“Maria, when did you start working at the church office?”  That was the question asked over the weekend at a small gathering of friends.  Then, just like that, an ocean of memories started flowing through my mind.  I was a newlywed and new to this country.  New surroundings, new culture, new faces, and a brand new life… literally.  Even though I only have two brothers, my mom’s side of the family was big enough both in size and personality to live in constant party mode.  There was always some BBQ to attend, someone’s birthday to celebrate and just any occasion worth getting together.  My parents’ house was the revolving door of the family where everyone gathered for everything and anything, which made it a very happy and loud place.  I also had many school and work friends, and between my family and friends I was always busy doing something and I loved every minute of it!

Stan and I arrived in Chicago after our honeymoon in early May of 1996 and shorty after he returned to work, and I found myself sitting at home alone with nothing to do for hours.  There was only so much housekeeping to do, so many meals to make and let’s face it, staying at home just wasn’t for me.  I loved working, learning new things and meeting people, especially meeting people. 

A few months later, I came across a job opening in the newspaper.  A local church was looking for a secretary, I was ecstatic!  It would help me polish off my English skills without too much pressure, apply some of the office knowledge I had and also meet new people.  No better place to meet nice, friendly, welcoming people than a church office.

I still remember the day I contacted the church office to inquire about the job opening.  I was immediately offered an interview and the day quickly came for me to interview with Father Bill, Pastor at Church of the Holy Spirit at the time.  I immediately fell in love with the place and the staff I met the day of my interview.  I hoped and prayed they would call me with an offer.  A few days later my wish came true and I was offered the job.  That was almost 22 years ago.

My first day of work was Monday, November 4, 1996, I will never forget that day.  I still remember the light blue outfit I wore and my sleek ponytail, apparently that was in fashion back then.  Every member of the staff gave me a big, warm welcome and they all made a huge impression on me.  I thanked my lucky stars at the end of that first day for guiding me in that direction.

A lot could be written about those 21+ years of working at the church office, but the most valuable lessons and experiences will always be the stories I've heard from parishioners, one time visitors and even our mail carrier who has gone through a great deal of hardship in her personal life during the past years and finds it comforting to share her story when delivering mail at the office.

In all those years, I have witnessed stories of great joy and also deep sorrow.  I have helped a family in the office register their baby for a Baptism while witnessing a funeral procession for a young child through the front office window, which was a heart wrenching experience.  Many times, after helping parishioners with their needs and listening to their stories, I have sat down back at my desk and wiped tears quietly, a few times I have been unable to hold back those tears and cried along with the person sharing their story.  I have also laughed a lot during those years and I've had some amazing conversations with people I deeply admire.  Some of the people I have met at my job and through the church have become my best and closest friends and I couldn't imagine our lives without them right now.

The community at Church of the Holy Spirit has been our family and greatest support system during all these years.  It has been the foundation for our family life and the way we have raised our girls.  My job has truly been a God send in many ways and I feel incredibly blessed for that opportunity.  I am blessed with over two decades of life learning lessons, faith sharing, and according to the picture above, I have done a little more than answering phones.  At least I have a picture to prove it! 😉

Happy Labor Day! ♥