Katarina Marie Goitz

Goitz, Katarina M. MISS KATARINA GOITZ Age 25 died on the morning of June 24th in Chicago in a motor vehicle accident. Beloved only daughter of Henry Goitz and Lorraine Armstrong. Sister of Ensign Dylan Goitz (US Navy). Born 1994 in Detroit, MI, attended Our Lady Star of the Sea, Grosse Pointe Academy, University Liggett high school (where she became fluent in Spanish thanks to Doctora Emory), and graduate of the University of Notre Dame (Chinese major, Economics Minor). Received Master's Degree in Theology also from the University of Notre Dame. Worked as youth minister, through the Notre Dame ECHO program for 2 years in a Hispanic community in Houston, and then began her first job in August 2018 as a youth minister, with Holy Family Parish in Galveston, Texas. She touched countless lives throughout her brief time in this world as others witnessed her honesty, purity, holiness, gentleness, generosity, kindness, service, caring and love to all! She was passionate about her faith, and found her peace in being in the presence of the Lord. She cared deeply for the unborn, human trafficking, prison ministry, and bringing others to God. She loved Irish dance, Texas 2 stepping, dancing at the Backer at Notre Dame, and caring for her pet cat Snickers, dog Cora, and hermit crab Penelope who is now 6 years old. ___________ KATARINA'S MESSAGE TO US ALL: taken from 'Faith ND Reflection' (August 26, 2016), written by Katarina, on New Testament parable scripture passage (Matthew 25:1-12): "… I need to focus on how I'm living today and not wait for a later day to make more time for God. It can't wait because I will 'KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR'…We know that death is inevitable, but do not know when it will come…What are our relationships like with friends and family? Do we strive to treat them with the love and patience that God would have? Are we spending enough quality time with God and others? Is prayer time pushed aside until bedtime when we are overwhelmed with school, work, or other activities? Instead of despairing with the thought that we have no time, we simply need to create time intentionally and include God throughout our day with more constant communication"… this passage is a great wake up call to be more disciplined and wise in our everyday life… we need to prepare." ___________ Visitation: Friday, July 5, 4-8 pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 (Metro Parkway, 16 mile) 586-826-8550. Words and Reflections Written by Katarina 7 pm. (Please also bring written memories and/or stories of Katarina to be posted on bulletin board and then saved and compiled in book for Goitz family-– if unable to attend, please send: hgoitz1@gmail.com) Funeral: Saturday, July 6, 9-10 am Visitation, 10 am Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford St, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. Will lay to rest: Monday, July 8, 1 pm Cedar Grove Cemetery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN. __________ Our beloved Katarina was uniquely gifted with joy in her vocation as a Youth Minister, a joy that shown unstoppably outward onto everyone who encountered her, most especially her students. So that we may all take part in continuing to encourage the joyful education of young people, on behalf of Katarina, donate to: Katarina Goitz Memorial Fund, Holy Family Parish - Youth Ministry Program 1010 35th St, Galveston, TX 77550 ___________ Local Lodging (let hotel know in town for Katarina for bereavement rate): Hampton Inn, 33680 Gratiot Road, Clinton Township, MI 48035. Phone: 586-792-1500. Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.