Who We Are
At St. Victoria Parish Family, we are dedicated to nurturing the spiritual growth of young adults. Our mission is to create a welcoming community where young adults can explore their faith, build meaningful relationships, and serve others.
ENCOUNTER is an outreach ministry of St. Victoria Parish Family that provides authentic community, spiritual accompaniment, and faith enrichment for young adults, couples, and families in their 20’s & 30’s. We have regular gatherings and events that inspire fellowship, faith, and fun, rooted in spiritual growth and formation.
“The vision for all our outreach efforts is for those involved to have an encounter with Christ. The connections made and the learning that happens will help us grow in our walk with Christ and have a greater appreciation for, and deeper understanding of, our faith as Catholics. It is these fruits, and a deep sense of purpose, that will inspire us as young adults to “go out” into our workplaces, communities, and families, spreading the love of Jesus and helping others engage more deeply in their own journeys of faith.”
–Fr. Bob White & Lee Sondeno, Director of Young Adult Ministry at St. Victoria.
Staff

Meet Lee Sondeno
Director, Young Adult Ministry
Lee and his family moved to Minnesota and became parishioners of St. Victoria in 2025 after spending several years on the East Coast where Lee worked for the City of New York Public Housing in Manhattan. Originally from Las Vegas and a convert to the Catholic Faith, he passionately leads our Young Adults outreach ministry. You can find out more about his faith journey at leesondeno.com.
We love connecting with the young adults of St. Victoria (especially over coffee) and learning how we can support them on their own journey of faith. Contact Lee directly and schedule some time today!
702-622-8445
[email protected]
Join our GroupMe
Core Volunteer Team

Meet Mary Russell
Event Coordination Volunteer
Mary graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2020 and currently works as a Data Analyst for an environmental consulting firm in the Twin Cities. She has been attending St. Victoria since 2024 and enjoys being part of the parish community. Contact Mary directly and for event details or to suggest something new!
[email protected]
Join our GroupMe

Meet Nicole Deziel
Creative Spirit
Nicole moved to Victoria in 2023 and is grateful for finding community at St. Victoria. She currently works as a Biomedical Equipment Technician and enjoys running and cross-country skiing in her free time. Have a creative idea? Reach out to Nicole at [email protected].
Join our GroupMe
Upcoming Events
Visit our swag shop!
No markup, free shipping. Just fun swag to enjoy and share the ENCOUNTER Young Adult Ministry with others.
Ways to Get Involved
Book Clubs
Engaging others in deepening our understanding of the Catholic faith and scripture, from Tolkien to Tobit.
Conversations Over Coffee
Opportunities to connect individually over coffee. St. Victoria pays the tab.
Schedule time with Lee
Bonfire Hangouts
Spontaneous gatherings throughout the year focused on great camaraderie and the great outdoors.
Eucharistic Adoration Nights
Inspiring Young Adults Holy Hours with music, reflection, and fellowship.
Catholic Theology AMA Café
Opportunities to participate in an engaging AMA (Ask Me Anything) about the Catholic Faith!
Other Events
Many more seasonal ministry and community opportunities throughout the year!
Join Our Vibrant Community
Be a part of our dynamic young adult ministry! Connect with like-minded individuals, grow in faith, and inspire others in our community. Don’t miss out on our upcoming events made just for you.