MEET PARISHIONER PAULINE PATE: Learning and Loving the Culture of Catholicism

St. James parishioner Pauline Pate has always known and lived many aspects of her life through the lens of Catholicism, but did not become Catholic until later in life. Her mother’s family was Catholic and she was raised visiting relatives’ homes and seeing statues of Mary and other sacramentals in their houses. As a teenager, Pauline started learning about Catholicism and had many questions, so she deferred her sacraments — but that curiosity about the faith continued to linger throughout her life.

“I went to Catholic school my senior year of high school,” Pauline says. “My friends were all Catholic and I would join them on Saturday afternoons as they went to Confession and I would simply sit in the church. We would spend time at the local parish on Saturday evenings and I always enjoyed spending time with my Catholic friends.”

Pauline married a Methodist man and went on to raise two girls. She placed a high priority on her marriage and her children but was always searching for more when it came to her faith. Her husband was never interested in Catholicism but was supportive of Pauline’s desire to become Catholic soon before his death.

“I had the opportunity to obtain a doctorate in Classical Studies from Loyola University in Chicago through the National Defense Education Act,” Pauline says. “Looking back, this degree helped me to discover more about the faith on my own and grow in Catholicism. I taught Latin, Greek, English, children’s literature, linguistics, and the classics, where so much beauty and truths of the faith can be found.”

It was through teaching these subjects in the Caribbean and finally going to Mass with a friend of hers that Pauline finally decided to receive the sacraments and become Catholic. After her husband’s passing, Pauline moved to Dawson in 2005 and continued to grow deeper in her faith.

“One of my favorite things to do was read at Mass,” Pauline says. “I also served with the prison ministry before they closed the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton. Each winter I participate in a Bible study and recently took up praying the Liturgy of the Hours each day. I also am very fond of gardening and the beauty I can share through it.” Although the natural aging of life slows her down, she believes God keeps her here to do good.

“God has been with me every step of the way,” Pauline says. “I believe He has guided me to where I am today and I feel so blessed. Many people are afraid of dying. After 89 years of a wonderful life, I know God has me in His hand and I am not afraid of dying. I just think He has me here to do a few more things first before He calls me home.”

Pauline Pate