Harry Deitz, editor of the Reading Eagle daily newspaper, discussed his career and life of faith during the Nov. 20 meeting of the Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua Keenagers senior citizen group.

Deitz said he never envisioned serving as an editor of a newspaper. God played a role in his current career path and title, he said.

"This is not what I wanted to do with my life," Deitz said. "Why does God put us in the positions he does? For much of my life, this was not my dream. This seems to be where God wants me right now."

The Reading Eagle, Deitz said, focuses on local news coverage in the Reading area. The paper, he said, unlike a number of daily papers nationwide, is family-owned.

"I'm proud of that [local] coverage," he said. "It's very interesting to talk about."

Deitz told the group it can be difficult setting aside the fame that is associated with running a local newspaper. Although the newspaper business is tough, he said, many who work in the profession are caring and compassionate people.

In addition to running the daily newspaper, Deitz also writes a weekly column for the Reading Eagle. He said his favorite column was the one he wrote about the birth of his grandson two years ago.

Deitz said his faith grew stronger about 30 years ago when he realized the importance of God in his life.

Member of the Keenagers group Faye Pokrifka commended Deitz for the integration of his faith into his job.

"I didn't open the doors," Deitz said of his faith. "The doors were opened for me."

Deitz and his wife currently attend Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity in Leessport.

During the meeting, it was also announced the last day to submit a Christmas shoebox filled with items for those in need is this week.

Members of the Keenagers will be wrapping the shoeboxes and distributing them to individuals in the Catasauqua area.