Judi Wilkinson, our Director of Religious Education, has decided to retire this year.

Judi Wilkinson, our Director of Religious Education, has decided to retire this year. Initially, she spoke of retiring this summer, but I asked her to remain until the end of September, so that we might not be rushed in our search to replace her, and that we might give her successor some time to shadow Judi and learn more about the job. She agreed graciously.

Judi has served this parish since 1991 (!), beginning her work during the pastorate of Father Pruett. She has served with four pastors, and has, in many ways, become synonymous with St. Eugene. She has been DRE longer than I have been a priest, and I’ve never known a time when she was not the religious education professional here. To say she will be difficult to replace is an understatement.

Judi’s bilingualism has been a particular blessing to our faith community. She has been a bridge between the Anglo and Hispanic communities within the parish, and her ministry is one reason why St. Eugene’s multiculturalism works so well. I also believe her compassion and advocacy for the children of the parish have been an extraordinary gift, reflecting well our core Catholic values. There are hundreds of young Catholics who might have fallen through the crevices of life and not received their sacraments save for Judi’s willingness to work extra hours to prepare them.

We shall shortly begin the search for a new Director of Religious Education and the planning for festivities celebrating Judi. I want her to know well our esteem and love for her. Her loyalty to the parish must be recognized, remembered, and rewarded. I promise to keep you posted on the details of this.

In the meantime, I hope you will keep Judi and her husband in your prayers. Though she will officially retire in a few short months, I doubt she will be idle.