Hundreds of zombies wearing plaid and khaki shuffle into the gym. They undertake the climb up the bleachers and plop themselves down. With heads resting on friends’ shoulders, eyelids begin to droop. Naptime is about to begin when one, unmistakable voice gives them a joyous wakeup call:

“Good morning blessed children of God!”

Nancy Hormuth, director of Campus Ministry, is renowned on campus for her squishy-hugs, unyielding excitement for Peer Ministry and tremendous faith in Jesus Christ.

Introduced to Catholicism at a young age, Hormuth gradually began to develop a budding relationship with Christ.

“I had this deep love for Christ, but I could not articulate it,” Hormuth said.

As she struggled to explain her attraction to Christ, Hormuth felt moved to express her passion for her faith in different ways.

“I remember this art class; you could pick anything you wanted to make,” Hormuth said. “I picked the Passion of Christ.”

Having had no previous art experience, Hormuth surprised herself when she was awarded first place in her high school’s art competition for her portrait portraying Jesus upon the cross.

“I just felt very inspired when this art piece came across,” Hormuth said. “I think now, looking back on it, it was my deep love of Christ.”

After graduation, Hormuth had a hunger to develop a stronger understanding of the Catholic faith. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Theology at Loyola Marymount University, and later received a Master’s in Applied Spiritual Theology from Mount St. Mary’s College.

“The more I learned, the more my heart was set on fire,” Hormuth said. “I fell even more deeply in love with God.”

Later on, Hormuth sought out an opportunity to work in a parish and stumbled upon her calling: youth ministry. At St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Tustin, Hormuth applied to work with the adult ministry. Ultimately, she ended up filling an open youth leadership position.

“I ended up loving working with youth and young adults so much, I asked to remain there,” Hormuth said.

Following eight years of leading Confirmation classes, establishing youth groups and expanding St. Cecilia’s youth ministry program, Hormuth was elected the Diocese of Orange’s Youth Ministry Director. She and her youth ministry peers spearheaded several major youth events, such as Rock Fest and the Angels’ baseball Catholic night.

“I was ready for a change after eight years,” Hormuth said. “I wanted to get back into the heart. I wanted to work with kids.”

Hormuth landed at SMCHS in 2003 as an authentic example of Caritas Christi to the school community.

Hormuth’s infectious joy and profound understanding of God has inspired many students to cultivate a relationship with Christ.

“Here, I’m so spoiled!” Hormuth said. “I’m so humbled that God decided to choose me to be an instrument in this position — to make a difference in this school. I want kids to fall in love with their God; let that be their passion.”

The faith journey has come full-circle for Hormuth. As a youth, she sought to understand the love for God she had always held in her heart. Now, she enables youths to embrace the love for God that’s “burnin’ in their so-o-o-o-uls”.

“When I was young, I loved God just this much,” Hormuth said, holding her fingers spread apart just an inch. “You find out that there is so much more to love.”