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Kerry WeberMay 28, 2012

So, what do you do?” This apparently innocuous question has often caused me anxiety. It’s typically the first thing a new acquaintance will ask, and justifiably so, because how we spend our days can reveal quite a bit about what we value in life. Of course, some job titles give away more than others. When my father tells people he is an electrical engineer, they might ask him a question about a faulty light switch at home, but his job title does not generate assumptions about his politics or his religious beliefs.

On the other hand, my job as an editor of a Catholic magazine often gets a different reaction. When strangers hear what I do, they instantly make assumptions about me. On some level I don’t mind. I work where I do because Ibelieve this magazine does, in fact, help raise awareness of much of what I find good and wonderful about our church. I want to be associated with these things. But there are times I just reply, “I’m an editor” and hope there’s no follow up.

It is said that when making polite small talk, one does not discuss religion, sex or politics. But that becomes more than a bit difficult when you work for a church whose keen interest in all three of these topics has been widely discussed of late. Recently a friend dragged me to a networking event in Midtown. While those around me chatted about hedge funds, marketing strategies and cocktails, I was quizzed on abortion, contraception and Christian-Muslim relations.

A few months ago, I stopped for a night at a bed and breakfast in California. As the owner showed me to my room, he asked, “So, what do you do? And why are you in California?” I said that I had been to the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress and that I work for a religious magazine.

“I’m not a big fan of religion,” he replied. “I don’t like people telling other people what to believe.” Insulting a customer’s deeply held belief system seemed to me to be as poor a business strategy as the fresh-baked cookies in the lobby were a wise one. But there was no anger in his voice. In fact, he seemed sort of intrigued, and even a little surprised by the fact that I was religious, as if to imply: But you seem so normal! “I’m not here to tell you what to believe,” I said.

More recently, I was seated next to a woman about my age on an airplane. We chatted about poetry and the cost of apartments, and we discovered we were both writers. “What do you write about?” she asked. Here we go, I thought. “Catholicism, mostly,” I told her. The plane’s wheels touched down. “O.K.,” she said, turning toward me eagerly. “Tell me everything you disagree with the Catholic Church about before we get off the plane.”

I wanted to sigh. I wanted to scream. Instead, I just said: “What do you want to know?” She rattled off topics, and I told her my beliefs: the ones that are in line with church teachings, others I hold because my conscience deems it necessary and the ones that I’m still struggling with.

The woman leaned in and she listened, even when we didn’t agree. It was not the easiest conversation I’ve ever had. But it was actually sort of fun. I found myself speaking passionately, wishing I had more time. I can only muster so much enthusiasm for discussions about New York City’s sky-high rents. But this stuff—issues of faith and relaltionships and politics—I love.

I realized that as much as I sometimes dread being dragged into these conversations, most of the time I end up enjoying them. I don’t have any interest in hedge funds or the weather. I would rather get straight to something deeper, more revealing. So I try to take these moments as a chance to prove some stereotypes wrong and to add nuance to people’s impressions of Catholicism. I try to be honest, compassionate and open. It’s not part of my job description as an editor. But as a Christian, it’s central to what I do.

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Nancy Walton-House
11 years 10 months ago
Kerry, this is a wonderful article - honest, deeply felt, relevant to our times and encounters with others.  It clearly demonstrates the values of discernment, commitment and courageous communication.  We talked about similar issues last night in our parish Justice and Peace Commission meeting.  I applaud you, especially as a young adult in our secular American culture, for your willingness to tell the truth in difficult circumstances.
Fran Rossi Szpylczyn
11 years 10 months ago
Kerry, I read every word of yours, and my head shaking was in agreement. Thank you for sharing your experiences with such clarity and candor.

Five short years ago, a lifetime ago it seems , I left my career as a senior corporate executive in NYC, and decamped to this suburb of Albany as a result of my marriage. One thing (unemployment), lead to another (lots of time to volunteer), and I ended up employed by the Church, and pursuing long-desired work as a Catholic writer.

Some of friends from earlier in life see this as an abrupt betrayal, saying things along the lines of, "Well I knew that you were Catholic, but were you really so Catholic?" Others assume I checked my brain at the door, so that it might be sent off to the Vatican for reprogramming. The list goes on and on.

On the other hand, as you have indicated, there are also so many rich gifts, beyond the assumptions. Thanks for being who you are in the world, it is a gift. Thank you!
Mike Evans
11 years 10 months ago
And this very article is evidence of why lay women and men should preach.
ed gleason
11 years 10 months ago
I worked 30 years in the Bell system followed by 10 years for the Archdiocese. When retired and playing golf with made up foursomes I finally stopped mentioning that I had worked for the Church... in 2002 because of YOU KNOW WHY. When I noted that even the Bell system work generated less complaints, I sensed how bad the Catholic PR had declined! Henry VIII got the title Defender of The Faith and look how he turned out! beside it all interfered with the short game.
Monica Doyle
11 years 10 months ago
This is wonderful,Kerry. You are half my age but light years ahead of me in your ability to articulate cherished beliefs. I am always amazed at how normally civil people will think nothing of denigrating the Church, without a clue as to how hurtful and offensive their remarks are to me. Keep up the good work, Kerry. You are an inspiration to some of us who have become quite weary over the years.
Beth Cioffoletti
11 years 10 months ago
You give me the hope and courage to be the Catholic that I am, Kerry.  Thank you.

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