New pastor motivated to encourage youth

By Rhonda Costa

Appeal Staff Writer

For Doug Stewart, it's his own children he is in ministry with today.

The married father of 3-year-old Jagger, and 7-month-old River, Stewart's ministry began at the age of 15 when he was in a traveling clown ministry.

"I've always felt the calling to be in ministry," Stewart said. "To be involved and travel.

"I used to be and still am a motivational speaker and was traveling all over the place. But I chose to be at home more with my children, which is why I am now at St. Teresa's."

Stewart, 43, married to Brittany, was recently hired as the youth pastor of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Community. He said it was after meeting Father Chuck Durante and learning his focus (for the youth and church), he chose to take the job.

"People like being here (St. Teresa's) and like what they're doing," he said.

Stewart said between 60 and 100 youth are at the church every day to help, and are involved in activities in the community from farmers markets to community outreaches. Youth Mass is held at 5 p.m. Sundays and is open to all youth.

"Anybody who wants to be part of a family, is welcome," Stewart said.

"Our goal is bringing people to Christ, and to give kids the opportunity to be a leader. I believe in letting young people take ownership."

Stewart believes youth who are not active in church are many whose family is not active in worship or get pressure from their peers.

"Faith is not about a priest or the church," he said. "It's your relationship with God. I let people make their own decision about faith."

He also encourages youth to find their own happy, healthy medium of work, school, family and church. The youth group at St. Teresa's is for 4th through 12th grades, with a focus on high school youth. They offer a full spectrum youth ministry.

"I've broken the ministry down into committees each youth can be a part of - athletics, young adults, educational, culinary, fun, fundraising, mission, outreach, service, social, spiritual and youth Mass.

"Every committee has an adult and youth leader. It's all about the kids."

For information on youth programs at St. Teresa's, call Stewart at 882-1968.

• Contact Rhonda Costa at rcosta@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.