[News Archive]

Ann Garvin joins staff of
St. Ignatius, Ijamsville

by Judy Williams

After 13 years teaching in a classroom, Ann Garvin is testing the waters of administrative work as the new Director of Faith Formation at St. Ignatius parish in Ijamsville.  Though new to parish work, Ms. Garvin is no stranger to Catholic education, having both attended and taught in Catholic schools her entire life.  A graduate of Notre Dame Academy in Middleburg, Virginia, Ann earned her bachelor degree in elementary education from Mount St. Mary's College (presently Mount St. Mary's University) in Emmitsburg.  She pursued her masters in curriculum and instruction at Loyola College in Baltimore and is presently working on a second masters degree in church ministries, with a concentration in congregational leadership, at the Ecumenical Institute at St. Mary's Seminary, Roland Park. 

Ann taught first grade at St. Mark's Catholic school in Catonsville for 11 years, prior to coming to Ijamsville, and for two years before that, at Resurrection St. Paul, Ellicott City, teaching first and second grade.

In her new job at St. Ignatius, Ann will oversee religious education for approximately 460 parish children, grades Pre-K through 5th grade.  She will also coordinate the family-centered ministry program, the young adult program and the First Reconciliation and First Eucharist preparation programs.  Ann is maintaining programs already put into place by her predecessor, Therese Ivanisin.  She intends to focus most of her efforts on family ministry in the parish, with hopes of drawing the many young families in the growing parish into attending Mass.

A resident of Ellicott City, Ann is a member of Church of the Resurrection parish, where she has been active as a choir member, parish council member and youth ministry volunteer.

When asked if she missed her old job,  Ann answered that in time she hopes to be able to do some classroom work, perhaps with the sacramental preparation programs.  For now she is enjoying working more with parents, and manages to visit the religious education classes from time to time.

Keeping in mind her goal of drawing the parish youth to Mass, Ann recalls the words of Jesus...

"Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; f
or the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14

Welcome Ann, to church ministry in Central Maryland!