Meet Parishioner Jeri Potter: Trusting God Wholeheartedly

When Jeri Potter was thrown a “curveball” in her life, she wasn’t quite sure what God was doing, but she trusted Him the best she could, and it paid off in the end.

“I was once a religious sister in the convent, but years ago I had to leave, and it was quite painful,” she says. “At the time, I didn’t understand why God was allowing it, but now I see it clearer. God has now put me where He wants me to be, and it is all for a very good reason. I am thankful I can give my whole life to Him right where I am.”

As an integral part of our parish family, she savors the time she spends with her fellow parishioners, journeying along with them on the path to holiness.

“I am 75, and I now have a place where I can really be at home,” she says. “Our parish is really a family. We are not just individuals. We share our joys, pains, and sorrows with each other.”

Day by day, Jeri serves Christ in a rich variety of ways in our parish community, bringing us His love, peace, and joy. For example, she serves as a reader and a sacristan, as well as with the Hospitality Ministry, the Stewardship Council, and the Finance Council. She enjoys being part of our parish Bible study, as well.

“When I am at church and doing things for the church, I have a sense of deep satisfaction and peace,” she says. “I can just be sweeping the floor — I don’t care what I am doing! I only want to make our parish a place where other people can come and feel at home like I do. Our parish is such a warm, loving place where God is. I love taking care of His house and His people. I just can’t say ‘no’! There are so many ways I desire to be a disciple.”

Of all the ministries in which she is involved, Jeri enjoys coordinating the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), now known as Becoming Catholic, the most.

“I love all of the ministries I help out with, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be RCIA because I like helping others discover the riches of the Catholic faith,” Jeri says. “It is wonderful to see how the RCIA members have such a desire to find God deep in their hearts. It is so great to see the change in them throughout the journey and to watch their eyes open up as they share about their newfound faith. This tells us we are providing something in RCIA that is useful and meaningful to them.”

To Jeri, it is a beautiful work of charity that brings to life the mission of evangelization.

“We don’t help out with RCIA for ourselves, but for others,” Jeri says. “We are there to answer any and all questions the RCIA members may have. We want to bring them into the Church and help them feel how we feel as Catholics. We actually started calling RCIA ‘Becoming Catholic’ because that is what we are doing.”

Above all, she savors attending the Holy Mass, where she finds tremendous solace and strength to carry out her work for God.

“I love going to Mass each morning — it just brightens my day!” she says.

Jeri Potter savors the time she spends with her fellow parishioners, journeying along with them on the path to holiness.