Growing roots in the midst of uncertainty: Q&A with Rebecca 'Becky' Pedler

Tell me about yourself:
Hi, my name is Becky Pedler and I am currently wrapping up the final weeks of graduate school for my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, spending time with friends, and sipping coffee. 

Do you have a favorite saint? Why are they your favorite?
One of my favorite saints is St. Joseph and how exciting is it that Pope Francis has named this liturgical year in his honor?! I feel a kinship to St. Joseph for he was not an evangelist by his words, but rather by his actions. St. Joseph’s example of humble service models how profound of an impact our own actions can have on those around us, and I strive to keep it at the center of everything I do. Also, St. Joseph’s humble submission to the will of God exemplifies how fruitful our lives can be when we welcome Him into our own hearts and homes.

What is an issue that the Catholic Church supports that you are passionate about?
Personally, I am passionate about the Catholic Church’s stance on the use of contraceptives and their role in promoting the culture of death. Beyond this, however, the use of contraceptives violates the inherent dignity of the human person granted to us by God when He made us in His own image and likeness. He created us as we are – male and female – and complementary to one another. Contraceptives interfere with the natural gift of self that God has granted us and thwart God’s sharing of participating in creation with Him.

How have you continued to grow in your faith during the pandemic?
Keeping in touch with friends and engaging in theological discussion was important for staying strong in my faith during the pandemic. Learning how to invite the Lord into the everyday and trying different methods of prayer truly helped me develop my relationship with God. Switching to online learning and the cancellation of my second clinical experience offered me an unexpected “summer vacation” which left me feeling stagnant in every aspect of my life. Inviting the Lord into my amended daily activities and acknowledging how ‘the little things’ can be offered up in service for another introduced a new joy within my heart – the ordinary became extraordinary. The inability to physically attend Mass presented a mighty obstacle, but streaming Mass provided the opportunity to welcome God into my heart and home in a new way. Seizing this unanticipated opportunity to grow in faith, I also searched for new ways to pray – faith-based reading, rosary walks, diving into Scripture, podcasts, etc. – and found a more steadfast prayer life. Through the grace of God, I was able to shift the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic into a more firmly rooted faith. 

Who is a person in your life that has influenced your Catholic faith?
I couldn’t possibly choose just one as there have been many people who have influenced my faith throughout the various stages of life. First, my parents, for making the sacrifice to send my two brothers and myself to Catholic school where they knew we would receive a faith-based education. Upon beginning my undergraduate education at Northern Michigan University, Catholic Campus Ministry became my home and the beginning of a renewal of faith. There, I formed lifelong friendships rooted in faith that strengthened and challenged me to and grow deeper in my own relationship with the Lord. To this day, my friends continue to encourage me and support me in my faith journey and I am incredibly grateful for the examples they set for me. 

Do you have any advice for Catholics young and old?
Never stop seeking community. Man was made for relationship and there is so much we can learn from each other’s journeys toward heaven. I had the opportunity while a part of Catholic Campus Ministry to experience and witness how simply gathering for a weekly meal brought people from different walks of life together and the beautiful, supportive friendships that developed. “’For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’” (Matthew 18:20 NIV)