September 1, 2010

Denver Archdiocese honors its laborers

By John Gleason

“Glorious St. Joseph, help us in our daily work so that we may find there an effective means of glorifying our Lord…and be useful to the society in which we live.” ~Prayer to St. Joseph the Worker

Linda Schober has been a computer and data entry operator for the Archdiocese of Denver for 27 years.  Her husband, Steve, has been running the switchboard at the front desk of the chancery for more than two decades. 

Both were among 18 people honored for their work in the archdiocese at the Laborers in the Vineyard luncheon Aug. 26 at St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial.  The luncheon recognized the work of parish and archdiocesan employees who’ve put in at least 20 years in their jobs. 

“In a way, it’s hard to believe that I’ve been here this long,” Linda Schober told the Denver Catholic Register. “But I enjoy what I do; I always have.  That’s what makes the time fly by.”

Steve Schober said there are many gratifying parts in his job, but when it comes right down to it, the people are what make his job enjoyable.

“I have the chance to work with two wonderful bishops and the many people who run the archdiocese,” he said. “This is quite an honor.”

More than 150 people turned out to applaud and acknowledge the work of 18 tireless individuals for their many years of service to the Archdiocese of Denver—everyone from business managers to administrative assistants who run the day-to-day operations and keep lines of communication open in parish offices and at the archdiocesan Pastoral Center. Bishop James D. Conley delivered the keynote address while St. Thomas More pastor Father Andrew Kemberling V.F. read a congratulatory message from Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. 

“No bishop would get very far in his ministry without the men and women who help him in that work,” Father Kemberling said, reading from the archbishop’s letter.  “Without you the work of the Church in northern Colorado would be much less fruitful.  This day is important because it gives us a chance to thank you for all you do for the Gospel.  I join Bishop Conley and all the priests and deacons of the archdiocese in expressing heartfelt appreciation for your service.”

The other 2010 honorees were: Linda Broeren, Barbara Cronk, Jan Dennehy, Mimi Eckstein, Donald Ethridge, Thomas McAleer, Mike McKee, Irene Meador, Mark Miller, Marlene Murillo, Donald Schneider, Teresa Schiltz, Terry Shroba, Debra Tavella, Karen Teiken and Sister Mary Catherine Widger, S.L.

McAleer was recognized as the senior member of this year’s list of honorees. A family counselor at Mount Olivet Cemetery for 35 years, he referred to his job as the ministry for which God had called him.

Eckstein, who is director of the Respect Life Office, said she was grateful for the honor and couldn’t believe that 20 years had gone by.

“It has been fast,” she said. “There are so many memorable things that have happened in that time, it would be hard to single out one or two highlights.”

During his keynote address, Bishop Conley thanked the honorees for their many years of service and praised the efforts of all who work in the Archdiocese of Denver.

“Mother Teresa said that we are all called to holiness, just as the saints were,” he told the audience.  “And if we look at those saints, didn’t many of them work behind the scenes just as those we honor here today are doing?  You provide support, your work is essential.  Without you, the Church wouldn’t go very far.”