Missionary, 2021-2023
We’re so proud to feature Rachel White, who dedicated two years to serving on both our Denver and Philadelphia missionary teams. Following her time on mission, Rachel continued to live out a heart for service while pursuing her architectural career as an architect and project manager in Nashville, TN, where she also began the rigorous process of pursuing her architectural licensure. Now, her journey has come full circle as she recently moved back to her home state of West Virginia to work at ZMM Architects and Engineers. “I am so excited to go back to my home state to be near family and to be able to pour into the little Catholic community that helped me get my start,” Rachel shared.
A Lasting Sense of Discipline
Rachel credits Christ in the City with instilling a lasting sense of discipline in her life. “In a very concrete way, I feel like Christ in the City helped me learn a lot of discipline with the schedule that I have developed for myself post missionary life,” she reflects. “I recognize that prayer and frequent reception of the Eucharist and Reconciliation are essential to continue to deepen my relationship with the Lord. Additionally, I have recognized that anything can be formation if you view it as such!”
Inspiring Others to Serve
Even while building her architectural career in Nashville, Rachel’s missionary heart sought opportunities to serve. “I couldn’t find a whole lot of opportunities for serving the poor consistently in Nashville, so I decided to host an opportunity for the local community,” she explained. This led her to initiate the “Blessings Bags” event, a simple yet impactful ministry she organized for the past few years. “I had people bring things like socks, water, mittens, snacks, etc. and bundle them up to take with them to put in their car for when they encounter the poor at a stoplight,” Rachel shared. What she loves most is witnessing the shift in perspective when participants realize they will be the ones offering these bundles.
“People think that they are just going to be the hands putting the bundles together, but when I tell them that they are the ones who are going to be encountering the poor, their jaws kind of drop and they look like deer in the headlights. But then a few weeks later, I hear these awesome testimonies of people giving out these bundles and I always ask if they caught the friend on the street’s name. It’s such a beautiful ministry, and I’ve already had people volunteer to take it over after I move. If you give them the opportunity, the people will serve! The Holy Spirit is definitely working in Nashville!”
Thank You, Rachel!
Your journey beautifully exemplifies a heart that consistently seeks to serve and connect with others. We are incredibly proud of your commitment and know that as you return to your home community, you will undoubtedly accomplish great things – both in your architectural career and in your continued leadership and inspiration within the local community. Your passion for service and ability to empower others to encounter Christ in their neighbors are truly remarkable gifts. We can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings for you!
