Energy and positivity — Ken Collins feels that each time he walks through the doors at St. Joseph’s. He and Lindsay joined the parish six years ago, and it quickly became home.
The couple has five children — Mikayla, Derek, Logan, Grace and Cameron. The family joined the parish after moving to Amherst. Their previous parish was St. Thomas the Apostle in Sheffield Lake, where Ken grew up and all the children, except Cameron, were baptized. Cameron was born prematurely and had complications. It was at this time that the Collins family relied on their faith.
“Serving was a result of that experience,” Ken says. “We wanted to do more within the church.”
Lindsay went through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process and became Catholic in 2008. It was important to the couple to raise their children in the faith.
Ken serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, usher, and a member of the Men’s Group and Prayer Chain. He also helps set up for Mass. Derek, Logan, and Grace also help with ushering. Lindsay is there as the backbone so the family can be involved.
Of all those ministries, Ken most enjoys being an Extraordinary Minister.
“I feel that being a conduit between Jesus and the person I am serving Communion to is such a beautiful and fulfilling experience, and I get to have that experience multiple times at each Mass,” he says. “There is truly no feeling like it.”
Ken loves involving the children in setting up for Mass. He tries to get them involved whenever possible.
“They get to experience the reverence of approaching the tabernacle and seeing Jesus looking down on them from the crucifix,” Ken says. “By being able to set up before Mass, they have begun to understand our relationship with God and Jesus.”
The children also enjoy their involvement in the Parish School of Religion. Ken and Lindsay are always impressed by how much they learn. The couple loves their community, who have become like family, at St. Joseph’s.
“We are all children of God, and it is enjoyable to be around others who appreciate that like we do,” Ken says. “We all love the music and the productions they put on during the holidays.”
Get involved in a ministry that fits your talents — that’s Ken’s advice. Get past any nervousness you might have and just give it a try.
“I believe God is calling us to help in any way we can,” Ken says. “I do not sing well, nor do I like reading in front of large groups, so I think I found my niche.”
The Collins family is very active and loves to spend time together and with friends and family. The kids are involved in sports and other activities which keep them busy. They also love camping, traveling, cooking, and music.