This August, I started my tenth year at St. Richard. I was hired to replace two retiring staff members, combining the jobs of office manager/bulletin editor and financial bookkeeper.

Over the years, my job responsibilities have evolved significantly to meet the parish’s needs. Most notably, we hired Beth Gaetz a couple of years after I came, because while our volunteers do a great job with hospitality, it was clear that we needed professional, dedicated administrative support for all of our ministries. Bringing Beth on board in the office allowed me to devote my energy to parish finances and expanding our multi-media communications, including our website, Facebook and e-News service.

I am now entering my final year at the University of St. Thomas. In the unique setting of the endowed Murray Institute, I study theology alongside others who also work in parishes, without incurring the kind of debt that comes with a traditional university program. As students, we all make a commitment to continue to work for the Church. Incidentally, my colleague Susie Osacho earned her masters' degree through the Murray Institute, as did my father.

Although I am a second-generation lay ecclesial minister (parish worker), a career in a church was not something I would have anticipated. Like most Catholics, for much of my life I attended Mass each weekend without ever thinking about what went on there during the week. Along with my family, I helped with Faith Formation, I served as a lector and sang in the choir at my home parish of St. Cecilia; in my mind those visible Sunday activities were all that the parish needed. I had no idea my unique blending of a love for numbers and words were gifts that I could use to serve the people of God.

Fortunately, in the early ‘00s I took a temp job working with the Archdiocese in downtown St. Paul. That two-week assignment turned into over seven years in risk management, during which I worked with parish administrators and facility managers all over the  metro area. When I came to discern that I was called to be part of the work being done in those parishes, I was blessed to have the avenue to make a career out of my vocation.

I hope that this series has provided similar insight to you about the varied ways in which we can all entrust our unique skills from God’s hand into service of the faith community.