Live, Love, and Serve in the Image of Christ
Karen LaSalle
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Q: Tell us about yourself and your family.
My husband Mike and I have been members of St. Jude parish since moving to Chalfont five years ago with our children, Michael, Jack, George, and Grace. Our oldest, Michael, is currently serving as a soldier in the US Army at Fort Drum, NY. I worked as a labor and delivery nurse for many years, but now I spend my time with my family and volunteering in the church, in my children’s schools, and in the community.
Q: What do you like most about St. Jude?
What I like most about this parish is how welcoming the members of the parish are, especially towards people with special needs. My son has autism, and going to Mass can be a challenge. But I have always found people in the St. Jude community to help and support me and my family.
Q: In what ways do you participate in parish life?
For the past 5 years I have been a catechist in the St. Jude PREP program. I originally volunteered because my son asked me to be his teacher. I have continued to volunteer because I enjoy working with the children and witnessing their connection with the Lord.
One question that my students and my own children have asked me is: are other religions wrong? What I have a told them is my favorite lesson to teach. All of the big religions in the world teach the same basic message: be a good person. That is the message I always want to leave people with: how wonderful the world would be if everyone just tried their best to be a good person.
Q. How do you nurture your faith, personally and as a family?
Personally, I try to nurture my faith by remembering that God is at the core of all things. Whenever something good in my life happens, I want to thank God. When things are tough, I ask God for help and support. I try to keep an open dialogue with God throughout my day, talking to Him like I would a friend.
I nurture faith in my children by making our faith in God a part of our everyday life. I incorporate God info our daily discussions. I want my children to understand that God is there for us always, not just when we’re at Mass on Sundays.
Q. How has parenting a special-needs child been a blessing to your family?
Parenting a special needs child can be tough. Watching your child struggle is heartbreaking. But it has been a blessing to our family. We have come to celebrate the little accomplishments that others may overlook. Also, the compassion that I see in my other children as a result of having a special needs sibling is a true blessing.
Q. What advice would you give to other parents with a child who has special needs?
My advice for other special needs parents is to celebrate the little successes as you would the big ones. People have told me that I do a great job in helping my son in his development. But he is the one who does all of the hard work. I’m just his biggest cheerleader.
Q: Do you have a hobby or an activity you like to do?
I try to spend my days being a good person and encouraging others to do the same. Last year I worked to start an adaptive gymnastics class for special needs children in the area. I also enjoy crafting, especially for the holidays.
Thank you for sharing, Karen!
