How a relationship with Jesus enriched my life

by Maureen Vick

Principal of St. Timothy Catholic School

My relationship with Jesus has enriched my life through my ministry as a Catholic educator.

When I moved to Arizona and began my educational job pursuit, a Catholic School principal in the Diocese of Phoenix reached out to me as there was an opening at her elementary school. This principal was the former principal of my Catholic elementary school back in the Midwest. What a small world to reunite after so many years. I accepted the teaching position and worked at this Catholic elementary school for many years. I was surrounded by Dominican priests and a wonderful staff while working at this school. As I attended work each day, my faith life was enriched by those I worked with, the conversations, the daily examples of living a strong faith life, and listening to the preaching of the Dominicans. My teaching position moved from a job to a ministry. I truly felt called to work in Catholic education. I loved sharing our faith with the children, listening to their inquisitive minds, and assisting in their sacramental preparation. The children were enriching my relationship with Jesus each day. The 14 years at this school was a blessing as I began my educational journey.

After I married and we began to raise our daughter, I thought my plan was to stay at home and to return to teaching at a later date. But God had other plans for me and much sooner than I expected. Through a series of events and opportunities, I was asked to take a look at St. Timothy Catholic School. I attended Mass at St. Timothy’s first as I had never attended Mass here. I witnessed a parish that was alive, and it drew me to want to learn more about this community. St. Timothy Catholic parish sparked a desire that the Lord was calling me to look into this educational opportunity at the parish school. Walking on the school property the first time, I could feel and see the faith at the school. Reflecting back on the beginning of my time here, I see that God had been preparing me during my time at my previous school to be at St. Timothy’s. He was enriching my life, placing people in my life, and events in my life occurred all to help deepen my relationship with Him. I continue to be grateful for my years in Catholic education, as it has truly enriched my personal relationship Jesus.