Jake Blaszak

Jake contributes to the blog: The Forge A Catholic blog for teens and young adults The Pursuit for Peace View all of his posts on The Forge here.

Hometown:  Bryan, TX

Education:  Graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School, Class of 2014.  Attended St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, LA for 2 years as a seminarian for the Diocese of Austin

Ministry at ABLAZE:  Middle School Ignite at  St. Joseph's in Bryan

Ministry Background:  I began my experience of youth ministry in middle school at St. Joseph in Bryan.  I loved going to youth nights, learning about my faith on an intimate level and having fun in the process.  I continued to be a part of my youth group throughout all of middle school and high school, attending and staffing several retreats, such as Confirmation retreat and Camp BASIC.  Camp BASIC is actually the yearly retreat I have helped with the most, attending and staffing over seven total times.

I always saw the way that my youth ministers show their love for the Lord through their ministry and I knew that I wanted to receive that same amount of joy in my life.  Not only do I love having this Catholic faith, which there is always more to learn, but I want to help others to grow and learn more about their faith with me.  Learning the Catholic faith is a monumental task which can not be done alone and I firmly believe that, through youth ministry, we can build a better, more knowledgeable young Church so we know that it is lying in good and faithful hands.  I want my youths to understand that God has a will for them and it is infinitely better than anything we will for ourselves and I want them to grow in their relationship with God.

Passions and Interests:  All things music, playing guitar and piano, singing, listening to music, praise and worship, if it involves music, I want to be a part of it.  Also art, watching movies, tv shows, hanging out with friends and having long, meaningful conversations.

How did you become involved with ABLAZE/why are you involved?:  Matt Rice was my middle school youth minister starting in the 7th grade.  He and I have always had a very close friendship and he was a mentor for me.  I always loved helping out with any youth events and retreats and have a real passion for teaching others and talking about the faith.  Leaving seminary, I knew that I wanted to continue to be involved in the Catholic Church and when this opportunity came up, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of.  So, after just two and a half weeks away from seminary formation, I found myself working at ABLAZE with such great, faith-filled people and I knew I was in the right place!

Favorite Bible Verses and Quotes:  
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.   John 15:16

I would teach children music, physicas and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.   Plato

They'll ask, 'Why do y'all worship Mary?' [and you'll respond,] 'Because it's cool!'  Fr. Jonathan Wallis, Diocese of Fort Worth