PRESIDENT
Marcos Cruz was elected as President of the Youth Group at the general election held on May 25th, 2025. His duties as President include serving as the chief student leader of the Youth Group and is entrusted with helping to guide the group in both spiritual and practical matters. The President represents the Youth Group at parish events, such as service opportunities and outreach activities, and maintaining a strong presence in the broader church community. The President serves as the parliamentarian during Youth Group meetings, upholding order, attentiveness, and the values of the Catholic Church, ensuring that the learning and participation of all members is never compromised.
VICE PRESIDENT
Daniela Barajas was elected as Vice President of the Youth Group at the general election held on May 25th, 2025. Her duties as Vice President include supporting the President while actively participating in all facets of Youth Group leadership. In the absence of the President, the Vice President assumes full responsibility for their duties. This includes helping to plan and run weekly sessions and managing logistical. Additionally, the Vice President assists each leadership member in their tasks, ensuring that every session operates smoothly and that members are supported in their spiritual growth. The Vice President also shares in the responsibility of maintaining order and a welcoming environment during Youth Group.
SECRETARY
Diane Barajas was elected as Secretary of the Youth Group at the general election held on May 25th, 2025. Her duties as Secretary include serving as the keeper of all records and communications for the Youth Group. The Secretary is also responsible for maintaining accurate attendance records for both leadership and regular Youth Group sessions. A key part of this role involves collaborating with Youth Representative B to meet and welcome new members, ensuring that their presence is noted and that they feel included and informed. The Secretary manages a digital archive of official Youth Group documents, such as calendars, forms, and rosters. They also work closely with the Media Manager to send timely communications.
MEDIA MANAGER
Ricardo Flores was elected as Media Manager of the Youth Group at the general election held on May 25th, 2025. His duties as Media Manager include creating the group’s visual and digital communications, and serving as the creative force behind the Youth Group’s outreach and internal visibility. The Media Manager is tasked with designing the monthly Youth Group calendar, and for managing the @smmteens Instagram account, regularly posting updates about upcoming sessions, sharing event highlights, and promoting group activities. The Media Manager takes photos at events for documentation and promotional use. The Media Manager works closely with the Secretary to maintain consistent messaging.
YOUTH REP A
Jaylynn Perez was elected as Youth Representative A at the general election held on May 25th, 2025. Her duties include serving as the Outreach Coordinator to build connections between the Youth Group and the wider St. Mary Magdalen parish community. Youth Rep A collaborates with the leadership team and ministry advisors to plan and carry out outreach activities, such as special invitation events or collaborative efforts with other parish ministries.
YOUTH REP B
Andrew Powao was elected as Youth Representative B at the general election held on May 25th, 2025. His duties include acting as Engagement Coordinator. Youth Rep B focuses on deepening the connection and participation of members within the Youth Group. This includes helping to lead engaging icebreakers, team-building games, and fellowship opportunities. Youth Rep B is also attentive to members who may be new, quiet, or less involved, taking the initiative to reach out and encourage their participation.
YOUTH REP C
Fernando Cruz was elected as Youth Representative C at the general election held on May 25th, 2025. His duties include acting as a bridge between the student leadership team and the ministry advisors. Youth Rep C relays feedback, concerns, and updates to ministry advisors. They also work with the broader Youth Group to ensure that all members feel respected and heard, and that the Youth Group's environment supports learning and development in the Catholic faith.
YOUTH MINISTRY ADVISORS
Mr. Alexander Hayes is a soon-to-be graduate of Texas State University. He will hold a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. Alexander has been involved in ministry at St. Mary Magdalen Church since the second grade when he became an Altar server at the age of 8. After confirmation, he went on to become involved in Youth Ministry, and assists with retreats, conferences, VBS, and missions events. Alexander soon went on to join the Music Ministry, and is director of the Youth Ministry's Youth Choir, in collaboration with Ms. Elizabeth Alvarez. His is also a board member of the Vocation Ministry and the Altar Server Ministry. His favorite thing in the world is teaching young people about the truths of the Catholic faith.
Ms. Angela Arzola is nursing student at San Antonio College. She has been a member of St. Mary Magdalen Parish since 2007, and has assisted in many ministries over the years. Angela was an Altar server from the second grade until 2020. She has lived with, and still battles with synovial sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer. She is a witness to how corroborating with the grace of God has enabled her to serve, in the good and the bad times. She shares her testimony with the youth to serve as a witness of perseverance and strength. Angela began serving with the youth ministry in 2019 after confirmation, and has continued to serve during VBS, missions, and teen retreats. She looks forward to seeing the youth of our parish continue to blossom and grow into the next generation of leaders.
Ms. Emily Esquivel is an Alumna of Northwest Vista College, graduating in 2025 with an Associate of Arts in Business Administration in 2025. She is now currently a student at UTSA, studying for a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. She has been a member of St. Mary Magdalen Parish since 2022. After getting confirmed, Emily rapidly became involved in the Youth Ministry and became a lector at the 12:30pm youth mass. Her love for serving has driven her to bring others to the Catholic faith and embrace what it means to be Catholic.