On the wall, in the corner of Jason Whitehouse’s office, hangs a famous painting by Rembrandt that was stolen in 1990. Not Jason’s copy, but the real Rembrandt was stolen from a museum in Boston.
The artwork depicts the storm on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus calmed the turbulent waters while his apostles prayed for their safety and clung to the boat in fear.
The art speaks to Jason, the Director of Information Systems for the Archdiocese of Denver. And he enjoys having it over his shoulder when he’s working at his desk.
“It reminds me to ask myself, ‘Am I trying to steer the ship through the storm, or am I submitting to God’s plan for me?’” Jason said.
Jason remembers asking himself questions like that in the summer of 2014 when he was working for a large software and technology company and wondering if he was fulfilling what God wanted for him.
He prayed on it and determined he wasn’t happy with the work, but it was a good job that he could continue.
Shortly after Jason thought he was settled with the idea of staying at the tech job, God had another plan. He and his wife attended a fundraiser where he met a deacon from the Archdiocese of Denver. When the deacon heard about Jason’s skills set, he said the Archdiocese was looking to fill a technology position.
Jason, who is a convert to the Catholic faith, took the job within a month and has since been promoted. When he reflects on where he is today, he says, “what better way to live out my faith.” And Jason’s not alone.
“I bet if you ask around, most of the people who work for the Archdiocese will have a story like that,” Jason said.
The mission of the Archdiocese of Denver is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, celebrate his Sacraments and exercise his works of mercy, so that all might participate in his salvation and discover the lasting joy of a relationship with him.
The Archdiocese recently asked its employees, “do you share as a witness what Jesus Christ has done for you?”
Jason is living out the affirmative to that question. He frequently shares his story with new employees, and he challenges others to ask themselves the same questions — “Are you trying to navigate the storm on your own or are you listening to God’s loving will in your life?”
”Do you share as a witness what Jesus Christ has done for you?
You don’t need to work at the Archdiocese to share your love of our faith. You can invite friends to join you at church, volunteer at one of the many ministries or make a gift to the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal which helps fund our schools, seminaries, parishes and outreach ministries.
