“My faith awakening of who Christ was, and how the freedom in the truth could be found in the Church is what drives me.”
Ed Lugo
Ed Lugo had his faith life changed forever by a theology teacher in high school and he has since dedicated his life to inspire the same profound relationship with Christ among high school students at St. John Paul the Great.
Lugo was raised Lutheran and attended Catholic school. His volunteer nature was initially influenced as a child by following his mother when she volunteered for numerous ministries focused on homelessness and mental health.
He continued that volunteer spirit as a student at Bishop Machebeuf High School, but Lugo recalls a very specific conversion through the help of long-time Denver area theology teacher, Marc Lenzini. That conversion experience is what guides his life’s work.
“In my own life, having somebody who saw me and knew I deserved the experience of Christ’s love first and foremost,” Lugo said. “My faith awakening of who Christ was, and how the freedom in the truth could be found in the Church is what drives me.”
Lugo is now vice president of mission and formation at St. John Paul the Great, a volunteer coach, and father of four. He also hosts Bible studies with his wife, Sara, for newlyweds at his parish, Our Lady of Lourdes. He encourages others to volunteer to be disciples for Christ.
“They are an incredible couple and are actively leading people to Jesus,” said Sean DuPre, a fellow parishioner who nominated Lugo.
DuPre called the couple “true models of discipleship” because they recognize and respond to the needs in their parish and have dedicated their lives in service to the Church.
“There’s a true fulfillment somebody finds when they give their life to others; a personal fulfillment because of it,” Lugo said.
Congratulations, Ed Lugo, for being the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal, “Disciple of the Month.”
If you know someone else who is courageously spreading the Gospel, please share his or her story with us at archden.org/give/nominate and they may become the next “Disciple of the Month.”
The Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal funds over 40 ministries that are sharing the Gospel every day.