MEET JEAN COSTA!

St. Michael's – November 2, 2021 1 Comment

This weekend, we’re highlighting Jean Costa and her family! Jean is a long-time parishioner of St. Michael’s, a spiritual director, a published author, and a woman of powerful faith. You can regularly find her at the 5 pm Mass on Saturdays or the noon on Sundays.

What should parishioners know about you?

I am a cradle Catholic who grew up in New York. My father was very active in our parish and most of the children in my small neighborhood went to the Catholic grammar school. I went onto St. Agnes Academic in College Pt. NY (an all woman HS) and it was one of the greatest influences in my life. I then went onto St. John’s University in NY. I went back to school as an older adult to UNC, CH and earned an MSW. I walked part of the Camino in Spain in 2017 and it was a very spiritual experience. I walked straight off that path to The Haden Institute in NC and became a Certified Spiritual Director.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

Sandy is my hubby of 53 years and my spiritual partner in all things especially in my faith. Sandy and I have been blessed by three children and seven grandchildren. In November of 2019 the youngest and her family came from Seattle WA so that Monsignor Reed could baptize their twin girls. (Photo below) In October, Sandy and I were given the Duke Shingleton Award for Community Sponsorship for our involvement with the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program and our 17 years of work on The Pink Ribbon Yoga Retreat for women breast cancer patients.

How long have you been parishioners at St. Michael’s?

We joined St. Michael’s in 2000 but our first mass at St. Michael’s was Easter of 1987 when the church was in the original location. We’ve also been part of a Small Christian Community that began in 1987 out of St. Andrew’s. There are 11 of us. 

What is your favorite Bible verse/story and why? 

My favorite is the Annunciation. I am in awe of the Blessed Virgin’s courage in saying “yes.” I love the fact that she trusted God so much she was willing to risk everything for Him and I really love that she didn’t go and get permission from anyone before agreeing to be the Mother ofGod.

Who is a saint that inspires you? 

Mother Teresa is my inspiration. I know we are called to serve and she epitomizes that call.

If you became a canonized saint, what would you be the patron saint of? 

I know we are all called to be saints but I’ve never considered what I’d be the patron saint of. My choice would be for women who want to be nurtured and empowered.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I sang at Carnegie Hall in 2019 with the  Cary Community Choir. Also, I have written two books: Choosing Your Words, Crafting Your Life and Creating Positive Affirmations, Living an Intentional Life.

What’s something you enjoy about being Catholic?

We have been blessed to travel the world and have attended Mass in Rome, Paris, Spain and Butte, Montana to name just a few. It doesn’t matter where we attend, it is always like we have come home and are being called to rest with Our Lord. It’s a wonderful gift of practicing our Catholic faith.