Hello Readers,

My name is Michael Tarascio and I will be your new Coordinator of Youth Ministry, here at Blessed Kateri. My wife and I are really excited to be here and especially excited to be able to serve the youth of this community.

Why am I here and what will I be doing? These are important questions to be answered. Part of the reason that I’m here –  there are three that I’d like to share with you –  is to learn about this parish community. What are some of the struggles, the needs, and the different cultures within this community? A second reason that I’m here is for charitable service. It is my objective to serve the needs (read: not always the “wants”) of the youth in a spirit of charity. Lastly, the third and most important reason for me being here is to be able to grow together: within a uniquely Catholic framework, I hope to work together with each young person in this parish, in order to better know, love and simply be with Jesus Christ. If we can strengthen our personal and communal relationships with Jesus, no matter if the method is crazy or conventional, then our youth ministry program will be a great success.

Quickly, I’d like to give you a little background information. I am 27 years old and have been married for just over one year. My wife, Marjon, is a student of psychology and nursing and together we have a German Shepherd puppy named Rajah – they are the loves of my life and you will meet both of them soon. I have studied Religious Studies and the Italian language, and I used to live in Sicily when I was younger. Even though I speak Italian, I’m still learning Spanish – so please, a little patience. When I’m not working, I love hiking, drinking coffee and reading, college football, the NBA, playing soccer, journaling and praying. Thank you very much for your time, your prayers, and I look forward to meeting with you.

Each meeting will begin at 6:00 PM and finish at 8:00 PM. 

Unless otherwise indicated,

The Banning site will host their 7th & 8th graders on Mondays, and their 9th-12th graders on Wednesdays. 

The Beaumont site will host their 9th - 12th graders on Tuesdays and their 7th and 8th graders on Thursdays. 

All meetings will take place in the same location as last year.  Meetings will be held during the first three weeks of each month; there will be no youth meeting during the final week.