In the past few years, a number of people have been involved in the Carroll County Youth Ministry (CCYM) team.  This team has been working to strengthen efforts to minister to and with teens/young adults throughout the county, seeking to awaken faith and form strong disciples for Christ within the Church.

This week we are pleased to announce the next step in the growth of that ministry.  We are preparing to hire a full time youth/young adult minister who will serve all thirteen parishes that are part of this cluster.  This step forward by CCYM is made possible through the generous support of St. Lawrence Parish and their Finance Council, who have stepped forward with a significant financial commitment made possible by an estate gift given to the parish.  This commitment will enable us to fund this position for the next two years while the parishes walk through the unification process.  At that point, we believe the county-wide parish will be prepared to continue the funding for this position.
While it may take us awhile to find a suitable candidate to fill this position, we are very excited to be moving forward in this direction.  We believe that it is central to the vitality and growth of our parish communities.
 
Peace.   Fr. Kevin
 
This week, we continue giving each priest on the team an opportunity to provide some background about himself: 
 
Greetings of Peace and Love to you all from Fr. Shinoj Jose. To write little bit about me; I am from India and I was born on September 30, 1983 in Kerala one of the states in southern India.  My mother is a widow.  My father died when I was six years old. I have a married sister with two young sons and my brother-in-law is a teacher. I also have a younger brother who just finished his studies at a local university.

I joined the seminary in 1998 and I was ordained to the priesthood on May 12, 2010. After my ordination I worked as an associate pastor for one year and then I was appointed to train the young seminarians who are aspiring to become priests. And later I was appointed as pastor in a mission parish.

After my ministry for five years in India, in 2015 I came to the USA, to the Diocese of Sioux City and I was appointed to be the associate pastor at St. Joseph church, Milford. After serving in Milford for two years, now I am here as one of the associate pastors of the Carroll county parishes to serve you all.

I enjoy very much this great vocation that God has given me. I promise you that I will be always available for you; Celebrating the sacraments together and to be part of your lives in times of sorrow and of joy. And I will accompany you on your spiritual journey always.
Thank you very much for welcoming me into your midst with great care and love and for allowing me to serve you all. May the abundant blessings of the Trinitarian God be with all of us always, very specially now as we are undergoing this big transition.