In our process of becoming Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, I have been blessed to start getting to know many people who live and serve in the Holy Spirit. It is always a joy to serve alongside such people, and so there is also a sadness when the Spirit draws them elsewhere. In that “spirit,” I wish to let you know that Meghan Donahue will be resigning from her role as Director of Religious Education at St. Julian.
Mrs. Donahue’s last day as DRE will be June 18th, but she has graciously agreed to coordinate this year’s Summer Bible Camp. I have enjoyed working with Meghan and want to thank her for her years of service to the parish, helping to form our most impressionable disciples. Please enjoy Mrs. D’s final bulletin/blog article below, and join me in thanking her for her dedication and witness. Of course, as a member of our parish community, this is not a “goodbye,” and I look forward to continuing our journey with her as we all strive to listen for the movements of the Holy Spirit in our own lives and in the life of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish. —Fr. Dan
Socrates once said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” For the last 13 years, my family and I have happily called Elk Grove Village our home. The last five of those years have been spent as a member of the St.Julian and even the Queen of the Rosary staff. After spending much time reflecting on my professional as well as my spiritual journey, the needs of my family and the vocation God has blessed me with, I have decided to resign from the position: Director of Religion Education at OLBS-St. Julian Eymard effective June, 2021.
This is a bittersweet choice for me. My time collaborating with the staff, catechists, parents, students, parishioners and local organizations has been rich indeed. Together we have navigated the pandemic, brainstormed how to make faith a family-based learning method, embraced new ways to grow closer to God through annual retreats and charity fundraisers, celebrated awe-inspiring sacramental celebrations and logged countless community service hours.
There are many things I had hoped to build upon for the families of the School of Religion, such as an outdoor Stations of the Cross walkway, a garden labyrinth, youth ministry room, renovated classrooms, and extended adult and toddler opportunities. However, change is the one constant in life and God seems to be calling me to change gears once more. Once again, I put my trust in the Lord as did the apostles on the feast of Pentecost and rely on God’s plan for me.
The apostles did not fully understand the mission Jesus entrusted to each of them until the Holy Spirit filled their heart, soul and mind, but as David is quoted in Acts 2:28, “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’” Although I will no longer be a member of the OLBS staff, I look forward to volunteering around the parish, gathering with you for weekly Mass and witnessing the Holy Spirit working among us. Until I see you next, please know I hold you in my prayers confident that God continues to guide your path to joy as well!
Yours in Christ,
Meghan Donahue