For Greg Johnson, accepting his role as the middle school youth minister at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish in Centennial was like coming home.  

After attending the youth group himself in middle school and eventually being asked to leave for his disruptive behavior, Johnson’s later encounter with Jesus during the annual Steubenville of the Rockies youth conference triggered his conversion.  

“At that point in my life, I knew I kind of needed to shape up. It was the summer going into my sophomore year of high school at Regis Jesuit High School, and I remember saying a really simple prayer,” Johnson explained. “The prayer was, ‘Lord, I know a lot about you, but I don’t know you. Please reveal yourself to me.’ And he definitely did. When the priest brought the Blessed Sacrament right by me, I started bawling. I thought, ‘This stuff is real,'” he said. 

Greg’s passion for youth ministry grew from this encounter, guiding him through studies at Benedictine College and work as a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). Today, he emphasizes the importance of Christ-centered relationships in combating the challenges youth face, such as depression and loneliness. 

Through his ministry, Greg offers opportunities for young people to deepen their relationship with Jesus and build supportive, faith-filled communities. His story is a testament to the transformative power of encountering Christ and the impact of a strong faith community. 

The support youth ministries receive from the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal around the archdiocese helps increase opportunities for youth to forge these friendships while deepening their relationship with Jesus through various programs, events and retreats offered throughout the year like Totus Tuus, Mountain Madness, Steubenville of the Rockies and more.  

These faith-filled opportunities for community, formation and prayer are transformative, both for Johnson and the youth he serves. It’s the personal encounter with Jesus, especially in the Eucharist, that is most impactful and keeps youth engaged, Johnson said.  

“My coming to Christ moment at Steubenville was the same way. Kids get the opportunity to strengthen their prayer life on a magnified level, and it’s a very powerful experience for them to be in Adoration with praise and worship music and with other kids. It’s like a little taste of heaven,” Johnson concluded. 

Congratulations, Greg, for being named the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal Disciple of the Month!

Do you know someone who is an exceptional steward? Nominate them here, and they could become the next Disciple of the Month!

The Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal supports a wide range of ministries that are sharing the Gospel every day.