ANOTHER WELCOME TO A NEW MEMBER OF OUR PASTORAL STAFF
Hello! My name is Mary Therese Druffner and I have recently taken on the role of Lifelong Discipleship Associate here at Holy Cross. I am honored to have been given this role and am so excited to serve this parish, especially through youth ministry and Sacramental formation.
A little about my background: I grew up on a small hobby farm in Hudson, Wisconsin, about 45 minutes east of the Twin Cities. I have six crazy siblings and two loving and devoted parents, all of whom I love and am close to. Growing up, my parents began doing medical mission work in Tanzania, East Africa, an apostolate they continue to this day. We spent our summers in Bwambo, Tanzania, helping my dad at the hospital and with any new projects underway. Thus, from my early years, I grew to love the universal Church, and the example of my parents taught me that a life of service is a joyful life.
After high school, I attended the Catholic University of America, studying Social Work and Theology. Although I loved my time in D.C., the Lord had other plans. The summer after my freshman year of college, I had the chance to work at Life Teen summer camps in North Georgia, as a summer missionary. There, I discovered a calling and a love for teaching youth about the faith, pushing others to question the deeper meaning of their lives. I have a passion for reviving souls, for helping others find purpose in their lives, which are guided by a loving Father. Shortly after my time at Life Teen, the Lord called me to study at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, so I packed my bags and moved to good-old Ohio, land of the Buckeyes. During my time in college, I had the gift of studying under incredible professors, and spending a semester abroad in Kraków, Poland, focusing on the life and works of St. John Paul II. I have recently graduated with a degree in Theology and minors in Philosophy and Human Life Studies.
In my free time, I love to hike, swim, play guitar and basketball, and drink good coffee. At the parish, I will be involved in Confirmation and First Sacraments formation and running the youth group, so you can find me wherever the high schoolers are! I am looking forward to getting to know you all and thank you for welcoming me into this community.
In Christ,
Mary Therese Druffner
Lifelong Discipleship Associate: Youth and Sacramental Formation
A WORD OF WELCOME TO MARY THERESE!
I am very happy to welcome Mary Therese to our team in a part time capacity. I am confident that she will serve our young people and their families in meaningful and creative ways, always leading the way to Christ and the Sacraments. You will enjoy getting to know her and I know she is excited to get to know you. She and Grant will be introducing themselves at our various Masses over the next few weekends. Please join me in welcoming Mary Therese to our parish!
-Fr. Howe, Pastor