Associate for Discipleship

Phone: 952-929-3317 x9308
Email: jessicabalzarini@olgparish.org

Jessica Balzarini has worked in ministry for the Catholic Church for over 20 years. She brings a depth of knowledge of our Catholic Faith and a dynamic passion for the Lord into everything she does. Her warm smile and big heart loves to share Jesus with others. She inspires men and women to live the fullness of life Jesus offers them through a powerful relationship with the Holy Spirit. Jessica has a unique way of connecting with her audience and drawing others deeper into relationship with the Lord. She often receives feedback on how God has used her to help others encounter Jesus more deeply and experience the Holy Spirit in a tangible way.

Jessica started her work for the Church with young people in Religious Education, Youth Ministry, and Confirmation Prep but has been blessed with opportunities to minister to every age group, in every stage of faith development. Right now Jessica is the Associate for Discipleship at Our Lady of Grace in Edina leading alongside Father Kevin as we implement the Synod priorities, adult small groups. She also supports women’s ministry, Women of Grace. She has a bachelor’s in Theology with a concentration in Religious Education from Franciscan University as well as a master’s degree in Education, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership from Southwest Minnesota State University.

She is married to her amazing husband Mark, who understands her crazy life in ministry. They love mornings with coffee and long walks. They bundle up in the Minnesota winters! They love spending time with family. 12 nieces and nephews makes for loud family gatherings with lots of love and laughter to go around. They enjoy traveling to visit Mark’s family on both coasts. Annual beach time is a gift!