Bulletin Article (July 28, 2024)
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Parish Staff Blessings…
Here at St. Clare, we are so blessed to have a great staff who give so much of themselves to keep our parish thriving and centered in prayer, Catholic faith formation, community, and the Spirit’s joy. I am so grateful for each of them and the ministry they do, which helps me stay focused on my main role as spiritual leader in the sacraments, preaching, teaching, and governing our parish and school. Their names and roles are on the front of the bulletin each week.
Recently, there have been some changes in our staff. Matt Flynn is no longer at St. Clare, and Eric Schmitt (facilities) recently retired. We are grateful for their years of ministry. I am so pleased to welcome new staff member Ellen Gravlin, who will be overseeing all the areas of Adult Faith Formation. Below is a message from Ellen as she joins our leadership team:Many of you may already know me through my ministry work with the parish. Having been a member of the parish for 25 years, I have been ministry leader for the retreat program, welcome receptions and women spirituality events. I have also served in the liturgical ministries as a reader, an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and sacristan. I am excited about this new opportunity to serve as the Director of Adult Faith Formation and look forward to continuing to work alongside so many dedicated and faithful women and men.
My professional background is in education, having a bachelor's degree in special education and a master's degree in counseling. Most of my 35 years in education were spent as a high school counselor at O’Fallon Township High School, from which I retired in 2023. My husband, Don, and I have two adult children, Lanie and Tom, who both live in the area. When I am not in the office, you will find me in my flower garden or curled up with my cats and a good book!
Peace,
Fr. Jim Deiters
