seminarians hearing about the struggles and joys of family and married life , while she listened to the seminarians ’ testimonies .
“ The seminarians would be so interested to hear from those of us who were in parish life — what was it like from a lay ministry perspective or as a lay parishioner . And we would get their perspective . That really gave each side a balanced and important perspective ,” said Kowalski .
On her graduation day in April 2022 , many of her seminary classmates were cheering her on from the balcony at the graduation . She was surprised to see them there , and the moment brought her to tears . Archbishop Allen Vigneron commented on her “ fan club ” as she received her diploma . And when the seminarians were ordained earlier this year , she was in the crowd clapping just as loudly for them as they had for her .
“ You can ’ t describe it . It ’ s such a beautiful support system because you all go through it together ,” Kowalski said .
Now as a graduate of Sacred Heart , Kowalski appreciates her ministry role at St . Joseph more than ever . Bringing people into the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults , helping parishioners complete their sacraments , overseeing those who bring Communion to the homebound , and providing countless opportunities to grow in faith at St . Joseph bring her joy .
“ Sacred Heart gave me the foundational knowledge and the confidence and skills to do the job ,” said Kowalski . “ And in my former classmates , I have a wonderful network of people throughout the archdiocese I can reach out to any time to ask how they ’ re handling something at their parish or get feedback . They ’ re always there for me . We ’ re all trying to achieve the same goal : to help people to encounter the Lord and to know him and love him .”
Kowalski and her husband are making plans for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Father Kratz next spring to celebrate her graduation .
Sacred Heart gave me the foundational knowledge and the confidence and skills to do the job .”
— Susan Kowalski
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