Our current Youth Ministry Team began in 2007. Since that time we have collaborated over 1,000 retreats for tens of thousands of young people. Our Team strives to ensure the highest quality and standard of programs; each retreat is custom designed to meet the unique charism of your school or parish group.
Below you can meet some of our dedicated ministry professionals.
Eric joined the Youth Ministry Team in 2008, and has served as Director for the last three years. In addition, he is responsible for the Center’s IT needs. Eric is a twice graduate of Xavier University, holding a B.A. in Theology and Religious Education, as well as a Master's in Business Administration. You can contact Eric by email at enichols@jesuitspiritualcenter.com or by phone at (513) 965-6988.
JP has been part of the ministry team since 2018, a graduate of the IGNITE Internship program and now Associate Director of Youth Ministry. He attended St. Louis University High School, a Jesuit college-prep high school. He received his B.A. in Modern Languages, Philosophy, and Catholic Studies from Seton Hall University. He brings his extensive retreat and ministry experience to the Youth Ministry team and is excited to continue innovating and growing the ministry at JSC. You can contact JP by email at jplegarreta@jestuispirtualcenter.com or by phone at (513) 965-6987
Our Team also includes talented post-graduate interns (members of our Ignite Community) who assist in facilitating small and large group activities.
Below you can meet this years interns:
I was born in St. Louis, Missouri to a large, loving Catholic family. I’m a graduate of Fontbonne University with a bachelor’s in Religious Studies. After college, I spent some time working in my parish gradeschool’s early learning center and after/before-care programs. Through this, my experience with my parish’s youth group, and this past year with the JSC, I’ve worked with a wide variety of students ranging anywhere between 1 to 18. I’m excited to get to know and work with the leaders (new and old) of this wonderful program and those we’ll meet and serve along the way!
Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, I am a proud graduate of Baldwin Wallace University with a double major in Business Finance and Computer Science. After working in technology at the bank and discerning a potential future in religious life, I eagerly accepted this internship so that I could grow in a deeper relationship with God and guide our youth in their own faith journeys. I look forward to using the youth ministry skills I acquired through volunteer opportunities at St Mary of the Falls parish, Notre Dame Academy high school, and the Notre Dame Urban Education Center. One of the great Ignatian teachings is called “cura personalis,” care for the person. My goal for this internship year is to grow in my ability to care for each individual person I am privileged to encounter in life
I grew up not too far from Milford in Liberty Township, Ohio where I attended Lakota East High school and St. Maximillian Kolbe parish. After that, I studied philosophy and religion at Shawnee State University in the humble town of Portsmouth, Ohio. Last year I spent my time with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Oakland, CA and worked as a high school tutor. I’m excited to live in community and learn more about the ins and outs of youth ministry this year!
I have lived throughout all of the United States, along with a year stint in Russia. I hold a Bachelor's of Arts from Whitworth University in Theology, as well as a Masters of Theological Studies from Duke Divinity School, and a certification in Theopoetics and Theological Imagination from Bethany Theological Seminary. I have worked as a Youth Pastor, a Theology Teacher, a writing coach, and a pub crawl guide. I am on a quest for the perfect bowl of pho, the best Catholic joke, and a great song for this exact moment. Mostly, I have arrived at the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford to share with Christians from all walks of life and faith, seeking out the answers to questions and finding fellowship along the way. I am grateful to God for the opportunities to share, and hopefully share with you, the wonder of God's creation and love. The rumors that I am in possession of the best beard at the Spiritual Center may also be grossly exaggerated.
We provide spiritual formation, retreats, and sacred space for prayer and discernment rooted in the Gospel as expressed in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
The Jesuit Spiritual Center at Milford creates a Christ-centered oasis where people of all walks of life experience a deeper relationship with God.
5361 S. Milford Rd.
Milford, OH 45150
(513) 248-3500
