Stewards Among Us

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Raelin
     If you go to 10:00am Mass, you’ve seen Raelin. If you drop by the library, chances are, you’ve met Raelin.   You probably know her parents, Heather and Sean. Maybe you have seen her younger siblings in her arms.

     I had the opportunity to chat with Raelin one Sunday morning. While working on a plate of pancakes, she told me about the place church has in her heart. Rae started as an Altar Server 3 years ago. She had seen her cousin become an Altar Server and thought it would be something she too, would like to do.   After a few minutes with Raelin, it quickly becomes clear the importance serving God has for her. She often serves at 10:00am and then again at 5:30pm before Youth Group. I asked her what it is REALLY like up there, during Mass. She told me quite honestly that it is hard to focus at first because you see all the people in the pews. But then her eyes lit up as she told me about her favorite part of the Mass…the consecration. “it is a blessing to receive the Eucharist after seeing all the work that goes into a Mass. Being an Altar Server is also a good way to get closer to God.”

     So what does this 14 year old get from spending so much time at St. Therese? She responds, ”I will not feel complete unless I go to Mass.” Wow! Raelin has a few younger siblings and tries to balance helping her mom, being home schooled and a normal teenager. Although she is now taking riding and piano lessons, she notes that church is a second home for her at this time of her life. And like so many her age, she is trying to figure out the road she will take. She wonders what her calling will be; she wonders what she will be when she grows up. She can envision having a family when she’s older, but she also relates to Mother Teresa and the Sisters of Charity. Already she knows that she wants to have an impact on the next generation, perhaps as a teacher. It is easy to be impressed by the composure this young lady has about her. She is quick with a smile. She is a mentor to new Altar Servers and quick to jump in to help. But I think the thing I notice most about her is the quiet sense of grace she carries with her. Raelin strikes me as someone who will make a difference in her days. Her heart is in the right place; her soul is in the right place.   She really is a Steward Among Us!

Dodie Sink
If you came to St. Therese on any given day for Mass, most likely you would pick her out in a crowd. She would be the one wearing a smile and a seasonal sweater. Her warmth shows a life of devotion to her church and her family.

After spending time with Dodie Sink, it is apparent that her love for both church and family have built her foundation for serving. Dodie, growing up in both Indiana and Statesville, came from a traditional Catholic family. She is one of 12 children, with most of her siblings living close by. Living two blocks from her church, it was not unusual to find her family at church helping. “If the doors were open, we were there!”

After receiving a degree in nursing, Dodie met the love of her life: Joe. Being in the Air Force, Joe took his bride to Maine where he was stationed until he was sent to Vietnam. With two small children and no family members nearby to help, Dodie found her support and haven through her other family: the church.

At St. Therese, Dodie has been a Eucharistic Minister for many years. She has served as a Homebound Minister and relishes the relationships that have come from this. Dodie is also one of our beloved Church Mice. Ever so quietly, our “mice” take care of the altar linens, vestments and make sure the altar is set and ready for Mass. Fr. Mark and Fr. Paul have great admiration for this group!
How lucky we are to have her in our church! She is a true gem in the pews!

For more information about becoming a Eucharistic Minister and serving the homebound, visit our website link:   https://www.sainttherese.net/homebound-ministers.

St. Therese catholic church

217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC 28117

Stewards Among Us