Totally 'Amazing'
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
The story of his ministry has been featured on Good Morning America, Nightline and HBO. He has had stories written about him in the New York Times and GQ. He has authored two of his own books and has 5,500 likes on Facebook. But to those who have listened to him speak, this is not what makes Justin Fatica “amazing.”
“His presentation style commands [students’] attention and respect,” said Michele Neves, director of the Upper School at Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, where Fatica addressed students during an assembly May 3.
“It is so obvious that Justin is filled with God’s love and he is so proud to share it,” she said. “I knew the students would relate well to him. He is so real, so in your face. He has a gift for picking out those most in need and in his own way, he ministers to them by speaking directly to them.”
Fatica, 32, is a Catholic youth minister and married father of two from Syracuse, N.Y. At the age of 17, he promised God that he would dedicate his life to spreading the name of his personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 2002, he founded Hard as Nails Ministries, a program that assists schools and parishes by leading assemblies, retreats, conference and evenings of prayer. Fatica now travels the world to deliver his powerful message to teens.
Fatica is not your typical speaker and Neves knew that his presentation would be perfect for her juniors and seniors.
“I understood that the students – seniors, especially – were struggling with the decisions they were making in terms of the future. It was so obvious that they needed help, that they were somewhat afraid – they needed to know how much they are valued here at TCA and how much God loves them,” she said. “Justin Fatica and the Hard As Nails Ministry are exceptional ministers who relate so very well to young people.”
This was not Neves’ first time experiencing Hard as Nail Ministries with her students. She met the group when they hosted a senior retreat in her previous school, Paterson Catholic High School, which is now closed.
“When the school’s closing was announced, it was Justin and his crew who came in to help the students process the devastating news. They did an awesome job to help the students who were in a great deal of pain,” Neves said.
By sharing personal stories, incorporating music and, most importantly, prayer, Fatica sends a message to students that “you’re amazing!”
He also shares the message with students that “we are victors, not victims.”
“We are worthy, not worthless,” Fatica told students. “You are amazing not because of what you do, not because of what job you’ll have, what school you’ll go to or what school you don’t go to, what sport you play or what sport you don’t play. But you are worth something because of who you are.
“You are amazing and you need to print that on your heart,” he said.
Students had the opportunity to share their stories of struggle and to offer one another hugs of support and love. They prayed with one another and asked for forgiveness.
Acknowledging that there were times in his own life where he was looking for fulfillment in other places, Fatica shared with the students that “the only love that can fulfill you is the love of God.”
“This is not my message, but God’s message,” he stated. “If you get your relationship right with God, you can get your relationships right with your family and friends.”
TCA senior John Everrett admitted that he was at first taken aback by Fatica’s loud, yelling presentation style. “But it is very moving,” he said. “He is very relatable.”
Acknowledging problems that face teens today, which can lead to cutting and suicide, he shared that “some kids are turning to these alternative methods and are even leaving the Church, they feel like no one understands them.”
Everrett, who will be studying paramedic science next year shared, “it was a phenomenal presentation. I am going to look into it and would like to hopefully contribute to this program.”
His classmate, Jennifer Fordyce, agreed. “I took away the message that everyone is amazing. I know I am and that’s all that matters,” she said. “I would recommend this program to all teens. It is very empowering.”
This is something the faculty and staff in the Upper School can attest to as well. “When they left the gym, they were still telling each other and their stunned teachers, ‘You’re amazing!’ Even now, you can still hear the word ‘amazing’ in our halls,” Neves said.
The English and World Languages Department Chair, Lucine Fabian concurred.
“I have been teaching at Trenton Catholic for decades,” she said. “The ‘Hard as Nails’ presentation by Justin Fatica was the most phenomenal, extraordinary, elevating program I have ever experienced here."
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The story of his ministry has been featured on Good Morning America, Nightline and HBO. He has had stories written about him in the New York Times and GQ. He has authored two of his own books and has 5,500 likes on Facebook. But to those who have listened to him speak, this is not what makes Justin Fatica “amazing.”
“His presentation style commands [students’] attention and respect,” said Michele Neves, director of the Upper School at Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, where Fatica addressed students during an assembly May 3.
“It is so obvious that Justin is filled with God’s love and he is so proud to share it,” she said. “I knew the students would relate well to him. He is so real, so in your face. He has a gift for picking out those most in need and in his own way, he ministers to them by speaking directly to them.”
Fatica, 32, is a Catholic youth minister and married father of two from Syracuse, N.Y. At the age of 17, he promised God that he would dedicate his life to spreading the name of his personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 2002, he founded Hard as Nails Ministries, a program that assists schools and parishes by leading assemblies, retreats, conference and evenings of prayer. Fatica now travels the world to deliver his powerful message to teens.
Fatica is not your typical speaker and Neves knew that his presentation would be perfect for her juniors and seniors.
“I understood that the students – seniors, especially – were struggling with the decisions they were making in terms of the future. It was so obvious that they needed help, that they were somewhat afraid – they needed to know how much they are valued here at TCA and how much God loves them,” she said. “Justin Fatica and the Hard As Nails Ministry are exceptional ministers who relate so very well to young people.”
This was not Neves’ first time experiencing Hard as Nail Ministries with her students. She met the group when they hosted a senior retreat in her previous school, Paterson Catholic High School, which is now closed.
“When the school’s closing was announced, it was Justin and his crew who came in to help the students process the devastating news. They did an awesome job to help the students who were in a great deal of pain,” Neves said.
By sharing personal stories, incorporating music and, most importantly, prayer, Fatica sends a message to students that “you’re amazing!”
He also shares the message with students that “we are victors, not victims.”
“We are worthy, not worthless,” Fatica told students. “You are amazing not because of what you do, not because of what job you’ll have, what school you’ll go to or what school you don’t go to, what sport you play or what sport you don’t play. But you are worth something because of who you are.
“You are amazing and you need to print that on your heart,” he said.
Students had the opportunity to share their stories of struggle and to offer one another hugs of support and love. They prayed with one another and asked for forgiveness.
Acknowledging that there were times in his own life where he was looking for fulfillment in other places, Fatica shared with the students that “the only love that can fulfill you is the love of God.”
“This is not my message, but God’s message,” he stated. “If you get your relationship right with God, you can get your relationships right with your family and friends.”
TCA senior John Everrett admitted that he was at first taken aback by Fatica’s loud, yelling presentation style. “But it is very moving,” he said. “He is very relatable.”
Acknowledging problems that face teens today, which can lead to cutting and suicide, he shared that “some kids are turning to these alternative methods and are even leaving the Church, they feel like no one understands them.”
Everrett, who will be studying paramedic science next year shared, “it was a phenomenal presentation. I am going to look into it and would like to hopefully contribute to this program.”
His classmate, Jennifer Fordyce, agreed. “I took away the message that everyone is amazing. I know I am and that’s all that matters,” she said. “I would recommend this program to all teens. It is very empowering.”
This is something the faculty and staff in the Upper School can attest to as well. “When they left the gym, they were still telling each other and their stunned teachers, ‘You’re amazing!’ Even now, you can still hear the word ‘amazing’ in our halls,” Neves said.
The English and World Languages Department Chair, Lucine Fabian concurred.
“I have been teaching at Trenton Catholic for decades,” she said. “The ‘Hard as Nails’ presentation by Justin Fatica was the most phenomenal, extraordinary, elevating program I have ever experienced here."
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