Hello, my name is Katie Terres and I am a senior at Sarasota High School. My experience at the Church of the Redeemer began with an invitation to youth group when I was in middle school. It was there I was met with smiles, laughter, pizza, and a group of people that all shared a strong connection to their faith. After my first EYC, I was hooked on Redeemer and begged my family to go to church there because I was already singing with the choir at that point- they really had no choice. After many mission trips and two St. Michael’s conferences, I had found a place for myself and my family.
One of the biggest takeaways of those who helped me grow stronger in my faith were Father Chris and Father Fred. When I had my life-long friends, peers, and mentors pushing me down they taught me to rise above and grow stronger in my faith. With a strong faith behind me that I learned at Redeemer, I persisted through the negativity brought upon by others and am now ecstatic to be pursuing my passion, musical theater, at the University of Tampa. I want to thank Redeemer for showing me the light and I would like to think those who wanted to push me down because it helped me rise above them and be able to pursue what I love. I will always hold Redeemer close to my heart as it taught me to be myself regardless of what others think.