Who are you and what do you do?

Hi, I’m Pete! Photographer by day, musician by night, and a few other things in between. I’m husband to Emily, and father of Joseph. I’m a Lawrence native, which is why I’m a crazy Jayhawks fan. I also lived in Minnesota for 8 years, which is why I love cold winters and everything that comes with them: snowboarding, skiing, skating – all the things that make my wife Emily want to curl up on the couch with a warm blanket and cup of hot cocoa!

Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I went to KU for undergrad and earned degrees in Mathematics and Astronomy — then stuck around for a Master’s degree in Education.

What is your favorite food?

It’s hard to beat Pyramid Pizza, especially with a little honey for the crust.

Why are you Catholic?

In grade school I was told I was Catholic. In high school I was shown what it meant to be Catholic. In college I made my Catholicism a real part of me. Now I choose it every day!

When has been a time that you have felt God’s presence in your life?

If I had to choose one…hiking up Long’s Peak with our youth in Colorado.

Tell a funny or embarrassing story about yourself.

Too many to count…how about performing a spontaneous clarinet/accordion duet of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” for a restaurant full of people on the Plaza in Kansas City?

Do you have a fun fact?

I have taken off in an airplane one more time than I have landed in one.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Hmmm…good question. Maybe I would be the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot, just to see if I really exist?

What is your favorite Bible verse/chapter/passage?

Philippians 4: 4-13: We can accomplish anything with God!

What is your favorite way to pray?

In silence or in song. I love adoration because it gives me the excuse to leave everything else behind and enter into a conversation with God.

If you could have a super power what would it be?

Well, I’ve always secretly wanted the ability to stop time and give a monologue to a mystery audience, Zack Morris style.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Jen! I am a wife to my husband Keith Conrad, mother to Dominic (coming soon!), and I am called to serve the Big Man Upstairs. According to the students, I “chill out” a lot and lead the groups at St. John the Evangelist, including middle school students and high school students. I get to work with amazing and inspiring adults, incredible and surprising teens, and teach what I love. I would be doing this even if I didn’t get paid (but don’t tell Father John that!)

Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I went to KU and studied speech-language-hearing disorders and leadership. Then, I went to Oregon State to get a Master’s in College Student Services and Administration.

What is your favorite food?

Roast beef and mashed potatoes and gravy raised by my dad (the meat) and cooked by my mom. Can’t get better than that!

Why are you Catholic?

Because I love Jesus and I believe in Him. I like faith and reason, and they both fit together with Catholicism.

When has been a time that you have felt God’s presence in your life?

I feel God’s presence in adoration. It’s amazing to me that God cared so much for us, He sent His son to be with us. WOW!

Tell a funny or embarrassing story about yourself.

I used to be a cheerleader (please, no giggling!) in middle school. One time, the timeout went by really quickly and I was still on the other side of the gym. I was hurrying off, while still trying to play it cool and, yep, you guessed it, I fell. Right on my bum. It was horrifying as an awkwardly tall and gangly middle schooler.

Do you have a fun fact?

I used to collect stuffed smiley face dolls. Don’t ask.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be a Pitbull. Pitbulls in their natural state (I know, I own one!) are wonderfully social, love to cuddle, and love to be around people. They can also be pretty lazy on a Sunday too, especially when it is hot outside. Kind of like me!

What is your favorite Bible verse/chapter/passage?

Romans 12: 1-8

What is your favorite way to pray?

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

If you could have a super power what would it be?

To be two places at once.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Jeff, and I am an ESU student for secondary education with a focus in Speech and Theater.

What’s your home town?

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Why are you are working with the youth at St. John?

This being my fifth year volunteering, my reason has evolved. At first it was a way to give back to the community and help out. Now it has become more of a gift to me. It keeps me focused on what is important and gives me a sense of pride and purpose I was lacking five years ago.

What are your interests/hobbies?

I enjoy strategy games like chess, fantasy football, cheering for the Jets, Chiefs, Royals, Sporting and KU. I like to cook in my spare time, especially BBQ, and I enjoy learning about history and philosophy.

What’s one extremely random fact about you?

While working at Disney world on a college program I lent my leaf blower to Howie Mandel so he could prank other stars on the Regis and Kelly Ripa show. What made it most interesting is Howie wasn’t being filmed he just found it funny.

Anything else to share?

My dream is to one day spend a month in Ireland and receive a doctorate degree…but I still don’t know for what subject.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Dina, and I am a Chemical Engineering major.

What’s your home town?

Minneapolis, Kansas

Why are you are working with the youth at St. John?

It’s a great opportunity to learn more about my faith as I explore it with the students.

What are your interests/hobbies?

Playing sports (particularly basketball) and other outdoor activities, dancing, and volunteer work!

What’s one extremely random fact about you?

I used to believe my eyes could change colors.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Maria, and I am retired.

Why are you are working with the youth at St. John?

I love young people.

What are your interests/hobbies?

Music, reading, praying, and singing

What’s one extremely random fact about you?

I am part of the secular institute of the “Annunciation of Mary.”

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Kristina, and I’m a Medical Assistant.

What’s your home town?

Iowa City, Iowa

Why are you are working with the youth at St. John?

To be more involved with my church community and its youth!

What are your interests/hobbies?

Working out, fishing, hiking, hunting, and playing with my puppy!

What’s one extremely random fact about you?

I used to have my walls covered in happy bunny stickers.

Anything else to share?

I LOVE The Nightmare Before Christmas and know all the words and songs to the movie.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Ciara, and I’m a student at KU Law.

What’s your home town?

Overland Park, Kansas

Why are you are working with the youth at St. John?

I enjoy working with middle schoolers, especially in a faith-building capacity.

What are your interests/hobbies?

Reading and Netflix!

What’s one extremely random fact about you?

I make bobbin lace, a skill I acquired from the Sisters of St. Joseph in Concordia, Kansas.

Anything else to share?

I can draw alligators.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Katelyn, and I’m a student studying Foreign Language Education.

What’s your home town?

Eudora, Kansas

Why are you are working with the youth at St. John?

This is my second year at St. John – the kids were so fantastic last year that I just couldn’t stay away!

What are your interests/hobbies?

Volleyball (I coach a team!), photography, all things KU, singing, coffee, coffee, coffee, and flowers.

What’s one extremely random fact about you?

I have an inexplicable love for whales (have since the second grade & I don’t plan on growing up anytime soon).

Anything else to share?

I plan to join the Peace Corps. I’ve jumped out of an airplane once…that was pretty cool, I guess (yes, on purpose).

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Heather, and I’m a full time student.

What’s your home town?

Belleville, Nebraska

Why are you are working with the youth at St. John?

I enjoy working with children and learning more about my faith.

What are your interests/hobbies?

Reading, sports, travelling, love the mountains, concert-going, Netflix, writing, fantasy sports, and dogs

What’s one extremely random fact about you?

I won my fantasy baseball league last year.

Anything else to share?

My confirmation saint is Saint Joan of Arc!

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Jordan, and I’m a KU Student and Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Sales Associate

What’s your home town?

Overland Park, Kansas

Why are you are working with the youth at St. John?

I want to be a youth minister when I graduate, and somehow God led me here to St. John to help these awesome kids realize how much God loves them.

What are your interests/hobbies?

Eating mac ‘n’ cheese, hammocking, playing soccer, singing badly to country music in my car, cheering on Sporting KC, and LOLing while watching Parks and Rec!

What’s one extremely random fact about you?

Getting my ears pierced freaks me out so it’ll probly never happen. Ever.

Anything else to share?

I always fold other people’s laundry when it’s sitting in the dryer too long.