As I was picking up a few things at the grocery store the other day, I noted that the seasonal aisle was stocked with Valentine’s candy. We’ve just finished putting away the last of the Christmas decorations, and already it’s time to start thinking about the next holiday. Normally, I'd be bugged at having to encounter the next holiday so soon, but I needed an idea for our parish newsletter, and seeing the Valentine's stuff inspired me, so this this time it suits me just fine.
When you think of it, it’s pretty wonderful that we have a holiday that celebrates love. People may argue that it’s a holiday made up by greeting card companies in order to increase their profits, and that there is an overemphasis on romantic love. But it’s hard to argue that it’s a bad idea to think of all the people we love and let them know how special they are to us!
Having said that, I’d like to take this opportunity to share my appreciation for the people I work with and for, because they don’t often enough hear how important they are—to me and to the parish. As I've mentioned before, I have decided that this will be my last year working at St. Mary and before I go, I want to say what a blessing it has been to work there.
The St. Mary staff is very much like a family to me. That means, of course, that we don’t all agree all the time and sometimes there is tension. But we are always here for each other, and the respect and care we have for each other is deep. It maybe should go without saying that a parish staff should be that way, but when there's so much going on, and we all have different responsibilities and things to accomplish, it wouldn’t be a surprise if egos got in the way on a regular basis. Fortunately, that’s a rare occurrence!
Being separated by different buildings and having different schedules sometimes makes collaboration and communication difficult. However, every time I seek help or advice from any member of staff, my request is heeded and my needs quickly met. Being on a parish staff means sharing ideas quite often, and it’s good to know that my thoughts will be heard and respected—if not necessarily accepted. It’s also truly a pleasure to hear the ideas of the other members of the staff. There is such a wealth of knowledge and experience, and every time I’ve needed help coming up with a good way to solve a problem or address a situation, someone has come forward with an idea I know I wouldn’t have found on my own.
I can’t begin to say how much I admire each and every person who works (and has worked) at St. Mary with me. And it would take far too long for me to write all the great things about each person on the staff. But I do want it known that from our custodians to our administrative staff, to our school staff, to our pastoral staff, St. Mary Parish is blessed to be served by a remarkable team. We don’t always see it ourselves, and sometimes worry that we don’t do enough. But that alone—given all that is done week in and week out, year in and year out—speaks to the quality of care this parish receives.
So--Fr. Jim, Deacon Ed, Deacon Jeff, Deacon Tom, Sr. Chris, Carmen, Mary, Jean, Julia, Kelley, Anne, Monica, Judy, Jose, Mark & Shelby, Jim, Courtenay, and all the catechists, classroom aides and MACS teachers—thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the many, many ways you’ve made my time working here so fulfilling. I will miss being in this place and with all of you all the time, but I’m certain that we haven’t seen the last of each other! ---Love, Jeannine
