Welcome to the Immaculate Conception Youth Ministry! Our mission in Youth Ministry is to grow the young teens' personal relationship with Jesus Christ and help them make the faith their own through engaging in activities, fellowship, and forming Christ-centered friendships that last a lifetime.

My name is James Speelman, Director of Youth Ministry and Communications. I am a graduate of the University of Dallas, and that is where I met my wife, Nancy. We have been married for 25 years and currently reside in Waxahachie. Nancy and I have raised two incredible children - Eric and Emily. Eric, is a junior at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. Emily recently graduated from Waxahachie Global High School and Navarro College. This fall, she will attend Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Mo.

I have always loved computers and technology, especially Apple. For many years I was a graphic designer and an award-winning newspaper photographer. In addition, I enjoy improving my cooking skills in my free time, listening to podcasts on my way to work, and doom scrolling on Facebook at 4 am.

As the Faith Formation Director and Youth Minister at St Joseph Catholic Church in Waxahachie for over twenty years, I passionately believe that the youth are not the church of tomorrow; they are just as much a part of today's church as you or me! Today's youth are hungry for the challenge of discipleship; I believe that they long to experience an invitation that is bold and big enough for their life's dreams and visions. I think our youth ministry should feed that hunger and help them grow deeper in their faith. A practical and vibrant youth ministry program will require the concerted, collaborative, and coordinated efforts of a parish such as ours.

I am incredibly excited about this opportunity to minister here at Immaculate Conception. May the love of Christ be with us always.