Testimonial: Paula K.
I grew up Catholic and went to Catholic schools from first to twelfth grade. In my adulthood, though, I became more secularized. I didn’t find much fulfillment in activities through my local parish and didn’t know about things going on in my diocese. Eventually my Catholic faith life turned stagnant and slowly whittled away. I craved Scripture studies and outreach opportunities, which I ended up finding in a Methodist church I joined in 2006.
Over the 11 years I was away from the Church, my brother-in-law continued to evangelize to me. When we were together, he would initiate conversations about the Catholic faith. He gave me CDs by Lighthouse Catholic Media that I listened to and always found interesting. He also told me about EWTN radio.
In 2017 I started going back to Mass. I looked in my parish bulletin and found a Bible study led by John and Barbara Gordon. (John Gordon is now the co-host of The Family Room, a local show produced by The Quest.) I loved the study and started meeting people.
A fellow parishioner and Quest volunteer, Heidi, took me to The Quest studio in 2019; I became a volunteer and was hooked. I love being part of a community of people so strong in their faith. Volunteering at the studio feels like being part of a family. The Quest studio is a Christ-centered place, where the volunteers work together and grow in faith together through our conversations, sharing with each other, and praying for and with each other. Being at the studio feels like what the Body of Christ is supposed to be, each of us using our particular gifts and talents, contributing what we have for the good of the mission of The Quest, which is to bring souls to Christ.
Volunteering has certainly helped me in my own personal faith journey. Mass is celebrated in The Quest chapel once or twice each week. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament occurs four days a week. Staff and volunteers gather every day at 3 p.m. to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet together. Several have said they can feel the Holy Spirit’s presence at the studio. Also, being involved with The Quest gives me an overview of what’s going on in the Archdiocese, and I know of more opportunities to learn and serve.
Several programs on The Quest draw me in. I like news programs that offer a Catholic perspective, such as Catholic Connection and programs with Raymond Arroyo. I love Dr. Ray Guarendi’s show, The Doctor is In, and always find Called to Communion so interesting.
When The Quest started producing its own shows, I was amazed how well done they are. I like how The Family Room goes in-depth with current topics that help families grow in faith, and I enjoy learning about authors and guests they interview and their personal faith journeys. I can’t say enough good things about The Morning Quest; I enjoy all their different segments. I always wanted to know more about the saints, and I love their saint segment. Josh and Allison talk about events and interview people from around the Archdiocese, and I learn about programs and ministries going on in other parishes. I also love the Gospel reflections, which goes back to my thirst for Bible studies from years ago. The priests and parishioners doing the reflections make the Gospel relevant to today. On top of everything, Josh and Allison’s humor and rapport really bring out the joy of the show.
I love being a part of The Quest family where I can offer my gifts, learn from the inspiring programs, and continue to grow closer to Christ and His Church.
Paula Krzyzaniak
St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church
Roswell, Georgia