MEET PARISHIONER Maria House: Happily Serving and Welcoming All to Our Parish

Maria House knew her dream job after retirement was to be a receptionist at Our Lady of Lourdes. She wanted to ensure that people who called our parish weren’t met with an answering machine.

“People call a church sometimes because they are in crisis,” Maria says. “They shouldn’t be met with an answering machine. I want someone warm and welcoming to help them.”

Maria’s retirement dreams came quicker than she expected when she was asked to work as a parish receptionist 14 years ago.

She and her husband, Michael, own Casa Carbone, a local Italian restaurant. This work is part of their ministry, as they feed local priests at no charge. They give other priests and sisters a 50-percent discount.

Besides working in the parish office and the restaurant, Maria also has a weekly hour of adoration and helps with the scheduling. She also assists the Altar Guild Society by ironing Mass linens.

“I love this parish and my faith,” Maria says. “I am so blessed that my parents gave me the Catholic faith.” Maria and Michael raised three children, all of whom attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. Maria volunteered in the school office for about 14 years and helped at the school however she could.

The parish office is a busy place, and Maria loves it. On Wednesdays, Melody Gerald works in the office in place of Maria.

“The staff is a family,” Maria says. “We would do anything for each other. We are truly blessed with a great staff.”

Melody and Maria are the first faces people see when they walk into the office. They are there to assist Fr. Pat and connect visitors with whatever or whomever they need.

Maria has been a member of Our Lady of Lourdes since the age of 11.

“I love the smaller church and the community here — it’s a family,” she says. “Fr. Pat is amazing. He is a truly holy man.”

Maria would encourage others to consider ways they may give of their time, talent and treasure. It’s such a blessing to be involved.

“Most of our parish ministries could use some help here or there,” she says. “You can just start small. It’s amazing how getting involved will change you.”

She also wants people to know the power of Eucharistic Adoration — people can stop in at any time, even for a quick moment.

“I love our Adoration Chapel,” she says. “Adoration is the greatest gift we’ve been given here. I’ve had miracles in that chapel. Anyone can walk in and experience God’s grace.”

In her free time, Maria loves to spend time with her grandkids who live out of state, and she also enjoys reading.

Maria House has been a member of Our Lady of Lourdes since the age of 11. Her dream job after retirement was to be a receptionist at our parish.