How can I help you?

“How can I help you?” This is a very common question that as Parish Administrators we ask. It can either be to parishioners or to the public.

Our role is varied. We do everything from the weekly bulletin and answering phone calls and e-mails, to lending an ear when it’s needed, reassuring a stressed out bride, and sometimes, comforting somebody when they have lost a loved one. It is our job to be able to anticipate the needs of others before they ask, or sometimes even before they are aware they need it!

It is a role that I take very seriously, because I am a servant of Jesus Christ. For me, this is not just a place of employment, it is a position that God has called me to.

This doesn’t mean, however, that I have never been unsure of myself. When I started this role, I was one week out of college. Doubt crept through my mind:

What if I’m not good enough?

What if I’m not able to do this job properly?

What if I fail?

What if, what if, what if… these thoughts chased each other. Then, an even stronger feeling came. This one was much deeper, much stronger, and I could feel it within every fibre of my being:

What if you don’t fail?

What if you are exactly where you’re supposed to be?

I couldn’t ignore that.

I knew then, very clearly that this was the right place for me. Each day is a new and different experience from learning Scripture (I am very fortunate to have several Clergy around me to patiently answer my numerous questions,) to fixing a photocopier when it breaks, and everything in between.

There will always be reasons to have fear or doubt, and something most assuredly will break and have to be repaired. Through all of this, I will remain a servant of Christ.

So tell me, how can I help you?