St. Mary Catholic Community in Appleton's Minister of Neighborhood Pastoral Outreach and Parish Vitality Nadine Duncan submitted her final "In the Neighborhood" column for the July 5 church bulletin. 

“I am handing on the torch of Neighborhood Pastoral Outreach and Parish Vitality to our newest member of the Pastoral Leadership Team, Emily Jenks,” Duncan wrote.

Jenks, Duncan says, is committed to making a difference wherever she is and serving Christ and the Church. Both Jenks and Duncan have a deep affection for everyone who comes to St. Mary Parish to feel God’s love and, to that end, they are working on a hospitality system. 

“Last year we focused on hospitality and began to build a greeter ministry to welcome visitors before Mass,” Duncan wrote. “St. Mary’s is also being blessed with people excited to join our parish family. We are working on creating an engaging way to welcome and accompany new parishioners.”

The parish is also striving to be an integral part in the community of Appleton and to work with those who are marginalized. 

“We need to be part of the conversation of what we can do that leads to systemic change and creates a community where everyone thrives,” Duncan wrote. 

Duncan is excited to be taking over the role of Minister of Pastoral Care.

“I am following a long line of amazing Ministers of Pastoral Care, most recently Sr. Joanne, Dcn. Jeff and Dcn. Gerry,” Duncan wrote. “Their ministry is an inspiration to me, and I am excited to minister to our parish family in this position.”

In her new position, Duncan will be responsible for working with the seniors of the church, which requires special attention during this pandemic. 

“I want to thank all the volunteers who made those calls and let them know how much I appreciated their dedication and care,” Duncan wrote. “That gave me a wonderful opportunity to begin to think about our overall ministry to our elders, especially our homebound.”

Finally, Duncan is overseeing the RCIA ministry, which is working with a small group of individuals who want to be received into full communion with the church, and planning for baptisms, weddings and funerals. 

“Please pray for Emily and me that we keep our eyes on Jesus, so our ministry contributes to the uplifting of all of you in our St. Mary Parish family,” Duncan wrote.