Meet Amy Eckhouse

My name is Amy Eckhouse. I was born and raised in Alton, Illinois, a town just north of St. Louis. At an early age I knew I had something in my heart that was special. I allowed it to tug at me. This tugging was quite noticeable especially in times of decision making and in times when I chose not to be compassionate. I felt then, what I know now, that The Spirit’s Hand was teaching me a few lessons, preparing me for the work I do today.

When I entered Marquette Catholic High School, my heart was touched in a very profound way. I’ll never forget the day when my freshman religion teacher walked into the classroom. The energy with which she carried herself, the love she had not only for us but also for herself. Her existence/soul knew how to allow God to speak through her. Her passion for helping us experience God in the ordinary became my own. That year I began my journey of self and God, and today I understand the passion that my teacher instilled in me. I have allowed God to put me where God wants me. While in college I majored in Special Education. Today I teach freshman religion, direct retreats, and serve as the Department Chair of the Religion department at St. Francis High School in Wheaton.

I am a firm believer that if we do our part, God will do the rest. We will be directed to our passion in life. It is there where God can do the greatest work. My passion is teaching young people how to tune in to God’s message explaining that the very messages may come in the form of a phone call, a billboard, a paragraph in the middle of an English assignment, a piece a paper under the bleachers - everyday life. The list is simply endless!! Some will say to me, "But Ms. Eckhouse, how can you tell if it’s God?" The answer is plain and simple. Whenever your heart is touched in some way, it’s God! It is awesome to see the face of a young person who has just received a real message from God.

When young people are struggling to find a field of study, I simply ask, "What do you have a passion for in life?" Go there! Invite God to let you know what’s next. Listen! Stay awake! Get the message! Go there! This is the place where God can do God’s greatest work: if you allow it, your hands will move mountains!

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