Goodbye 2022 -- A Year That Was Filled with Wonderful Experiences!

Those of you who frequently visit this blog know that I have not posted a writing here since July 1, 2022. It is the longest I've gone without posting since June 2016. Life took some unexpected twists and turns last July that kept me away from this blog. First, I began the year with a goal of running and/or cycling every day of 2022. That goal was going well, until in early August 2022 I experienced a slipped disc in my lower back which kept me out of my running shoes and off of my bike seat (I'm completely healed now!). It just happened to be at this time that I transitioned into a new job -- leaving behind the field of law.

I first began working in law back in 1993, when my first child was born. Over the decades, I worked in various law firms and also operated my own small business. However, what I've always wanted to do since obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion is to work in a church setting -- preferably with youth. Opportunities to do that arose over the decades, but for one reason or another those opportunities didn't fully come to fruition. Now, at the age of 57, I had resigned myself to the fact that I would likely stay in the field of law until retirement. However, earlier this year I felt a calling by God to apply for a Director of Faith Formation position at the Catholic church I attend. Ultimately, I was given the position and I then put in my notice at the law firm during July. I began my new position on August 8, 2022.

For the past five months, I have been very busy settling into my new role and new responsibilities. As Director of Faith Formation I oversee catechists (teachers) in the religious education program for pre-K through 12th grade, as well as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). I also teach the junior high and high school youth groups. In addition, I conduct sacramental preparation for Baptism, First Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. It has been a wonderful transition and I feel blessed to finally be able to do what I've always wanted to do. I also get to work in the same building as my wife, who is an administrative assistant to three priests in our pastorate. God is so good!

In October, my stepdaughter, Rachel, got married and that was a beautiful day and one that Kelley and I will always cherish. We've also been doing the rounds on visiting college campuses because Hannah graduates in 2023 and will be heading off to a university. We're certainly experiencing a lot of life changes in our family! In just a matter of months, we'll be down to only one child left under our roof. Kyndal will be a Sophomore in 2023 and in a short three years will be off to college -- leaving Kelley and I officially empty nesters. I also recently learned that my eldest daughter, Jenna, is expecting a baby next summer. Yes... I'm a grandfather at 57! What a blessing!

I do hope that those reading this have had a fantastic 2022 and that your 2023 is one filled with many blessings.

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso

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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past