Page 26 - Spring 2019 Extension Magazine

26 INSPIRE

Cover Story

CAITLYN GONYA
SPARKING

THE YOUTH

this time, she was a missionary with
Totus Tuus, where she encountered
young people across Oklahoma and
neighboring states to personally
share the message of the Gospel
and Catholic faith. The experience
Caitlyn Gonya at University of Notre Dame cemented her desire to work with the
Church full-time. “I had this spark.”
Fueling a sense of purpose in Tulsa she said. “As long as the Lord needs
I n the morning, Caitlyn going to be.”
me somewhere, that’s where I’m
Gonya reads a few prayers
Gonya enrolled in Catholic
that are tacked up on her
Extension’s Young Adult Lead-
office wall.
ership Initiative, a program that
“It’s always helpful to
start my day,” she said. “This is funds the graduate degrees of
young adult leaders to better
what we’re here for: spreading equip them for ministerial work
the word of Jesus Christ to as in their diocese. She earned a
many people as we can.” master’s degree in theology from
As the assistant director of Notre Dame.
youth, young adult, and cam- She returned to Tulsa armed
pus ministries at the Diocese with the skills to serve the dio-
of Tulsa, her work is a powerful, Caitlyn Gonya, center, in Rome with young cese on its path to a stronger future.
adults during Holy Week
long-lasting force that will rip- She is excited to be a part of the
ple across eastern Oklahoma for hundreds of 6-12th graders in bishop’s plan to focus on the domes-
decades to come. She shares this nights of Eucharistic adoration and tic church, the formation of leaders,
mission with her colleagues. “Our worship. These events are highly and making missionary disciples.
job is to empower the other lead- emotional and transformative; she She believes young people are
ers in the diocese so they can remarked how an attendee said, essential to spreading the word
develop youth ministry programs “I couldn’t stop crying … the tears of God; they are “so courageous
and youth who are very passion- were relentless. Only something so and determined,” she said. As she
ate about their faith,” she said. powerful could have done that. … breathes new life into the Church, she
Gonya is at the heart of building You can’t tell me that’s not Jesus.” sets off a domino effect of passionate
up local youth ministers and volun- Her enthusiasm grew from her faith, as each young person inspired
teers, aiding young adult groups experience at Benedictine College, to join the mission of the Church
and coordinating popular “Sing where she was immersed in a com- brings it closer to fruition.
Praise” events that bring together munity of passionate faith. During