Connie Kohn, Patricia Langenkamp and Marjorie Hess at Holy Trinity Church in Coldwater
Fostering Vocations in Coldwater Three Mothers of Priests From the Northern Archdiocese Share Their Stories B Y S U S IE BE R G M AN
Langenkamp, the oldest of her 11 children. “Praying with In northern Mercer County, nestled in a rural region of rich your children is so important,” she added. “I taught Peter his farmland, a different kind of fruitfulness has flourished. first prayer when he was just two-years-old, and continually The Coldwater Cluster of Parishes, comprised of St. Mary, added in new ones.” St. Anthony and Holy Trinity Churches, has produced an abundance of vocations. Within the last five years, ColdwaterConnie Kohn, mother of Father Jarred area natives Father Peter Langenkamp, Kohn, admits their family prayer life wasn’t Father Jarred Kohn and Deacon Aaron Hess always perfect. “You have to find ways, (who will be ordained to the priesthood even when you are busy, to make time on May 15) have answered God’s call to You have to find time, even for prayer before meals, when traveling priesthood. and even when on vacation. When you when you are busy, to make show your children that it is a priority, it FAITH BEGINS AT HOME time for prayer before becomes more important to them, too.” For those called to be mothers, a vocation
meals, when traveling and that the Blessed Mary willfully and dutifully Once when Jarred was on the high school accepted, the influence they have on their even when on vacation. wrestling team, they were out of town for children’s faith cannot be understated. a long weekend invitational. “He had to Some of those children grow up and carry wrestle on Sunday. So I researched the area and found an early their faith into marriage and family, others like Father Peter, morning Mass that we could attend before he had to report to Father Jarred and Deacon Aaron, those children grow into the gymnasium. Before I knew it, most of the wrestlers and religious vocations. their parents had decided to attend with us and it became a really beautiful moment of faith solidarity,” said Connie. “The faith has always been very important to me. When I got married and started a family, I knew I wanted to make that the focus” said Patricia Langenkamp, mother of Father Peter 1 6 | T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H
“Praying as a family allowed me to learn so much about each
