Archdiocese of Newark (Echo 22)
Katelyn Woods, Mary Lewis, Riley Talbot
Katelyn Woods
Echo Class:
Echo 22 Theology Teacher
Echo Placement:
Immaculate Heart Academy
Archdiocese of Newark
Hometown:
Draper, Utah
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
Thomas Aquinas College, 2021
Majors in Theology and Philosophy, minors in Natural Science and General Mathematics
What are your favorite hobbies and activities outside of your ministry work?
I love exploring the area of my new placement in north New Jersey! It's so much fun to be so close to New York City. I also enjoy working out, reading, walking my landlord's dog, and hanging out with my community members.
What attracted you to Echo and helped you decide to join the program?
I always wanted to try teaching to see if I would be good at it, since I think the Catholic school system is in need of good teachers. The Echo Program was like my idea but better, because I get so much support from those that run the program, wonderful friends that will help me through all these new challenges, a supportive faith environment, and a free masters from Notre Dame!
What kinds of things will you be doing at your Echo placement?
I am teaching ninth and tenth grade kids at an all-girls school. We are covering Scripture, doctrinal basics, and some ecclesiology. I am very passionate about the material and hope that my enthusiasm will be somewhat contagious. I love tossing out candy for correct answers, playing review games, making slides with beautiful pictures, and teaching my girls how to read the Bible and Catechism.
Mary Lewis
Echo Class:
Echo 22 Theology Teacher
Echo Placement:
Saint Joseph Regional High School
Archdiocese of Newark
Hometown:
Phoenix, AZ
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
University of Dallas, 2025
Theology
What is your favorite quote, song, or image?
The image of the three hearts: the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the chaste heart of Joseph.
What have you enjoyed most about your Echo experience thus far?
The Echo program has brought me not only wonderful new relationships with holy people, but has fostered the deepening of my own relationship with Christ-both of which brings me great joy!
What is the most significant thing you’ve learned in Echo?
I have learned how to surrender! In both teaching and in life, the way people choose to receive me is often out of my control, which can be a difficult reality to embrace. However, learning to surrender to Christ's will, and acknowledging His goodness and plan for me, has allowed me to embrace the hardships that come with this wonderful and often difficult work. His yoke is easy!
What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
Trust in the Holy Spirit to guide your heart! Do not be afraid, but instead, be receptive and open to hearing His call.
Riley Talbot
Echo Class:
Echo 22 Theology Teacher
Echo Placement:
Immaculate Heart Academy
Archdiocese of Newark
Hometown:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
Georgetown University, 2025
Theology, Government, Environmental Studies (minor)
What are your favorite hobbies and activities outside of your ministry work?
After a long day of teaching, I love to come home and catch up with my roommates to hear about their day. I also love going to a run outside to explore the new area we're in (I've spotted at least one deer on every run!). On weekends, I try to make time to do something artsy or creative as a way to relax and recharge!
What kinds of things will you be doing at your Echo placement?
I teach freshman theology at Immaculate Heart Academy, an all-girls school in New Jersey. Our course is all about finding Jesus in scripture. In addition to teaching, I work with the service program to help make service opportunities accessible to the students. I love getting to know the students and hear more about their journey to God!
What is the most significant thing you’ve learned in Echo?
I loved something that the program director, Ryan, said during our opening orientation when reflecting on the call of Simon: during our time in the program, God will stretch our nets, but the nets will never break. I've taken this reflection into my ministry, welcoming opportunities to stretch myself while always holding strong to the hope that He will never let my net break.