Our Founding Directors Lead, Teach, Serve, Direct, and oversee the whole youth ministry organization and guide the members through every aspect of their life both spiritual and physical. To be a pillar and model of physical and spiritual stability and to inspire all the members to be the person that God created them to be.
Sebastian Zapata
Founding Director
Born into a practicing Catholic home, Sebastian has lived in the Faith all his life. He has worked with the Youth since 2003 and has also missioned with the Youth in Colombia, Canada, Peru, Brazil, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, Panama, Rome, Jerusalem, and more. His charisma is an overwhelming enthusiasm for the Faith and for youth which he uses along with persuasive public speaking skills to officiate Catholic Youth Retreats, Conferences, and Workshops. The youth learn to heal their spiritual and emotional wounds and experience the Faith as the means to live a truly Catholic and Christ-centric life. He currently dedicates all his time to his lovely wife, his dogs and to Soldiers of Mercy. All the fruits that God has placed in His heart he offers for the world.
"Make disciples of all nations." -Pope Francis.
Angelica Martinez
Founding Director
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Angelica began with Karisma Foundation in 2002, then joined the efforts of Sebastian and Arlene to help solidify Soldiers of Mercy Youth Ministry in 2010. She was promoted to Director in 2011. Her charisma is Eucharistic Adoration and teaching the basic principles of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Bible and Spirituality. She uses her musical experience, together with her son, Jason, to encourage and perfect the musical abilities of the youth who enter the ministry. This helps build their self-esteem and bolster the spiritual healing qualities of our S.O.M. Music Ministry. Angelica uses her motherly intuition and spirituality to address the interior wounds of the youth she encounters and to bring healing through communicating God’s love for them. She currently works in Good Shepherd Parish as the Administrator of Religious Education.
Arlene Carratala
Founding Director
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Hello Youth! Welcome to Soldiers of Mercy Family!!! We have been working with the youth for more than 10 years and have heard probably almost everything the youth go through. We strive to help you with all your needs no matter the time, or situation. We also help you find your talents, purpose. Don’t be afraid to reach out to me, or us if you need anything.
Arlene Milagros Carratala is a Florida Realtor and works closely with those in need. Arlene has been working with the youth for over 16 years and has also experience with preschoolers since she has worked in two Catholic schools for several years. She is currently completing her Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies with a specialization in Literature from Barry University, and a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Theology from the Avila Institute.
Juan Marin
Founding Director
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Juan is our Soldiers Of Mercy pilot success story as the first member to complete our Leadership Development Program, and be elevated to the highest rank of Founder. He began with Soldiers Of Mercy, as all of our members do, by taking our retreats and completing our program.
He also lived a religious community experience for 2 years, where he gained much knowledge, spirituality, and psychology skills which he generously communicates to the new LDP Candidates, Leadership Team and Members. He is a devout husband and father and his passion is to teach Catholic doctrine and apologetics to the youth.