Change. Flexibility. Grace. These three words summarize my experience of being a staff member of St. Richard. When I started in December, 2012, I was newly married to my husband, Matt, and new to the Twin Cities, from St. Cloud.

I was initially hired here to work as the afternoon receptionist, to be the primary contact person for Spanish speakers who rented the Social Hall and came to us seeking first sacraments, and to provide support to liturgy, faith formation, and administration. I could hardly believe my good fortune in finding a job that utilized so much of my previous work experiences in Guatemala, at St. Benedict's Monastery, on the White Earth Indian reservation, and in both for-profit and corporate organizations! I strongly experienced God's grace and love flowing through my co-workers and the parishioners I was meeting. When our daughter was born in 2014, I was able to transition to working three days per week, Tuesday—Thursday. Praise God for flexibility!

As both staffing and the needs of the parish have changed, so have my work tasks. I still serve as a receptionist and the parish's primary Spanish-speaking contact. I process new members and help maintain our member database, and I also now coordinate infant baptisms and provide significant support to Susie in Faith Formation. I do everything from creating reports, registration forms, mailings, class lists, fliers, website updates, and explaining our offerings to Spanish speakers. Since 2015, a great portion of my time has also been spent in keeping volunteers and staff up-to-date with archdiocesan Safe Environment requirements.

Singing sacred music is and always has been a big part of my life and is good for my soul. Since being invited by our music director to cantor here, you'll find me volunteering at occasional weekend Masses. My prayer is that my music helps you encounter Christ more profoundly in the liturgy.

For everyone I encounter, whether by phone, in person, mail, or email, my intent is treat each of you as Christ and to be a conduit of God's welcome, mercy, comfort, and care. I truly see my work—though much of it is done behind the scenes—as a ministry. I am so grateful to be here.