As we continue to welcome the new Lay members who made their first formal commitments in October 2024, we’re pleased to introduce John Boyles. Though John made his first formal commitment to the Lay Spiritans last year, he’s been involved with the Spiritans since 1994. Since 2022, John has been the Director of the Spiritan Office of Mission Advancement (SOMA). 

John first met Fr. Don Nesti, C.S.Sp., when writing his thesis in pastoral studies under his direction. He became involved with a very active Lay Spiritan Associate group in Houston in 1998 in addition to directing young adults retreats and missions with an organization he founded called SpiritQuest Catholic Adventure Retreats & Missions from 1996 - 2002. Since 2002, he has stayed in contact with the Pittsburgh Lay Spiritans by attending retreats, conferences, hosting Houston retreats and attending gatherings. He was on the volunteer board and president of the Congregation fundraising nonprofit of the Society of the Holy Spirit for 14 years from 2002 to 2016 and reconnected with the Pittsburgh Lay Spiritans when he began his full-time SOMA position in 2022.   
 
In his position at SOMA, John’s already living out a Spiritan mission, namely of sharing the Spiritan Story far and wide and by helping get funding for Spiritan Mission projects around the world.  But when he’s not working, his ministry continues. He volunteers with his daughter at their parish as well as volunteering on the first Saturday of each month at Casa Juan Diego refugee services and at the Magnificat soup kitchen of Loaves & Fishes.  

John loves spending time with his wife Paola and daughter, Alexandra doing outdoor activities. When they’re not at the indoor ice skating rink with Alexandra, they love walking beautiful paths near their urban home, cycling together, visiting the zoo, camping, fishing and canoeing. He also enjoys driving “country roads” and spending time at their family farmhouse in Sweet Home, Texas. He loves sitting on the porch at home with his dad in the early evening hours, enjoying a glass of vino and listening to his stories. 

John and his wife Paola enjoy daily reading and reflections of Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire edition of the New Testament. He particularly enjoys Gospel of John, Acts and Paul’s Epistles. When he has quiet time in the country, he loves praying with the Psalms, hymns and prayers in his breviary.

We are glad John has been a part of the Spiritan family so long and are glad to welcome him formally as a Lay Spiritan Associate.  

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