Parish & Faith Involvement
Organized from the beginning of my life all the way until now!
I grew up with my very close-knit, religious family in the small town of Milk River. Growing up in such a small community meant that I unfortunately did not get the option to attend a Catholic school growing up. However, I have maintained a strong Catholic faith by completing my sacraments and by surrounding myself with exemplary Catholic followers.
My parents have been excellent Catholic role-models for me to admire throughout the years. My father has always been an active member of the Knights of Columbus, while my mother has been a part of the CWL for years as well. My parents are active in our church by being greeters, readers, and by being a part of the church choir. Because of their active Catholic lives, they ensured that I was given the opportunity to learn about God and to be active in my parish in whatever ways I could. Having my parents there as religious guides throughout my life has led me to the point that I am at today. On this page I will share my own personal journey of faith starting at the very beginning.
Sacrament of Baptism
I was the New Year's Baby of Milk River AND I was a baby girl despite everyone assuming that my mom would have another boy. So, needless to say, that my parents were thrilled to be bringing a baby girl into the family. They were quick to get me Baptized in the St. Peter's church with my three Godparents by my side. By Baptizing me into the faith, my parents had already taken the first step towards setting me up to live a Catholic life. (Click on image to enlarge)
Keeping religion as a focus growing up
My parents always made sure that us kids understood the true meanings of religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
Around Easter I remember taking a family vacation to view The Passion play in the Badlands. I remember mom and dad bringing us to the Stations of the Cross to educate us on the death of Jesus, and I remember being excited to receive a new Children's Bible from the Easter Bunny one year.
At Christmas I remember the excitement of adding a new nativity scene ornament each day leading up to Christmas. I remember lighting Advent candles as a family in church, and moving baby Jesus down to ladder until he was in his crib. I remember watching dad set up the nativity scene in front of our house to proudly display it for the town, and then the pure excitement of finally getting to put baby Jesus in his manger when the time came.
Looking back on my childhood I know that they took on a huge role of educating me on the true meanings of holidays which has helped me in my understanding of their importance now.
Around Easter I remember taking a family vacation to view The Passion play in the Badlands. I remember mom and dad bringing us to the Stations of the Cross to educate us on the death of Jesus, and I remember being excited to receive a new Children's Bible from the Easter Bunny one year.
At Christmas I remember the excitement of adding a new nativity scene ornament each day leading up to Christmas. I remember lighting Advent candles as a family in church, and moving baby Jesus down to ladder until he was in his crib. I remember watching dad set up the nativity scene in front of our house to proudly display it for the town, and then the pure excitement of finally getting to put baby Jesus in his manger when the time came.
Looking back on my childhood I know that they took on a huge role of educating me on the true meanings of holidays which has helped me in my understanding of their importance now.
Sacrament of First Holy Communion
In Grade 2 I was given the chance to go through my next sacrament: receiving the Eucharist. I remember learning about the importance and symbolism of the Bread and the Wine. I am thankful that I was put through First Communion because it set me up to receive the body and blood as a true member of the church.
Catechism, Youth Group, Choir, and playing piano
My parents also made sure that I was getting other religious education by sending me to catechism during my childhood, and by encouraging me to sign up for Youth Group as I got older as well. It was through catechism that I began to learn about the stories in the Bible and began learning about some fundamentals such as sins, forgiveness and the 10 Commandments. Some of my fondest memories from my Catechism days came from the opportunities to act out the Bible stories for the congregation! In Youth Group I had the chance to be a part of the children's choir where we would perform one whole mass - and I even played some songs on the piano!
Altar Serving & SABC
During Jr. High it was definitely a lot harder to maintain a healthy religious relationship with God. Two of the influential things that helped me through those times was my dedication to being an alter server all through Jr. High, and my attendance of the Southern Alberta Bible Camp. Both of those activities seemed to give religion more "reason" to me. At SABC, I especially felt myself opening up to God because it was so validating to watch other teenagers my age accepting God in ways that I wasn't used to experiencing in my home town circle of friends. My feelings at SABC were my first true experiences with wanting to have a real relationship with God which was extremely eye-opening. I can still to this day remember the uplifting worship songs that they taught us and how I felt singing those songs of praise. I have made many of those songs become regular "celebratory" songs in my own classroom now.
Sacrament of Confirmation
In middle school I was blessed with the opportunity to go through the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was required that we would do some volunteer work around the town before being able to be confirmed. I began working in the public library sorting books into their correct area. When I completed my volunteer work, I chose a secondary middle name "Marie".
Becoming a Catholic School Teacher
One of the most influential decisions in my religious life was the decision to sign with a separate division and take on the task of teaching religion for the first time! I have found that my position as a Catholic School Teacher has made me strive to become a better role model for my students and my family. I have learned more about religion in my first year of teaching than I did in my entire life beforehand because I am constantly learning new material and using more resources to make religion class more exciting. It is amazing how many of the little details and routines I was so oblivious to all of this time. It has been very rewarding to learn the curriculum alongside my students.
Catholic Education Sunday
November 9th was Catholic Education Sunday and so I decided that I would go to church at our school's parish to help represent our staff in church. (I usually go to mass in my own home town so that I can have some family bonding time). I arrived at church early to help get the coffee perking, the juice made, and the cookies set up. During the mass it was great to hear Terry O'Donnell speak so highly of our division and to let the congregation know all that we have been up to in our school as well as what our faith plan is for this year. After mass I was serving the coffee and tea and it was a great opportunity for me to introduce myself to some of the parish community. Many of the church members were curious who I was and it was a good chance to network with the locals and for them to see me as an active school member. My favorite part was getting to see some of the students of St.Catherine's and many of them even came to help me do dishes after the mass as well so it was a good chance for both myself and the kids to see each other in new roles. I found the day to be very rewarding and fulfilling!
Helping out with the CWL
Because my mom is on the CWL, I enjoy joining her CWL team and helping to serve the various meals such as after-church snacks, funerals, and other events. I specially love getting the chance to catch up with all of the seniors that have watched me grow up. During Lent, my mom's group was on "Share Lent Breakfast" and so I helped to serve French toast and coffee to the other parish members.
Reading in Mass
Although I have not yet built up the courage to begin being a regular reader at mass, I did recently do a reading at a memorial service for my grandmother. I was extremely honored that my aunties wanted me to read the fareweell to my grandmom, and although I was nervous, I felt a great deal of pride knowing that I was participating in honoring her memory. I know that I would have similar experiences of pride if I was to begin reading in mass, so I plan on occasionally taking over my father's role as reader in mass.