People Of Faith: Emily Herr
This month’s People of Faith features Emily Herr, a 26-year-old CRE/youth minister. She talks about the rewards and the difficulties of her job and how she wishes Catholics could be more comfortable in talking about their relationship with God.
Where are you CRE/youth minister?
The Catholic Community of North Spencer – St. Joseph, Dale; St. Nicholas, Santa Claus; and Mary, Help of Christians, Mariah Hill
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love teaching our 10th Grade Religion Class that is preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. I try to help the students see that God is real in their lives, that He wants to have a relationship with them, and this relationship changes everything. It is beautiful to build relationships with the teens and walk their faith journey with them.
What is the hardest part of your job?
People are busy. Families especially are being pulled in countless different directions in today’s world. Our busyness makes it hard to get volunteers and youth participants, but it also makes it hard to hear God’s voice in our lives. It is hard for me to see families that make everything else a priority over their relationship with God and the Church.
Who or What has been the biggest influence in your life?
My family has been the biggest influence on who I am today. They love me and support me no matter what.
Who do you consider to be the best role models today?
I think the saints make great role models. My personal favorite is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. He was the son of a wealthy Italian senator, but he used his family’s influence and money to serve the poor in his community. He loved sports, mountains and leading his friends to Christ. He is an example of an ordinary young adult who was able to do extraordinary things because of his faith.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you stay active?
I like to sew, crochet, garden, read, run and ride my bike. I am currently training for my second half-marathon that will be in Indy in May. The Archdiocese of Indy has a team called the Race for Vocations where we train for the race and offer our efforts in prayer for holy vocations for ourselves, our friends, our families and for the Church.
What do you like most about being Catholic?
It is hard to pick just one thing, but I love the universality of the Church. Our faith rings true in the desires of the human heart and I see that most clearly in the fact that people all over the world share our beliefs.
Of those things that are possible to change in the Catholic Church, what would you change?
I wish Catholics in our parishes were more comfortable talking about their relationship with God. I feel like we do a lot of great things as a church, but when is the last time you heard someone in your parish talk about their encounter with Christ? We have a spiritual richness in our faith that is meant to be shared in community and I wish it would come out more in our parishes.
Any regrets in life?
Not really. I have always tried to follow where I believe God is calling me to be.
What do you do in your spiritual life that you would recommend to others?
Pray. God readily gives grace to those who ask for it.
What is your best wisdom on life?
Love is all that matters. Love the people around you (all the people around you).
