As a life-long Catholic, Mike joins the parish as Director of Youth with excitement and much to share.

Before arriving in the United States, Mike had strong Catholic training and extensive experience. He finished his Bachelors Degree in biology at a Jesuit university in the Philippines, his home country. With further study in theology, he immediately started mission work for CFC-Youth, the youth arm for Couples for Christ. This is an international lay ministry recognized by the Church for the main purpose of strengthening marriages and building strong, Christ-focused Catholic families. Eventually, Mike became a full time missionary for CFC. He was sent to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, China, Micronesia, and the United States. He also served the youth in his ministry, especially as Youth Minister at the Church of the Lady of Assumption in Brunei.

Mike’s ministry and personal life were blessed when he was joined by the love of his life, Shay, whom he met and later married in 2007. Both have served as CFC missionaries since then. By the time they were sent to the United States in 2012,

their beautiful daughter, Kylee, was born. For the first year in the U.S., the family drove to 36 states primarily in start-up areas. By their 3rd year of their mission, they were sent to Irving, Texas to build the CFC community in the state and in neighboring states.

Now, as a Youth Director for Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church, Mike and Shay are excited to share their love of Christ and the blessings of their experiences as Christian disciples. As a composer and worship leader who loves to sing, Mike is also Choir Director of the 5:30 Youth Mass at Holy Family. He hopes to serve the youth in a way that energizes them as Catholic Christian disciples today and for the future within the larger parish family, the Church, and beyond. He looks forward to this journey and welcomes all who want to join him in walking with the youth in their spiritual journeys.