Grace and Peace! I pray that you and your family had a Blessed Christmas celebrating together the birth of our Lord. As I step into the new role of Family Ministries Coordinator, it is perfect that I have the opportunity to introduce myself to you on this, the Feast of the Holy Family. This is a new position at Saint Joseph Parish and just like your families, and my own journey, it will grow and change. At the beginning I’ll connect with families, teens, young adults, couples preparing for Marriage or Baptism, Adult Faith Formation, volunteers, and a number of other areas. What it shall become in time, only the Lord knows!
My own journey to now being in this place has been its own adventure. Back in the 1980s my mom was a kindergarten teacher here at Saint Joseph School. If you were here during that time, some of you may remember Miss Keller, now Mrs. Davis. I grew up just south of here in Dillsburg and graduated from Northern in 2008. (Go Polar Bears!) I went on to college at Saint Vincent in Latrobe, where I studied Theology and Sociology. My intention, at the time, was to become a Lutheran Minister as I did not grow up Catholic. However, through college and after, I became more convicted of the truth and beauty of our Catholic faith. I was finally Confirmed at Saint Matthew in Dauphin, on September 14, 2014, the Feast of the Exultation of the Cross. It was by far one of the most supernaturally powerful experiences of my life. In 2015, I moved out to Kansas to serve as a Missionary at a Catholic Camp and Retreat Center. I loved what I did running retreats and sharing the Faith through adventure activities, but I missed Central PA. In July 2017, I accepted a role as a Pastoral Associate at our neighboring parish, Saint Katharine Drexel. When I had given up the dream of being a Lutheran Pastor to become Catholic, I never expected that the Lord would open doors to allow me to work in ministry as a career. And now I get to live this out in the fullness of the Catholic faith! I am so blessed to now begin this new chapter as the Family Ministries Coordinator here at Saint Joseph Parish. In my free time, I love outdoor adventures: hiking, kayaking, camping and bouldering. Currently however, much of my free time is spent on the crazy adventure that is home ownership. Just over a year ago I bought my first home where I reside with 2 awesome roommates and 3 crazy cats. Lily and Rosie are my 2 sweet girls and my roommate has a kitty named Watson. I also love being involved with Young Adult Ministry hosting game nights, Theology on Tap, and holiday parties. I have made some of my best friends through this community. I am so excited to get to know you and your families and walk with you as we journey together in this thing called life as we come know, love, and serve Our Lord and His Church more closely. I hope to be around as many weekend Masses as my schedule allows, particularly on Sundays, so please stop by the Narthex and say hello and introduce yourself. Feel free to also reach out by email [email protected]. God’s Blessings! Becky