Becoming a core member for the STP Youth Group has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I graduated with degrees in Theology and Evangelization from Benedictine College which really formed me as a person. Attempting to put what I learned into practice, however, is even more challenging than I thought. I never would have imagined that becoming a core member would stretch me in the way that it does. I am constantly being challenged to grow and to take a second look at myself and I often feel unworthy to be a leader to the teens. However, as we know, God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called. 

These teens are incredible. I’ve seen a wonderful change in the teens from when I first started last November. These teens are so open, curious, encouraging, supportive and brave. Their willingness to take risks in pursuing Christ and developing deeper relationships with those around them is inspiring. I look forward to growing alongside these teens, challenging them as well as being challenged, encouraging them, and most importantly, learning from them. 

As Hans Urs Von Balthasar wrote about in his book Unless you Become Like This Child, “the central mystery of Christianity is our transformation from world-wise, self-sufficient 'adults' into abiding children of the Father of Jesus by the grace of their Spirit.” 

Haley Eschbacher

Core Member since November 2019