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P eace be with you!
As we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord this weekend, not only does the Christmas Season come to a close but we also mark the official beginning of Christ's public ministry. I couldn't help but make a connection to something we all share in common as a community of faith – the Sacrament of Baptism. Whether you were baptized at St. Richard's Catholic Church or in my case, St. Stanislaus in Superior, Wisconsin, this weekend offers us a chance to reflect upon three things – first, where we come from, second, how each of us has been called to share our God-given gifts that were recognized through our own baptism, and lastly, to better understand what our ongoing role is in sharing and growing in our faith.
My name is Susie Osacho (oh-SACK-oh). I was invited to join the St. Richard's Catholic Church community in the ministry of Faith Formation – forming people in our faith – a vocation that I am most passionate about yet recognize as something we experience together as a community of believers, led by the Spirit and the sharing of each other's gifts. Before going any further I want to extend gratitude to Beth Gaetz, Jan Fuchs, the Faith Formation Commission members and the many volunteers who stepped up and have been sharing their gifts in the faith formation program these past several months. I look forward to getting to know you, the family members and those who call St. Richard's Catholic Church their home in the weeks and months ahead. And I must say the staff has warmly welcomed me and I look forward to serving with them also.
I grew up in Northern Wisconsin and recognized through my Confirmation prep that being involved with our faith was something very meaning-filled. I'm curious by nature and was once told by a vet “boy you ask a lot of questions” - which I believe translates very nicely to our faith. While I have a B.A. in Communications from St. Catherine's, a Master's in Religious Education from St. Thomas, and have spent the last decade serving on the staff of the Church of St. Patrick, I love meeting people and hearing their stories and have an extra strong connection with creation. I believe in life-long learning especially from the sense that each of our journeys allows us to gain different perspectives that when shared with one another help create a more complete picture. I also believe that we have much to learn from each other, especially intergenerationally. Pope Francis reminds us that we must encounter one another, be in dialogue, respect and be forgiving of each other, especially as we experience this Year of Mercy. I'm honored and blessed to have been called to walk with you, to grow in faith together and look forward to getting to know you in the days ahead. Oremus pro invicem (Let us pray for one another).
Susie Osacho (oh-SACK-oh)
Director of Faith Formation
