[News Archive]

Holy Family Parish, Middletown, welcomes Youth Minister, Ruthann Talbott  by Judy Williams

Effective September 1, Ruthann Talbott is the Youth Ministry coordinator at Holy Family parish in Middletown.  She replaces Sarabeth Bowe.

Hailing from West Mifflin, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh), Ruthann holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education and Catholic Theology, which she earned from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

She and her husband, Aaron, newly wedded in July of this year, moved from Pennsylvania this summer and have taken up residence in Boonsboro.  They are both members of Holy Family Parish.

The daughter of a tireless youth minister, Ruthann was active in her parish youth ministry program as a teen.  She was also a member of the Pittsburgh Diocesan Youth Council as a regional representative.  During college she continued to dedicate much of her time to ministry -  campus ministry, pro-life activities,  Eucharistic ministry and music ministry. 

Ruthann is settling into her position at Holy Family, maintaining the solid programs which have already been in place, and are supported by a strong pool of volunteers.  She is overseeing Senior and Junior High social and service programs, which have over 250 students enrolled, as well the Confirmation sacramental preparation program.

One of Ruthann’s goals is to develop a more cohesive community type program and to this end, she has organized ice cream socials, hayrides and a go-karting outing, all in the interest of developing social bonds among the participants.  She is also working to implement social and service activities for the youth ministry participants.  Both Senior and Junior youth ministry students are preparing an Angel Giving Tree project for the parish.  Senior high members are donating services such as babysitting as part of the “advocates for the homeless.”

As she continues in her efforts, Ruthann recalls the words of the prophet, Jeremiah,

                    But the LORD answered me, Say not, "I am too young."
                    To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you,
                    you shall speak.

Jeremiah 1:7

Central Maryland extends a warm welcome to Ruthann!