Ricardo Valdez joins staff of
Holy Family Catholic
Community, Middletown
by Judy Williams

Ricardo Valdez is the new Director of Faith Formation at Holy Family Catholic Community in Middletown.   He began his new job on January 9, having just relocated to Frederick County from his hometown of Adrian, Michigan.

Growing up in the parish of St. Mary of Good Counsel, in Adrian, Michigan, Ricardo is no stranger to parish ministry, having starting ushering at the young age of nine.  He began teaching faith formation classes at age fifteen.  He was quite involved in his high school youth ministry program, serving as a CORE Team member, youth representative on the Pastoral Council, and peer minister on confirmation retreats.  Later Ricardo was made leader of the confirmation program. 

He earned a BA in Religious Studies from Siena Height University in Adrian.  Ricardo also holds an advanced catechist certificate from the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan.

Thanks to the examples of the Director of Religious Education and his Youth Minister in his home parish, St. Mary of Good Council, Ricardo knew when he was in high school that his vocation was to serve his church in the area of faith formation.  This is where he finds fulfillment, working in such a diverse field and meeting such a wide of variety of people.

As Director of Faith Formation, for Holy Family parish in Middletown, Ricardo is coordinating religious education for the parish’s 400+ grade school aged children.  He is also responsible for sacramental preparation, Rite of Christian Initiation, whole community catechesis and adult faith formation.

In his spare time, Ricardo enjoys golf and amusement parks.  He and his wife, Belem, are expecting their first child in March.

When reflecting upon scripture, Ricardo finds inspiration in the words of Mark's gospel,

                                           He said to them, "let the little children
                                           come to me, and do not hinder them,
                                           for the kingdom of god belongs to such as these"

                                                                                                 Mark 10:14

We extend our welcome to Ricardo as he begins his ministry in Central Maryland!

The Catholic Education Ministries Center of Central Maryland provides ongoing support to the Catechetical Ministries of Carroll, Frederick, and Washington Counties. This includes training programs for leaders and volunteers in parishes and schools, plus consultation in all areas of catechesis.

Catholic Education Ministries - Mount Saint Mary's, Emmitsburg, 21727
(301) 447-3707   FAX: (301) 447-5399    [More about the Center]