St Benedict of Waterford

Ministry involvement at St. Ben’s:

Music Ministry- Choir Member and Cantor

Hobbies:

Spending time with family and friends, binge-watching TV shows, knitting, reading, biking, walking, movies, and listening to music

Favorite thing about St. Benedict:

I’m sure most people will say this, but this is the friendliest church I’ve ever attended. Before joining St. Benedict I had attended many different services from various Christian churches, especially when I was at Central, but St. Benedict has definitely proven one of the most welcoming.

Favorite Scripture:

One of the hymns that I first connected with when I joined the St. Ben’s choir is “You Are Mine” which is based off of various Scriptures (mainly Isaiah 43). The refrain is a comfort in times of trouble, but also just a friendly reminder that Jesus is home: “Do not be afraid, I am with you I have called you each by name Come and follow me, I will bring you home I love you and you are mine”

Most people do not know:

Many people don’t know that I’m a newer Catholic. I didn’t actually become Catholic until I went through the RCIA program 6 years ago. I initially joined the choir because I was back home from college and was preparing to student teach in a nearby district. I wanted to continue singing in a choir, so my grandma introduced me to Pam. I guess you could say the rest was history. It started out as something to keep me involved with music, but turned out to be God’s calling. I’m thankful everyday for my St. Ben family and how much my faith and trust in God has grown over the years.

Ministry involvement at St. Ben’s:

Music Ministry- Choir Member and Cantor

Hobbies:

Theatre, Flute and anything outdoors

Favorite thing about St. Benedict:

Father Jim

Favorite Scripture:

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

Most people do not know:

I was engaged in Paris on the top of the Eiffel Tower

Ministry involvement at St. Ben’s:

I’ve been at St. Benedict since June 1966. I am a Lector and Commentator and Eucharistic Minister. Many years ago I was a Catechist. Now I help count the collection. I’m also a Greeter at the 4PM and 11AM Masses and at the end of the 9AM Mass. I also help setup for the 11AM Mass. I am also a member of the Parish Council. I try to help with other church activities. I am a corresponding secretary of the St. Vincent de Paul.

Hobbies:

Now I like to read, do Sudoku and Word Sleuth puzzles. I also like to knit and crochet sometimes.

Favorite thing about St. Benedict:

The friendliest of all the parishioners and our Pastor, Father Jim Mayworm. I also like our choir and Pam.

Favorite Scripture:

Here I am Lord, I come to do Your will. (Psalm 40)

Ministry involvement at St. Ben’s:

I started singing with the St. Benedict adult choir shortly after moving to Waterford and just before Easter 1998. A little lady turned to me after Mass one day and said, “You need to join the choir! I’m taking you to meet Lois,” and the rest is history! I sang full-time with the choir for about 12 years, but home, family and work took up more and more of my time, so I took turns cantoring 4pm Mass and singing with the choir as I often as I could for a few years. For the past 18 months or so, you can find me singing with the ensemble group at 4pm Mass just about every Saturday.

Hobbies:

Between three kids and a full-time job, I’ve tried to gear my hobbies toward things I can do with my family. I am the Cubmaster for Our Lady of the Lakes Pack 185, I coach elementary school robotics, and I co-chair the Auction Committee at OLL. In my spare time, I love music, concerts, gardening, swimming, bike riding, eating out, and whatever else strikes me as fun.

Favorite thing about St. Benedict:

The people! Everyone is so welcoming and warm. Whenever my parents come to visit, they always remark on how friendly our congregation is. They say they feel more welcome here than they do at their home parish of 16 years. 

Favorite Scripture:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Most people do not know:

I don’t just talk a lot in English…I also talk a lot in Spanish!

Ministry involvement at St. Ben’s:

Music Ministry- Choir Member (Alto) since 2006 Volunteer for the Hope Warming Center

Hobbies:

Singing, Traveling, Boating, Scuba Diving, Skiing

Favorite thing about St. Benedict:

The camaraderie among the parishioners. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming.

Favorite Scripture:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

Most people do not know:

That I have been a world traveler. I have traveled to places far and wide, such as South Africa, Israel, Fiji, Ireland, Australia, and the Bahamas.

Ministry involvement at St. Ben’s:

Music Ministry- Choir Member (Bass) since 2007 Knights of Columbus

Hobbies:

Watching our granddaughter

Favorite thing about St. Benedict:

Wonderful people and Pastor Jim

Favorite Quote:

Keep becoming great! -Kelly Stevenson

Most people do not know:

I am the youngest of twelve children

Ministry involvement at St. Ben’s:

Eucharistic Minister, setup Altar, CSA, Funeral Service, Food for Funeral Luncheons, Food for Office Food Pantry

Hobbies:

Puzzles, Walking, Knitting, Computer time

Favorite thing about St. Benedict:

The Priests, the People, the Music

Favorite Quote:

“Live and Let Live!” All God’s Children

Ministry involvement at St. Ben’s:

Music Ministry- vocalist for the 11:00AM worship band, Harvest. Also, occasionally sing for weddings and funerals, along with special programs. Over the past 30 years I have been part of St. Benedict’s music ministry, as a choir member, cantor, Harvest vocalist, and in the early days Saturday evening folk group with Sue McLarty and the late Bob Morrow. I played flute and was the vocalist. Since I was 19 years old until a few years ago I was a Catechist for 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grades. I love seeing some of the kids I taught grow up in our community and become parents themselves. As a family we volunteer to work the Hope Warming Center.

Hobbies:

My daughter dances competitively so I’m a dance mom. Reading, gardening, game night with my family and friends, cooking and baking.

Favorite thing about St. Benedict:

The community and my music ministry friends I have made throughout the years. From Choir to Harvest so many special people who make me laugh and smile often.

Favorite Quote:

I will walk by FAITH even when I cannot see.

Most people do not know:

I Played Adelaide “the well-known fiancée” in Guys and Dolls my senior year. Until my junior year in high school I had no idea I could sing and perform. I was VERY shy. I love to act and I hope to get back into theatre soon. I was also in a rock band when I was younger called Tartella! We recorded a few songs and played around town