Jen Jones: 20-Somethings Coordinator

Jen started the Catholic 20-Somethings Ministry in July 2005 and, with the grace of God, has watched the group grow into its own little vehicle. *tear* She is currently the coordinator of the group, responsible for organizing formative, educational, spiritual and social opportunities for young Catholic adults. She serves as the key contact person for advertising the numerous ongoing events geared to young Catholic adults in their 20s. Jen says she enjoys being a part of the 20-Somethings Ministry because it gives her a community of young Catholic adults who are going through the same stage in their life as she is. "The 20-Somethings Ministry has been nothing less than a blessing for me and it's drawn me closer to Christ, closer than I have ever experienced. I hope I can only give back to God the amazing things He's brought into my life by being a part of this wonderful community."

Matt Balhoff: Social Chair

Matthew Thomas Balhoff completed graduate school in chemical engineering at Louisiana State University in 2005. Shortly afterwards he moved to Austin for a postdoctoral position at the University of Texas. Matthew frequently attended Mass at St. Theresa' church and joined the 20somethings in April of 2006. He quickly became active in social, spiritual, and service activities in the group and in particular, he enjoys meeting new Catholics in their twenties, socializing with fellow 20somethings, and learning more about his faith. In the fall of 2006 he joined the leadership team as New Member Chair and enjoys introducing new members to the group which has been such a positive life experience for him. Matthew is also a co-leader of small group that discusses our Catholic faith.

Justin Golbabai: New Member Chair

Justin is a Fightin' Irish ('04) Jayhawk ('06) from Windsor, Connecticut. He has proudly kept the 20 Somethings groaning with his puns since February 2007. Prior to coming to Austin to work as a Budget Analyst at City Hall, Justin was a volunteer for the Houston Catholic Worker, where he lived and worked with immigrants, refugees, and the poor. Justin is truely thankful that through the 20 Something he has made some of his best friends, friends with whom he can laugh, pray, and discuss the meaning and purpose of life.

Alison Koederitz: Service Chair

Alison Koederitz is a proud native Texan who serves the Catholic20Somethings as Service Chair. After returning to Austin after graduating from Loyola University New Orleans in 2005, Alison became involved with the Catholic20Somethings in September of 2006 when she was invited to join a small group. She enjoys the social, spiritual and service activities the group does together, and also enjoys the many close friendships she has found in the ministry. Alison works for the Diocese of Austin in the Department of Religious Education and is currently in grad school as well at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.

Christine Songy: Spirituality Chair

Christine is one of the many Louisiana natives in this group, growing up in Lafayette, LA. She loves being Catholic and can't imagine life without Jesus and the opportunity to meet Him in the sacraments! She works as a pediatric physical therapist at Dell Children's Medical Center. She spent 5 years in Boston for undergrad and grad school at Boston University, and then lived in Virginia Beach for 3 years while working at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk, VA. God has blessed her with amazing Catholic communities in every place where she's lived, so she was excited to find the Catholic 20-Somethings when she arrived in Austin! She was humbled to be asked to take on the role of Spiritual Chair, and she asks for your prayers (and assistance!) as she takes over this role! May we all challenge each other to grow in holiness and to follow JPII's call for each of us to live radically for Christ!