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doesn't see color. If I’m acting up, she
Perhaps her greatest source of
pride, is doing something that
matters—whether it is for the
greatest number of people or just
one person at a time.
This is one reason why Doctor
Martha fits so well in our Women
Making a Difference issue. EP
Magazine is glad to honor her and
acquaint people with all that
makes Martha Latz such a unique
and empowering individual.
________ Q & A __________
EP Mag: What is the most
challenging part of your work?
Doctor Martha: When a person or
couple comes in to see you, and
you know something is really
bothering them, you have to be
quiet and just let them talk it
through, be patient until they feel
comfortable. I struggle with not
getting ahead of myself. The rule
of thumb is they will feel closer
and divulge more if you just stay
quiet and be patient, and you ask
the right question at the right time. says: “Miss Latz, because she
treats me the exact same as every
other kid.”
Then, when they are ready, things
come forth and solutions begin to This too, was a sign about my calling
form. I always have to remind and what I’d be. I’d work with kids
myself to be patient and don’t push (who become adults and families),
the agenda. Those are tough things with religion, and with different
to consistently practice. ethnicities. As the young man noticed,
I feel we are all just a single human
EP Mag: Please tell us how your race. Once I completed my religious
career began and share some of the studies, I began with Family and
highlights. Marriage Therapy. Then I got into the
Family Systems Medicine program. I
Doctor Martha: I always knew I was just kept on learning new things,
going to get into something that climbing new hills. I’m that kind of
involved people. I was always the person.
one they came to talk to, to tell their
stories and to hear their troubles at EP Mag: What makes you smile?
school or work. I knew things Actually, a lot of little things. Like
would involve children too. I when my husband hands me a cup of
helped other kids solve issues, even coffee that he just made. Noticing that
very young, like when someone my orchid is in bloom. Watching the
took their jump rope in the yard interactions of a mother and child
and they got upset. There was a big heading into my office one morning.
moment in my pastoral duties when They are wearing matching dinosaur
I was working with children in the shirts. The Mom asks the little guy
what he wants for breakfast and he
grade school. I was teaching fourth says “ bacon.” She asks, “what else?”
graders. We would use chalk to He says, “ just bacon.” Then the mom
draw a part of the scripture. That says ”I get it; you just want bacon.”
day it was a segment about Jesus She accepts that, doesn’t push him or
and the little children, and whatever question him. That kind of sweet
you do to the least of us affects all tender moment and family
of humanity and must be punished. understanding makes me smile. Also,
That’s not a quote, but the gist of it. whenever I get a chance to interact
One little girl says, my uncle loves with my natural surroundings.
me but he’s not really my uncle. I
said let’s talk about that separately, EP Mag: What advice would you give
after recess. I brought the issue to someone starting a new business?
light and got someone else to help. I Doctor Martha: Know what it is you
felt bad saying that I have to get want to deliver, whether that might be
back to school now.
a product or a service. And know your
Another pivotal time was when 4th demographic. There are
graders were discussing which 7 generations living in the US right
people the kids admired the most. now and they all have distinct needs.
Teacher thought the answers would Which one will be right for what you
be about a historical figure or some have to offer? How can you serve
adult in the Parish. Then one boy them?
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