I am thrilled to be among the finalists of Catechist of the year, receiving an Honorable Mention.  I am grateful to all those that have come into my ministry life, and even more so to those that have simply come into my life. There are so many things I would love to say about my faith, my journey towards the faith, and my life in the faith.  However, being that I am saving that for upcoming books to be published---I do want to share the interview questions that were asked of me, and of the other finalists of the Catechist awards.

I am truly humbled, honored and blessed to have been among those recognized for the showing of their faith.
 

Are you a catechist? DRE or CRE? Youth Minister? Catholic School Religion Teacher? Other?

I am a Catechist; former Music Minister and a Traveling Speaker and Catholic Educator.
 

Tell us where you serve (church or school name, city and state) and what ages (or grade-level) you serve?

I have served in many parishes across the Archdiocese of Louisville and in other Dioceses as well. Most Recently I founded a Catholic Education Ministry for outreach and Catechesis—One Step Closer Catholic.  I have taught all ages ranging from Kindergarten to our Senior Citizens (The Young of Heart)
 

How long have you been in this role?

I have served as a Catechist since 2011.
 
 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received in this role?

Make sure that you enjoy what you do!  If you enjoy it, other will catch fire along with you! When you meet people where they are in life, it is at that moment that the TRUE JOY will come alive!
 

What inspires you most about serving in this way?

The fact that every moment I am learning about PEOPLE!  God’s gift of miracles come to us in many ways.  I see Christ in every person that I meet, I see the uniqueness that they possess, and I understand that we are just a small part of a very LARGE plan! PEOPLE inspire me to be better!
 
 

What’s the most challenging topic you’ve taught, and how did you teach it? 

FORGIVENESS!  That we are all sinners and that if we weren’t then we would not have need for Christ’s Birth, Death, and Resurrection.   I like to present topics in interactive ways! When you engage people and let them “walk the walk”, then they get a better grasp.  We often have stories of when we most need forgiveness—I usually just ask them to recall their last confession! That’s usually the trick, they were forgiven—and we should also extend that act to those around us! After all, “Forgiven them for they know not what they do!” 
 

What’s your best teaching tip?  

Constantly look for new ways to do it!  Be refreshing and creative.  Be open to change! Be ready to meet people where THEY are not where you WANT them to be. If you do that, you’ll have a ton of fun getting to the destination TOGETHER!
 
 

What spiritual practices are helpful to you? 

PRAYER! I try to incorporate prayer into my daily life.  Prayer comes in many forms for me… At times it is attending Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, or Spiritual Direction.  The Key is finding a wide variety (a balance) of prayer styles that work for you!
 

Can you share a bible verse, or a favorite saint, and share how they inspire your mission? 

Be Not Afraid. Blessed Pope St. John Paul II. He truly LOVED US! His live was an act of LOVE. Everything he did was to share the message that Christ loves us and wants us to LOVE him and live our lives entirely for HIM!
 

Who has been a positive influence on your faith?

The Monastic Community of St. Meinrad Archabbey!  They are a life line of support for me. There is never judgement just love and support. It is through their sacrifice to the charitable works of Christ that I am reminded that even in the smallest act, Christ is present.
 


Deus Lo Vult!