Next weekend, we’re inviting everyone in our parish to reflect on the worship offering they make to God as part of their growth in the spiritual practice of tithing. This weekend, we have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate someone who has served our parish in many ways.

Debbie Gartner, our Ministry Manager, began serving our parish community as a member of our staff in 1998! This February, she’ll begin a well-deserved retirement. Over the years, she has been a marvelous gift to many. I’m particularly grateful for how Debbie enhances our hospitality, always noticing people at Mass and parish events who might need a kind word, for her heartfelt care for our staff and our homebound parishioners, and for her dedication to our mission and the wise counsel she has offered along the way.

I know that Debbie and her husband, Tim, will remain an important part of our community even after she retires, but her unique contribution to our staff will be deeply missed. Debbie has been a key team member supporting many of our ministries, organizations, and events. She’s currently helping us craft a transition plan so that the good work she’s done here at Saint Stephen Protomartyr Parish continues—while she’s sipping mojitos in Aruba!

Please join me in offering a prayer of gratitude for her many years of faithful service. May God bless her abundantly!