Burritos for the soul: student turns contest winnings into ministry

DAYTON, Ohio -- Aspiring Christian rapper Joe Melendrez wrote and performed "Gotta Get It Now," an ode to a burrito, to win a contest at the Chipotle Mexican restaurant in Dayton, Ohio. His reward: three burritos a day for a year plus four 20-burrito parties.

Instead of trying to eat that many burritos himself, the University of Dayton sophomore issued an open invitation to the public to meet him at the restaurant to share the burritos and talk about faith, life, service, solidarity with the poor and equality.

"I have a responsibility to share this," Melendrez said, referring as to the dinner talk as much as the entrees. Besides being a singer and student, Melendrez is a codirector of Marianist involvement for the university's student government. Sharing the meals, he says, is an extension of the the Marianist mission, meaning, "focusing your efforts on the well-being of others and working to fix problems in the community."

He held one burrito party already with a group of homeless people. He's had individual meals with about 80 people so far and had dinner reservations booked through the end of 2006.

Melendrez issues dinner invitations in classes, at church and during speaking engagements at local high schools. Some people are acquaintances. Some reach him by e-mail or through Face book.com. He's even met with faculty members.

"I've met with people from all faiths--Christian, Jewish, agnostic," he said. "This has been rewarding, as I'm able to learn and better understand their personal stories and beliefs."

A recent dinner guest was Danielle Desmond, who admitted she took the invitation for the free burrito but ended up with much more.

"Thanks to Joe's amazing faith and love for others, he has taught me that faith can be fun. Faith can be discussed anywhere. And, faith goes great with burritos," she said.

A video of Melendrez performing the "Gotta Get It Now" rap is on YouTube.com. When the year of the burrito ends, Melendrez will continue working on his music. He said he's looking forward to traveling to Catholic high schools nationwide after he graduates in two years.

--Catholic News Service

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