Joann Wozniak, Administrator for Religious Education,
St. Michael, Poplar Springs
by Judy Williams

Joann Wozniak began as Administrator for Religious Education at St. Michael Parish in Poplar Springs this summer.

Joann oversees the Religious Education program for 389 of the parish’s children, ages pre-3 year olds through grade 5.  In addition to these weekly classes, she also plans the parish’s Sunday Children’s Liturgy of the Word, preparation for the sacraments of First Eucharist and Reconciliation and works with families enrolled in the home study program.  This past summer saw the first time Vacation Bible School was held at the parish.  With a theme of “Avalanche Ranch,” over 160 children participated.

Future goals for the parish program include increasing the frequency of Sundays Children’s Liturgy of the Word.  She would also like to enable her 43 catechists to attend more trainings and work toward certification.

A native of Rockville, Joann has been a member of St. Michael’s for ten years, though only officially joined the Catholic church in 2000.  After years of attending Catholic services with her family, Joann finally made up her mind to become an active participant in the Mass.  In 2000 she came through the parish Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program and was baptized during the same year that daughter received her First Communion.

Joann and her husband, Tad, have been married 20 years and have 3 children, Rebecca, Nichole and Joseph.  When she is not serving her parish, Joann enjoys scrap booking and photography and “hanging with her family.”

When seeking strength for her ministry and in her daily living, there is a popular prayer from which Joann draws encouragement:

 “Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen today that You and I can’t handle together.” 

Welcome to ministry in Central Maryland, Joann!

The Catholic Education Ministries Center of Central Maryland provides ongoing support to the Catechetical Ministries of Carroll, Frederick, and Washington Counties. This includes training programs for leaders and volunteers in parishes and schools, plus consultation in all areas of catechesis.

Catholic Education Ministries - Mount Saint Mary's, Emmitsburg, 21727
(301) 447-3707   FAX: (301) 447-5399    [More about the Center]