Love Of Faith, Church, Outdoors Runs Deep

The People of Faith feature is compiled by Steve Halbig, who asks a series of questions of people of the diocese – some who have reached the “age of wisdom” and some who are younger.  All will share stories of faith.

This month’s People of Faith features Mary Greenwell, an involved parishioner at Christ the King in Evansville.  Here’s what she has to say.

Number of children, grandchildren:

We have four children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Occupation:

I have worked mostly in retail. For the past 12 years I have been an Associate at the Old Navy Store in Evansville.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? What did you end up doing?

I thought I would like to be an airline stewardess. Instead I got married and raised our children.

Who or what has had the biggest impact on my life?

Father Jack Emge in my younger years in Cannelburg, Ind., and Father Earl Rohleder later in life. Of course my Mother and Father were the greatest parents ever. They taught us to be faithful to church and God. I was the youngest of eight and my parents worked hard to provide the essentials. I wish my children could have been raised as I was. It was a struggle but looking back it was a great time. I’m thankful everyday for the blessing God has bestowed on us and our children.

Who do consider to the best role models today?

I think our priests at Christ the King -- Monsignor Knapp, Monsignor Koch (deceased), Fathers Forler, Ernst, Zenthoefer and Hilderbrand -- all have been great role models.

Describe how your faith helped you through a difficult time in your life.

I would have to say there were two times. One was when my namesake was born. Mary Elizabeth lived just 16 days and then the angels took her to heaven. My heart hurt so bad for my daughter. Her husband carried the small casket up the middle aisle with their other two children. Halfway to the altar they stopped, the priest came off the altar and said to my daughter “What’s wrong?” She said, “This is not how a father should walk their daughter down the aisle.” The priest then said, “but look who he is taking her to.” It was the most heart wrenching experience I’ve ever experienced.

Then there was my Cursillo 77 when I met Jesus and can say front and forward, “I love Jesus!” That was a life changing event!

Do you have any hobbies? How do you stay active?

I work at the Old Navy store several days a week and I play golf two days a week (weather permitting). I have been walking 3 miles a day for the past several years with a lady friend from Christ the King. I have had 3 back surgeries and the first of December I had a total knee replacement, which has reduce my morning walks to a mile and a half. I also enjoy backyard gardening, or anything that includes the outdoors.

What do you like most about being Catholic?

I really enjoy the traditions of my faith: Confession, incense and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. When visiting other Catholic churches I feel very comfortable, like I am at home.

Of those things that are possible to change in the Catholic Church what would you change?

Other than Benediction more often there is nothing I would change. With the recent changes in the Liturgy I find them very acceptable to the congregation.

Any regrets in life?

No regrets. Thankful Jesus has blessed me with so much.

Tell us a few more things about yourself.

I am a lector, usher, Eucharistic minister, and just recently trained to be a sacristan. I am active in the RCIA program and a proud member of the Christ the King Camillus Ministry and active with the St. Vincent de Paul group. On the strange side I jumped (tandem) from a plane in Carmi, Ill., and have a tattoo on the back of my right ankle (golf clubs and golf ball).

What do you do in your spiritual life that would recommend to others?

Get involved in your parish; join a committee or two of your interest or one you feel is in need of help or change.

What is your best wisdom of life?

Live everyday as if it is your last. Who knows, it could be. And love as you wish to be loved.