Dear Sacred Heart Families,
It is with a saddened heart that I share with you that after prayerful discernment, I have decided to step down as Youth Minister at Sacred Heart. It was not an easy decision to make but, I believe this change is what the Lord wants for me and my family at this time, and I desire to follow where He leads.
Words fail to fully express the depth of my gratitude for these past 15 years of ministry with our youth and their families. I began as a newcomer to the parish, and I was filled with encouragement by the welcome I received. My deepest gratitude to Becky Morath, Melissa Lewis, and Angie Dunn who immediately accepted me into the Sacred Heart family and whose love for this parish made me fall in love with it too. Your support sustained me during those first years that are typically the most challenging for youth ministers.
In 2006, Father Hoa Nguyen forever changed my life when he gave me this opportunity, and I have been blessed to work alongside many inspiring pastors. My gratitude goes to each of them for believing in the importance of Youth Ministry, allowing me to “dream big,” and for all the life lessons they shared with me along the way. I am most grateful for their presence in my family’s sacramental life; I was married here, received the anointing of the sick here, baptized my child here and saw her receive her First Reconciliation & Eucharist here. Many of my life’s biggest moments have been at Sacred Heart and I feel blessed to have shared them with you all.
I would like to acknowledge my profound gratitude to all the volunteers who have supported Youth Ministry in small and big ways over the years. Our vibrant programming is not because of a great youth minister, but because of an amazing team of gifted, generous, and faithful volunteers who breathe life into this ministry. Your lived witness of a joyous faith and love for God have not only blessed our young church, but they were a constant source of inspiration for me. Please continue to build up young disciples through the selfless gift of your time, talents, and mentorship.
Thank you to all the parents and guardians for advocating for your children’s faith life. You taught me what it meant to be the “primary catechist” of a family long before I was a parent myself. I will forever be grateful that you allowed me to share in that role and to be a part of your family’s life.
To my beloved teens, it has been a holy privilege to serve you and minister alongside you. You guys are not just the Church of the Future, but you are the Church of Today! You offer the Church powerful gifts in your passion, hope, energy, vision, and deep belief. Never wait to use your God-given gifts to build His kingdom! (1 Timothy 4:12) Continue to seek holiness daily and to share your triumphs and your trials with the Lord. He is the Great Listener and no one wants your good more than Him. Thank you to all who have served as a Teen Leader over the years. Our time together in prayer, laughter, service, and community have created some of my favorite memories that I take with me. You make me so proud!
Thank you to my family. The influence of my grandparents is a big part of my Catholic faith and I credit my openness to Christ’s call to serve the Church to my Grandmommy for her example of service and her guidance during my own teen years. I thank my parents for believing in me. I strive to live up to the pride they have in me. And my deepest thanks to Hugo, who quietly and steadfastly served the teens at my side all these years and who has been a stellar partner and friend in life.
Please pray for me and my family as we navigate this transition. And be assured of my continued prayers for our teens, their families, and all our parish.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.
In His peace and with all my love,
Cassie H. Erazo
Director of Youth Ministry
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Wichita Falls, TX
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Wichita Falls, TX
cerazo@sacredheartwf.org
"Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do…but how much love we put in that action.
The way you help heal the world is that you start with your own family.”
Saint Teresa of Calcutta
