What happens when faith and service come together in marriage? For Stephen Kocmoud and Julia Salinas, it means a life of purpose, joy, and community. Whether leading middle schoolers in youth ministry or enhancing the Mass through music, they strive to follow Christ by serving others and inspiring those around them.

“We’re not perfect, but we do our best to keep Christ at the center,” Kocmoud shared. “It’s not about us. Our faith compels us to look beyond ourselves and see Christ in everyone we meet.”

Music has always been part of Kocmoud’s life. At Our Lady of Lourdes in Denver, his music beautifies the 10:00 AM Mass.

“I grew up doing a lot of music ministry with my parents,” he said. “It’s a great way to get involved and help make the Mass more beautiful.”

Though not musically inclined, Salinas’ desire to serve with her husband led them to youth ministry. “We wanted to do ministry together, but I’m not musical,” she joked. “Both of us had done middle school youth ministry in college, so it was a good fit.”

Their experience made them perfect candidates to serve the parish’s middle schoolers. Youth ministry director Liz shared that many avoid middle school ministry in favor of high schoolers.

“Most people prefer high school, but they needed help with middle school,” Kocmoud recalled. “It’s chaotic, but we form special relationships with the kids and their families.”

Kocmoud and Salinas embrace the unique challenges of middle school ministry.

“I love seeing our energetic kids transform into a reverent version of themselves while serving at Mass,” Salinas reflected. “They have true reverence for the Lord.”

“Middle school is such a transformative time,” Kocmoud added. “They wrestle with real things, like how to love their siblings and not get mad all the time.”

The couple strives to lead the middle schoolers to a deeper encounter with Jesus, believing they can handle profound theological truths and prayer experiences.

“I think it’s too easy to say they can’t sit still and so we should avoid deep prayer or theology,” Kocmoud said. “They need to be challenged.”

Through their music and youth ministry, they’ve built connections with parishioners of all ages, deepening the community at Our Lady of Lourdes.

“It really makes the parish feel more like home when you get to know other parishioners in different stages of life,” Kocmoud shared.

Grateful for their growing sense of belonging, the couple finds joy in serving. “It’s not hard to jump in and serve,” Kocmoud said. “Sometimes, it just takes one night every other week, and you can make a real difference.”

Congratulations, Julia and Stephen, for being named the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal Disciples 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.