Jaclyn Dietrich has already found out what some adults have yet to learn — that it’s better to give than to receive. Helping out with various children’s ministries, she enjoys seeing the children really delve into the faith. In turn, she finds her own faith blossoming through being involved.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word happens every weekend during the school year at St. Alexius. Each summer, the parish hosts Vacation Bible School for a week. Jaclyn loves helping with these ministries.
“One of my favorite parts of being involved in the children’s ministries is that I get to see them dive into their faith and find such a love and passion for the Lord,” she says. “Throughout my time with the youth of our parish, I have been able to watch them grow both physically and spiritually.”
For her, being involved in these ministries is a way to give back to those who paved the way for her faith.
“I enjoy giving back the knowledge and love for Jesus to the kids because I am very thankful for being introduced to my faith when I was that age,” she says.
Jaclyn knows that God is there for her. Through being involved at St. Alexius, her faith has blossomed.
“My faith has become very important to me,” she says. “It gives me something to turn to when having a tough time. It has shown me that although times may be rough, God has good things in store for me.”
A junior at Osakis High School, Jaclyn plays tennis and softball, is the statistician for the football team, and also manages the boys basketball team. If those activities don’t keep her busy enough, she is also the Student Council president for her grade. Jaclyn’s family is very important to her. Her mom, Jenn, is a paraprofessional at the school, and her dad, DeWayne, farms. Her sister, Brittany, is studying English education at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.
“All of these people have had a substantial impact on making me the person I am today by being my biggest support system over the years,” she says.
The Dietrich family joined St. Alexius when Jaclyn was in sixth grade. She has loved the community at the parish.
“The families and clergy make it feel so welcoming, and I am so happy with how my faith has grown since being here,” she says.
The Religious Education program and the efforts of Faith Formation Coordinator Christina Rousslang have also impacted Jaclyn’s faith.
“Christina has created an experience for me to learn more about the one, true faith in a way that is both enjoyable and lifegiving,” she says.
As Jaclyn looks toward her future, she wants to continue to grow in faith when she goes to college by finding a nearby Catholic Church and aims to continue learning more about the Catholic faith while there.