Inspirational video tells story of the late Carrie Mach

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Posted December 19, 2002

Two years after her death, the positive example set by a 17-year-old parishioner from Sioux City continues to impress and inspire others.

Her message of gratitude will soon reach many others with the release of a video titled "By My Side: The Carrie Mach Story." The 32-minute video, produced by G.R. Lindblade and Co., will be distributed to all parishes as well as Catholic middle and high schools in the Diocese of Sioux City. The Coalition for Ministry with Persons Having Disabilities provided funding for the project.

Carrie Mach, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the age of 12, underwent numerous surgeries and treatment for the disease until her death on Dec. 7, 2000.

"She was a remarkable girl. During her lifetime she had an incredible effect on everyone who knew her," said Father David Hogan. "She had a terrific challenge in her life and could have easily given up or gotten angry with God."

At an early age, he noted, Mach realized that God was with her and would help "her through this really great test. Because God was with her, she didn't have to be afraid. She could tackle anything."

The retired priest never had the chance to meet Mach, but came to know her through articles in the newspaper, interviews on the radio and reading poetry she wrote. He felt Mach could continue to inspire people.

Father Hogan played a hand in having Mach featured in a book on exceptional Church women.

He wanted to tell more of her story and thus he suggested a video.

"The video helps young people appreciate their life as it is," noted Dr. Stephan Davis, director of intergenerational and youth ministry for the Diocese of Sioux City. "She has a way of throwing your attention from your pains and hurts to the wonderful and positive elements of life."

Mach, he noted, also provides a great amount of motivation for persons to overcome adversity.

Bev Hurni, diocesan liaison to the coalition, said that along with overcoming adversity, Mach set a great example of someone who could see things in the light of faith.

The first-half of the video centers on actual video of Mach delivering a speech to her fellow Heelan High School classmates during a Thanksgiving prayer service a year before she died.

"She spoke of the struggles she had in her life and then led up to her gratefulness," noted Hurni.

The second portion of the video features comments of assorted people whose lives have been affected by her witness - classmates, teachers, Father Hogan and others.

"This powerful video captures the extraordinary faith journey of this young lady in a remarkable way," said Msgr. Michael D. Sernett, chancellor of the diocese. Sending it to parishes and schools, he added, is hoped to "motivate many people to reflect upon the great gift of faith and how that gift can strengthen each of us to meet the various challenges and struggles of life."

He encourages all clergy, religious and parish leadership personnel to utilize the video.

"I was privileged to make part of this journey with Carrie for two years as her pastor," noted Msgr. Sernett. "In her short life here on earth, she attained a spiritual depth to her life that many adults never experience. Her faith permeated her life and illness and she shared that strength with all who knew her."

Davis pointed out that through the video Mach may help other youth reflect upon the meaning of life's daily struggles and point them in the direction of making good choices.

"When you listen to the people who commented on her life ... she helped them develop a different way of seeing life," he said.

Father Hogan said Mach wanted others to see that struggles in life could provide opportunities to grow in one's faith and grow in appreciation for life.

Mach was devoted to "helping others and doing it cheerfully," he said. "She was always smiling and always positive. They told me that every time she came into a room, everyone cheered up."

Hurni, Davis and Father Hogan served on a committee with Rick Mach, Carrie's father; and Lou Ann Lindblade to create the video. They have been working on the project since late spring.

In the parishes, Hurni noted that the video will be distributed to the directors of religious education (DREs). Pastors will receive a copy of the video in parishes without a DRE.

Hurni and Davis developed a study guide that will be sent out with the videos to parishes and schools. They centered the guide on the following major themes highlighted in the video: change or conversion, paschal mystery, using your gifts - confirmation, will and temperament - morality, wisdom, death and eternal life, and gratitude.

The video was piloted at the 2002 Diocesan Youth Rally. The comments were very positive. Some of the comments were, "It amazes me how insightful she was. She changes your outlook on life and death. She did so much in her little time to live." "It is very eye-opening and makes you look at your own life and evaluate what you put into the lives of others." "It takes a very special person to have the courage to go through what Carrie did and still have so much faith in God."

Members of the committee stressed that while the video would be great for youth, persons of all ages could benefit from it.

"I am also sending information to pastoral ministers, BeFriender coordinators and pastors - to consider the video for faith sharing groups, grief support groups or possibly a Lenten reflection," said Hurni, director of family ministries.

Other groups or individuals who would like a copy of the video can call toll-free at 888-255-4346 or send a check for $15 per tape to G.R. Lindblade and Co. at PO Box 1342, Sioux City, IA 51102. All major credit cards accepted.