Meet the women of Bethany
Kiara Rose
Formation House
Hello everyone! My name is Kiara Rose(or Rosie). A few fun facts about me – I have three siblings, love dark chocolate, Softball, and the outdoors, I’ve never been to the ocean but have a petrifying fear of it as well as sharks. I traveled here from the great city of Brainerd not really knowing what I got myself into. The first time I heard about the Bethany House was around one year ago. I remember thinking, “ that sounds like a lot of fun!” But I had a plan for after high school to move out of state to study theology and/or nursing, and the Bethany house did not appeal to my plan, nor my heart. As time went on, plans began to change,(as they do) the Lord started to push me in the direction of the Bethany house. And as you can see, here I am! I cannot be more excited to see what the Lord has planned for this Catholic community, Marquette, school, for myself, and all those we will reach. let the joy of the Lord, be our strength as we navigate through this battle we are called to fight, and I look forward to fighting alongside you in Virginia!
Joan Clare
Formation House
Hey people!! My name is Joan LaSart! I hail from a little town called Frazee, Minnesota (the town with the big turkey statue) I have been raised with a song in my heart and have loved singing on stage with my family since I was a toddler. I have always wanted to be a missionary, but more specifically, I have always desired to make people feel seen and loved and uplift them in their identity as a child of God. I found out about The Bethany House from Naomi last year when it started and I thought it was a beautiful mission...but not something for me. Then this past spring Naomi reached out and invited me to look into it, and I must confess I wasn't entirely interested, because originally I was planning to move to Florida to work for Disney this year but the Lord really kept that invitation stirring in my heart. This May I was able to speak to Naomi again before the close of applications and I was informed that the Middle School in Virginia was looking for a choir teacher and I heard more about the incredibly beautiful charisms that the Beth house has and that conversation just struck a match to my heart, and I really felt the Lord calling me to take action, because I just felt a confidence that He was preparing a table for me in this community. Fast forward, and now I am here serving as a teacher in this school, and am alongside these wonderful women, to bring glory to God. The Lord is so good, and I am ready for an excellent year!
Kelsey Marie
Formation House
Hello everyone! I’m Kelsey Polchow! I am so beyond excited to be back for another great and fantastic year at the Bethany House! This past summer was a huge blessing in doing totus tuus for the diocese of Duluth! A little bit about me! I’m from Pequot Lakes, MN! I will be working as a paraprofessional at Northstar Elementary school, a para is someone who helps kids that may need more help in the classroom setting! My favorite saint is St. Faustina. She’s my confirmation saint, and God used her to send us the image of his mercy, so who wouldn’t want that! And one thing I’m looking forward to is just where the Lord is calling me one step at a time! As a community, we get to do new things and receive many new blessings and opportunities! A whole new adventure! I’m also very excited to see you all again, and meet new people!
Taylor Mae
Mission House
Hello everyone! My name is Taylor Mudgett and I am so excited for my first year here at the Bethany House! I grew up in Pequot Lakes, MN. As a child, I spent my time playing with my 5 younger siblings, helping my mom in the kitchen, and taking dance classes! After high school I went to college at Winona State University where I studied Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Post college, I worked as a missionary for three years with FOCUS (The Fellowship Of Catholic University Students.) As a missionary with FOCUS I did different things such as leading Bible studies, walking with students in discipleship, leading mission trips, and hosting retreats, all with the hope of bringing students into a deeper relationship with Jesus. I am so excited to continue my life as a missionary, but now in a new mission field! This school year I will be working at Marquette as the Title 1 teacher as well as being apart of the faith formation team at the school. This year I hope to not only bring the person of Jesus Christ to the students at Marquette, but also to the community as a whole. I am very excited to see what doors the Lord opens for mission this year. Some other important things to know about me include: I have a great love for Saint Bernadette, chai tea lattes, Taylor Swift, baking, and my family. Ask me about any of these things and I would love to share more with you! I ask that you would please keep me in your prayers and in turn know that you are in mine
Kallie Joy
Mission House
Hey, I’m Kallie Joy and I am very grateful to be a part of Bethany for a second year. I grew up in the very small town of Hackensack and loved every part of it! I became Catholic in 2019 after going through the Alpha course (a series of videos based on the basics of Christianity). Ever since the Lord has removed the scales from my eyes, my life has not been the same. Two Saints who have inspired me are St. Teresa of Avila and St. Maria Goretti. These Saints have simply helped me to pray and to forgive. Last year, while working in Walker at St. Agnes as the secretary and youth minister, the Lord gently invited me to follow Him to Virginia to live in community at the Bethany house and to work at Marquette. This year, I will be assisting in the first grade classroom and running the aftercare program at MCS. I’m looking forward to another beautiful year at Bethany and my hope is to bring Jesus to every soul I encounter, whether that be at MCS or in the grocery store!
Naomi Catherine
Mission House
Hey friends! It’s Naomi! I grew up in Crosby, MN & had the beautiful opportunity to attend St. Francis school with my nine brothers & sisters as a kid. Later I studied English Literature at Central Lakes College & Franciscan University of Steubenville. I love the woods, stars, water, swing dancing, poetry, music, coffee, & playing dodgeball with kindergartners. I’ve been so blessed these past three years to live, serve, & belong to this community first as a missionary in the school & now as a Youth Minister. My heart has come alive here in so many beautiful & unexpected ways & these young people have truly taught me what it means to love. I have been deeply encouraged by the radical witness to love, joy, & holiness of St. Francis & St. Clare— two saints who truly risked & gave everything in that simple, expansive freedom of being in love with Jesus. My heart is full of joy, wonder, hope, & amazement at all God has done as we begin this second year in the story of Bethany; this is truly one of the most beautiful gifts I have ever received. I am so grateful for all of you who have supported us, prayed for us, & journeyed with us along the way. There is so much more in store, friends! Know of my love & prayers always.