St. John, Frederick
welcomes New Youth Minister, Kristen Hussle

Kristen Hussle recently joined the staff at St. John the Evangelist, Frederick as the new Associate Coordinator of Youth Ministry.   A recent graduate of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, Ohio, Kristen holds a BA in Theology and Anthropology.

Working closely with Denise Jackson, Kristen is looking forward to ministry with the youth of St. John’s, and for now is slowly gaining familiarity with them: “I’m in the process of meeting the teens and learning where they’re at and where they’ve been.”  Which isn’t so far from where she, herself, has been.  At 21 years of age, Kristen is discovering that youth are easily drawn to her and can open up to her. Being of the same generation, she is able to give testimony that is real to them.  “I just did the prom thing, the boyfriend thing, etc. These are not old memories for me; they are fresh experiences and I can relate well with the parish teens.”

Among plans, Kristen and Denise would like to start having a monthly youth mass at St. John.  Last summer (2001) she gained invaluable experiences as a Youth Minister intern in Littleton, Colorado.  Among her experiences are a roller blading rosary in the park and hiking trips which culminated in mountain-setting bible studies.

Kristen recently attended World Youth Day in Toronto.  “It was absolutely incredible to be with a million brothers and sisters in Christ.  The Pope was awesome and appeared energized.  We were able to feel Christ’s love through him.”   She also attended 2000 World Youth Day in Rome.  The next Youth Day will be in 2005 in Cologne, Germany and Kristen has every intention of taking a group of Frederick youth.

When asked for a favorite scripture, Kristen recalled Psalm 130…
“My soul waits upon the Lord more than watchmen for the morning”

This passage has special relevance to her, in light of Pope John Paul’ call to today’s youth to be watchmen of the new millennium, awaiting Christ’s call. 

We extend a special welcome to Kristen in her Central Maryland ministry!