Melissa Hund-Cerna
Moorhead,MN
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Faith Formation
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Moorhead, MN
07.2014 - Current
- Lead religious education and formation for students in grades 6–12.
- Direct sacramental prep for Confirmation including retreats, catechesis, service components, and sponsor coordination.
- Recruit and train adult and teen volunteers; manage background checks and Safe Environment compliance.
- Collaborate with parish leadership and families to ensure strong support for youth programming.
- Organize annual retreats, youth liturgies, service projects, and seasonal events.
- Developed and implemented virtual engagement strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain connection and formation.
- Met one on one with individuals for spiritual direction.
Director of Youth Ministry
St. Anne's, Ascension, and St. Mary's
Bismarck, ND
06.2011 - 07.2014
- Established Tri-Parish Youth Ministry Program, fostering collaboration among three parishes.
- Directed retreats, community events, service projects, and weekly youth group sessions.
- Collaborated with parish directors of Faith Formation to facilitate smooth transition from Confirmation to Youth Ministry.
- Recruited and trained volunteer leaders to enhance ministry sustainability.
- Partnered with diocesan leadership to ensure compliance and access to formation resources.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Theology And Pastoral Ministry
College of Saint Benedict
St. Joseph, Minnesota05-2008
Affiliations
- Served for three years as the Multi-Cultural Representative for Region 8 for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.
- Extensive Travel to Central and South America
- Lived abroad in Peru for two years
- Volunteer Coordinator for a mission that served the poor in Chimbote Peru
- Fluent in Spanish
Timeline
Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Faith Formation
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
07.2014 - Current
Director of Youth Ministry
St. Anne's, Ascension, and St. Mary's
06.2011 - 07.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Theology And Pastoral Ministry
College of Saint Benedict