This fall, Mary Mykityshyn opens a new chapter in a mission she embarked on years ago: bringing the Word of God to children.

That’s how Mykityshyn described her calling as she reflected recently on her new role as religious education director in St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro.

It’s a calling Mykityshyn began nurturing more 12 years ago in St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, where she has been a member for 22 years.

Prior to coming to St. Gabriel in July, she also taught the Diocese’s Evangelium program for catechists in several parishes throughout the Diocese for three years.

As St. Gabriel’s DRE, she said she’s looking forward to overseeing a program attended by about 1,000 students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Mykityshyn earned a bachelor of science in education, special education and speech pathology from Seton Hall University, South Orange. She completed a master’s degree in theology in Georgian Court University, Lakewood.

She has been married to her husband, Thomas for 30 years, and they are the parents of four children – Matthew, 27; Christine, 25; Daniel, 22; and Jaclyn, 18.

“I love religious education,” she shared. “You get to work with a whole host of people. I love working with all age groups … I feel the fit is just right here. I’ve been enjoying the camaraderie, the support from the pastor, Father (Eugene) Roberts, and the deacons. Everyone is working for a common goal,” building community, she said.

Among her goals in that direction is a liturgy program for pre-schoolers beginning in Advent. It’s a reflection of her desire to help build a stronger Church. “You have to offer programs for young families,” she reflected. “You can’t baptize babies and just say, ‘see you in second grade.’ You have to help them merge into community. The programs have to run the gamut of age groups.”