Ascension University: Behold the Kingdom of God

On December 4, 2024, I completed a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Grand Canyon Theological Seminary (GCTS). Supervised Ministry was a graduation requirement as Grand Canyon University (GCU) partners with churches and/or Christian ministries (local to the student) to equip and empower scholars and Christian leaders with practical theological education. Thus, spiritual formation and professional development are embedded through various forms of leadership which include shepherd leadership, transformational leadership, and servant leadership.

Per Fr. John Bosco’s favor (as we all desire to be his favorite), Ascencion Catholic Community became my educational center for applied Christ-centered leadership. Fr. John recommended Fr. Zachary Parker to be my official Ministry Supervisor and Fr. Zachary said “yes”. Fr. John’s and Fr. Zachary’s “yes” allowed me to fulfill my calling from God to pursue a degree in theology. Surrendering my trust and obedience to the Lord, the Holy Spirit led me to behold and serve the Kingdom of God at Ascension Catholic Church.

In 2023, as a new resident of Florida, with zero connections, finding a church and ministry supervisor for graduate school (within weeks of being accepted into the program) was a perpetual prayer. My mother, Sandy, and I attended a Mass at Ascension and immediately felt a hug by the Holy Spirit upon entering the Ascension Church doors. Then, upon the conclusion of the Mass, my mother and I, two newcomers, were literally hugged by Fr. John Bosco (a happy, healthy, and holy temple of the Holy Spirit). He said, “Welcome Family.” I looked at my mother and said, “We are home!”

Shortly thereafter, I visited the parish office to request a one-on-one meeting with Fr. John. I prayerfully proposed to Fr. John with humble supplication, “You don’t know me, but may I commit myself as your disciple and serve you and the Church for about two years?” Fr. John laughed, embraced my fire for Christ, and recommended Fr. Zachary to be my shepherd through GCU’s seminary.      

On top of Fr. John’s and Fr. Zachary’s professional mentorship, I acquired many lay professors from what I am coining as “Ascension University.” The saints I am referring to include Dave Reeve, a prayerful Catechist who authentically and passionately pursues the heart of Christ; Leigh Osgood, a reverent Catechist and artist who professes genuine miracles of “metanoia” and captures the Beauty of God everywhere; Jason Asbell, a discerning Catechist and Cantor who speaks and sings prophetic and experiential praises of God; and Edward McCarthy, a meticulous and scholarly Catechist on fire for the Word of God. My journey has also been inspired by the leadership, wisdom, and faith of Maureen Jarrell, Deacon Sergio and Elsa Colon, Deacon Ralph and Joy Turingan, Katie and Michael Gramke, Grant Haas, Kay Nowak, Cara and Matt Giuliano, Phoebe and Patrick Neve, Margaret Ann Davis, Betsy Glasenapp, Sachi and Will Davis, Marsha Raynor, Marie Bowles, Max and Erin Villwock, Katie Gander, Lyn Becker, Matt Walsh, Peter and Caroline Engrand, Ravi Raj, and my beloved Mother, Sandy, to name a few. Truly, I’m in gratitude to all of Ascension Catholic Community who witness to me what it means to lead with a courageous heart that is unafraid to burn for Christ.

Ascension University, where we are anointed for mercy and love, is the embodiment of missional discipleship. We serve one another and seek the Father’s heart like King David, join God’s mission like Moses, are transformed by God like Paul, and become the heart of God like Christ. Loving God (Matt. 22:37-38) and His people (Matt. 22:39) is our commandment and our charism. Our education is ongoing because there is still so much to learn and love about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  

A big congratulations to all graduates this year. Including the Ascension Class of 2025 OCIA graduates. Inspired by Ascension’s mission to form disciples who will bring Jesus and his message to the people of Melbourne and beyond - go forth glorifying God with your lives!