Hello, Good Shepherd Parishioners! I am honored and thrilled to be taking on the mantle of Youth Ministry Coordinator, and I thank you all for having me! For any who might not know me, I grew up here in Montrose, left for Ann Arbor to attend U of M, got a Bachelor’s in Biophysics (with a minor in Latin), and now work as a Chemist in Lansing. I am a convert to Catholicism: I joined the Church in 2019 sometime after returning from college.

I have been almost constantly working in and for youth groups since I started high school in 2008. I was a student leader in my previous church’s youth group, and grew into an adult volunteer position. After becoming Catholic, I had the honor of working here under Amy Cook and learning from her leadership of the Good Shepherd Youth Group, perhaps the brightest, most devout, and funniest group of kids I have ever had the pleasure to interact with.

Over time I have seen firsthand, as both a student and an adult volunteer, how much harm a youth group can do when run improperly, as well as what can captivate teens for years onward. I’m hoping to use this firsthand experience to its fullest potential: I hope to push this already flourishing group to new heights–from positive community presence and influence, to renewed devotion to God and Church Tradition, to a force of evangelism in the midst of a generation so lacking God.

Thank you all again for having me, and I can’t wait to speak with you all again soon!   

   ~ David Smith

Please check out the Youth Group website for other articles and events.