As I spent my four years at Cor Jesu, I was inspired by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart, who lived a joy-filled life, modeled daily prayer and enthusiastically worked with the students.

My experience was such a good one that my husband, Vince, and I wanted our three daughters — Corinne ’08, Jenny ’11 and Katy ’14 — to experience this charism. We sent them to Queen of Apostles preschool in Imperial and later to Cor Jesu Academy. I could see our children were experiencing the love of Christ and the warmth and hospitality of the Apostles.

I was able to minister, teach and lead in administration at Queen of Apostles and Sacred Heart Villa for 23 years. Spending time with God’s little ones filled my heart with abundant love. I soon realized these young children were catechizing me.

Many sisters made an impact on my life, but I will always remember Sr. Jude Ruggeri, ASCJ, explaining to staff at a Clelian Institute that we must have “the fire in our belly” to live like Christ.

If I have lived my day with joy and felt that fire in my belly and shared it with others, it has been a blessed day.

Where have I felt the fire in my own heart and how am I sharing it with others?
Kris Kelly Doder '80