'I would do this work until the day I die'

"I worked on Wall Street for several years," she said, "but my vocation was to get married and have children."

She eventually gave up her New York City work for marriage and family. But when the youngest of her six children was an infant, she found herself divorced and living in rural Columbia County.

New life

"When I started working, my youngest was two and I could bring him with me," she said. "I also have a daughter who is neurologically impaired, and I was able to work from home during the times I needed to be with her. The job gave me the freedom to be with her."

Now that her children are older (they range in age from 11 to 28), she splits her time between two parishes and two positions: pastoral associate for faith formation at St. Bridget's and pastoral associate for parish life at Holy Cross Church in West Taghkanic. (In June, she will give up her duties at St. Bridget's to serve full time at Holy Cross.)

New role

Ms. Jefferson began her ministry at Holy Cross after the parish's long-time pastor became ill and was forced to retire. For 28 years, parishioners were used to the presence of a priest at the rectory. According to Ms. Jefferson, they wanted to continue to have a minister on site, be it a priest or a lay minister.

"They were looking for someone to be here for them," she said, but she had some reservations at first. "A lay woman in their pastor's house and office -- it could have been awful. The people have been extremely gracious."

Her days are filled with everything from pastoral care and counseling to baptismal preparation, while Rev. Raymond Ethier meets the sacramental needs of the parish.

"People trust you with the intimate details of their life," she said. "They weep in front of you. I would do this work until the day I die."

Sacrifices

"When I worked part-time doing faith formation, I was eligible for food stamps. I know that parishes do what they can. Often, where you're most needed, the parishes can't afford you. But I knew with certainty that this was the work that God had called me to do and that God would provide.

"This ministry has sustained me and my family," she continued. "It's held us together as a family. My ministry has been a source of joy and pride for my children. The personal satisfaction that comes with this ministry is immeasurable."

Challenge to family

It has also presented her children with other challenges. "This is a very public ministry," she said. "I think the hardest thing for my children is that they are publicly Catholic. This can be a hard thing, especially in a public school."

Ms. Jefferson said that serving as a pastoral associate for parish life has allowed her to be an example to others of the importance of living out their baptismal call. While some people may have difficulty relating to a pastoral associate for parish life, Ms. Jefferson hopes people can let go of any prejudices they may have.

"I encourage people, if they find themselves at a parish with a pastoral associate, to give that person a chance," she said. "You can be sure with all of the sacrifices involved in that person being called to that ministry."

Education

"I've been mentored by extraordinary people in the Diocese," she said.

Through the people she's met and the tasks involved in her ministry, Ms. Jefferson has found great satisfaction. "I could not have asked for a more wonderful life," she said. "I would encourage young people who are searching to consider this ministry."

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