“Meet a Reader” is a feature of the book page of the print Catholic Post each month, highlighting someone in the diocese of Peoria who loves reading. This month’s reader is a mom and grandmother, who has developed a passion for sharing the faith.
How we know you: I’ve been a member of Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal, for more than 20 years. I’ve been active as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister, member of Altar and Rosary, Servants of the Shepherd, volunteer for lunchroom duty at the grade school and team lead for the cleaning of the Sanctuary. My husband Gregg and I have three children and two grandchildren.
Why I love reading: For many years after school, I read only a smattering of books. But some years ago, I began to crave more knowledge of our Church, and my reading was focused on the Church and her saints. As they say when you’re courting, the more you know about someone the more readily you may fall in love with them. All my time reading helped me to love our God and His Holy Catholic Church much more.
What I am reading now: A recent passion of my is learning why young people lose their faith at college, and helping them stay true to the Faith. To be aware of and be knowledgeable enough to answer these “newly educated” students and graduates, I sought the advice of our pastor, Monsignor Eric Powell. One book he suggested is The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief by noted genome scientist Francis Collins. So far, I love this book and feel it will give me a good base of knowledge when completed. I’m also reading Ten Universal Principles: A Brief Philosophy of the Life Issues by Father Robert Spitzer, S.J.
My favorite book: I would have to say that The Story of a Soul, St. Therese of Lisieux’s autobiography, is one of my favorites, and the other is The Cure of Ars by Father Bartholomew O’Brien. Both books have touched my heart so much, I am forever changed and will never be the same.