Hello St. Joseph and SVdP Families, my name is Gonzalo Duran. I was born in Pomona, California and am the
youngest of four. I received my B.A. in Theology from Loyola Marymount and my J.D. from McGeorge School
of Law. I worked as a Youth Minister at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano for 8 years prior to moving to the
Sacramento area.
I now have the blessing to serve as the Director of Youth Ministry for the City of Elk Grove. I look forward to
working alongside each parish community to serve the young people of Elk Grove. Thank you in advance for
your welcome and support. I hope to meet you soon.

"The most effective catechetical program for adolescents are integrated into a comprehensive program of pastoral ministry for youth that includes catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care, and prayer and worship. Such programs aim to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today; to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community; and to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person."
(National Directory for Catechesis, p. 201)