People Of Faith
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.
Feel free to contact Steve at shalbig@evdio.org
Janie Kempf’s faith put to the test
This month’s People of Faith features Janie Kempf, 58, parish catechetical leader at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in St. Anthony. She has a lot to say about faith and helping people who can’t help themselves.
What is the best part of your job? Interaction with parishioners and seeing the students for religion class every week.
Who or what has been a big influence in your life? My parents, Ottie and Alberta Betz, were very faith-filled and always put their Catholic faith as a priority. They had 13 children and still took the time to attend Mass throughout the week as well as on Saturday and Sunday. As a family, we prayed the rosary almost daily and I still try to pray it.
Who do you consider to be the best role models today? Pope Francis and Bishop Charles Thompson. They are both very humble and show a real care and concern for people.
Describe how your faith helped you through a difficult time in your life? Faith helps us through many difficult times, but there are two instances that stand out most. First, when John and I were told that our son Ryan had cerebral palsy and would never walk or do many of the things that “normal” kids do. Since he was born two months prematurely, Ryan seemed a little slow and we suspected something was not quite right, but it wasn’t until he was 1 ½ years old that we learned he had cerebral palsy. Faith helped us to accept the reality and turned it into a positive, rather than the poor-me attitude.
Another time was on June 9, 2012, when my niece and godchild died unexpectedly at the age of 31, leaving behind three small children and her husband. It was very difficult to understand why God could allow something so awful to happen. Faith has helped all of my extended family to cope and continue on with our lives. We feel Annett’s spirit with us as we remain stronger in our faith than ever.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you stay active? My favorite hobby is volunteering with Special Olympics. Also, I am currently the ALPS (athlete leadership programs) Coordinator for Dubois County, and my son Ryan and I serve on the ALPS State Board. Helping the athletes achieve their goals means more than words can ever say.
Of those things that are possible to change in the Catholic Church, what would you change? I think priests should be allowed to marry.
If you could make one change in your community, what would it be? I wouldn’t change a thing; I love our small hometown community.
What do you like most about being Catholic? Going to Mass and receiving the Eucharist.
What do you do in your spiritual life that you would recommend to others? Pray the rosary daily, read Catholic Digest, and daily devotionals.
What is your best wisdom on life? Life will be so much better if it is Christ-centered.
Pray for others and help those who can’t help themselves. It’s the most rewarding thing you can ever do.
