Archdiocesan summer programming is in full swing! The 2024 Totus Tuus summer missionaries finished up their week-long training, and they are now working in our parishes to spread the joy of Jesus Christ.
We asked this summer’s Totus Tuus missionaries some questions, and their responses are below. Keep reading to get to know them better!
Aidan Fontenot
Hometown: Lake Charles, Louisiana Home Parish: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Favorite Saint: Saint Francis of Assisi
Why Totus Tuus?
As a freshman, I wanted to do something spiritually impactful and fulfilling with my first college summer before the internship grind begins. My friend JD Self then told me about Totus Tuus in Denver and the wonderful experience he had and that sold me.
Emma Sue Findley
Hometown: Lake Charles, Louisiana Home Parish: St. Joseph, Vinton, Louisiana Favorite Saint: St. Francis de Sales
Why Totus Tuus?
I have a friend who served with Totus Tuus last year and it has been beautiful to hear how this program of service formed his life. I am greatly looking forward to investing my heart and gifts that God has given me into my teammates and the kids of Totus Tuus.
Jeremiah Somtochukwu Obiano
Hometown: Nibo, Nigeria Home Parish: St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Favorite Saint: Blessed Cyprian Micheal Iwene Tansi
Why Totus Tuus?
For my spiritual growth: to deepen my faith and spiritual life through prayer, sacraments and service. I want to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and share their Catholic faith with others. Also, I want to be part of a vibrant and supportive community of like-minded individuals. Finally, I want to experience the joy of sharing the Catholic faith with others and seeing lives transformed.
Theresa Maska
Hometown: Austin, Texas Home Parish: St. Albert the Great Favorite Saint: St. John Paul II
Why Totus Tuus?
I want children and teens to know how much their Heavenly Father cares about their every desire, need, struggle, and aspiration and that the Catholic Church is their home. Through serving others I hope to spread God’s joy, peace and love and grow deeper in my love for Him.
Marc Smoorenburg
Hometown: Centennial, Colorado Home Parish: Our Lady of Loreto Favorite Saint: St. Martin de Porres
Why Totus Tuus?
As a kid, Totus Tuus was the week that I always looked forward to in the summer. It was full of games, songs, and skits, but most importantly, it was full of God’s love. I want to be able to provide that kind of a summer week for Catholic kids, just as others had provided it for me.
Gabriela García-Porras
Hometown: El Paso, Texas Home Parish: St. Albert the Great Newman Parish Favorite Saint: St. Joseph
Why Totus Tuus?
The mission of Totus Tuus has always been close to my heart, especially since I first encountered Christ through a similar ministry. I know that this fun and faith-filled summer will bring many young people to Jesus through Mary, which is why I am honored and beyond excited to serve with Totus Tuus!
Daniel Paul Olivas-Rey
Hometown: Brighton, Colorado Home Parish: St. Augustine Favorite Saint: St. Padre Pio
Why Totus Tuus?
The reason I am doing Totus Tuus this summer is because I want to be able to love and serve those around me, especially the youth of the church. To teach the mission of Jesus Christ and his everlasting love for us!
Jacinta Budke
Hometown: Maple Lake, Minnesota Home Parish: St. Timothy’s Catholic Church Favorite Saint: St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Why Totus Tuus?
I grew up in rural Minnesota and was blessed to have a Totus Tuus team at my parish every year 1-12 grade. I was deeply impacted by the missionaries and their witness and wanted to give back to the program that gave me so much. Therefore, I have served two years in my own diocese, but this year felt called to apply outside of the comfort of my home and the Lord led me to serve with Denver!
James Ball
Hometown: Westminster, Colorado Home Parish: St. Thomas Aquinas, Boulder, Colorado Favorite Saint: St. Maximilian Kolbe
Why Totus Tuus?
Totus Tuus has always been part my family’s life and has had a true impact in my faith. I have gone to Totus Tuus since I was 6, and even before that my sister did. I thought it was time to give back to something that was truly an inspiration to me.
Name: Elizabeth (Biz) Vall
Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado Home Parish: Our Lady of Lourdes Favorite Saint: St. John Paul II
Why Totus Tuus?
Totus Tuus was monumental for me as a kid. I want to be there for this next generation the way the past generation was there for me!
Please pray for these missionaries as they give their time and talent to our children this summer.