I see things a little differently being in a classroom and am grateful that these three vocations of mine — wife , mom , teacher — have brought me closer to God and also so much joy .”
— Mary Murray graduated in 2015 . She found herself returning to the question she posed to God years earlier : what else , God ? Though her path was uncertain once again , she trusted God and stayed open and receptive to his next nudge .
She scoured the Archdiocese of Detroit ’ s job openings and applied to be a theology teacher at Marian High School in Bloomfield Hills , not expecting a response . When she was contacted for an interview , she went to adoration and prayed , “ If you want me to do this , God , it has to be part-time .” Just as before , Mary wanted her family to come first .
The school offered her a part-time position , allowing her to be home in the mornings to get her girls off to school .
Going back to work after being home for fifteen years was an adjustment , but again , the family came together so that Mary could follow the desire God had placed on her heart . She ’ s been teaching at Marian for six years .
“ I love each and every one of my students 99 % of the time ,” Mary said . “ I feel that having daughters has equipped me better to understand and love these teenage girls . I also believe that teaching has helped me grow as a mom . I see things a little differently being in a classroom and am grateful that these three vocations of mine — wife , mom , teacher — have brought me closer to God and also so much joy .”
When Mary and Tom were married nearly 25 years ago , she never imagined God would set her on this path or that she would so strongly desire to seek his path . She is grateful for the way he has both challenged her and blessed her .
“ In the words of one of my favorites , St . Catherine of Siena , ‘ Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire !’” Mary said . “ I read this a while ago and continue to be so inspired by this challenge — for me and for everyone — to listen for and to God , who loves us beyond our comprehension … who speaks to our heart ’ s deepest desires … who wants to bring joy to our lives and who yearns to use us to bring his light to this world . God is good , all the time !”
shms . edu 29