By Rose O’Connor, Digital/Social Media Manager
After nearly a quarter century of service in several areas of ministry for the Diocese of Trenton, Frances Koukotas is about to embrace her next “assignment” – retirement.
Throughout her years of ministry, Koukotas served in several departments, including Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the Catholic Schools Office and, most recently, as advertising coordinator for The Monitor.
Among the experiences she treasures most is helping organize the Diocese’s Re: Image Film Festival, which originated in 2010. The festival featured competitions for multiple age groups and recognized filmmakers whose work reflected faith-filled storytelling.
“That was a lot of fun and people enjoyed that. It was during that time that I first began working closely with Marianne Hartman, Ryan Larason and Frank Lettieri in video production,” Koukotas said.
That collaboration continued after she joined the Catholic Schools Office.
“When I later moved to the Catholic Schools Office, I knew I wanted to collaborate with them again,” she said. “Together, we produced a series of short videos promoting Catholic schools and encouraging parent support, creating customized versions for each of New Jersey’s dioceses so they could be used statewide.”
As advertising coordinator for The Monitor Magazine, Koukotas also developed lasting relationships with the magazine’s advertisers.
“Many of our advertisers have become dear friends over the years,” she said. “We’ve shared dinners and countless conversations, and I’ve come to know them as truly wonderful people. They believe in the mission of the Diocese and want to make a meaningful contribution, so they choose to support it through advertising because they know their investment makes a difference.”
Joanne Krzywulak, currently the communications and circulation assistant for The Monitor, will assume the advertising coordination responsibilities previously handled by Koukotas.
In retirement, Koukotas does intend to consider new options and continue to build relationships, but plans to take some time before making any new commitments. She is looking forward to slowing down and spending more time with family and friends. She plans to travel with her husband Nick and her daughters, pick up her granddaughter from kindergarten, stay active at the gym and volunteer with EASEL Animal Rescue League, Ewing.
“There are a few other possibilities out there,” she said. “I’m going to wait a few months though, before I reach out for more information.”
Koukotas was treated to a farewell celebration in the Chancery, Lawrenceville, June 28 where some of the many different people she has worked with over the years had an opportunity to reminisce and wish her well.