Epigram

This article originally appeared in the July edition of The Epigram.

By Barbara Aubrey

When you ask a Presentation Academy alum about her school, she will tell you there is something so special you just have to be there. Almost like being at Epiphany – you just have to experience it. That’s the way it is for Kathy Wolz Marshall, Presentation Academy’s 2010 Alumna of the Year.

Tradition plays a big part in Kathy’s story. In 1961 Kathy carried on a family tradition by following her two sisters to Presentation, the oldest continually operating high school in Louisville. And the tradition handed down from its foundress, Mother Catherine Spalding [http://scnfamily.org/] , is palpable in the walls of the old building. Pres girls are taught to be themselves, to lead with love and respect and to serve others always. These qualities served Kathy well when she began a teaching career after graduation from Spalding College (University). For 32 years she worked for the Jefferson County Public Schools. Yet, throughout those years, she found time to volunteer in endless ways to the school she loves.

This article originally appeared in the July edition of The Epigram.

“Searching for Mary Magdalene: A Journey Through Art and Literature” - Jane Lahr

By Mary Ellen Horton

As a child, my mother attended a convent boarding school run by nuns who were cloistered. When young women, considered redeemed sinners, joined this order, they wore crowns of thorns during the ceremony, while the “good novices” wore wreaths of flowers.

Had Jesus been present, I think he would have removed the thorns and given all crowns of flowers. This book has many theories about the place of Mary Magdalene in the life of Jesus. The author describes her as “an enigma and a spirit that continues to morph from one form to another with the subtlety of an apparition.” Misunderstood by many, in the New Testament Mary Magdalene is mentioned only 13 times. Luke writes of Jesus at the home of his friends Mary, Lazarus and their sister Martha. Martha chided Mary for sitting at Jesus’ feet and not helping prepare the meal, but Jesus said to Martha, “Mary has chosen the better part, and it shall not be taken from her.”

This article originally appeared in the May 2010  issue of The Epigram.

By Brenda Childress

The above words are on David DeSanctis’ key chain, a gift from his dad, and truly his living mantra. David has won several regional and state tournaments for the Special Olympics, including basketball, golf, and bowling. He is a five year member of the choir, participates in Ballard’s TV network, along with creating a segment on cooking. He told me I really had to try his triple layered chocolate cake and his heart shaped strawberry pie. David is also an active member of Epiphany’s Youth Group. He also works one afternoon a week.

I asked David to tell me some of the things that made him happy, sad, what his dreams and goals are, who he admires, what he thinks about God. David needed no time to dwell on his answers. He knows who he is and what he thinks. “God is perfect, and we strive to be perfect, but we will never be as perfect as God”. The best part of life…his dreams. It makes him happy “just thinking about realizing his dreams.” He loves music, Miley Ray Cyrus, and Selena Gomez. He admires President Obama. He still feels sad about losing his grandma, who started a family vacation tradition. He spoke to me how important it is to have traditions, and also to never stop them.

This article originally appeared in the May 2010 issue of The Epigram.

By Judy Webber

Do you, as I, breeze past and never walk inside the Chapel? Recently numerous occasions have placed me in this one particular spot on Epiphany’s grounds. I have found a place of prayer that allows you to be open to God’s grace. It is a quiet port along the fast stream of every day life.

The undulating wood paneled walls, evocative of trees of which they were once a part, almost embrace those who come within their limits. This is in stark contrast to the glass walls of the Worship Center.

This article originally appeared in the May 2010  issue of The Epigram.

By Tony Simpson

An interview with Sofija (So-fee-yuh) Peric, an immigrant from Bosnia and Croatia who was fully initiated into the church Easter morning at the Easter Vigil.

You were baptized Catholic as an infant and went to church occasionally. What was your experience of church growing up in Bosnia, and as an adult in Croatia?

In Bosnia, I was young and went to church mainly for my grandmother. The church was big but it was just a building to me. Nobody explained the meaning of the prayers.