receive from the Archbishop's Catholic Appeal around the archdiocese helps increase opportunities for youth to forge these friendships while deepening their relationship with Jesus through various programs, events and retreats offered throughout the year like Totus Tuus, Mountain Madness, Steubenville of the Rockies and more. These faith-filled opportunities for community, formation and prayer are transformative, both for Johnson and the youth he serves. It's the personal encounter with Jesus, especially in the Eucharist, that is most impactful and keeps youth engaged, Johnson said. “My coming to Christ moment at Steubenville was the same way. Kids get the opportunity to strengthen their prayer life on a magnified level, and it’s a very powerful experience for them to be in Adoration with praise and worship music and with other kids. It’s like a little taste of heaven,” Johnson concluded. In recognition of his devoted service to his community, Greg has been recognized as this month’s Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal Disciple of the Month. Through his unwavering dedication, Greg has grown in his own faith and strengthened the community at St. Thomas More. His story is a testament to the power of service and the profound impact of a supportive faith community. Congratulations, Greg, for being named the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal Disciple of the Month! +++ Do you know someone who is an exceptional steward? Nominate them here, and they could become the next Disciple of the Month!
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