Kate Riley

I've been actively involved with Youth Ministry for more than a decade, starting with the first Maryland Youth caucus in 2004.

My undergraduate degree from Frostburg State University was in Social Science with a focus on history and political science, and a minor in adolescent psychology. I thought about going into education, but God had other plans and I swiftly declined acceptance into a masters-level teaching program. I spent the next year in the secular world and away from church because I was working long and odd hours, mainly on the weekends.
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After awhile away the Rev. Wes Wubbenhorst invited me to the very first Happening retreat and God woke me up that weekend. I went home and discerned my next step with Bishop Joe Burnett and my parish priest, the Rev. Edward Chapman. It was, of course, the call to work with youth. I applied to the Episcopal Service Corp-MD and had the most amazing year serving God and living in an intentional community.

​I was honored to be asked by my long-time mentor to stay on assistant director in the Youth Ministry office. I pursued and received certification from the Forma Academy for Youth and Family Ministries in January 2015 and began my journey as the diocese's Youth Missioner that February.

I have been working with youth in various settings for years. I am still learning about the ways we can engage youth with God in community, every time I think I know it all - something new inspires me.