Introducing Susan Lee Olsen, Catechetical Coordinator of Children's Ministries
I am a product of the RCIA process, having completed my initiation in 1986 at Holy Family. I have been actively involved in many liturgical ministries over the last 26 years, including drama, dance & music . I have served as a Lector and as Eucharistic Minister. I was Director of Liturgy & Music for Fr. Matt for ten of the years he was Pastor at Holy Family.
In that time, I worked with and trained all liturgical ministers, including Altar Servers, helped to develop a children’s choir, Family Mass, and the Generations of Faith program (faith formation for all ages) at Holy Family. I have Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Theatre Arts - Dance from San Jose State, a Master’s in Pastoral Liturgy from Santa Clara University, and a Ph. D. in Theology (emphasis in Liturgy & the Arts) from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. All of my studies have helped to prepare me for the work I have done for the Church over the past quarter century.
I am married, and my husband Ed and I will celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary this September. Ed is retired from Lockheed and has been my great supporter and helper in my work for the Church especially since his retirement . We have three sons and three grandchildren.
I look forward to meeting all of you over the next few months, especially the children and their parents and teachers with whom I will be working . There is much for us to learn together, especially as we begin the celebration of the Year of Faith in October. I am excited to be given the opportunity to take on this role at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. God’s peace and blessings to you all.
Susan Lee Olsen, Catechetical Coordinator of Children’s Ministries