 |
Reflections on Being a Young
Adult Catholic
An Interview with Michele Dornbos
Michele Dornbos lives in Libertyville, Illinois,
where she is active at St. Joseph Parish. She commutes to downtown
Chicago during the workweek, where she is employed in the banking
industry. She received her undergraduate degree from St. Norbert
College and her MBA from Dominican University. Resting in the backdrop
of her conscience, thirty-two year-old, Michele Dornbos, chooses
to embrace her Catholic values by exercising thoughtful judgment
in both her personal life and her business practices.
"Being Catholic is my foundation,"
Michele explains. "In all of my experiences whether it be in
my work or my personal life, there is one solid ground that I keep
coming back to - my faith." Through the experience of prayer
and support drawn from family and friends, she feels a sense of
community that inspires and connects her actions to her beliefs.
Michelle contends that as a young adult there have been times when
she has had to make difficult decisions. It has been her faith that
has carried her though offering her the strength and guidance that
she needed.
"I am a firm believer that good or
bad, you're in God's hands," she says. "We might not understand
the circumstances we face. But there is a certain comfort in being
with God; that is a source of strength." A few years ago, Michele
was inspired to take a more active role in her faith. She considered
herself a good Catholic; she attended church on Sundays. But, she
felt a calling to do more, and now regards her decision as a wise
one.
She says that everything happens for a reason
- even timing. After completing her MBA at Dominican University,
Michele had more free time and wanted to connect with other people
of similar values and experiences. Now, a year and a half later,
Michele is leading Young Adult Ministry at St. Joseph's Parish.
She also participates in a Bible study group. She explains that
her faith foundation is very much a part of her everyday experience.
"Even in the business world, you are in God's hands. I find
that when I am faced with a business decision, because of my values
I tend to be more open to listening to alternative points of view,
rather than just deciding based on profit margins." More than
a backdrop, her Catholic values fuel her healthy perspective. "I
have a lot to be thankful for. We all do. Many people return to
church after a tragedy. But there is a lot to gain for everyday
living through just keeping the faith alive."
|
|
