An Interview with Jose Salazar

by Gordon Nary

Gordon: What is your earliest childhood memory?

Jose: One of my earliest childhood memories is being at Sunday school with Sister Leti. We were outside of St. Patrick in Morristown, TN praying a rosary in the sun. I remember how lovingly she taught us about the rosary even though I didn’t know anything that was happening!

Gordon: When did you attend The George Washington University, what degree did earn, what was your favorite course, and why was it your favorite?

Jose: I earned my bachelor’s degree in Religion from GWU in 2021. I’d say that my favorite class was Professor Christopher Rollston’s Hebrew Scriptures class during my freshman year. We dove into the Pentateuch and Old Testament taking great care to study original meaning, authorship, and different cultural and religious significance of those texts. It really opened up my eyes to the wonder of the Word and how carefully God revealed His message.

Gordon: When did you serve as Project Intern Diocese of Knoxville Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and what is your favorite memory when you were there?

Jose: Deacon Al Forsythe of the Diocese of Knoxville took me under his wing the summer of 2018 and allowed me to intern for the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry there. He encouraged me to try new things and to not be afraid to fail. At the end of the summer, I planned a college retreat at St. Patrick having many of my former classmates and friends attend. It was the first retreat I had created, planned, and carried out.

Gordon: When did you serve as Customer Engagement Coordinator at The TJX Companies, Inc., what is their mission, and what were your primary responsibilities?

Jose: I worked at TJ Maxx from 2015 through 2021. With few breaks, I worked at three different locations, one in Morristown, TN, and two in Washington, D.C. While working there, I was in charge of making sure all customers had a great time shopping and received incredible deals. Not only that, but I also ensured the cashiers and floor associates were taken care of, felt comfortable, and were adequately trained in our best practices. I also was an English/Spanish translator for our customers and associates.

Gordon: When and where did you serve as Faith Formation Assistant at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and what is your favorite memory of your work there?

Jose: During the fall of 2019, I worked as the faith formation assistant at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Maryland. At the time, the pastor was Father William Byrne, now Bishop Byrne. I loved watching his dog during mass, standing out in the Narthex, letting people pet her, and still being present in the Liturgy. I also thoroughly enjoyed making breakfast for the teens each week for our meetings.

Gordon: When and where did you serve as Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry and what were you primary responsibilities?

Jose: My first time serving as director of youth and young adult ministry was at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Grapevine, TX. I was in charge of all faith formation from 6th grade through 12th grade. I also was able to support middle school ministers while I was there. Additionally, I was the main coordinator for confirmation, teen OCIA, catch-up sacramental preparation, and the young adult ministry. I worked there from 2021 through 2024.

Gordon: Tell us about your current work at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church McKinney, Texas·

Jose: St. Gabriel is a beautiful and vibrant community in McKinney, Texas. I am fortunate to be in a position to support our middle school and high school coordinators in their efforts. I provide feedback and support to them, guide them, and do some mentorship with them. Since coming on board, I have also, with the help of our incredible young adults, kickstarted our young adult ministry having several concurrent bible studies, weekly coffee after mass, volleyball on Sundays, and monthly social and formational events. We have also started a youth leadership program for our high school students.

Gordon: What do you like most about St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church?

Jose: I love how friendly the community is. Everyone is very involved and happy to help out wherever they can.

Gordon: What are some of the primary challenges that young people currently face?

Jose: More than anything, I think young people are facing the issue of belonging. They feel as thought why don’t belong in school, at church, with their friends or family - it can be really damaging for these young people.

Gordon: Who is your favorite saint and why is that saint your favorite?

Jose: I’ve fallen in love with St. Joseph. After doing the consecration to St. Joseph, I found a lot of love and a big desire to be more like him, his quiet demeanor and his willingness to just go after being told.

Gordon: Thank you for a great interview.