Parish member Karen Schuenzel is used to being busy. With a husband who travels often for his job, two young daughters and a career with a major company, she always has something going on. This summer, however, recovering from surgery is her priority. After breaking her ankle 10 years ago, she suffered bone on bone arthritis for a decade. Finally, she has a new ankle and some time to put her feet up, literally. She recently shared her discipleship journey with us.
Q. Will you tell us about your family life growing up?
A. My two younger sisters and I were raised in a small town outside Reading PA. I grew up in a devout Lutheran home, attending church and Sunday school every week. My whole family was active in the church, and it gave me a wonderful faith foundation.
Q. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A. As a kid I read an inspiring biography of Albert Schweitzer. I dreamed of becoming a physician and medical missionary in Africa. In the end, I earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Food Science. I spent the first half of my career of 14 years at Kraft Foods as a food scientist before having a great opportunity to switch over to supply chain.
Q. What led you to convert to Catholicism?
A. While attending Penn State, I met my husband Karl who had grown up Catholic. When Karl and I got engaged we agreed that our family should all share the same faith. I looked into the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) while attending Graduate School at the University of Georgia. The volunteers at the campus church led me into the RCIA process with joy. I made my Confirmation on Easter, 2002 at Transfiguration, our home parish in Tarrytown, NY.
Q. What initially attracted you to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish?
A. I work for Kraft Heinz (formerly Kraft Foods) and was transferred to their Northfield location in 2012. In choosing between Northbrook and Glenview, OLPH Parish easily won us over. The school principal, the pastor and parishioners all welcomed us warmly. We love attending the Mass at 9:30 in McDonnell Hall because of the family atmosphere and the presiders who involve the children.
Q. How do you share your time and talent with the parish?
A. Soon after moving to Glenview, I became a member of Women's Club Guild 30, helping with their November Food Drive. With two girls attending the parish school (Katherine, 4th grade and Kourtney, 1st grade), I try to serve there as much as possible. I have been a Room Parent several times, and with Vickie Jo Frego, I co-founded the Kindergarten Daisy Troop for 19 girls from OLPH School. In addition, I became an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion last year. In the future, I would love to volunteer with RCIA when I have a little more time!
Q. How has OLPH impacted your family?
A. We appreciate the focus on families. We are trying to instill the faith in our children, and the parish does a great job helping us do that.
Q. What’s the prognosis on your ankle?
A. I am currently out on medical leave recovering from a Total Ankle Replacement that I received on June 9. I was fortunate to have fellow parishioner Dr. Steven Haddad as my surgeon. The doctor says I am healing well, and I’ll be raring to go later this fall!
