Missionary, 13-14
We’re excited to feature Kevin Barry, a former missionary from our 2014 class. He and his wife, Mary, celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary in October 2024. Both Kevin and Mary work in the financial services industry in the Philadelphia area.
Bearing Fruit
“I look back on my experience at Christ in the City as foundational for marriage preparation, Kevin shared. “The investment by the formators in my spiritual life is still serving me to this day. The focus on daily prayer, the Sacraments, Adoration, and more, helped me transition from college to the very first days of my adult life rooted in consistent prayer and communion with Christ that has endured to this day.”
He continues, “I also want to praise the human formation I received during my Christ in the City year. The expectation as a missionary to clean, be on time, keep a daily schedule, and also cook (very poorly I might add; just ask anyone from my year about my attempt at meatballs) prepared me to serve my spouse in the little things of daily life. Mary and I went through Pre-Cana and additional marriage prep with a priest, but the work began in earnest at the missionary house mopping floors and doing dishes years before.”
A Life of Service
When Kevin and Mary visit his family in Chicago, they make a point to visit and serve alongside the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist on the West side of Chicago at their weekly food bank. Kevin shares, “The Sisters serve the poorest in the Chicago area, and their impact is tangible both spiritually and materially.”
Closer to home in the Philadelphia area, they strive to be generous with their time. Kevin explains, “We serve in various functions at our parish ranging from weekday Sacristan to pastoral council member, as well as leaders of an evangelization training program called Reach More. We often host evangelization trainings, small groups, and one-on-ones in our home. We are truly grateful for the gift of our parish and the souls we have the privilege of encountering in our community.”
Thank you, Kevin!
You and your wife are an inspiration! It’s clear that service is at the heart of your marriage and it’s beautiful to see the ways you have chosen to live that out together to build up your community.
