Home / Stories / Meet Our New Volunteer, Jason!

Meet Our New Volunteer, Jason!

signpiv

A Spanish-speaking Anglo kid from Oregon who studied Theology in New Jersey and is working on a career as a web-based Catholic cartoonist: the life history of Jason Bach is nothing but varied. The latest chapter brings him to Washington, D.C. for a 13-month volunteer position as a communications associate with Franciscan Mission Service.

Jason graduated in 2007 from Oregon State University with a degree in Spanish. He then spent a year abroad in Mexico and Spain teaching English. After years of working with low-income and immigrant populations in various educational and social work positions, he moved to New Jersey in 2011 to pursue a Masters of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary.

A lifelong cartoonist, he recently made a decision to move into graphic design full-time and is excited to start his career with Franciscan Mission Service, putting his skills to work in service to the Church. He is also interested to learn more about the Franciscan charism, having been intrigued by St. Francis ever since reading G.K. Chesteron’s famous biography of the “simple man from Assisi.”

As a good Oregonian, Jason is also a fan of the outdoors and enjoys biking, hiking, and kayaking through God’s great creation. He also likes basketball and looks forward to seeing his beloved Portland Trail Blazers when they come to D.C. this season.

From graphic design to cartoons to Spanish, we’re thrilled about the unique combinations of skills that Jason brings to the office. As part of the domestic volunteer program, Jason will also serve weekly at a yet-to-be-determined local ministry, as well as share in prayer and meals with our residential young adult community.

Welcome, Jason!

Fun Fact: “I’m still using a Motorola RAZR cell phone, even though they haven’t been made since 2008.”

Favorite Saint: “I’m a convert and my confirmation saint is Bl. John Henry Newman, because I read my way into the faith just as he did. I’m also a big fan of St. Peter. I really identify with the character we see in the New Testament: an impulsive man prone to wild pendulum swings but totally committed to whatever he makes up his mind to do.”

Are you a young adult interested in joining Jason as a domestic volunteer? We’re currently seeking a strong writer to round out the communications team.

We prepare and support lay Catholics for two-year international, one-year domestic and 1-2 week short-term mission service opportunities in solidarity with impoverished and marginalized communities across the globe.

The blog is maintained by the communications staff.