MA Grad Reflects on Growth in
Knowledge and Faith BY UTE EBLE
I
n 2017, the Army sent my husband Joe, me, and our four children to Hawaii. I began thinking about job options for when my youngest would start Kindergarten. Ever since I started learning about my faith on an adult level during pre-cana instructions I have loved growing in knowledge and being challenged to grow in faith. In what I can only describe as a “Holy Spirit moment,” I realized with great clarity that I should switch from my background in business administration to working in Religious Education. This would build on my previous experience as a corporate trainer and volunteer at several military chapels where I had been a Catechist and active in the CWOC program. I felt, and still do, that Religious Education is the perfect sweet spot where I can use my skills and talents for something that brings me joy, helps others, and serves God. I started working as the Religious Education Coordinator (CREC) for our Chapel and decided to pursue a graduate certificate in catechesis to fulfill the AMS educational requirements for CRECs I chose to enroll in the Catholic Distance University (CDU) over other universities. CDU’s program was designed to be completed exclusively online; the existing partnership with the AMS, and interesting course descriptions made it a perfect fit. After completing my first course, “The Catholic Theological Tradition,” I realized that I had found a “home,” and switched to the MA in Theology and Educational Ministry degree program. Several of my classmates were connected to the military, including some on active-duty joining from downrange. I felt understood when I shared about my work. In military chapels, different Christian denominations and even other religions share buildings and resources. My studies helped me understand the different religious viewpoints and defend the Catholic
30
