Joe's 2003 Mazda 6

This is me...

I was raised Catholic in Fort Wayne, IN and attended Catholic grade school and High School before going to Purdue University.

The youth group program at my home parish of St. Jude was excellent. Led by Johnnie O., Antioch (the group's name) was one of the main reasons I dove deep into my faith during my teen years. We witnessed to each other, prayed with/for each other, read the bible together, and helped each other form a close relationship with God.

Another driving force was my religious education and wonderful teachers, such as Mr. and Mrs. Oross. They made me think with my heart and soul, not just my mind. That was awesome.

And last, but not least, my family. My parents and sister have taught and continue to teach me what is important in this life, and what is not. I pray for them constantly and thank God for the close relationships I have with them, even though we're over 600 miles away from each other.

While I was at Purdue, I took my love of music to the next level by joining the worship band/choir at St. Thomas Aquinas, utilizing my ability/gift of playing the saxophone. Along with that, I joined various bible studies that strengthened my understanding of the Word.

Now I live in Atlanta, where I moved after I graduated in 2001. I'm a member at St. Oliver's, where I help out with the Life Teen group, play my sax in the worship band, and also where I met Brandon who introduced me to Holy Rollerz.

I am also a member of Snellville Christian, where I also am part of the praise band and have gotten involved with the sports groups. But most importantly, I was re-baptized there last July. I felt I needed to recommit my life to Jesus and bring myself and my faith to a new level with God. This baptism continued and strengthened what my first baptism started - my walk with Jesus.

Now, becoming a member of Holy Rollerz, I hope to continue to testify about God's love in a new, untraditional setting, filled with people who don't traditionally hear about God and His love for them.

Thanks for reading my first book and I hope to hear from you some time. Keep the faith.

God's peace and love,
Joe