My name is Derek Roman-Santiago.
I am the new Parish Youth Ministry Coordinator. I was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. In 2012 my mother
decided it was best to move to Florida. In 2019 I started my journey here at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic
Church as a Catechumen coming in every Tuesday to the church to receive catechesis. On May 3rd of 2021
I received the Sacraments of Initiation and became a Roman Catholic. Within the first 2 weeks of being
initiated I was already serving God and giving him thanks for the change he made in my life. I started serving
as an Altar Server at the 8am mass. As well as being a part of the Youth Group, I was then invited by my
godmother to help the Faith Formation Department, A year passed and was named President of the Youth
Group. After a year of helping Faith Formation and being in the Youth Group, I felt God calling me to serve
as a Catechist. Now having served for 2 years. We are now at this present moment, when Father José
Muñoz asked me if I was willing to take charge of the Youth Ministry. How could I say no to this calling from
God. On May 6th of 2024 I officially became part of the St Catherine of Siena Parish Office Staff. I am here
to serve my community, I might still be a young adult, but like the bible says in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all
things through Christ who strengthens me”.

In Christ,
Derek W. Roman-Santiago
Youth Ministry Coordinator