Faith at Work: Carrie Gabriel

The vast majority of the more than 1.5 million people employed in the Kansas City and St. Joseph metropolitan areas work in secular industries. How is Faith expressed by devoted Catholics working in our area banks, law firms, doctors’ offices, restaurants, farms or auto plants? This is “Faith at work.”

Carrie Gabriel

Instructional Coach, Liberty Public Schools

Carrie Gabriel spends her work day encouraging teachers at Discovery Middle School in Liberty, inspiring them to be creative and innovative in their approach to instruction and the learning environment they create for their students. A lifelong Catholic, Carrie brings her Faith to work in the way she treats others and finds pockets of time for prayer. Carrie and her husband, Chris, are members of St. James Parish in Liberty with their three children.

Tell us a little bit about your faith journey.

I remember opening St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Blue Springs, attending Mass at the roller rink prior to its opening. I visited just about every Catholic Church in midtown and downtown KC while attending UMKC before settling at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. I was also able to witness the renovations there prior to being married to my husband, Chris, who was raised Catholic in his hometown of Columbus Junction, Iowa. Our two oldest children were baptized at the Cathedral, but when they were old enough to need religious education, we moved them to St. James in Liberty, where we live. We were able to be a part of the dedication of the new St. James Parish church in 2019 and saw our daughter receive her First Communion in the new space.

As far as my journey goes, it is just that, a journey, and not a destination. I always try to find new ways to invigorate my faith by connecting in some other way outside of weekly Mass. I’m an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, have participated in Bible studies, attended Catholicism Revisited classes, was an RCIA and confirmation sponsor, am a Lenten Prayer Warrior and most recently helped with our religious education program. I find what works with my schedule and family at the time. I feel a faith journey can’t be passive. You have to continually nurture your connection with God.

How is your Catholic Faith expressed during the work day or in the professional setting?

Working in a public school, I don’t outwardly share my beliefs in the Catholic Church, but I do try to model grace to every student, parent and colleague that I work with. It is my goal to meet all people where they are, give them the support they need to move forward and discern their feelings so they feel heard. The world of education is contentious right now, and we need grace, kindness and understanding so we can foster citizens who can carry those same traits into their home and community.

When is it easy to express your Faith in a professional setting?

The easiest way to share my Faith in a professional setting is by acting in ways that were modeled by Jesus. I am not perfect at this at all, but I try to do better all the time.

What are some practical ways that you incorporate prayer into your work day?

My short commute, waiting for my daughter in the car rider line at school and each night at dinner allow for small pockets of prayer time. I am able to be more focused on prayer at night before I go to bed. I find having a devotional on my bedside table helps me clear my mind for prayer and promotes a calm way to finish my day.

Is there a Bible verse, Scripture story, prayer, spiritual item or quote that you carry with you? How does it help you stay grounded in your Faith?

I was once told to imagine Jesus as a friend that you would meet for coffee. You meet him at the same place and time each day. He is always there. We would never abandon a coffee date with a friend who was waiting for us, just as we should never miss our time with Jesus through prayer. I try to remember that he is always patiently waiting for me. I just have to show up.