Laurita Keeler

Laurita contributes to the blog: The Forge A Catholic blog for teens and young adults “Who are you, Lord my God, and who am I?” The Mountain vs. The World The Eucharistic Heart of Jesus View all of her posts on The Forge here.

Hometown: Longview, TX 

Education: I graduated from Pine Tree High School in 2012 and I am currently attending Texas A&M University, majoring in Kinesiology.

Passions and interests: I love music, singing harmonies, playing the piano and guitar, just creating/playing/listening to music in general. I love playing for Mass and Adoration especially.

I like photography and longboarding. I love the beach and the mountains... I really can't pick between the two. Ultimate frisbee is the best sport there ever was, and I also enjoy running and swimming. I love watching movies and drinking coffee. And I absolutely love talking to people. 

Ministry Background: I have always had a love for people and music. I realized this at a pretty young age and I knew I wanted to be doing something great to help and love people. I've been playing music since I was 4 and I've been in church choirs for as long as I can remember! 

After attending my first Steubenville Conference in 2008 I could not get enough. I was so drawn to worshiping with music and I went for the next 5 years. I later went on my first Teens Acts Retreat in 2010 and returned to serve for the next two years as the music coordinator.

Since I've been in college I've staffed tons of retreats doing music and small groups. I've been blessed to be in 2 choirs at St. Mary's in College Station and also been able to play music at daily mass just about every semester so far. Through Eucharist Adoration and mass I've grown to love music as a prayer and have seen how the Spirit uses it to bring us to the Father. 

How did you become involved with ABLAZE/why are you involved? I have a few friends who have been and are involved with ABLAZE and I was interested in seeing kind of what it was..but I was asked to play for Adoration at Encounter with a few other friends and after talking to Matt and joking about having him hire me, in less than two months I was on the team!

Favorite Bible Verses: 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18