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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s work.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my own life, having somebody who saw me and knew I deserved the experience of Christ\u2019s love first and foremost,\u201d Lugo said. \u201cMy faith awakening of who Christ was, and how the freedom in the truth could be found in the Church is what drives me.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are an incredible couple and are actively leading people to Jesus,\u201d said Sean DuPre, a fellow parishioner who nominated Lugo.<\/p>\n
DuPre called the couple \u201ctrue models of discipleship\u201d because they recognize and respond to the needs in their parish and have dedicated their lives in service to the Church.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a true fulfillment somebody finds when they give their life to others; a personal fulfillment because of it,\u201d Lugo said.<\/p>\n