This month, TBP mentors Dan & Pam Patnode are delighted to introduce you to Rose Kehoe (TBP ‘24) and the story of her FIAT Project. We are so grateful to have the Patnodes as TBP Mentors!
In the Gospel of Matthew, Christ instructs his apostles (and us) to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations [...]” (Mt 28:18-20). Rose Kehoe has taken this Great Commission seriously. She has developed a plan to disciple young Catholics through a small group ministry. This small group initiative caused Rose to go out of her comfort zone and invite others into this discipleship group. Each group meeting begins with Mass and then moves to the small group discussion which includes instruction on the faith, with a focus on the saints. The group sessions also allow time for encounter, fellowship, and prayer.
We are so impressed with Rose, and we have truly enjoyed working with her. It is a joy to see the faith and passion that she is directing toward her project, and it will be exciting to see the fruit that it bears!
Q: Rose, tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: My name is Rose Kehoe. I live in Springfield, Illinois. I work at a Catholic retreat center, and I get to serve priests, religious, and lay people on retreats! I also get to bake while at work, which is one of my favorite pastimes!
Q: How would you describe the TBP experience? Can you recall a particular moment or story from your trip that you will never forget?
A: The words that come to my mind to describe the TBP experience are joy and family.
Everyday was an adventure that brought unending smiles, laughs, and immense joy to my heart. By the end of the week everyone that was a stranger to me the first day felt like family!
If I had to choose just one story it would be, the last day we were there we were asked to help a Catholic youth center to bring out the cross dedicated to the youth by St. Pope John Paul II.
On Fridays they set the cross up in St. Peter’s Square, inviting tourists to pray with them. That experience was beautiful, but what stood out to me most was afterwards, back at the church. One of the missionaries there invited me and the other girls in our group to join her for coffee. She brought us to the space where they host youth events, served us coffee, and shared a conversation with us. We were talking about the beauty of the church and sharing details about our lives.
It occurred to me while we were there how crazy and lovely the situation was that I found myself in. It is not everyday someone from America finds herself in Rome, drinking coffee in a youth center, invited by a stranger to talk about the beauty of the faith! This however, is what happens in a TBP experience—it is completely guided by the Lord!
Q: Describe your FIAT project. What challenge or gap does it address? Whom does it serve? What excites you most about it?
A: For my FIAT project, I am inviting young adults in the area to grow in community together while learning about the lives of Saints! It addresses the universal call to holiness we all have. I think that by learning about different Saints we realize that they were people like us. Through them we see that Heaven and Sanctity are attainable! My hope is that in strengthening each other in holiness, through community and inspirational Saints’ stories, it will bring a greater desire in people’s hearts to become the Saints God wants them to be!
I walked away from my Immersion with a boldness or confidence to take on ideas God inspired me with, and to not let small fears get in the way of responding to God. Learning about the Saints' boldness gave me great courage to be bold in my faith! --RK
Q: How would you describe your FIAT mentors? What encouragement or help have you received? How do you work together?
A: My Mentors are Dan and Pam Patnode. Dan and Pam are very supportive and faithful witnesses to the faith! They have shown me so much encouragement through prayer and by intently listening to my hopes for my FIAT project. They will remember to send check-ins or reminders that they are praying for me as a certain aspect of the project approaches. It has provided me with a great amount of peace during the more challenging times!
I think we work well together because they both offer insight into both the spiritual and practical sides of my project, which helps me focus on both important aspects and narrow down to what is really important. They have really helped me think of questions to draw people in deeper while remaining authentic.
Q: TBP aims to transform the lives of those who spend a week with us in the living classroom of Rome. Do you agree with that? If so, can you give an example of what you gained from TBP that you still use now?
A: Absolutely!! Three things I have really taken away from my Immersion experience are:
Walking in the footsteps of the Saints in Rome greatly deepened my love for them and inspired my FIAT project. It instilled in me the deep understanding of the universal call to be Saints! It is something I think about daily.
To be not afraid. I walked away from my Immersion with a boldness or confidence to take on the ideas God inspires me with, and to not let small fears get in the way of responding to God. Learning about the Saints’ boldness gave me great courage to be bold in my faith!
Reflecting on Scripture in daily life. Each day during the Immersion the theme was based on the Scripture of the day. Even John’s outfits reflected the Scripture! (That was always the best part of the mornings!). It reminded me to carry those sacred words with me throughout my day. Even if I don’t pick up my bible every day, I have found myself intentionally reflecting more on the readings at daily Mass, and trying to find little ways I can incorporate Scripture into the little details of my day.
Q: What’s next for you in your FIAT and/or in your life?
A: My FIAT project will continue for as long as the Lord wishes! As for my life, for now I will continue to serve those on retreat, serve my diocese, and follow along all the crazy twists and turns God has planned for me!
Q: Anything else you want to talk about?
A: One other thing I have learned from my TBP Immersion that I want to share is to carry out the courage, joy, and beauty I learned from it, not only for my FIAT project, but in every aspect of my life! TBP provided the space for me to be truly inspired and the desire to share that inspiration with others!
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