Kathryn Fakeley

My name is Kathryn Fakeley, and I’m an eighteen-year-old currently living in Calgary, AB. I grew up in Red Deer with my three younger sisters, and wonderful parents. At the moment, I’m studying music at MRU in the Advanced Performance Program. My hope is to continue my studies in Germany this fall and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance. Although the cello is my main instrument, I also enjoy playing the piano, songwriting, and composition.

Growing up, I believed that God existed, went to Mass with my family every Sunday, and frequently attended Adoration and Confession. However, I didn’t realize the extent of His Love and Mercy, and didn’t know that it was possible for me to have a personal relationship with Him! It was difficult for me to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly as a teenager, especially since a majority of my friends had no faith. I was constantly surrounded by people who were living their lives very differently than the way I knew I should live mine. Additionally, I was caught up in my career plans & musical dreams in a way where I was completely consumed by myself, my personal desires, and the need to be in control of my life.

In high school, after attending various retreats & summer camps, I started diving deeper into my faith and got to know other individuals who were on fire for Jesus. I was moved by seeing Him working in my life, and the lives of my friends. Realizing that Jesus was inviting me to give Him my ‘yes’, to live completely and wholeheartedly for Him, I made the decision to enter into a personal relationship with Him. I discovered that only through Jesus I would be able to find true happiness and satisfaction, and that changed my life.

Why do I want to be on Mission?

I want to tell the world of the treasure that I have found. I believe that Jesus is calling me to share the joy and satisfaction that I have experienced from fully trusting in His love and mercy. When I move to Germany, I hope to become involved in missionary work within the schools and churches, and I believe that the WYD Mission will be perfect training grounds for that.