Category: Youth Ministry Leadership

I was born and raised as a Catholic. After living in Vietnam for 14 years, I moved to the United States. I went to Davenport West High School and attended Scott Community College. In 2015, I started a new journey at the University of Iowa. I volunteered at the Newman Catholic Student Center and got involved in other organizations in Iowa City for three years. During that time, I learned a lot of new things, and rediscovered my Catholic faith in college. Catholicism has helped me in life; faith changes my thoughts. I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2018 with a degree in journalism and mass communications. My new goals in life are to help people with God’s gifts, make a difference, and become a saint, I have volunteered with the youth ministry at Our Lady of Victory parish whenever I can since 2018.

I was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. I am a 3rd generation member of Our Lady of Victory. I am also a 2nd generation graduate from JFK (‘08) and Assumption (‘12). While at Assumption, I was involved with high school ministry by going to countless retreats and two NCYC’s. The Menster’s have been attending OLV from the beginning. I graduated from the University of Iowa (‘17) with a B.A. in Sports and Recreation Management. While at Iowa, I was involved the Newman Catholic Student Center for 3 three years. I have been volunteering with youth ministry since the fall of 2017. When I’m not volunteering, I am a lector and Eucharistic minister on Sunday’s. I love sports, traveling, watching Netflix/Hulu, hang out with friends and family, music, and the Hawkeyes. I look forward to helping the youth grow more into their faith in God, and I will strive to help them reach their goals to the best of my ability. Without high school ministry and trusting in God’s plan, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today.

Hello, my name is Kim Burken, and I’ve been a member of OLV parish and teaching at John F. Kennedy Catholic School for 6 years. I have been involved in Youth Ministry for the last 3 years. I love to play board games, watch movies, and most of all spend time with my family. My family includes my parents, my grandparents who have been members of OLV for over 50 years, my sister, her husband, and my adorable twin 3 year old nephews.

I was born and raised in Davenport, IA. I attended Holy Family Catholic School (now All Saints) from K-8th grade and also graduated from St. Ambrose University but honestly my formation in the faith did not become a priority until I joined this parish a little over a decade ago. My wife Amanda and I were married at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport on May 19, 2012. We were blessed to complete our Pre Cana work with an OLV sponsor couple and the late Msgr. Parizek. That wonderful priest and this great parish have accompanied and supported my family on an amazing and challenging journey to what I now consider to be a life filled with faith and blessings beyond my comprehension. Our twin daughters, Jasmine and Joslynn (14 years old), attended JFK from preschool – 5th grade and I have been involved with Youth Ministry for about 3 years. We have since moved to Eldridge, IA but remain active with this parish we have come to love. I feel a true calling to accompany youth as we all strive to grow in faith, love, and understanding of God. Much of my life was filled with pursuing my selfish wants in sometimes destructive ways but now-a-days my life remains peaceful and full from spending time with family, friends, and working with several OLV ministries that continue to provide both challenges and great amounts of joy.

I am a “cradle Catholic” and have been a member of OLV for 25 years.  My husband Randy and I are celebrating 25 years of marriage and have three children – Joe (graduated from college), Erica (currently in college) and Carrie (will be entering college).  I have lived in the Quad Cities my entire life and completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees from St. Ambrose University.  I have been involved with youth for many years as a Boy Scout Leader and through school organizations.  I enjoy camping, gardening, music and spending time with family and friends.

Hello, my name is Hollie Mathys, and I’ve been a member of OLV parish for 25 years. I have been involved in Youth Ministry for 9 years (between OLV and St. Ann’s). I love to hike, read, but most of all spend time with my family. My family includes my loving husband Mike, my son Sean, and my two daughters Janis and Shelley.

My name is Mickey (Michelle) Prosise and I’ve been a member of OLV parish for  33 years. I’m a “cradle catholic” being raised in Joliet, IL and attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School for years. I’m married to Chuck and have 3 wonderful sons, Eric, Steve and Adam who all were baptized in and attended this parish and participated in the religious education program. I’m a retired registered nurse and grandmother to 2 wonderful girls.
I first began my religious education background at the invitation of Judy Johnson back in 1985. I thought I’d try my hand at teaching. I was involved in 1st grade and quickly moved up to 2nd and the big sacrament year!  I truly loved introducing Jesus to my students!  I later became the coordinator of Pre-K thru 3rd grade religious ed. I enjoyed working with so many wonderful volunteers and students during that time. When the position was eliminated I moved over to volunteer in youth ministry – where my heart is now! I’m allowed to use some of my talents to help build a strong background of ministry with our teens. I can also share the perspective of the contemporary music group and wellness committee where I am a member.  I truly believe our catholic faith has many components and there is a place to serve for everyone. God made us uniquely for His purpose. It’s our job as a youth ministry team to help guide the youth on their path in His kingdom!

Hello!

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, and your coordinator of youth ministry. I moved to Davenport from Williamsburg, VA, where I lived for eight years. I worked as a volunteer with middle school and high school students at St. Bede Catholic Church for much of that time. I’m originally from Chicagoland. I was born in the city and lived in the suburbs most of my life, so I’m no stranger to the Midwest, to winter, or to corn. I attended Marmion Academy for high school and Miami University (Ohio) for college. After college, I lived in Japan for two years, teaching English and working with middle school and elementary school students. I speak English and Japanese fairly well now, and also some French, Chinese, Korean and Italian. I’m learning the latter for a pilgrimage to Rome this fall. I love to read and write, especially poetry, theology, and fiction, and I dabble in painting and drawing. I also practice martial arts, brew my own beer, and otherwise find ways to glorify God and enjoy life with my friends and fellow disciples.

You can see I have traveled great distances, and made some big moves in my life. I’ve been Catholic all my life, but I’ve experienced many profound moments of metanoia, or conversion, that give me wide experience of spiritual changes in life as well. These conversions are part of the work of God’s grace in my life. He has led me on a continual journey through all the wilderness of modern life, never letting me fall too far from Him, and always bringing me to a more perfect love for Him and a more complete freedom. This journey has led most recently to discerning religious life and a new mission with youth ministry and thus to my arrival here, ready to serve God, you, and the parish community. I look forward to sharing more of my story with you and hearing yours in the months to come, and building up some truly amazing friendships as we grow as disciples of Jesus together!

In the peace of Christ,

Evan Brankin