Kathleen Payne
What makes Kathleen Wildly Capable?
Kathy is an extraordinary mentor to women across the OKC metro, offering guidance, wisdom, and support. As a spiritual advisor through her church and an active participant in numerous ministries locally and beyond, she impacts countless lives. Before retiring, she served as a health educator for youth in Oklahoma, further demonstrating her dedication to service. – JENNY STRICKLER
What does your typical day look like?
I’m a spiritual director in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, so typically I see one or two people a day for spiritual direction. Currently I’m spending a lot of time organizing a retreat in our parish called the St. Ignatius Retreat in Daily Life — a time set aside each day for intimate contact between God and the retreatant where the retreatant learns how to pray using the imagination and contemplation. I also volunteer with an agency called Neighborhood Services Organization, where I’m a bingo caller! Each week I serve a group of developmentally ill men and women as we offer each other friendship and fun.
What keeps you up at night?
First, thinking that I’ve got a bed to sleep in and the homeless don’t. Second, wondering if the wars in Ukraine and Palestine will ever be over and if the starving children will ever be fed. Third, I have seven other brothers and sisters, and in the last couple of years, I’ve lost three of them to deadly diseases. Because of this, before I close my eyes at night, I worry about and pray for my surviving siblings.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
My mother, who with eight kids still found time to volunteer at church and in our community. A close second would be the religious Sisters of Mercy. All these women charted the path I took of prayer and service.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
I have lupus and although in remission, it has certainly been an obstacle from time to time and interfered with my ability to “go” and “do.” Other health issues have slowed me down as well: a cervical neck fusion, a back break, and arthritis. But I always say the best medicine is to keep on keepin’ on!
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
I can’t cram any more into this person called Kathy Payne, so I’ll take what I have and hope to be better at it. I hope to be deeper spiritually, to listen more intently to those I serve, to love more deeply, and to be ready for the next big adventure.
What advice do you wish you could give your younger self? How might it have changed your course?
Be very particular about your major in college. I wish I’d gotten a degree in nursing and become a nurse practitioner instead of the master’s degree I pursued. But, I’m pretty sure I’m doing exactly what God intended me to do with a master’s in Human Relations.
