i am samuel.
Born in Abilene, TX (think Friday Night Lights), I now call Dallas home. A cradle Catholic, I'm the product of persistent and humble youth ministry and owe my beginnings in ministry to parish and diocesan retreats. The first to graduate college in his family, I earned a BA in Psychology/Philosophy from Hardin-Simmons University, as well as a Masters in Theological Studies from the University of Dallas. A lifelong Texan, I can appreciate some authentic Mexican food, authentic Texas brisket, and football. A lifelong Catholic, I love a good coffee or good craft brew. I'm also a fan of good hip hop, art, and the great outdoors, and will take any opportunity to take off to adventure beyond my sofa. I'm passionate about Jesus and His Church and being a missionary people. If you give me enough time, you'll discover I have plenty of soapboxes.
Points of Interest
Missionary Discipleship
Catholic Social Teaching including: Pro-Life / Homelessness / Refugees & Immigrants / Foreign & Domestic Mission
Dealing with Suffering & Loss
Desert & Monastic Spirituality
Dealing with Doubt/Agnosticism
Men's Spirituality
Ministry of Hospitality - Adults
Small Group Leadership - Adults
Strategic Planning for Ministry Leaders
Sam of all trades.
Sammy has collected a wealth of experiences in over a decade of professional ministry and 18 years of speaking and performing as Sammy Blaze. The diversity of his experience includes years as a Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Campus Ministry at the high school and university levels, and Strategic Ministry Development for the Office of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministries for the Diocese of Dallas. Sammy is currently the Director of Faith Formation at St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas, TX. His passion, experience, versatility, and commitment to the Church will make him a great addition for your next ministry event.
Honest Witness.
Dynamic Performances.
Creative Storytelling.
Faithful Teaching.
Sound Methodology.
Keynote | Workshops | Performances | Emcee
Retreats | Volunteer Training
Middle School | High School | College | Young Adult
Family | Parents | Volunteer
event calendar
Past Events 2019-2020
3/27/19 - Jericho | SMU Catholic campus ministry | Dallas, TX
6/5/19 - Mission Possible | Prince of Peace Catholic Community | plano, TX
7/12/19 - STAY Catholics Summer Camp | Sabine creek ranch | royse city, TX
8/24/19 - Chaos Retreat | Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church | Allen, TX
10/23/19 - XLT | St. Paul Catholic Church | Richardson, TX
10/26/19 - parish hall fundraiser event | sacred heart catholic church | Abilene, TX
1/11/20 - Forward Middle school rally | Plano, TX
2/23/20 - men’s session | young men’s service league | Plano, TX
6/24/20 - Resetting the Table (Instagram Live) | SPA Youth | Richardson, TX
8/24/20 - CHAOS Retreat | Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church | Allen, TX
11/13/22 - Confirmation Retreat | St. Paul the Apostle | Richardson, TX
2018
1/21 - Vocations Panel | Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church | Allen, TX1/30 - The 635 | Granada Theater | Dallas, TX2/7 - Lenten Youth Night | St. Francis Catholic Church | Lancaster, TX2/15 - St. Rita Catholic School 5th Grade Retreat | Dallas, TX2/21 - St. Rita Catholic School 6th Grade Retreat | Dallas, TX2/23-25 - Dallas Catholic Youth Conference | Frisco, TX3/17 - Illuminate Retreat | Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church | Dallas, TX4/8 - CREW Youth Night | St. Elizabeth Ann Seton | Plano, TX4/14 - Texas A&M Commerce Spring Retreat | Commerce, TX4/21 - St. Rita Catholic Church High School Retreat | Denton, TX6/14-24 - Dallas Catholic Schools Mission | Costa Rica7/11-13 - National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) Convention | Houston, TX10/21 - Vocation Youth Night | Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church | Allen, TX12/5 - Advent Youth Night | St. Francis Catholic Church | Lancaster, TX Notable past Performances and speaking engagements
2005-2017 National Catholic Youth Conference | Atlanta / Columbus / Kansas City / Indianapolis
2008-2014 Catholic Underground | New York City / Los Angeles / Chicago / Dublin
2008 & 2014 National Conference for Catholic Youth Ministry | Cleveland / San Antonio
2008 & 2015 The Shepherd's Cafe | Arlington / Farmers Branch, TX
2009 Creideamh City Outreach | Galway
2009 Bright Lights Festival | London
2013-2017 Dallas Catholic Youth Conference | Frisco, TX
2014 & 2016 Region 10 Catholic Youth Conference | Oklahoma City / Beaumont, TX
2015 Dallas Ministry Conference
2015 & 2017 Ablaze Retreat | Dallas
2016 Diocese of Austin Middle School Rally | Austin
2016 Austin Diocese Catholic Youth Conference | Waco, TX
2017-2018 The 635 @ the Granada Theater | Dallas