Meet University Of Notre Dame Student John Holloway: Blessed To Serve Our Parish

John Holloway has spent many years listening to the Lord’s call. He is currently serving here at St. Timothy while pursuing his Master’s in theology through the University of Notre Dame. He is currently participating in the Echo Program, which involves two summers of study at the university and two academic years at St. Timothy.

Currently, John lives in Temple Terrace with three others who are also in the Echo Program. In the summer, he goes back to Notre Dame for his studies. Having arrived at St. Timothy this past August, John has fallen in love with our parish community.

“I really enjoy the people and the incredible staff,” he says. “It’s been a joy to be here. Parishioners are so vibrant and open to new possibilities.”

John also appreciates the beautiful facilities at St. Timothy. Since starting his internship, John has jumped in headfirst, taking the lead or assisting with several ministries. He has been helping to grow the Young Adult Ministry that meets at 7 p.m. on Monday nights. In addition, he teaches a combined fourthand fifth-grade Faith Formation class. His teaching approach is similar to hosting a youth group gathering, with a topic and games, and it’s been a positive change. John has also been assisting with the Alpha Program, which helps people learn more about the Christian faith and ask questions in a safe space. John helped get the classes moved to Revelations Cafe to make it accessible to more people in the community.

“The goal of the Echo Program is to put the university’s resources at local churches,” John says. “The program forms catechists, like myself, who can help form other people.”

With this in mind, John has started a catechesis email series for parents of youth attending the Lifeteen and Edge gatherings. The emails are meant to encourage faith conversations on the ride home.

“We don’t want the topics from youth group to fall flat when they get home,” John says. “We want to continue the conversations about what they learned at youth group.”

He also facilitates in-person meetings for parents one Sunday a month. The goal is to let parents socialize and learn tools to lead their children in the faith.

Raised in Birmingham, Ala., John attended Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., where he studied anthropology. While he was in college, John entered into the Catholic faith.

“I was really looking for purpose, and I became open to prayer,” he says. “Once I prayed, God started working in my life.”

John spent about eight years living in a religious order, which took him to New Jersey and even all the way to France. In his free time, John enjoys golf, basketball, walking, reading, being outdoors, seeing new places, and visiting beaches and state parks.

As for what comes next after his internship here ends, John is undecided. But he knows he will continue to follow where the Lord is leading him. For now, he’s enjoying his time here at St. Timothy.

“I just really enjoy the people here,” he says. “Everyone takes ownership of the parish, and that’s important.”

(From left) Parishioners Fernando and Monica Gonzalez with John Holloway and his girlfriend, Diana Salgado Huicochea