This is me wanting to share a heartfelt thank you to my parish who watched me grow up and blessed me through their presence, love, and support. I am truly blessed to be a part of a faith-filled community. A place where Jesus is present in people’s hearts and that is shown through their actions. Thank you to all the parishioners who sat in the pews every Sunday watching me grow up. From falling asleep as a little girl at 8 pm mass, to squeezing my siblings’ hands relentlessly during the Our Father, to presently having to social distance ourselves at mass.
I owe many thank yous, but here are just a few: Thank you to those who supported our Catholic school. School has been a highlight of my entire life. I love school and because of the great experiences I had in my little Catholic school, I grew in love of Jesus and learned about my faith. Thank you to all of my teachers growing up; you fostered a love of learning within me and helped lead me to becoming a teacher myself. Thank you to all of my religious ed teachers. You had a hard job and still welcomed me in even when that wasn’t where I wanted to be on a Wednesday night. Thank you to those who welcomed me home and made me feel part of the community when I came home on weekends and holidays during college. Thank you to everyone who helps out at our parish fundraisers for showing me the pride I can have for our small community and church. You showed me that service can be so little as clearing plates and washing dishes, but when done with love and a generous heart, it is for the service of God.
My parents were the first teacher of the faith for me and they did an amazing job, but I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the example and witness of faith from those from my parish. Thank you for helping me grow in my relationship with Christ. Thank you for supporting me through your prayers and financial contributions during this next step in my life. Know that I will hold my time growing up in our church and school dearly in my heart when I am thousands of miles away and that I will be praying for you all as well.
Peace and blessings 😊