"A story is a way to say something that can't be said any other way, and it takes every word in the story to say what the meaning is." -Flannery O'Connor

I always loved to tell stories through music and writing. Whether it was through childhood games, art songs, or writing for an internship later in college, I sought opportunities to express myself. It took me a long time to realize that my identity itself is rooted in a story - one that supersedes time and gives ultimate meaning to my life.

That story is the Gospel. Watching others suffer around me and questioning the meaning of life my senior year of high school brought me face to face with a real question: Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or who he said he was - the Son of God. I came to encounter Him as a Person in the Eucharist and His mercy in Confession. In doing so, I realized in my mind and heart that He truly is God - and that I am made to give and receive His love.

After graduating with degrees in music and journalism at the University of Maryland, I became a full-time missionary with FOCUS to serve the students at University of Virginia for two years and then at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for two years.

Now, I get to serve in the Beauty Initiative, in which we are exploring new means of evangelization through authentic beauty. Through study, collaborative projects and creative apprenticeship, we aim to craft a community that inspires artists to take their unique place in the Church and inspire all to live a beautiful life, which is to be a saint. 

We start with educating our staff on how the Liturgy is the source and summit of our faith, and equip them to serve as musicians in the Liturgy with cantors and choir members at the Denver Support Center and our Music Mentorship Retreat in the spring. We also provide resources for missionaries to empower their disciples to engage their hearts in their relationship with Christ through beauty, by studying Church documents like St. Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Artists, and videos teaching the vision for living a liturgical life. If you would like to learn more, please visit our website at focus.org/beauty, or reach out to me personally! I am convinced that one of the most impactful forms of evangelization to our generation.

It would be an honor to serve on this mission together! Please consider giving financially and supporting prayerfully to the mission. 

Thank you so much, and God bless you!