SPOTLIGHT: Jeremy Noble

Rather than a Jack of all Trades, here is a Jeremy of all Trades:

Jeremy Nobel was raised in the Christian Reformed Church, attending Lansing Christian grade school and Illiana Christian High School. However, growing up, he never developed a strong personal relationship with Christ. In his early 20s, he drifted away from actively practicing his faith, choosing to live life on his own terms while trying to hold onto Christian values.

After more than 20 years of trying to navigate life this way, he found himself emotionally exhausted and questioning God, asking, "Why?" Now, he feels he is finally receiving answers.

About three and a half years ago, Jeremy participated in Alpha, where he met an SJE parishioner who helped him see Catholics in a new light. Growing up, he had been led to believe that Catholics were extreme, even "crazy nut jobs," but he soon discovered the powerful movement of the Holy Spirit within them. It wasn’t long before he felt the Spirit moving within himself as well. He started attending Mass and learning about the Catholic faith through YouTube. But it was during his first SJE Encounter event — watching people come together in prayer — that he had an overwhelming realization: this was where he needed to be.

However, spiritual journeys often come with struggles. A few weeks later, he faced an experience that left him more emotionally broken than ever before, making it difficult to move on. Yet, the Holy Spirit reminded him of that Encounter night, urging him to return. He began attending Mass again, and each homily provided exactly what he needed to get through another week. Soon after, he discovered the adoration chapel, where Jesus began to heal his wounds and strengthen his personal relationship with Him.

Two years ago, Father Sammie Maletta invited Jeremy to join RCIA (now OCIA -- the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). Through this process, he gained a deeper understanding of the Mass and the origins of the Catholic Church. Learning that Catholicism was the first Church, with other denominations breaking off from it, he realized he no longer wanted a fragmented version of faith. The more he studied Catholicism, the more things made sense, revealing gaps in the beliefs he was raised with.

This Easter (2025) marks his two-year anniversary as a Catholic.

Jeremy has completely embraced the mission of "Be Disciples. Make Disciples." A homily by Father Maletta left a strong impression on him: faith doesn’t grow by simply sitting in the pew — it requires action. That prompted him to ask himself, “What can I do?” Knowing he had a gift for helping, he started volunteering. He assisted with the St. John Fest, Oktoberfest, and helped re-launch the Saint Joseph the Carpenter Ministry, working first on repairs for the More than Meal (MTM) food pantry house. Through this, he connected with fellow parishioners, joined the Catholic House Party connect group, helped with Alpha, and became involved in Ascent (a men’s workout group), That Man Is You (TMIY), and the SJE Alpha Male group.

“I would say I get something out of each ministry I’m in, but being part of a Connect Group has been the most helpful for my spiritual growth,” Jeremy shares. “I’m lucky to have an all-star team in my group. They’re very knowledgeable about Catholicism and full of the Holy Spirit. They encourage me to grow in my faith, even though I take baby steps, and help me work through my anxiety.”

Connect Groups provide small communities of fellowship and spiritual formation, continuing the journey that begins in Alpha. “I also enjoy TMIY because it gives me a biblical perspective on how a man should live a Godly life. And the SJE Alpha Male group is great — it’s amazing to be surrounded by Catholic men who are fired up with the Holy Spirit, supporting each other in faith.”

A disciple who continues to make disciples, Jeremy has participated in mission trips to Omaha, Mexico City, and two trips to Our Lady of Angels. Over the last two years, he has helped with Angel Tree Christmas gifts, Thanksgiving outreach, and Christmas decorating for the community. This summer, he will be assisting with the Rescue Project.

“What I’ve learned from mission trips is that most people just want to be seen and loved. Spending time with the less fortunate is a gift to them, but it’s also been a gift to me. Seeing their joy despite their struggles has changed how I view my own challenges,” Jeremy reflects. “Now, I remind myself: ‘Day by day, prayer by prayer.’ Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strength. Joy isn’t the absence of suffering; it’s the presence of God. So, I choose God every day and stay connected to His strength through constant prayer.”

Through all his healing and growth in faith, the support and guidance of his SJE parish family have been invaluable. He is deeply grateful to be part of such a special community, where members help one another grow closer to God. “The Holy Spirit is strong in the SJE house!”

One thing many don’t know about Jeremy is that, beyond his work as an Auto/Diesel Technician and Metal Fabricator, he is a craft beer brewer. He home brews for friends and private events, and collaborates with local breweries.