I‘m delighted to feature this month a longtime friend, Dr. Sharon Weiss. Many thanks, Sharon, for sharing your love of reading here!
How You Know Me: Readers would know me because of my connection to Catholic schools. I am celebrating my 33rd year in Catholic education where I was a French and German teacher at Academy of Our Lady/Spalding Institute. When the schools consolidated in 1989 and became PND, I taught French, German, & Psychology and was a freshman/sophomore counselor. In 2003, I was hired as the Principal at St. Patrick School in Washington. I thoroughly enjoy this leadership role as I am able to maintain focus on faith formation and a strong curriculum for our children and the families we serve.
My parish is St. Patrick Church in Washington, where I have been a member for 2 years. Previouisly, I was a member of St. Peter’s Church in Peoria where I worshipped after my reception into the Catholic Faith in 1993 until I became a member of St. Pat’s.
My most cherished and primary vocation is mother and grandmother: I have a son, David, and a grandson, Gabriel. They are my joy! I thank God for them each day as they are His love letter to me.
Why I love reading:
I have always loved reading! When I am reading for enjoyment, it expands the imaginative and creative side of me. When I read for professional development, it helps me to stay current on best practices in education in order to ensure academic excellence. When I read for spiritual growth, it reminds me of my vocation and service to Christ and His Church.
What I’m reading now:
I have been reading The Four Teresas by Gina Loehr. The four Teresas– Therese of Lisieux, Teresa of Avila, Teresa Benedicta of the Cross and Mother Teresa–are all beautiful examples of women who loved God with their whole hearts, minds and souls. I read little parts of the book when I am in front of the Blessed Sacrament and ask our Lord to teach me how to imitate these holy women in my personal and professional life.
For enjoyment, I just completed The Hunger Games triology! WOW! I found the cultural premise of these books fascinating, and I was amazed at how many of my junior high students have read them! I have enjoyed discussing these books with some of the students.
My favorite book:
My all-time favorite book has been and continues to be Jane Eyre. Its theme of redemptive love is powerful and hopeful.