Call Me Granny & CAll Me Mama
Dear Parish Family,
“Call me Granny” is more than a name—it is a sacred identity that fills my heart in a way nothing else ever has, a reflection of motherhood that continues to unfold through God’s grace. To me, Granny feels like a deeper calling rooted in love, faith, and devotion. The first time I held my two granddaughters, something within me changed—my heart grew fuller, softer, and stronger all at once. In their tiny hands wrapped around my fingers, I see an echo of Mary’s tender care, a quiet, faithful love that nurtures and protects.
Now my days are joyfully full—little arms hugging me, sweet voices calling “Granny,” tiny footsteps running through the house with dogs running behind them wagging their tails has become all part of the beautiful chaos I call life. Our home is rarely quiet, but it is filled with laughter, love, and moments that become treasured memories: sharing stories, swinging at the playground, losing our place in a book because of giggles, or watching little hands sneak treats to their furry best friends. These simple, messy, perfect moments remind me of how blessed I truly am as I hold each memory with love and gratitude.
Like the Blessed Mother, who remains a constant source of intercession for me, I find myself praying daily for my granddaughters, my grandson (due end of August), their parents and my family asking God to guide and protect them. In this, grandmothers and Mary are alike—both offering gentle wisdom, steadfast presence, and unconditional love that brings peace. Being a Granny is not about age, but about connection, devotion, and legacy. It is a holy calling, a continuation of motherhood, where faith deepens, love multiplies, and God’s grace is reflected through generations of mothers and grandmothers before me. It is about being surrounded by love—sticky hands, happy hearts, wagging tails—and knowing you are exactly where you were meant to be. So, call me Granny anytime because it brings joy to my heart and makes me smile.
Happy Mother’s Day!
With love,
Sue
Dear Parish Family,
This Mother’s Day weekend marks something especially meaningful for me: my first year of motherhood and embracing the vocation God has placed on my heart.
When we are children, we are often asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” My answer frequently changed - teacher, lawyer, and many different ideas in between - before I eventually became an accountant. While I admire those who feel a strong calling to their profession, I often felt myself drawn most deeply to the desire of being a mother.
In May 2025, my husband, Mike, and I were blessed with our first child, Jack (some of you know him from the back of church!). For the first time in my adult life, I felt fulfilled in the work I was doing as his mom and developed a clearer sense of who God created me to be.
In the early months with Jack, I would spend our quiet, middle of the night feedings talking to God - mostly in gratitude for the beautiful gift of life He entrusted Mike and me with, and sometimes simply in awe. I would look down at my baby with the deepest sense of love I have ever felt and have a hard time understanding how this is just a glimpse of God’s perfect and immeasurable love He has for each of us.
On his Word on Fire podcast, Bishop Barron reflects on Galatians 5 as a guide for discerning our vocation. He suggests asking yourself if you feel an increase in the fruits of the Spirit when you are in a particular relationship or state of life. For me, I can confidently say that in the last year I have felt more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, and much more faithfulness than ever before.
This past Fall, I returned to my corporate job after my maternity leave and felt disconnected from work, knowing my true calling was at home. As He so often does, God made a way, opening the door for me to live my vocation more fully while also serving our parish community as our Communications Coordinator. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our mission of Building Up the Body of Christ in this season of my life.
I want to wish a very happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers and mother-figures in our parish community. What a beautiful vocation we’ve all been called to!
God bless!
Kristen
