I am in my late sixties and still soaking in as much as I can in learning about my faith. As a cradle Catholic, things started getting fuzzy for me after Vatican II and much of my religious education in the local Catholic High School seemed like a blur of terms and definitions. Reading the Bible was not promoted and I was not at all comfortable asking questions. It took me a long time to discover that my teachers were not comfortable in responding to questions, either. I followed the world for a long time until I started having my children in my 30's.The presence of my first born brought me to my knees in a request for guidance. This complete little miracle of love also brought a firm resolution that there was no way my husband and I were going to be able to do this without the help of God. There was no question in my mind at all!

Due to some unforeseen circumstances which had developed over time, our family went through the tragedy of a divorce. At times it seemed as if It were my two children, I and God against the world. My devotion to Mary was rekindled with daily prayers and posted notes around my house to keep her present.

The annulment process brought challenges. My goal was to make peace with my Church and to seek the sacraments. I prayed that this was in line with God's will. My children are now adults and I have two beautiful grandsons, although both children live out of state. At this time in my life, I am freer to give more time to my Church. Every day is a gift and an opportunity to remain faithful to God, His love, His truth, His light.

It is with this commitment, and I, His humble servant offer and share the need for His presence in this world. I have been teaching religious education since my children were in high school in the 90's while carrying out teaching in the public schools and private agencies for Elementary and Special Education. I work with our local Pro-Life Prayer Warriors. I continue to work in the pubic schools as a substitute teacher out of need for financial support and also because I believe that my presence in living out the gospel may be helping those who are in need of God's presence. I had been blessed to care for parents and other elders in and outside of my family when their lives once again returned into the arms of God. He offered these graces in a continuation with helping some of the elders in my parish.

God has a plan for me, although I'm not always sure what it is. I do know that I don't need to know what it is, only that He will show me and all while learning more about Him and His perfect love; it is always in His hands.

Kathy is on facebook: Kathleen A. Skarupinski

Twitter: Kathleen Skarupinski @Asakasia61