September 10, 2006

Staff Update:

During this past summer two very gifted members of our parish staff have moved on to new ministries:

Sr. Joyce Kubiniec was elected to serve as a councilor on the Leadership Team of her community in Buffalo (The Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph). Sr. Joyce had served with great gifts as one of our Pastoral Associates together with Rose Leisenring.

Judy Leone, in addition to her work with our Contemporary Choir at the Saturday evening Mass and our Liturgy Committee, she has also been studying at St. Bernard's School of Ministry & Theology to prepare herself for full time pastoral ministry. Last month she accepted a new position as Director of Religious Education at St. Christopher Parish in Chili. With this full time job and her continuing studies at St. Bernard's, she will no longer be able to lead our Contemporary Group. Judy expressed her sadness at leaving the role which she described "as one of the greatest spiritual experiences she has ever had". She will continue as a parishioner - so when you see her please express your gratitude for the great job she has done for so many years.

Also, two of our staff members are taking on additional duties:

Drew Desmarais has volunteered to pick up a number of Sr. Joyce's duties and work with Rose on some of those pastoral ministries. He will take the title, Pastoral Minister for Faith Formation and will also continue his other present duties.

Chrisanne Yule, our Parish Music Director has expressed her enthusiasm to work with the Contemporary Group and lead them on Saturday evenings. This, in addition to her leadership of our four other choirs.

We are truly gifted with both a talented and generous staff who have stepped up to the plate to see that our Pastoral Care and our Liturgical Music are the best they can be. They know how grateful I am to have them on our parish team and for all they do to serve our parish family here at St. Rita Parish.

Peace,
Fr. Chuck

PS - I know I can count on your support and help for all of them.