Meet the Youth & Young Adult Apostolates’ Team
Director of Ministries to the Youth, Young Adults, and Young Families
Mariane Staron
About Me
Hometown: Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
Birthdate: August 6th
Education: George Mason University, B.A. Global Affairs, concentration in Global Governance; Minors in Latin American Studies & Conflict Analysis and Resolution; Franciscan University of Steubenville, Certification in the Apostolate of Catholic Youth Ministry; Franciscan University of Steubenville, Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization.
Active in ministry since: 2013
Working at the Basilica of Saint Mary since: July 2017
Fun fact: Since my parents aren’t Catholic, I was baptized when I was 5 years old. I remember getting my hair curled, wearing a pretty colorful dress, and the excitement of joining the Catholic family!
Favorites
Favorite Food: Brazilian Barbecue (Churrasco) & Chocolate
Favorite Band: Ed Sheeran
Favorite Pastime: Reading & Watching Netflix or Amazon Prime
Favorite Saints: St. Rita of Cascia & St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Favorite Book: My Sisters The Saints by Colleen Carroll Campbell & Harry Potter: The Half-Blood Prince
Why I work with youth & young adults
My journey in ministry began through Catholic Campus Ministry at George Mason University, where I first felt called to serve. Through leading Bible studies and organizing events, I grew in my own faith and discovered a deep desire to help others do the same.
After college, I worked in the secular world, gaining valuable professional and life experience. But it was through volunteering at the Basilica of Saint Mary that I felt a stronger call to full-time ministry. Since 2017, I’ve had the joy of serving in various roles, walking with youth and young adults as they encounter Christ and grow as disciples.
I’m blessed to serve not only youth and young adults but also young families. Even more, I have the incredible honor of doing so in my own parish community, where I have been a parishioner since 2015. My hope is to create a welcoming space where individuals and families can deepen their faith, build community, and grow in their love for Christ and His Church. Whether through discipleship programs, marriage preparation, or family ministries, my goal is to support and encourage those striving to live their Catholic faith fully.
It is a privilege to serve this parish, and I am grateful for the opportunity to journey alongside so many wonderful people in faith.