Melanie Acosta

My husband Joel and I and at that time two young daughters moved from McAllen, TX in November of '91. After several moves around the state, I was more than ready to place roots, raise a family and be near both sets of extended family. From day one, my new next door neighbor Terri Cassidy, a parishioner of Seton, encouraged and invited me to attend Mass as well as Mother's and Other's, Vision 2000 and Growth in Spiritual Education.
I grew up in the parish of St. Paul's in Richardson, however our family, and thus faith in the Church, waned following the divorce of my parents. We went from very active participants to the periphery. We were led to believe we had to choose between supporting our parents or the Church.

When I met my husband in college at TWU, I was impressed that he suggested we go to Mass together and ultimately, I was back. I realized in my heart that I would always be Catholic; that indelible mark was still present. Taking on leadership roles in a variety of ministries while raising two more children, sons, helped me realize how capable I am and how much love I have to give others. I'm reading The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity by Matthew Kelly and it has helped reveal so much,  including that these holy moments are received through the service of others no matter how big or small.

Joel and I are both Physical Therapists and feel our profession is a great vehicle to serve others beyond what is expected. So whether you find me teaching first graders catechesis, shopping and organizing for Love Truck Christmas, leading children through the Stations of the Cross during Lent or anything else that inspires me, you'll know it's because God has revealed to me true love, joy and happiness through serving, being my best self,  surrounded by the needs and hope of others.