Bethany Paul | About Me
“Ruined for Life” is a phrase used by a program called the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. In 2003, I spent a year in this program living out the core values of social justice, spirituality, simplicity, and community. Don’t be fooled, to be “ruined for life” is a good thing. It is a conversion of self, where one is no longer comfortable living comfortably in a world with so much pain, injustice, hatred and ignorance. The experiences I encountered during those twelve months will forever shape my life. After JVC, I attended graduate school at Marquette University and participated in a fellowship program dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social justice. This program was funded by the late Dick Burke, founder of Trek Bicycles and devoted philanthropist. Upon graduating, each fellowship participant was gifted a beautiful, new Trek bike. I thank Mr. Burke for not only the opportunity to acquire my Master’s in Public Service in the Nonprofit Sector but also motivating me to start cycling! After graduating in 2006, I started working at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Kansas City coordinating parish Stewardship & Development and assisting in Social Ministries programs, including our food pantry and Sister Parish Relationship in Belize. Through these ministries I have been able to witness the reality of poverty both locally and internationally.
In the past five years, cycling has been simply a hobby for me, but after an inspiring meeting with Catholic Charities and the dream of a Jesuit priest to do something about poverty in our nation, cycling has become a means of change. Every time I think about riding through mountain passes or against 30 mph winds, I get a little queasy. But making this commitment to Cycling for Change and Catholic Charities’ Campaign to Reduce Poverty, I feel I will be cycling with a greater purpose. My hope for this journey is to advocate for society’s most vulnerable members and to encourage others to gain an understanding of what it means to be “ruined for life.”
Click here to meet more of the Cycling for Change Team!