Parish secretary marks 50 years of service in Princeton
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
Susan Howley fondly remembers the day 50 years ago this month, when she was asked to accept the position parish secretary of St. Paul Parish, Princeton.
“I was attending an event in the church basement,” Howley recalled. She had converted to Catholicism just two years prior. It was then that Msgr. Edward C. Henry, then pastor of St. Paul Parish, approached her. “I was very excited about being Catholic – and Msgr. Henry said he needed someone to help in the parish office.”
Howley started her secretary job on Easter Monday of 1964. She has been a constant presence in the parish office ever since, assuming responsibilities at one time or another for all the office positions.
“When I first started at St Paul’s, it was very quiet and small,” said Howley. “There were really only two events (to coordinate) – the Altar Rosary Society and the Catholic Daughters bake sale. Now it’s very exciting, with so many more ministries and things going on.”
In addition to coordinating all administrative functions for the parish office, Howley prepares the Sunday parish bulletin, distributes mail, takes initial information for funerals, weddings, and Baptisms, takes care of the Mass-intentions book, maintains the cemetery files, and basically keeps the rectory and parish office running smoothly.
“It’s been very rewarding helping people – whether it’s finding a baptismal certificate, helping with plans for a funeral or a wedding. It’s been great to work here,” Howley said.
Staff and friends celebrated Howley’s anniversary with a lunch on Monday. Pastor Msgr. Joseph Rosie recognized Howley during Sunday Mass and in the parish bulletin.
“Susan has been a great help to me since my arrival a few years ago,” Msgr. Rosie wrote. “Most importantly, we thank God for the gift of a wonderful, faithful and caring person to be the ‘face’ of our parish family when people call, seek information and very often encounter the Catholic Church for the first time. Susan truly reflects the great spirit that our Holy Father, Francis, is inviting all of us to share with the world. We ask the Lord to continue to bless Susan in your continued ministry and service.
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Susan Howley fondly remembers the day 50 years ago this month, when she was asked to accept the position parish secretary of St. Paul Parish, Princeton.
“I was attending an event in the church basement,” Howley recalled. She had converted to Catholicism just two years prior. It was then that Msgr. Edward C. Henry, then pastor of St. Paul Parish, approached her. “I was very excited about being Catholic – and Msgr. Henry said he needed someone to help in the parish office.”
Howley started her secretary job on Easter Monday of 1964. She has been a constant presence in the parish office ever since, assuming responsibilities at one time or another for all the office positions.
“When I first started at St Paul’s, it was very quiet and small,” said Howley. “There were really only two events (to coordinate) – the Altar Rosary Society and the Catholic Daughters bake sale. Now it’s very exciting, with so many more ministries and things going on.”
In addition to coordinating all administrative functions for the parish office, Howley prepares the Sunday parish bulletin, distributes mail, takes initial information for funerals, weddings, and Baptisms, takes care of the Mass-intentions book, maintains the cemetery files, and basically keeps the rectory and parish office running smoothly.
“It’s been very rewarding helping people – whether it’s finding a baptismal certificate, helping with plans for a funeral or a wedding. It’s been great to work here,” Howley said.
Staff and friends celebrated Howley’s anniversary with a lunch on Monday. Pastor Msgr. Joseph Rosie recognized Howley during Sunday Mass and in the parish bulletin.
“Susan has been a great help to me since my arrival a few years ago,” Msgr. Rosie wrote. “Most importantly, we thank God for the gift of a wonderful, faithful and caring person to be the ‘face’ of our parish family when people call, seek information and very often encounter the Catholic Church for the first time. Susan truly reflects the great spirit that our Holy Father, Francis, is inviting all of us to share with the world. We ask the Lord to continue to bless Susan in your continued ministry and service.
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