Alumni Spotlight | Katie MacClary '23

As students graduate and leave Father Ryan, one of our hopes is that they become people for others. For Katie MacClary ’23, that hope became part of her “why.” Earlier this summer, a family friend reached out to Katie, asking if she’d be interested in being a missionary for Biking for Babies—a non-profit that focuses on the dignity of human life by uniting cycling with the formation of young adults into missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. Part of the organization’s mission is to raise money and awareness for pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) nationwide. Every missionary gets partnered with one PRC, and Katie was partnered with the local Mulier Care organization.

For Katie, “…a big part of Biking for Babies is remembering your ‘why.’ Of course, each missionary could go out and ride 600 miles for fun, but the intention is what makes it so impactful. It is about offering up all of the challenges we face during the ride for pregnant women and their families, particularly through prayer. On my most difficult days and in my most difficult moments, I found myself saying a Hail Mary and repeating “God, give me the strength,” sometimes for hours. When people tell me how this week is such a great feat, I can only think of how little it is in comparison to what women go through during and after pregnancy, especially unplanned ones. The Biking for Babies organization is committed to restoring a culture of life, and that starts with deep love and appreciation for mothers. This week gave me hope for these women as I was overwhelmed by the love of God and our many supporters.”

At Father Ryan, we strive to support our students in becoming individuals who serve others, embodying our mission as a reflection of the living Gospel in our community.

“Father Ryan instilled in me the strong belief that we all must love each other, and that means serving one another. Although I had volunteered with my family and church when I was younger, Father Ryan showed me that this was not something to stop after growing up and moving away. My service hours and the service-minded faculty and staff at Father Ryan helped me realize that serving others is the foundation of a fulfilled life. This is why I am a nursing student and decided to participate in Biking for Babies.”

Thank you, Katie, for continuing Father Ryan’s century-long tradition of service and making a difference in the lives of others.

#TraditionNeverGraduates