By Lois Rogers | Correspondent

Hildelise Limardo has served Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, as a volunteer in the bustling religious education program for five years.

That being the case, it came as no surprise when Limardo, who is also an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion at the parish, was named parish catechetical leader for the religious education program there.

This year she is set to welcome a team of 20 teachers and 10 aids who will share the tenets and teachings of the Church with an expected 354 children registered for religious education.

The children represent a culturally diverse faith community that reflects the universal nature of the Church. Masses are celebrated in Spanish, English and Portuguese in its two worship sites, Star of the Sea Church and neighboring Holy Trinity Church.

Limardo has resided in nearby Ocean Township with her husband, Carlos, for 30 years. The couple, who hail originally from the Dominican Republic, are the parents of four sons and the proud grandparents of five grandchildren.

A familiar face not only in Christ the King but also in greater Asbury Park, she volunteers in Mother of Mercy Parish as an ESL teacher for adult immigrants and is in charge of the ushers there, as well. She has also worked as a secretary for the pastor, Divine Word Father Miguel Virella.

Reflecting on her new role, she said it fits in well with her desire to “serve other people and work with different communities which I find here in Long Branch. Working with children and working to serve seniors have been my priorities in life.”