For a press release about the 2007 Glenmary Home Mission Essay Contest

'Loud, Clear and Out of Tune'

By Christine Kues, Newport Catholic High School

Christine Kues, holding musical note that reminds her to keep singing "loud, clear and out of tune."

“How do you live the mission of Jesus in your everyday life?”

My mom would say that I live my life how I sing, “loud, clear, and out of tune.” I know I can’t sing well, but I like to see people smile when I try. She says that I talk about God and my beliefs “loud and clear” with those around me without the fear of rejection and “out of tune” because, she says, I’m out of tune with most teenagers who strive toward conformity.

I’m not afraid to talk about my beliefs or live the mission of Jesus in my everyday life. I humbly want to be his hands, feet, eyes, mouth, and ears to my neighbors.

I know I can’t be like Jesus if I don’t know him, so I do a daily reading from the Bible to gain insight, guidance and strength. I take the sacraments seriously by attending Mass with devotion, frequently going to Reconciliation and visiting the Blessed Sacrament at our parish’s Adoration Chapel.

Two years ago I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Belize for 10 days. I was there to serve the poor unconditionally by painting schools and building churches. It wasn’t until my flight home that I realized that the “poor” had actually served me. I was enlightened by their simple, humble faith in God, and I knew I wanted to possess what they had.In July of this year I am once again blessed to have the opportunity to go on a mission trip. I will be going to Uganda, Africa. The group I’ll be with will be helping Father Richard Kyankaaga complete the building of the first Catholic high school in his diocese. We will also work with the native people and make bricks for dorms for future missionaries.

In 2005 and 2006 I was a core member in the Diocese of Covington’s Youth 2000 Retreat. I gave a witness talk to over 600 youths. I shared how God was alive in my life. I wanted to let them know that they are not alone in their mission to spread their faith. A few months later I met a girl that had been onthe retreat. She thanked me for giving my witness. She said that it changed her life. That was a confirmation to me that I was doing God’s will!

My mission work doesn’t occur only when I get the opportunity to go on a trip, but it is a daily endeavor. I realize that my everyday attitude and actions serve as a continuation of Jesus’ mission through me. I’ve been blessed with the chance to work with Down’s syndrome children, volunteer in pregnancy centers, collect money for St. Vincent DePaul and give chastity talks to local junior high schools, as Jesus’ hands. I want to live a life pleasing to God by allowing Him to continue His work through me.

Each night as I get in my bed I glance at the “Musical Note” ornament hanging from my ceiling that reminds me to always sing “loud and clear and out of tune.”

For a photo of this winner or for a Word document of the essay for reprinting, contact Jean Bach, assistant communications director.