Jeremy Johnston joins Residencia Jesús Maestro as its First Resident Director. The ACU welcomes Jeremy to his new professional challenge and reaffirms its unconditional support for AMDG.
Me, in a Nutshell:
Before RJM:
I am Jeremy Johnston, a 28 year old from Georgia with a Scottish / Irish background. Feeling the call of God, I converted to Catholicism in 2006 at age 22. Having been a Surveyor for eight years I left all I knew in 2007 to study Theology at Southern Catholic College.
After Southern Catholic had to close due to financial struggle, I finished my degree in Sacred Theology at Ave Maria University. I have been very blessed to attened two colleges faithful to the Magisterium of the Church and the wisdom of my professors at both institutions is a gift I am so grateful for. My undergraduate thesis was on the role of a husband in the Christian family, following the model of Ephesians 5:25 ~ "Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the Church." Eventually I plan to pursue graduate studies in Theology with a concentration on Marriage and Family.
I am very happy to marry the woman I love in 11 days on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Her name is Lily De Leon and she is a wonderful gift from God. She is a native of Guatemala and compliments me very well. She is also involved with a movement centered on the spirituality of St. Ignatius Encuentros Familiares, Casa Manresa in West Miami. She serves as a secretary there.
I am a missionary at heart and have been to Mexico, Haiti, New York, North Georgia, and Louisiana on mission trips. I also spent two months working with the Salesians of Don Bosco at a youth center in Port Chester, New York. I am happy to be an instrument of God and only pray that this feeble soul continue to be in His grace.
Joining the RJM Team:
Since my introduction to the ACU and the RJM, I have been very excited about the mission here. I remember being filled with awe and fervor about the ideas that flow forth from its members. By God’s providence I have been accepted as the new Resident Director and I feel as if I have just been adopted into a beautiful family. I would actually say the word "adopted" stands for the lack of a better one; I feel that I have been made a part of this beautiful family. The welcome I have received has been moments I cherish.
I believe the RJM is the hub of spirituality we need in today’s world. I often get very sad to see the dissention of society and even from those who call themselves "Catholic." I have been dedicated in heart for some time to try to reverse this virus sweeping through or sanctuaries. What the ACU offers is a support group that forms Catholic men as leaders to bring Christ to their families, those in need, and society at large, through their various professions using their own God given talents. This is the very kind of place I have been looking for to give my time.
I have been very pleased to see the level of formation that takes place. Generally laymen, who are not pursuing theology degrees, gathering to learn about the Church, cover basic topics and fundamentals of the faith. What I have witnessed is that these men of the ACU will not settle for simply scratching the surface, but are plunging into the depths of the mind of God, growing in their faith and growing closer to the One who made them and holds them in existence. The discussions that I have been privileged to be in audience of have been of deep substance from men who are deeply rooted in their faith and the tradition of the Church. These are truly faithful Catholics, not just ‘good guys.’
Following that idea of the ACU, the RJM provides this haven of spirituality that can provide a secure foundation for young men in their marriages, careers, path to religious life, and all future endeavors. It is like being on retreat. In is an atmosphere that promotes excellence not only in spirituality, but especially in professional life, it teaches men that the foundation set is to give them the courage to continue the pursuit of perfection. This is done knowing that there is a brotherhood of support walking down this road together.
Expectations:
Putting myself in the hands of God, I want this place to be all it can be, and all He wants it to be. I want to help the ACU develop a residence that is conscious of all aspects of life and takes great care to form the whole person. This needs to be a place where men are excited and honored to be—a place that lacks nothing.
The desire is for the RJM to have all the advantages of an on-campus student residence. From amenities to supervision to activities there needs to be a well rounded atmosphere promoting spirituality, morality, professionalism, apostolate, community, social, family, and health. During their stay here residents must feel that all these are taken care of, so that their minds can be focused on study and their state in life. With all these areas covered it leaves the person relaxed and balanced able to pursue the excellence which they seek.
The expectation here is that this place becomes filled with hearts open to growing close to God. That we create a family atmosphere that becomes a stepping stone for lifelong relationships and support. Once we have established a functional residence, according to our goals, I see this model being repeated in campuses all over. It should be a place of conversion, not an apartment with tenants.
What I want in the ACU community:
I feel very honored to be welcomed into a Latino community here. Though I am very American, but I feel I have Latino blood. I absolutely love the culture, the family life, the language, and the food. Since my first interactions with Latino people I have felt at home. I am a country boy who thinks that everything tastes better in a tortilla and can’t stop drinking café Cubano. My best man is Mexican and my future wife is a Gutemalteca.
Thank God that I have been brought here. I am working on my Spanish, it is not where I would like it to be, but I want to be fully immersed into the culture. I do not want people to learn English; I feel I should learn Spanish. I have a great love and affection for all Latinos and the more I learn of the Cubans the more I become sensitive to their struggles and look to rejoice in their triumph.
Sports and adventure have always had a home with me, so I am looking forward to getting involved in the activity of the ACU. I want to see how the outdoorsman has fun in Florida because I know it’s much different than GA. I also am looking forward to the formation according to the "Esto vir" motto and it could not have come at a better time for me.
In 2008 I became consecrated to Our Lady through the method of St. Louis De Monfort and am looking forward to renewing my consecration through the Agrupacion. She has been a great instrument to the faith I posses today. She sought me out when I was lost and confused, embraced me, and has been with me the whole way. I have a great love for Our Blessed Mother and may she continue to lead me to her Son.
Jeremy