Spotlight on Discipleship: Meredith Maranowicz’s Journey of Faith at SJE
- SJE
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
How One Family’s “Yes” to St. John the Evangelist Parish is Sparking Generations of Catholic Disciples
Finding Home at SJE
A parish partner for more than ten years, Meredith Maranowicz says SJE has profoundly shaped her personal faith, deepened her relationship with the Holy Spirit, and awakened her desire to truly live as a disciple who makes disciples.
Meredith’s greatest hope is simple but powerful: to inspire others to get involved at SJE and to testify to the strong leadership and clear mission of Father Sammie Maletta — one rooted in his call to “make us all better disciples.”
Married to her husband John for 21 years, the couple raised their four children in the Catholic faith. Yet it wasn’t until the family became part of SJE that they truly felt at home in a parish community
Catholic Parenting
Following a five-year work assignment in California, the Maranowicz family returned to the Midwest in 2014 and explored St. John the Evangelist School for their children. Meredith recalls being immediately struck by the school’s traditional Catholic culture and intentional faith formation. Their oldest child began second grade at SJE and quickly fell in love with the school—as did Meredith and John.
Despite that strong connection, it took two more years before the family officially registered as parish members. At first, Meredith admits she struggled with Father Maletta's Mass attendance expectations, especially when it conflicted with sports. What initially felt restrictive slowly revealed itself as something much deeper.
As the family began attending Mass at SJE — prompted by their children wanting to see friends — Meredith felt what she describes as an “electricity” within the parish. She came to understand that Father Maletta’s intention wasn’t control, but care: holding parishioners accountable out of a genuine desire to help them grow into better people, better Catholics, and intentional disciples of Jesus Christ.
Catholic Schooling
Her growing appreciation for the parish deepened through the school’s religious education, in which Meredith found herself re-educating herself alongside her children through the Basic Catholic Teachings (BCT's). That positive experience led her to volunteer her professional talents during the 2016-17 academic year, offering to create a promotional video for Catholic Schools Week.
With over a decade of experience as a TV news reporter, Meredith approached the project with enthusiasm — interviewing teachers, parents, and students, gathering testimonials and capturing meaningful moments throughout the school. What began as a volunteer project soon became a part-time role on the newly formed Media Team, centered on one clear mission: bringing Jesus to others.
Continuing the Mission
Since then, Meredith has helped produce ten school promotional videos and contributed to numerous special projects. One of the most meaningful was helping organize and promote Father Maletta’s book, Be Disciples Who Make Disciples. Working closely with Father and her editing partner, Lynda Hemmerling, Meredith witnessed firsthand the authenticity of his leadership and the depth of his commitment to the parish’s mission.
Through her work behind the scenes, Meredith can confidently testify that discipleship at SJE is not a slogan or a program — it is the way the parish is led. She has seen the time, energy, and resources invested in staff, families, and ministries, all with the goal of forming disciples who serve others.
For Meredith, the most rewarding part of the journey has been watching her family’s faith take root and flourish. Her eldest son, now in college, is actively involved in his Catholic parish at Purdue University. Her second son confidently shared the Story of Creation with his public high school classmates during a lesson on evolution. Their third son regularly leads his basketball teammates in prayer before meals. And Meredith prays that her youngest child, still attending SJE, will one day step into public high school with the same boldness of faith.
Ultimately, Meredith’s mission and message is an invitation.
Encouraging Others
She encourages others to go all in with SJE — to listen to the Holy Spirit, say yes, and get involved. There are countless ways to serve, grow, and belong within this community. For those willing to take the step, the mission is clear: to grow deeper in faith, serve others joyfully, and truly become disciples who make disciples.
Inviting You
Now, Meredith invites you to an evening of vision, story, and renewal with Father Maletta at SJE's Be Disciples, Make Disciples Book Event!
When: Wednesday, March 4
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Where: SJE, 10701 Olcott Ave., St. John, Indiana
What to Expect: Drinks, hors d’oeuvres, music, and a live presentation by Father Maletta sharing the real story of SJE, where it began, the principles learned, and where it’s going next.
Cost: $20 per person or $30 per couple
Individual and couple tickets come with ONE signed copy of the book.
You can purchase additional books after selecting a ticket.
Don’t wait. Sign up today, Click here for more information and to sign up.