Introducing Our New Youth Ministry Director
Greetings Families and Parishioners of Our Lady of the Wayside! My name is Emilia Walasik and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to be the Director of Youth Ministry at your parish!
For over 10 years I have worked within various parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago serving in areas of youth ministry, young adult ministry, religious education/faith formation as well music ministry. In addition, I have served as a part-time music teacher in several Chicago Catholic schools over the years. My passion is bringing faith to others and helping young people truly encounter Christ and the power of our faith wherever they are in their life journey!
The first moment I knew I wanted to practice ministry was during my undergraduate studies at Dominican University. I initially went to major in Music (Vocal performance) but after taking a required Theology course I realized this was what I wanted to delve into deeper, and added a Theology Minor. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree I went on to study and receive a Master of Arts in Theology degree from Catholic Theological Union Graduate School in Chicago.
In addition to my love for sharing our Catholic faith, I am an active musician – I am a singer-songwriter and play both piano and guitar. I received a Master of Music from the University of Miami and have traveled to other states and countries to perform and for various recording projects. I was blessed to perform during the World Youth Day gatherings with Pope Francis in Poland (2016) and in Panama (2019). During my time as the Director of Youth Ministry at St. Paul of the Cross Parish in Park Ridge and the Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry at St. John Brebeuf Parish I assisted with teen choir and band, as well as music for Teen Masses and Family Masses. I am hoping to bring some of that experience as well into my ministry here at Our Lady of the Wayside!
I am excited to get to know the young people, families and parishioners of OLW and am very much looking forward to journeying through our Catholic faith together!
God’s Blessings,
Emilia Walasik
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