When new Youth Minister Kira Ziola was a sophomore at Oklahoma State, she experienced a profound “reconversion” to the Catholic faith.
“I had the realization that the deep core part of me that always felt like something was missing, I finally knew what it was,” she says. “I had a great family, good grades, and a good sorority and friends. I was going to Mass, but something was still off. I finally understood that I needed to make God the center of my life. I needed to let Him change my heart and my life.”
This moment helped engage Kira in Bible studies, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Liturgy of the Hours. As time went on, she started leading her own Bible study and helping others grow in their faith. Her time at Oklahoma State truly changed her life.
Growing up in Omaha, Neb., and Tulsa, Kira assumed she’d return to Nebraska for school, but Oklahoma State felt right. It had the top-tier sports she was looking for, and she knew Fr. Kerry Wakulich and Fr. Brian O’Brien would help her continue on her faith journey.
Kira started here in February and worked part-time until May when she stepped into a full-time role. She leads the Youth Ministry program for middle and high school students. She earned a bachelor’s degree in applied exercise science and is working on her master’s in health and human performance. She is excited to get to know the youth of our parish and work closely with each of them in their faith journeys.
“I am very blessed and grateful to be here at St. Francis Xavier,” she says. “I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with the youth, and I ask that you pray for me and the youth.”
Part of Kira’s desire to work in youth ministry is the impact she experienced as a child and young adult. She enjoyed going to church events, serving, ushering, helping with Vacation Bible School, and serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
“My experience in high school with my campus minister played a large role in my interest to pursue youth ministry,” Kira says. “She showed me how to live a joy-filled, virtuous life centered around Christ.”
Now, Kira is looking forward to a busy summer of youth activities with the Steubenville Conference this month and other fun activities and day trips that are planned.
“I most look forward to building relationships with the teens,” she says. “The people are always what make something so special. So, I look forward to seeing them grow into their faith.”
With her passion for the Catholic faith, Kira hopes to lead by example. She wants to show teens that the Catholic faith isn’t dull — instead, it’s very exciting, filled with joy and adventure.
“I enjoy walking with them as they learn about life, their faith, and seeing how the Lord is working in their lives,” she says.
In her free time, Kira enjoys anything related to sports — her favorites are volleyball and golf. She also loves to spend time outdoors and by the lake.
“I feel very near to the Lord when I am near water and in nature,” she says.