A word spoken— “Time to go into full-time ministry."

Four years ago, I received a clear and unmistakable call to step into full-time ministry. At the time, my family and I were living in La Habra Heights, and I had spent five years serving in men’s ministry, helping my mentor build his organization. While I was deeply involved, I had no true understanding of what full-time ministry would look like or what it meant to fully embrace that calling.

After seven months of prayer and discernment, God gave us seven undeniable signs that we were meant to move to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I had never heard of the place, and the thought of leaving my large family to move an hour from Canada was unsettling. I struggled to fully trust and surrender to God's plan. It wasn’t until I went on a men’s retreat—*Into the Wild*—that the final sign hit me with the weight of conviction, like a ton of bricks. We sold 30% of what we owned, packed up, and set out for Coeur d'Alene.

The moment I arrived, I felt a deep sense of purpose: God was beginning to carve a path for my ministry. He spoke to me clearly: I was going to help build a "house of God." At the time, I had no idea where or how that vision would unfold, but the call was undeniable. In Coeur d'Alene, I was blessed to connect with incredible Catholic families—men, women, and young adults—who welcomed me into their community. I quickly became involved, leading a father-son retreat at St. Thomas. I also started a chapter of *Fraternus*, though it’s on pause for now as part of the ongoing journey. Despite the uncertainty, God continued to open doors, and it became clear that my role in this place was just beginning.

Through God's provision, I was given the opportunity to help build the "house of God" at Holy Family Catholic School. This has been an extraordinary journey—one filled with growth, challenges, and abundant grace. Along the way, I stepped into the role of campus minister, which allowed me to deepen my connection to this vibrant community. As things began to accelerate, I was also blessed to be sponsored into a two-year program called *Encounter*, which has profoundly changed my life and deepened my relationship with our Lord.

Looking back, I see how every step has been guided by God’s hand. From our move to Coeur d'Alene to stepping into full-time ministry, it’s been a journey of faith, trust, and obedience. As I continue this path, I am eager to see how God will use me next, knowing that the journey is far from over.

I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for the grace He has poured upon me these past four years, and especially the last two, as I strive to be His servant and beloved son.

May I continue to manifest His love and power each and every day of my life,

About Jason

Jason Chavez is passionate about fostering authentic encounters with Christ and building communion within the Catholic community. He is seeking to formalize and expand ministry efforts through Communio CDA.  His day job is more than just a job, it is a huge line of youth ministry as he serves as the Campus minister at Holy Family Catholic School. He has followed Gods call in many areas of this role, from leading adoration for the students to building a sacred chapel within the building. His leadership includes bringing the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program into the school, leading retreats for middle schoolers, creating vocational workshops, and engaging with students and parents to make Christ the focal point of their lives.

Outside of his daily life as a Campus Minister, he is also heavily involved within the Catholic community here in Idaho. He prganized the successful “Manhood in the Path of Saint Joseph” father/son retreat with 80+ attendees, started a chapter of Fraturnes with 30 active members, assisted with the Steubenville conference in Spokane for three consecutive years, and spearheaded the impactful “Into The Wild” retreat for 70+ men/boys.

Jason has spent countless hours in training to help lead and guide this community in partnership with the Holy Spirit. Some of that training includes:

  • Completed 80 hours of training in “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” 

  • Completed the first year of Encounter School of Ministry 

  • Excited to support the satellite office for “Encounter” in North Idaho 

  • Catechetical Certification - franciscanathome.com - in progress.