Together We Serve: Opening doors to Faith

27 March 2017

Appears in: Archdiocesan News

A convert to the Catholic Church, Jeannette Nixon says studying at Newman Theological College has opened doors to a much deeper understanding of the faith.

“To have a really good grounding in my faith is of huge benefit,” says the long-time consultant in the petroleum industry.

After joining the Church in 1998 in Calgary, Jeannette could not get enough of things Catholic. She got involved with Project Rachel and Hike for Life, and started reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

“I wanted to learn more about our faith.”

Newman College attracted her with its online courses. When the family moved to Fort Saskatchewan, she took her studies into the classroom and is now working towards a Master of Theological Studies.

Jeannette loves the writings of Pope Benedict XVI and especially those of St. Thomas Aquinas. “I think he is brilliant.”

She is amazed by the Church’s 2,000-year history and the wealth of teaching in Vatican documents.

Her hope is to take her new knowledge back to the oil and gas industry to offer advice on environmental and business ethics.

“I want to transition into something I can do on my own time instead of sitting in an office. But I want to give back.”

Jeannette says her growth in knowledge of the faith has also made a difference in her personal life and in that of her family.

“If you follow the guiding principles of the Bible, you will lead a good life.”

Your gift to Together We Serve supports Newman Theological College in its mission to offer theological education to students like Jeannette. The college prepares laity, religious, and ordained ministers for service and leadership to meet the needs of the Church in Western Canada. Thank you for your generosity!

You can make a difference to Newman Theological College by making a gift to Together We Serve through your parish, or directly online.