“I watched my parents be active members of our parish community and knew I wanted to be helpful like them,” says Munden. 

She first began serving in the Church as an altar server at Sunday mass. As she grew older, she transitioned into a different ministry that left a lasting impression on her life.

During high school, Munden became a lector at the parish where she served with her father at the 7:30 am Sunday Mass. She would read the first reading, and her dad read the second. While waking up early wasn't always a teenager's idea of fun, those Sunday mornings became the most important part of her faith journey as a young girl.

"As a teenager, I definitely did not enjoy waking up at 6:30 am for Mass every Sunday," Munden said with a laugh. “But as I reflect on that time of my life, I look at those mornings with my dad as memories I'll cherish forever. I also learned that I had a passion for proclaiming Scripture and sharing God's Word with others."

A proud product of Catholic education, Munden attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school. She says the experience gave her much more than just an education.

"I’m so grateful for the sacrifice that my parents made in giving me a Catholic education,” she said. "The experience allowed me to grow up in environments that were rooted in Catholic teachings. Gospel values were taught in every classroom and instilled in me as a young person growing in faith. It has certainly formed the person I am today and inspired my desire to serve the Church.”

In 2024, her passion for Catholic education came full circle when she became the Director of Communications at Tampa Catholic High School.  Her role focused on sharing information with students and families and telling the story of the great work happening at the school via photography, social media, newsletters, and community engagement.

"My time at Tampa Catholic is very special to me," Munden said. "I loved being part of such a faithful community that is guided by fantastic teachers and administrators. It’s very special to work in an environment where faith is at the center of everything you do."

Currently, Munden serves as the Director of Communication and Information for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. In this role, she oversees diocesan communications and helps share the stories of faith happening throughout the diocese. 

"I love my role at the Diocese because I have the opportunity to spread the Good News of our Catholic faith with others," she shares. "There’s so much incredible work happening throughout our diocese, from our parishes and schools to our diocesan ministries and the work of Catholic Charities. Every day, I get to see the Gospel lived out in tangible ways."

Munden sees a clear connection between her childhood experiences with her professional career today. What started as reading Scripture at Sunday Mass has grown into a vocation focused on communicating the mission of the Church.

"When I was a lector, my role was to proclaim God's Word. Today, I have the amazing opportunity to proclaim what God is doing through His people.” said Munden. “Every story has the potential to inspire someone to strengthen their faith in new ways and remind others that God is truly at work in our world.”