Christine Warner, GIVEN ’16

“My biggest takeaway from the GIVEN Forum was that the feminine genius is manifested in limitless ways, as unique as every woman. I spent a lot of time reflecting on the questions, ‘What is my personal brand of femininity? How do I use it to bring God’s love into the world?'” – Christine Warner

Please share a little about yourself – feel free to include a fun fact!

I’m a digital marketer, freelance writer, cat mom, sometimes adventurer, sometimes homebody, and sewer/knitter/stitcher of many things. I get energized by creative expression, and have a crazy amount of inner drive – for better or worse. I never could have predicted the path of my life or career, but I see God’s hand in it all. I’ve lived on both coasts – and in the middle of them. I grew up in Michigan, then moved with my family to Massachusetts. My career at Uber took me to Washington, D.C. for a year then cross-country to California where I now work for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

“I never could have predicted the path of my life or career, but I see God’s hand in it all.”

I wouldn’t call myself a modern feminist, but I am a fervent advocate of the feminine genius in all its forms. This passion led me to attend the 2016 GIVEN Forum – I was intrigued by the affirming and action-oriented theme. And you can count me in for anything involving the Sisters of Life!

Describe your professional work/ministry. How were you led to this? What are you passionate about?

As a digital marketer, I’ve worked in both secular and faith-based environments – but only recently transitioned to working for the Church. I began my career working in digital advertising at DigitasLBi, a global agency, and then content marketing at Skyword, a Boston-based agency. This experience set me up well for my next move to Uber, where I first joined the Boston Uber team, then the United States and Canada regional team in Washington, D.C.

“It was impossible to pass on the chance to do what I love for the Church.”

I then took an unexpected career move, moving from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles to join the digital marketing team at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. I learned of the team and position through a friend and was immediately intrigued. Here was a full-service marketing team of people with impressive backgrounds producing Academy-Award winning films and working at world-class companies – now working for the Catholic Church. That was rare! It wasn’t an easy or quick decision, but I finally made the leap to join the team. It was impossible to pass on the chance to do what I love for the Church.

What are the personal strengths that you’ve been given and how do you utilize them?

I would say that my creativity, conscientiousness, focus, and work ethic are my greatest strengths. I’ve always found joy in various creative outlets ever since I was a child. My love for written and visual storytelling also had a role in my pursuit of marketing.

“My conscientiousness comes out in my relationships. I go all in for the people I care about! I do my best to form deep connections and be a supportive presence in the lives of friends and family. I love to listen and affirm.”

The insane inner drive I mentioned before also contributes to my focus and work ethic. I truly feel that any success I’ve had is due to perseverance and determination. My conscientiousness comes out in my relationships. I go all in for the people I care about! I do my best to form deep connections and be a supportive presence in the lives of friends and family. I love to listen and affirm. A friend once told me that I have a “great listening face.”

What women inspire you, and why?

My grandma, for her regal grace, humble spirit, firm faith, and sense of humor. She always drops great nuggets of wisdom about life, whether or not she realizes it. My mom, who has a saintly level of patience, is incredibly selfless, a sewing master, a constant advisor, and – as I’m realizing more and more – is always right. She has sacrificed so much for our family, and has unfailing faith. My sister, who is my best friend and lifelong confidante. Her deep faith, sharp intellect, and practicality has helped guide me through many ups and downs

“Saint Teresa’s words about the power of every act of love, no matter how small, have been a source of encouragement.”

And Saint Teresa of Calcutta for the simplicity and richness of her spirituality. Living out servant leadership every day of her life, she brought so much to the vulnerable: healing through her care, beauty through her respect, and Christ through her charity. Sometimes the pursuit of holiness is overwhelming, and I often fall into comparison. So Saint Teresa’s words about the power of every act of love, no matter how small, have been a source of encouragement. I aspire to affirm the unique dignity of everyone I know and interact with, and she is the ultimate example of upholding the dignity of all people.  

What is the best advice/encouragement you’ve received about vocational discernment?

It was a big turning point for me when I realized, through prayer, that I’m living my vocation right now. I had always thought of “vocation” in categories (the married, single, or religious life) and something that was elusive and far-off. I’ve always felt called to marriage, so I felt that my life was incomplete until I reached that state. But then I realized that vocation is so much more than a state of life.

“It was a big turning point for me when I realized, through prayer, that I’m living my vocation right now.”

While my state is definitely part of my vocation, it’s actually a deeper calling. My vocation is what I bring to the world, every day, since birth. And it’s unique to me. I live my vocation by using my gifts to pursue God’s will and bring Christ to others – in my interactions, relationships, work, and prayer. It’s not something I have to wait for, I’m in it. It’s unfolding in the present, day by day.

“My vocation is what I bring to the world, every day, since birth. And it’s unique to me. I live my vocation by using my gifts to pursue God’s will and bring Christ to others.”

Prayer is essential for everyone, but especially for women who are active in the life and mission of the Church. Do you have any favorite devotions or prayers?

My favorite prayer is the Memorare. I find so much peace in requesting Mary’s motherly intercession. I’ve “fled to thy protection” countless times! And Mother Teresa’s “Flying Novena” – reciting the Memorare nine times – is my go-to for a quick and never-failing prayer.

What were your key takeaways from the 2016 GIVEN Forum?

my biggest takeaway was that the feminine genius is manifested in limitless ways, as unique as every woman. There’s no one way, and no right way to live it. This was such a pronounced theme, which I saw in the diverse beauty of the speakers and attendees. I spent a lot of time reflecting on the questions, “What is my personal brand of femininity? How do I use it to bring God’s love into the world?”

“I spent a lot of time reflecting on the questions, ‘What is my personal brand of femininity? How do I use it to bring God’s love into the world?’”