It's Not About: Setting Aside Personal Preferences for the Mission (Part 2) | Ep. 6
Can a practice you resist become a place where your faith grows? Jackie Duff and Amy Goggin join Khalil Hattar to discuss moving beyond their own preferences. Jackie recalls accepting natural family planning as her husband entered the Catholic Church and describes changes in their marriage. Amy looks back at returning to regular Mass and prayer, then learning to live the faith she wanted to pass on to her children.
Their stories turn toward parish life. Jackie explains why she resisted Alpha and what changed when she tried it again. Amy shares how prayer with the parish before her son left for military service challenged her misgivings about that kind of prayer. Khalil reflects on returning to the sacraments and meeting people where they are. Together, they consider music, hospitality and personal openness, while cautioning against treating another parish’s approach as a recipe to copy.
In this episode
- Jackie’s experience of natural family planning and marriage
- Amy’s return to prayer and raising children in faith
- Giving Alpha another chance after years of resistance
- Receiving prayer and support from the parish
- Making people feel welcome in parish ministry
About the guests
Jackie Duff
Jackie Duff serves as worship assistant and hospitality coordinator at St. John the Evangelist Parish. She administers scheduling for ministries serving at Mass and assists the parish’s worship leadership. A longtime cantor, she describes her ministry as leading people deeper into prayer through music and helping others participate in worship.
Amy Goggin
Amy Goggin is director of religious education at St. John the Evangelist Parish, overseeing children’s religious formation and sacramental preparation. Her background includes an associate degree in early childhood education and experience volunteering in parish formation. She especially values working directly with children as they learn about the Catholic faith.
