Getting to Know Parishioner
Maria Mrosek
A Life Fulfilled with Stewardship and Service
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ometimes, it can be hard to quantify “I love to help in any way I can,” the impact that someone has had in Maria says. “I guess it’s just part of my our lives. But when reflecting, we nature to volunteer. see the plethora of ways in which their “I was somewhat limited during my words, their example, and their priorities working years — I never had time,” she have shaped our own. For longtime St. adds. “But now, in retirement, I have Joseph parishioner Maria Mrosek, she plenty of time.” credits that influence to her parents. Through her involvement, Maria Born in Texas and raised in has enjoyed the chance to get to know Pennsylvania until she was 14, Maria her fellow parishioners as they work moved to Amherst in 1965. Her parents alongside one another, seeking the were faithful Catholics, who prioritized common goal of building up the Church. Catholic education for her and her seven “I love meeting new people in our younger siblings. parish,” she says. “I love meeting new “I spent all 12 years in Catholic people, and also learning from them — school,” Maria says. “As the oldest of learning what their faith means to them, eight children, my parents believed in the sharing the ideas about our faith, and importance of a Catholic education, and praying together.” I was so grateful for the opportunity and Although she has been active in her St. Joseph parishioner Maria Mrosek the sacrifices my parents made to make faith since she was young, Maria sees the has enjoyed finding new ways to serve that happen.” mission of stewardship in the parish as the parish community over the years. It was also her parents who instilled a key part of fully embracing service to in her the value of stewardship. From Christ. a young age, Maria remembers knowing the importance of “Stewardship encompasses our whole way of life,” she being involved in service to the parish community. says. “It helps us to be more loving and caring, by using all “My father taught us from a very young age that the our talents.” Catholic Church is part of our community — that we are all Maria encourages ministry leaders in the parish to reach God’s children and we need to give back to the parish and our out to new members and other parishioners to consider how neighbors, with the talents we have,” she says. they might use their gifts and talents to give back to the parish Over the years, Maria has served in a variety of different family in service. ways, from being a PSR and Confirmation catechist to singing “Actively engage others in your committees and groups,” in the choir, and serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Maria says. “Encourage new ideas — embrace change. Communion. In retirement, she has taken advantage of the There’s so much that we can do to bring our parish to a new opportunity to be involved in even more ways, serving on the level in stewardship.” Stewardship Council, the Parish Council, and, most recently, Thank you, Maria, for all the ways you serve our parish organizing the 2020 Church Photo Directory for both parishes. and community! page 2
