Amy E. Taylor, former Catholic Herald staff reporter, is communications coordinator for the communications office of the Milwaukee Archdiocese. Continue to follow her new blog at www.ourpast2future.wordpress.com.

Three Sundays ago I was at Mass at the Basilica of St. Josaphat, Milwaukee, in a bit of despair. For those of you who’ve been keeping up with my last few blogs, you have come to be familiar with my new feelings of “stuckness” with my life, my job, my family and friends. That morning, it all seemed to hit me at once: I was desperate. I needed help.

I sat through Mass with my rosary clutched in my hands, trying to pray but not really having much luck, trying not to cry but feeling the tears fall regardless. Finally, soon after Communion as I was kneeling down, I did the only thing I could really think of: I prayed to the Virgin Mary for her intercession.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,

that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection,

implored your help or sought your intercession,

was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence,

I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;

to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,

despise not my petitions,

but in your mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

The following day, with a heart still heavy with worry about bills, babies, family, friends and my ever challenging career, I came to the Catholic Herald for business as usual, but was confronted with a proposition I was not expecting: a job offer.

Two weeks later, I am both sorry and joyful to tell you that I will no longer be a reporter for your Catholic Herald starting June 6. Instead, I have accepted a job as the communications coordinator for the Milwaukee Archdiocese. While it is a very scary thing to do – to go out of your comfort zone and learn the inner workings of a brand new job – even I can recognize a gift from Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mother when I get one smack dab in the face.

I always had a deal with God that I would take advantage and not waste the opportunities that he sends to me. Much like choosing to attend Marquette University, live in South Africa or even say yes to marriage from a cute guy from Starbucks, I know that I have to take this opportunity to continue on the life that God has chosen for me.

While I will continue to blog about my adventures – boring as they are! – I am unsure whether you will still receive them from the CHNonline.org website. Either way, I will let you know.

Pray for me! I’m really freaking out!

-Amy

Music playing while writing this: “Love Me Like The World Is Ending” by Ben Lee