The members of the Staffeld family know that life calls us to adapt. Through their involvement at St. Joseph, they’ve learned that God always provides the right place to be when changes happen. Since moving to the area in 2012, Ross and Susan have grown in their faith, had a son, Ryker, and found their priorities shifting as God calls them to greater things.
“We just want to be good examples to Ryker of how to serve,” Susan says. “If there are opportunities we can bring him into, we’re happy to — maybe it’s an opportunity to go serve meals at Catholic Charities, or a drive at the church. We encourage him to tithe, showing him how to be a good steward in different ways.”
Early in their time at St. Joseph, Susan experienced the Women’s Renewal. The experience impacted her and she joined the Renewal Team until she had Ryker. Susan encouraged Ross to go on the Men’s Renewal.
“It took me seven or eight years to commit to it, but it was a blessing in disguise,” Ross says. “I enjoyed it so much that I decided to become part of the team.”
The Women’s and Men’s Renewals, which have been replaced by our active Men’s Group and Women’s Group, gave both Susan and Ross a chance to get to know other parishioners, get a taste of being involved, and refresh their love for the Church and the sacraments.
“Prior to the renewal, I was kind of just going to church,” Ross says. “I definitely became more active after and then again when my son was born.”
Ross encouraged his boss to attend a Renewal and the Staffelds witnessed the waves that come from one stone being tossed into the water.
“It’s neat to see how one person can influence someone else,” Susan says. “One thing can lead to another and really impact a person’s life.”
When Susan had Ryker, who is now 5 years old, she realized that she would have to make adjustments. At the same time, her son brought so much meaning to the things for which she chose to give her time.
“Having a child, my time commitments were more difficult,” Susan says. “But I found that I wanted to be an inspiration for my son. I wanted to do something visual.”
So Susan began to serve as a lector which fits this stage of her life perfectly. She anticipates that as Ryker grows up and gets more involved at the school, she’ll adapt again and involve herself in ways that include the whole family.
“Maybe when Ryker gets older we can find something to do together,” she says.
While their involvement shifts with life changes, the community that the Staffelds have found is so important to them. Their love for the community and service helps them approach each life stage with an open heart.
“Look at where you are in your life now and see where God could be calling you,” Susan says. “Maybe in a different part of your life, look around to see what else is out there.”
