It was a leap of faith, 15 years ago, to follow my fiancée across the country to Seattle, a city we had never even visited, thousands of miles from family or friends.
As a newly graduated mediocre English major, I had no realistic prospects for employment. My ideal job — which I did dare to hope actually existed — would have combined writing with serving the Church.
So I was excited to discover The Catholic Northwest Progress, then the archdiocesan newspaper. Somehow, despite having zero journalism experience, I got a freelance writing gig, which became full-time work as a reporter, then assistant editor and eventually editor and associate publisher of Northwest Catholic. To be entrusted with these ministries has been an incredible privilege. I’ve gotten to meet and write about so many inspiring local Catholics whose lives have been transformed by their encounters with Jesus Christ. Their stories have strengthened my own faith, and I pray they’ve strengthened yours as well.
Along the way, my fiancée and I got married and have been blessed with four beautiful children, many wonderful friends and a supportive parish community. We’ve built a good life here.
But it’s time for a new leap of faith. This is my last issue as editor of Northwest Catholic. I’d often hoped I might do this work forever, but after a lot of prayer and discernment, we’ve decided to move far, far away to be closer to family.
It’s hard to leave, but I’m excited for our new adventure. To be frank, I have no idea what work the Lord is calling me to next, so please pray for me. And know that I will never stop offering prayers of gratitude for the people of God in the Archdiocese of Seattle.
Northwest Catholic — August/September 2022