Deang joined the Ministry with Youth Office in early July after the former director, Kathy Cho, stepped down from the position. He brings a wealth of experience in youth ministry and looks forward to interacting with parish youth ministers and the youth of the Diocese.
Growing up in a Catholic environment and attending Riverside Catholic schools Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and Notre Dame High School, Deang says he felt a strong call to keep his faith at the center of his life. Responding to that call, he entered the minor seminary in the Philippines with the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette in 1999. He received his bachelor’s in Philosophy and Psychology and started his studies in Theology before discerning a vocation outside of the priesthood.
Returning to the United States, he began working with young adult ministry in 2010 at St. Christopher, Moreno Valley. Soon his ministry expanded to include teens as well. While he was comfortable working with young adults, he was a little unsure of what he had to offer teens.
“My first reaction was what do I know of young people? This motivated me to go beyond my conceptions of who youth are,” Deang said.
By the time he left St. Christopher, Deang was overseeing 12 different youth groups that catered to the different needs of the community. He made sure the groups were self-sustaining. Many of the groups remain active today.
In 2014 Deang joined St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Menifee, as the youth ministry advisor. He later joined the confirmation program team and served as the parish office manager, until he heard that the Director of Youth Ministry position was open.
“I wanted to finish my studies, but God placed this in my path,” Deang said. “I felt like the prophets of old, running away and being swallowed up by a big fish. When God has a plan for you, ‘digo si Señor’ (I say yes, my Lord) is the only answer.’ ”
He says his first objective as Director of the Ministry with Youth Office will be to get to know the parish youth ministry leaders. Deang hopes to emphasize reconciliation, a core value of the Diocese and a charism of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette to his approach in ministry.
“I want to start my ministry with reconciliation,” Deang said. “That will bring hope and reconnect us with ministers. I hope to bring hope by reigniting passion that maybe has dimmed. Reignite the fire within in our young people.”