July 1, 2011
People of Faith
We don’t need to have all the answers, says USI campus minister
BY STEVE HALBIG
The People of Faith feature is compiled by Steve Halbig, who asks a series of questions of people of the diocese — some who have reached the “age of wisdom” and some who are younger. All will share stories of faith.
Name: Christine Hoehn
Where are you youth/campus minister? I am a Catholic Campus Minister at the University of Southern Indiana.
What is the best part of your job? The best part of my job is working with students, faculty and staff. I like listening to students and working with them on the projects and events of their lives. I enjoy sharing the beauty of the Catholic faith with others. I enjoy being able to assist students in attending Sunday Mass and being able to receive the sacraments.
What is the hardest part of your job? The hardest part of my job has been attending funerals and providing memorial services for students that have died so young. It is comforting to be able to have our rituals and our rites that assist in the grieving process.
Who has been a big influence in your life? My parents, my brothers and sisters. My father and mother were very good teachers — the best kind actually — leading by example. I grew up in a very good environment for learning and living.
Who do you consider to be the best role models today? I think those that are genuinely caring and real people — those who don’t change for the circumstances around them but remain through thick and thin, they are the best role models. Those who share their talent with the world. I think the young people that give back through faith groups, Habitat for Humanity and other organizations like them are role models. We are not alone on this journey and we have been gifted with opportunities to share and grow together.
Describe how your faith helped you through a difficult time in your life: In the hard times of my life my faith has helped me to understand that this life is not in vain, but all life happens toward a purpose. Though we may not clearly see the reason for our current struggle while we are in the midst of our pain, we are daily working toward that resolution and it will become clear. I think that the biggest thing my faith has given me is an understanding that I do not have all the answers and I do not need to have all the answers. I do need to be faithful and all things will work out.
Do you have any hobbies? Yes I have some pets and I exercise with them, walking and enjoying the outdoors. I also like to garden in these summer months and I enjoy reading. I recently got a Nook for Christmas and I enjoy reading some old favorites and some new offerings. I like mysteries. I also love crossword puzzles. I like the scramlets and the jumble in the paper, and I enjoy the crosswords and the soduku. I usually do this and watch the news at night to unwind.
What do you like most about being Catholic? I like the fact that you can go to any Catholic church and attend Mass and you know what is going on even if you don’t speak the language of the country. You know what is happening. I love that while I am hearing the Gospel on Sunday — every Catholic throughout the world is enjoying the same Gospel. While the homily is not the same, we share a special bond through our baptism and our lived expression of our faith. Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, and that is a reality we share.
Of those things that are possible to change in the Catholic Church, what would you change? I really think we could use technology more to our advantage. I think we could use skype in gathering discussions or maybe even for confession. At least let’s brainstorm about what we can do to use technology to enhance our understanding and appreciation of our faith.
If you could make one change in your community, what would it be? I would encourage people to spend time in prayer. Quiet time — just a few minutes a day thankful for the gifts of the day. I think I don’t do this enough. I try to be mindful of the gifts I receive daily, and yet I get caught in the business of the day.
Tell us a few more things about yourself: I am one of 13 children born to my parents, Herman and Geraldine. I have seven brothers and five sisters, all of whom made it out of childhood alive, a fact that says my mother is an excellent nurse. I have over 30 nieces and nephews, and family is a very important part of my life.
What do you do in your spiritual life that you would recommend to others? I read, I pray, I listen. If I were a better person I would listen more.
What is your best wisdom on life? Try to have patience. Enjoy being who and where you are this day. I am my best when I am truly present to the events that are now.
Contact Steve at shalbig@evdio.org