To say that leading the Parish Life Committee is a calling for Deb Williams would probably be an understatement! Deb has been working to make hospitality events happen since she was 4 years old, cleaning off the tables after coffee and donuts at Holy Name Parish in Omaha, Neb. Her mother helped with the ministry, so it was only natural for Deb to help out too. When Deb and her husband, Herb, moved to the area and started attending Mass at St. Patrick’s, she naturally found her way to coffee and donuts, then to the Parish Life Committee, where she has served for 30 years.
“I love just being here to help things come together,” she says. “I love organizing and seeing people have fun. God has a plan for everyone. My plan from Him is to make people happy. That is why I enjoy doing this program.”
Deb’s most recent event was the picnic in August. She is thankful that parishioners always step forward to share their stewardship gifts and help at the events. But she’d love to build a committee to help bring in some fresh ideas.
Having joined our parish in 1990, Deb has been involved here ever since. She has one daughter, Katie, and her husband, Herb, passed away in 1996. Three years before his passing, Herb went through the RCIA process and entered into the Catholic faith.
“Even before Herb became Catholic, he was helping me with things,” Deb says. “The priests at the time were surprised that he was not Catholic. It’s all because of St. Patrick’s that he became Catholic.”
Over the years, Deb has been involved with many ministries, from Religious Education to the Newcomers Committee. She also worked with the Building Renovation Committee and the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary. But the Parish Life Committee is where she has put most of her time and energy.
“Whatever idea Father comes up with, I do,” she says.
In the past, the parish has hosted a Valentine’s Day dance, a volunteer dinner, and a meal for St. Patrick’s Day. She hopes to see more of these social events return now that the COVID-19 threat has waned.
“I love to see everything come together,” Deb says. “I feel I’m a good organizer. I enjoy seeing people having fun.”
Deb loves the community here at St. Patrick’s. To her, it truly feels like a family. She would encourage others to consider their talents and how they might use them to serve God and the parish. She has seen firsthand that being involved helps you get to know more people and widen your circle. You are part of the parish family all week — not just on Sundays.
“Because God gave you those abilities, you should use them,” Deb says.
In her free time, Deb enjoys bowling, making crafts, and crocheting.
To get involved in the Parish Life Committee, contact Deb Williams at drbby@msn.com or 719-264-7703