Teacher finds spiritual home at St. Clement Parish and School

The strong sense of community and welcoming spirit at St. Clement Parish and School in St. Bernard (Cincinnati) inspired several teachers to take the next step on their journey of faith. Devon Miller, who teaches third grade, and two colleagues were received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on April 19.  

A sense of belonging 

Originally from New Jersey, near Atlantic City, Devon acknowledged that she “didn’t have much of a religious background.” After several years of teaching in public schools, she transitioned to private school education.  

Upon arriving at St. Clement in 2023, Devon immediately experienced a sense of belonging. “I felt like I really needed to be there, that it was my calling,” she explained.  

Attending the weekly school Masses became deeply meaningful for her, as did her encounters with the Franciscan friars at St. Clement, especially Brothers E.J. Stein, OFM, former pastor, Jud Weiksnar, OFM, parochial vicar, and Ed Arambasich, OFM, who passed away in March.  

“There was just something about Mass that made me feel very emotional. I felt spiritually fed and like I was part of a community,” Devon said. “The Franciscans are so down-to-earth and approachable. Br. E.J. made me feel so welcome, and Br. Jud is always so engaging.”  

Devon grew particularly close to Br. Ed during his time at St. Clement as she and her students rehearsed music with him, including the school’s first alma mater, which he composed. “He got the children so involved and now they sing with so much enthusiasm,” she said.  

Br. Jud Weiksnar poses with Devon Miller, right, and two of her fellow St. Clement teachers who were received into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil on April 19. (Photo courtesy of Br. Jud) 

A confident decision  

As the 2024-25 school year progressed, so did Devon’s desire to embrace the Catholic faith, not just for herself, but for her students. “I don’t teach religion, but sometimes the students ask me questions about it, and I wanted to be able to answer their questions accurately and with confidence,” she said.  

Feeling confident about taking the next step, Devon approached Br. Jud after Mass one morning last fall and shared her feelings. “He expressed his happiness and was very emotional,” she recalled.  

He also shared the news with Br. Ed, who had since left St. Clement due to health issues, but still emailed Devon to share his joy and prayers.  

“I was taken aback in the best possible way,” said Br. Jud in response to Devon’s decision. “She literally evangelized after that, sharing her good news with the rest of the faculty.”  

Devon Miller receives Communion from Br. Jud Weiksnar, OFM, at Easter Vigil. (Photo courtesy of Katie Daniels) 

Embracing faith 

The next step on Devon’s journey was participation in OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), which proved to be deeply meaningful for her. Accompanied by her sponsor and fellow teacher Nicole Roach, she said she “learned so much about the Catholic faith, the significance of the Eucharist, and God’s forgiveness, acceptance and love. It was helpful to discuss the Scripture readings and how they apply to our own lives.”  

As Easter Vigil approached, Devon felt “prepared, just a little nervous. I’m just grateful to be taking this step and am grateful for everyone’s prayers and support.”  

Receiving the sacraments of initiation on that holy night was “magical and so special, especially being baptized with a few of the students I teach. I was in tears,” she said.  

“I have a spiritual home now, a place to be with people who share my beliefs,” she added. “Having that support at St. Clement and people who can walk with me on the journey of faith means so much.”