Eileen: |
|
Could
you tell us about your background, where your came from, how
you became interested in parish work? |
|
|
|
Michelle:
|
|
I was
born and raised in Kansas City, MO. I had a very good public
career but I peeked and didn’t think I could go much further
so I decided to leave it all behind and move to
Chicago.
The
first thing I did when I moved here was register as a
parishioner at Holy Name Cathedral. I went through the
discernment process and was chosen to be a part of the
Parish Life Commission. Thus began my relationship with
the church. I became an usher, a lector and also served as
PPC chair. |
|
|
|
:Eileen: |
|
Would you tell us something about being a liturgy director?
What kind of things do you enjoy about your work? |
|
|
|
Michelle:
|
|
As
the Director of Liturgical Services and Special Events for
the parish I work closely with the director of liturgy
Father Marek Smolka to determine what the needs and concerns
of the parish are. I carry them out in a prayerful and
inclusive manner and I am hospitable to everyone who comes
through the door.
Every
liturgy takes careful planning so that when the congregation
comes to pray they are not confused by what transpires. God
is calling us to pray together with the priest liturgy
director and myself. |
|
|
|
Eileen: |
|
You seem to have a gift about how to organize the ministries
– What stands out for you? |
|
|
|
Michelle: |
|
I
think I am good with people and in helping them to discover
what they do best. I am their cheerleader – I want them to
find a ministry that suits them. |
|
|
|
Eileen: |
|
What kind of ministries would you like to
see in the future? How can they be implemented? |
|
|
|
Michelle: |
|
I
would like to see all ministers of liturgy to be thoughtful,
kind and considerate of one another and all in Church. |
|
|
|
Eileen: |
|
How do you see the work on evangelization happening here at
HNC? Did you past experiences help this? |
|
|
|
Michelle: |
|
We
need to put the Church as a top priority in our lives. We
develop our relationships with people in our Church
community and our own relationship with Christ through Mass
and personal prayer. |
|
|
|
Eileen: |
|
How is the Catholic Church helping young people to stay
connected to Christ and His Church? |
|
|
|
Michelle: |
|
There
is a different and unique spirit with those young adults who
are engaged. They seem to understand what work needs to be
done and they do it. They take initiative and work with
each other both face to face and on social media.
|
|
|
|
Eileen: |
|
How do you see the work on evangelization happening here at
HNC? Did you past experiences help this? |
|
|
|
Michelle |
|
Evangelization takes place in the way we treat one another
and get others to realize the foundational issue is that of
relying on Christ and the Hold Spirit for their help. |