Tampa, Florida, United States
Director of Religious Education for St. Paul Parish, 2016-present Director of Religious Education for Incarnation Parish, 2010-2016 Catechetical Leader RCIA at Incarnation Parish, 1996-present Board Member of St. Vincent de Paul Special Projects, South Pinellas 2016-present Selected as a Mentor of ECHO program-a partnership of Diocese of St.Petersburg & Notre Dame University, 2012-2014 Member of National Conference for Catechetical Leadership Coordinator of RENEW 2000, 1998-2001-Incarnation Church Coordinator of RENEW 2000 Mission-Incarnation Church Cursillos de Cristiandad Movement, Equipo, 1996-1999 Incarnation Catholic Council of Women, 2008-present Columbiettes, Incarnation Parish, 2009-present Specialties: Christian Formation Catechetical leadership Formation and Coordination of Small Communities of Faith Florida Licensed Interior Designer, #4068 N.C.I.D.Q. certified, 1988 Environmental and Furniture Design Bilingual-speaking, writing and reading fluency in English and Spanish languages
In collaboration with our pastor, Fr.Bill Swengros, and in conjunction with the catechetical offices of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, I coordinate, supervise, and evaluate the total parish formation and catechetical program (from womb to tomb) for one of the largest and most dynamic parishes in our diocese. I provide leadership to assist the parish community of St. Paul’s, in all her diversity and with all her ministries, in building a solid foundation for adult spirituality, Christian living, ministry and outreach. St. Paul's Faith Formation program serves approximately 1,000 children and adolescents each year. My staff includes Full time Faith Formation Assistants, Administrative Assistant, Full time Youth Minister, Baptism Coordinator, Adult Formation Minister and RCIA Coordinator.
Helping to initiate a process within our diocese for changing the way parishes/schools partner with parents. Developed by NFCYM and presented in partnership with the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) and the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers (NACFLM). The Strong Catholic Families: Strong Catholic Youth in-services and resources are designed to (a) motivate parents to take responsibility for the faith development of their children, and (b) to motivate parishes/schools to support and equip parents and families in passing the faith to their children.
Working closely with Pastor Father Michael Suszynski, my team and I work toward making our 4,000 family parish a mission oriented church and providing educational and spiritual opportunities for those in our very diverse community located in the heart of Town 'n Country, Tampa. Curriculum and Groups that I oversee include but not limited to the following: All Adult Faith Formation classes, Bible Study Groups, Small Chrisitian Communities, Marriage Groups and Single Young Adult Group, Adult Sacrament Preparartion, Infant Baptism/Family preparation process, Youth Minstry, Childrens Faith Formation Program, John Paul II School of Evangelization, Emmaus Ministry (Men and Women), Catechist formation and training in Spanish and English communities. As Director of RCIA, I coordinate monthly gatherings with Core Team, oversee three weekly RCIA sessions, prepare Rites of Initiation, work with Liturgy committee, Music ministry, Environmental committee to plan upcoming Rites at Liturgies.
Presenter at RCIA Diocesan Convocation 2013, 2015, Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida Presenter at RCIA Institute Spanish Workshops on Period of Purification and Enlightenment on Feb.2, 2013 Presenter at RCIA Convocation 2012 in St. Petersburg, Fl Plan Tri annual RCIA Instititutes for the Diocese of St. Pete. Train and support all Parishes in their ongoing RCIA initiatives. Serve as Bilingual Liason to Spanish Speaking communities. Presenter of Spanish Workshops in 2008, 2009, 2010 "Nuts and Bolts-an overview of RCIA" "The Catechumenate Period" "The Inquiry Period"
Adjunct Instructor for Architectural Communications Classes, Textiles, Human Factors, Design IV, Materials and Codes, among other classes in the Interior Design Dept.. Adjunct Instructor for Contemporary Morality Class in the General Education Dept.
Commercial and Residential design, specializing in Retail and Hosptitality Design and Custom Furniture Design.