Have you ever seen the greeting cards for Mother’s Day in which the mom is depicted as a nurse, a counselor, a chef, a chauffeur, a cleaner and an entertainer all in one?
The point is well taken. Moms fill many roles with almost supernatural ability for their kids.
In El Paso, Texas, Karina Sandoval is all those things as a mother of two little ones. But to the Catholic Church, she serves additional critical roles as a young professional whose career in ministry was launched through her participation in a Catholic Extension Society scholarship program for young adult leaders.
A master’s degree in theology from Boston College and early ministry experience in El Paso gave Sandoval the tools to draw upon her innate talents and heart for service that are bearing fruit for the Catholic Church in West Texas today.
Giving her profession to God
Although she thrived in the advertising field after earning her bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas in El Paso in 2011, Sandoval realized it was not her true calling.
While working full-time, she volunteered in various local ministries, including evangelization, catechesis and youth ministry. She wanted to commit her career to the Church but needed the right education. She heard about Catholic Extension Society’s Young Adult Leadership Initiative, which helps economically poor dioceses retain their talented young people, equipping them to be Church leaders by offering ministry opportunities in their home diocese along with scholarships to pursue master’s degrees in theology. In 2013 Sandoval began studies at Boston College, where she said she discovered that “it takes a village to create leaders.”
As part of the scholarship initiative, she worked alongside her supervisor, Dr. Veronica Rayas, then-diocesan director of formation, to create a post-confirmation program for parishes focusing on lifelong faith formation for whole families, from parents to young children.
“I was not only studying theology but also learning how to be an effective minister,” Sandoval said. “I learned how to truly put my faith into action.”
A close friendship with her spiritual director at Boston College also left a lasting mark on her vocation: “Father Benjamin Cadena often reminded me that I should never allow myself to become an obstacle to bringing the Good News of the Gospel to others,” she said.
Bringing children closer to God
Ten years later, Sandoval’s participation in Catholic Extension Society’s program has clearly shaped a leader who channels her energy and creativity in service to God.
As stewardship coordinator for the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso—a role she has held since graduating in 2016—she has worked to help Catholics in the diocese understand the power of supporting the mission of their local Church.
She has also been facilitating online theology courses in Spanish designed for pastoral formation in Hispanic ministry through the University of Notre Dame’s Camino program.
I am passionate about empowering the Hispanic community to embrace their gifts and not be afraid to become active ministers and leaders within the Church in the U.S.”
That conviction took on a personal meaning in her most ambitious endeavor yet: authoring a bilingual children’s book. Father Cadena’s passing in 2022 compelled Sandoval to preserve his lessons forever. “Mi Amigo Benjamín” (“My Friend Benjamin”), released earlier this year, teaches children how to see God as a friend and consider how they too might serve Him with joy.
Sights set on a new generation
Sandoval lives her vocation to serve others through every facet of life. Married since 2019, she and her husband, José Alberto Enríquez, are parents to two daughters ages 3 and 5.
José shared how proud he is to see his wife thrive: “I believe that women have one of the hardest roles in the world—being both professionals and mothers at the same time. That’s why I feel the mission to support and encourage her to keep inspiring our daughters toward a better future.”
While Sandoval seeks to raise her own daughters to be women of faith and service, she also has a few words of advice to young adults considering how they can make a difference with their lives:
“Do not be afraid to pursue your education!” she tells them. “You do not need to have everything figured out; God will guide you every step of the way. Trust in His plan and remember that perseverance is your superpower.”
Catholic Extension Society is committed to investing in more talented young adult leaders like Sandoval, with a new group around the country beginning ministry and degree journeys this summer.
Catholic Extension Society is a nonprofit organization that builds up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities in the poorest regions of America. Our support of young adult leaders in this story comes from the generosity of our donors. Please consider supporting our mission!
