Maria Klicpera, Pastoral Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph, Eldersburg

Maria Klicpera has recently taken on the job of Pastoral Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph parish in Eldersburg.  While she is new to the position, she is not new to the parish.  Previously she served as Administrative Assistant for Religious Education and Youth Ministry.

She presently lives in Eldersburg with her husband, Gary, and 11 year old son, Gregory.

Born in Italy, Maria moved to this country when she was 4 years old and grew up in Long Island, New York.  Her ministry as a catechist began in 1983, while she was a member of St. James parish in Long Island.  While a member of St. James, Maria earned her Basic Theology Studies Certificate.

Maria brought her ministry with her when she came to Maryland in 1992.  Besides being a member of St. Joseph’s staff, she is a Eucharist Minster and a member of the First Eucharist Team at her parish.  She is currently enrolled at the Weekend College of Notre Dame and pursing her degree in Religious Studies.

As Pastoral Director, Maria will be coordinating the Religious Education programs for children in grades Pre-K through 8.  With 1200 children in that age group, this is no small task!  Among her goals for the program is beginning a Middle School  Youth Group.  She is working on a slate of activities, as well as a name for this youth group.  With such a large student population in the parish, the job of overseeing sacramental preparation for First Eucharist and Reconciliation, as well as RCIA, has been taken on by Maria’s predecessor, Sr. Rosanna Dorn.

When asked for a favorite Scripture passage which reflects her ministry, Maria quickly recalled Ephesians, chapter 3, verses 16 through 21, which she frequently uses for opening Religious Education sessions…

…that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.  Amen.

We extend our warmest wishes for a long and happy ministry to Maria in Central Maryland!