Finding my faith

Rewind to June 2023. Out of pure luck, I saw a posting for a teaching position with Christ the King Academy, a middle school in the same small town where I lived. I happened to know the vice principal, Errin Nelson, and took a chance and emailed him to ask some questions. Fast-forward to the end of that week, and I had accepted a brand-new teaching position in another school division! I was leaving my home division, which brought me to Alberta in 2011. Scared? A little. Excited? Definitely. 

I felt in my heart that I was called to make this big change. My daughter, Anna (8), joined me. She and I are glued at the hip, and she wanted to move to Holy Family Academy to remain close to her momma. This is when I began to notice incredible divine intervention. It sounds so strange to say out loud, but there is no doubt in my mind that I was called to this position. 

Several signs appeared over the next little while that made me know for certain I had made the most incredible choice. Jumping forward again, I learned about RCIA, which was going to begin in October. I have always had a ton of questions and often wondered if there was 'more'.

Out of my personal and very private fear of death, which only grew stronger once I became a mother, I reached out and signed myself and my daughter up. Once my journey of learning about the Catholic faith began, I have not looked back. One particular example illuminated for me was this; my classroom saint is St. Joseph; I was born in Saint Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario; and my grandfather's name was Joseph. 

​This Easter, my incredible daughter Anna and I were baptized and fully initiated into the Catholic Church at St. Mary's in Brooks. We were baptized together and received the Sacraments. My heart is so full and so incredibly grateful to several amazing people who have made me feel more like a family than I can ever express.​

Errin Nelson, your enthusiasm and passion for all things education made me WANT to move to Christ the King Academy (CTK). Your continued support in answering questions about faith and the church will forever be a part of my journey. Cindy Freimark, your gentle guidance and continued encouragement of my faith journey is a huge part of my heart. Alyssa Paquette, you offered to be my sponsor, and now my godparent without any hesitation. I am so thankful for you, and I cannot wait see what the future holds for you.

At the Rite of Election, 2024

The teachers and staff of CTK welcomed my daughter and I with open arms. I am forever grateful and will hold the CTK and Christ of the Redeemer School Division families in my heart and prayers forever. 

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Submitted by Sarah Parkin, Teacher at Christ the King Academy. Photos courtesy of Sarah Parkin.