Jim & Karen Genis
Couple Name: Jim and Karen Genis
Where were you and your spouse born? (City/State):
Karen: Northlake IL (Chicago area)
Jim: LaGrange Park IL (Chicago area)
How did you meet? At our workplace
First marriage for husband? (Yes/ No): Yes
First marriage for wife? (Yes/ No): Yes
Husband’s occupation: Real estate investor
Wife’s occupation: Preschool special needs teacher
What are your favorite leisure activities/ hobbies?
Husband: Playing guitar, outdoor activities (hiking, swimming, cycling), woodworking
Wife: Quilting, gardening, homesteading
How long have you been parishioners at St. Paul? What do you enjoy most about this parish, and what improvements would you like to see?
We joined St. Paul in 2012. We most enjoy the diversity of the people who are without parallel in kindness, welcomeness, and deep caring; we have lots of friends at this Parish. Jim especially loves that we are a “singing parish” with many people singing at Mass. We also appreciate the active involvement of so many people in different ministries.
We would like to see more activities and a stronger presence among teens and young adults.
Are you currently involved in any ministry at St. Paul? (We strive for our engaged couples to identify you when attending mass and/or parish events.)
Husband: Music ministry, men’s Bible study, Welcome (CRHP)
Wife: Music ministry, Bible home study
Kindly include any ‘words of wisdom’ and a favorite bible verse or quote, if you choose to include this info. It would help the engaged couple be able to relate to you and know what is important to you as a couple in your marriage.
After 36 years together (32 married), we’ve seen truly joyful times but also deep, dark, despairing times as a couple. We have been on the precipice of breaking up so we know from personal experience that marriage is a wild ride of hills and valleys, rocks and plains. It’s really hard (but rewarding) work and we can see where we fell down in ourselves and our relationship that has made us wiser. We’ve also been exposed to many different worldviews, especially through our 8 homes and 5 kids who are quite diverse.
Looking back, we see God’s hand in all of it – both good times and intense challenges – and we feel it gives us a very special and relevant perspective for married couples. We will tell you “the real deal”. Our faith has been a constant throughout and, quite frankly, God and the Catholic Church have saved our marriage more than once.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11