It is easy to say that you can do something, it is more believable when you can hear it from others who witness your work. Listed below are just a few testimonials from people that I have worked with over the years. I pray that these letters give you a better understanding of who I am and what I can do for you.
Bob Dugas
CEO
Basin and Towel Ministries
My name is Fr. Hector Vega, former pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church in South Austin from 2011 until 2016. I’m writing on behalf of Mr. Robert Dugas who was the Youth Minister at St. Paul prior to my tenure as pastor and until most recently. Robert had worked for many years prior to my pastorate at St. Paul with middle, high school, and young adult ministry since 1979, working both in parishes and at the diocesan level.
At the parish level he conducted well over 100 youth retreats and workshops. During my years at St. Paul he held all of the Confirmation classes for teens and young adults. He was exceedingly meticulous in assuring that the curriculum be kept. At my request, he organized a group of youth to attend the World Youth Day in Krakow in the summer of 2016.
He is well respected by the young people whom he served. His main goal was to teach his charges to be disciples and to share their gifts with others through leadership positions in the youth program and in the parish. The hope was that the young people would learn to use their gifts to serve others. This wasn’t wasted on some of his students who went on to become youth ministers and directors of religious education. Others even went on to become deacons or priests.
This is the Robert Dugas I got to know and to appreciate for his dedication to the youth of St. Paul Parish during the years I served there.
Rev. Barry Wm. Cuba
St. Monica St. Matthew
306 S Nolan Ave, Cameron, TX 76520 14051 U.S. Hwy 190, Rogers, TX 76569
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I am pleased to learn that Bob Dugas is making himself available as a consultant for youth ministry. I know of no other youth minister with his facility to reach the youth or years of service doing so. He, therefore, brings to a table a lived experience to supplement and strengthen parish and diocesan ministers and programs.
Bob has ministered to young men and women from varied cultures. He has a gift for recognizing their gifts, allowing them to gain confidence as they develop into servant leaders. He is organized and has developed dynamic programs that attract students and retreatants to receiving the presence of God in their lives. These young men and women also begin to identify themselves more and more as members of the parish and the diocesan community.
I was invited by a friend, when I was in high school, to participate in Bob’s youth ministry program. At the time, the youth ministry program at my own parish was undergoing a period of transition, and my friend wanted me to experience what stable, solid youth ministry “could look like.” Attending one of the Confirmation retreats that Bob directed led me to think about Catholicism seriously for the first time. As I began to learn more and more about the faith, I felt drawn to it, and—long story short—I have been a priest now for over eight years.
I know other students led by Bob have served, or are currently serving, the Church as youth ministers, D.R.E.’s, deacons, and priests.
I recommend, without hesitation, Bob Dugas as a wise companion to walk with you as you seek to draw our young people closer to Christ.
Bob is an amazing leader. He is a true witness to living the Catholic faith and is an example for many to follow. Bob takes the time to listen in an age when many of us forget just how important it is to be the person that just listens.
The retreats and talks that he leads are deep well planned and diverse for everyone to find a way to draw closer to Christ. Bob presents the Catholic faith in relatable real word situations, honoring the beauty, majesty, traditions, and importance that our faith needs in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Basin and Towel Ministries is a great way for your teens/young adults or leadership team to let go for a youth night or a retreat and allow the Holy Spirit to do some real work on your team or group. Bob and his team will invest in making your event or activity relatable and help everyone grow deeper in their faith.
– Andrew Allen
I have known Robert Dugas for 15 years and he is the true definition of Servant Leader. I have experienced many retreats with him as a teen and as an adult volunteer, and each time I have come out with a refreshed and renewed relationship with Christ and my community. His passion for his ministry is what encouraged me to become a youth minister and bring Christ to those I meet. His retreats are full of faith, fun, love and joy. Bob is an amazing leader and even better role model for everyone seeking to encounter Christ. He understands that we are all broken, but he will be the first to tell you how loved you are by God. Prayer, games, community building, skits, environment and powerful talks will create an unforgettable experience for anyone that works with him.
– Vianey Hernández
I have known Bob Dugas for twenty-seven years. First as my youth minister during middle school, my mentor in high school and later he would be my employer. Bob provided me with the skills to be a leader. He developed programs that I enrolled in that made me who I am today. Today I am a Supervisor for Emergency Communications with the Austin Police Department.
Bob wears many hats but what he does best is knowing how to run a successful program. His attention to the smallest of details is what makes each project he touches become memorable. The youth program at St. Paul Catholic Church has a long standing success rate of longevity. This is because of Bob’s many attributes and his ability to advertise for the program.
Technology has changed throughout twenty-seven years. When I was in the youth program we used to call kids on the phone individually to invite them to youth group. However Bob knew the way to grab attention should be tangible and/or visible. He made brochures for the weekly youth group gathering as well as for special events such as retreats and conferences. Bob also created a monthly newsletter. Later on he developed a website for the program. These were all proven to be a success since the attendance for the program continued to increase each year. With that success he would be approached by many others to help them develop their own website and brochures to boost their programs or projects.
Bob is hard-working, kind, determined and dedicated. He will pay attention to all aspects that are needed for any project whether small or large and will make sure all the wheels are well oiled though his management and skill sets.
Consider your project a success when you choose Bob!
– Nicole V. Guerrero