Meet SoulCore Leader – Jakki
Jakki is a parishioner of St. Paul Catholic Newman Center in Fresno, California, where she leads a ministry for moms and families. Praying the rosary through SoulCore since 2016 has brought Jakki strength, stillness, and a deeper appreciation for the virtues of the rosary. She loves to bring people together around the rosary to strengthen our minds, bodies, and souls through this powerful transformative prayer.
Jakki’s Favorite Scripture Verses:
2 Corinthians 9:6-9
Meet SoulCore Leader – Elizabeth
My name is Elizabeth Downer, I am a wife and mother of four children. I have also been a full time public high school teacher since 2001. My husband and I have been active in our local Newman Center, connected to our local university, since our first date, St. Patrick’s Day, 1997. In addition to being active in Scouts and competitive climbing with the kids, we have loved leading vacation bible school in the summer, teaching catechism classes during our intergenerational program -“Faith, Family, and Friends”, and being part of the liturgical ministry. Different opportunities to serve have arisen for our family in different seasons, and as crazy as it has been, it makes life fascinating and beautiful. When I am feeling overwhelmed by our commitments, I like to remember Proverbs 11:25, “whoever brings blessings will be enriched, and one who waters will be watered himself.”
Meet SoulCore Leader – Kim
My family which includes my husband, 2 kids, and my parents have been parishioners at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fresno, Ca for over 30 years. I work full time as faculty for an on-line University in their College of Education. Raising both my kids in the Catholic faith and in Catholic Education has been fulfilling. Praying the rosary has been a regular practice in our house along with striving to live a faith-filled life. At first, I would pray the rosary to help calm my stress with health concerns of close family members, and now it’s an everyday practice that’s just become commonplace. No matter how crazy and uncertain life gets, praying the rosary always brings back the familiar and the calm. I enjoy staying active and working out, so SoulCore is the beautiful combination of the two. It’s a blessing to share my passion for teaching, exercise, the Blessed Mother and the rosary with many people in my area.
Kim’s Favorite Scripture Verses:
1 Corinthians 13:13; Luke 1:48
