Angela Patterson is able to meet people from more than a dozen countries without ever leaving her office. As secretary in Blessed Sacrament – Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Parish, Trenton, the eight-year veteran serves parishioners speaking nine or 10 languages and hailing from multiple continents as she assists them in their life in the Church.

Patterson began work in the Trenton parish after more than two decades in the private sector. She rejoiced in the job she dubbed “a labor of love” in a recent conversation with The Monitor.

“I think we are one of the most diverse parishes in the Diocese,” Patterson said. “I think it’s like a rainbow. Our parishioners come from about 16 different countries, speak nine or 10 languages, and our pastor is from Ghana, but everyone speaks some English.”

Patterson continued, “Knowing I am the first face people see, I feel very responsible, but it’s a good feeling.” She often assists in multicultural liturgies such as those scheduled during Black History Month and World Mission Sunday.

“In February, we have a Mass where people dress in native attire, and have a dinner afterwards where you bring in native food, sit and talk and learn,” she said.

Divine Word Father Edward Tetteh, pastor of the Trenton parish, noted, “Angela is a blessing. She has such a sense of respect and reverence. She would make a good missionary.”

Father Tetteh added, “She is very reliable. She will stay late to help someone and she is sensitive to the parishioners’ needs. It is good that we recognize her, she does so much.”

“Every day is different, I have a laundry list of things I want to accomplish and I’m thrilled if I can get to two of them,” Patterson laughed. “There are lots of interruptions.”

She also assists with the parish’s twice-monthly outreach to the poor. “People come in for food, and we give them Bibles, and sit and talk with them. It doesn’t get old.”