Seven years ago, Julie '10 answered a call at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dallas, and from that moment, she has been working with young adults by bringing them together to learn about God and share in their faith.

After working in young adult ministry for several years, Julie made the decision to attend the Neuhoff Institute at UD to earn her master's degree in theological studies, where she was able to learn with other ministers.

"The Neuhoff Institute truly opened my mind to the breadth and depth of our Catholic faith. The program challenged me to take ownership of my knowledge of Scripture and theology and to apply it to my life and ministry."

Currently, Julie is a part-time young adult liaison for the Diocese of Dallas, a position she has held for more than three years. "I feel so blessed. I really get to live out building up the kingdom of God in a real way with my job."

What does Julie's future hold? Well for right now she enjoys what she is doing because it allows her to work in a ministry close to her heart. Eventually, however, she anticipates earning another master's degree or even a Ph.D. "The Neuhoff Institute helped me to realize how important it is to understand your faith as an adult and at a higher level."

"I do not see my time in the Neuhoff Institute as the completion of a learning process, but the beginning of a life of continuing to deepen my faith and my understanding of our church. I am a better minister today because I have a deeper understanding of the faith, which I can use in a wider range of ministerial situations than I was able to before I earned my degree."