Send Me

From the beginning of my christian journey, I have been eager to share my love and faith.

When a priest from another church asked if my husband and I would get involved with their Life Teen program, we didn't hesistate to say yes. We had no idea that yes would bring such abundant blessings (and abundant headaches) to our lives.

A month later, when our own church was still trying to get a teacher for 7th grade religious education, I felt pulled to say "me! I'll help!" I had no idea that three months later, I'd start having morning sickness all day long that lasted 20 weeks.

This all happened within 4 months of my baptism, confirmation and first communion at the Easter vigil mass. There were many times those days I thought I'd lost my mind - we were both working full-time jobs, we were newlyweds.... That year, we purchased our first home, my husband switched companies, then we had our first child. It was definitely the year of "Yes!" in our home.

In spite of the craziness and busy-ness, I have really fond memories of that time - particularly in regards to my faith. I was not only teaching 7th grade, but had volunteered to help with the whole middle school youth group. I was giving myself to all these pre-teens on Wednesdays and then the high school kids at Life Teen (at another parish) each Sunday - trying to help them find the fire I'd found in Christ that past year.

Our meetings with the other ministers for Life Teen were filled with prayer and praise and worship. We were being led by a dynamic priest, who was really on fire with the Holy Spirit. Even as a new Catholic, I knew this guy was a gifted homilist and servant. And though we were pouring out ourselves each week through this incredibly personal work, we were being filled up frequently with what God promises those who do His will.

Of course, all good things come to an end (or do they?). I did not teach religious education after that year, our daughter became my first priority and since I was still working in the M-F world, the rest of my time was hers. Problems arose with leadership at the other parish and we stopped ministering through Life Teen. I still did help with the middle school youth at our parish, but when I got pregnant with our second daughter even that fell by the wayside.

I don't fault myself for taking some time away from ministry to tend to my family's young flock. I've participated in some moms' groups and studies, but the joy I get from ministering to others just can't be beat.

Since moving here just over a year ago, I've really embedded myself in our community. I've hosted play and pray dates for the homeschoolers, among other times of opening our home to the TORCH group. I helped last year with vacation bible school (and am on the committee this year), we are a sponsor couple at our parish for engaged couples, we're part of a prayer group....

It's time to step it up, though. God knew I was feeling this way and has opened an opportunity to us at our parish. At first, I felt there was no way I am ready for this kind of ministry to adults (remember, most of my experience is with kids), but my cheerleader reminded me that I can do all things through Christ. It's just sharing my faith, right?

It feels excellent to be involved again.