It is so wonderful to be introducing myself to you! My name is Michelle Boris and I am your new Youth Minister here at Our Lady of the Lake. I am originally from Columbia Heights in the Twin Cities but have lived all over the world, from Winona and Austin in Southern Minnesota to San Diego and the Inland Empire in Southern California. When I was a teenager, I had an experience of Christ which changed my life. My newfound relationship with Him helped me realize that there is nothing more important than sharing the joy of the Gospel message wherever I go, whether by my words or actions. I studied Evangelization and Religious Education (with a Spanish minor) at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, and served with NET Ministries of Ireland for two years: the first on a parish team in Donegal and the second in Glasgow, Scotland. As you can imagine, I am thrilled to hear a Scottish accent again whenever I see Fr. Tony! Last Saturday, I began the long road trip home from Southern California, where I spent the last two years working in the
Admissions Office at a small Catholic film school, recruiting for their theology program. I absolutely love placing media at the service of evangelization, and it is clear that I am called to live that out through a role in youth ministry. I am blessed to be doing that back in my home of Minnesota, the place which was so important to my spiritual formation. I am so excited to join the OLL community, so please do not hesitate to introduce yourself to me. I would love to get to know each of you, especially the young people. To those young people in the parish, I want to leave you with this verse which has been near and dear to my heart for a long time now: “Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) You are so important and your youth is such a gift; rejoice in it! I cannot wait to journey with all of you as we continue to create a wonderful youth ministry program which forms intentional disciples, integrates youth into the life of the parish, and helps you encounter the goodness, truth, and beauty of our Lord. Please know that I have been praying for you all and will continue to do so.
Thank you!

Blessings,
Michelle Boris, Youth Minister