As a member of Christ the King parish, I have had the ebb and flow of my faith develop through the doors of the Cathedral I call home. My family began the journey in the late 1950’s at the little white chapel, and soon moved with Fr. O’Neil to the large and gorgeous Cathedral. It was a move that my parents often spoke proudly of.
Every sacrament has been given to me within this parish, from Baptism in the white chapel to Matrimony in the Cathedral. My own children have had the privilege to enjoy the same experience, leaving an imprint of the sacrifice of many generations of their family.
Both sacramental development and education has rooted me in this parish. Upon becoming a teacher, my thought was to someday teach in the rooms where I had received my Catholic education. The unique opportunity to teach in a faith-filled environment is a gift I view as priceless. Not only do I joyfully watch the growth of education, I am immersed in a personal relationship with each child and their family as we navigate through a blend of education and faith. The privilege and responsibility is grand, but the reward and satisfaction is beyond measure.
Our school and church have had a unique relationship since our beginning. That little white chapel had big dreams for our Catholic community, and with the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of many, myself and numerous children have reaped the benefits. To witness classroom growth and to enjoy a view into a family and their child’s growth is the gift our school and church share.
The mission of our church has been to walk hand-in-hand with our school as she navigates today’s issues and tomorrows dreams. These students that the school holds are the future of our church. The beautiful model our parishioners exhibit with daily Mass, financial sacrifice, and talent gives the students a message that is deep-rooted in their education and faith. God has blessed my journey in faith to be a teacher of the sacraments, and for that I am eternally grateful to my parish, Christ the King and her partner, Christ the King School.
Patty Schuette
2nd Grade Teacher
