By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 4/8/04)

"I think that the key for me is hospitality," said Mary Lou Miller, director of religious education at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Falls Church. "If you can warmly welcome people it sets the stage for more to happen. If people feel understood they are willing to be open."

Miller has been working as a DRE for 20 years, the majority of that time at St. Anthony Parish. In April, she will receive recognition for her work in this field as she accepts the 2004 Religious Educational Excellence Award from the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors, which is an extension of the National Catholic Education Association.

The award is given to religious education instructors and directors who are nominated by pastors or parishioners. Each of the country’s six regions honors a winner that is a model example of outstanding service to the parish community. Miller is an excellent choice.

Father Tuck Grinnell, pastor of St. Anthony Parish, has worked with Miller for the past 10 years. "I can trust her completely," he said. "Her advice is always extremely wise and brilliant."

On the flip side, Miller also appreciates Father Grinnell’s help with the programs. "Religious education always requires the support of the pastor. I have been blessed with four wonderful pastors during my 20 years in this diocese," Miller said.

Father Grinnell spoke of how Miller is not just a catechist. She also organized and implemented the parish’s annual Lenten retreat for adults. She works comfortably with children and adults in the education/formation programs as well as parents.

"The parents benefit abundantly. She helps them grow," he said. Miller’s sacramental instructions are not only good for the children, but also help the parents strengthen their faith. "She can cross all boundaries," Father Grinnell said.

When Miller first came to St. Anthony’s in 1986, there were 220 kids in the English catechism class and a small Spanish class run by the Spanish Apostolate. Now, there are approximately 1,200 students in religious educations class, half are Hispanic.

Her working in a multicultural environment is in itself an achievement to be honored. "I try to get to know as many parishioners as possible," Miller said. "And then I put together a program that addresses their needs." She said in her case, however, she is more attuned to what people are bringing from their countries.

Father Grinnell sees both the blessings and the challenges to working in a multicultural parish. On the plus side, he said, "it looks like the Church of the world." St. Anthony parishioners come from approximately 56 countries of origin, so at Mass people are worshipping in a truly catholic — universal — environment.

"It’s also virtually like having two parishes," Father Grinnell said. "The complexity is incredible."

Miller said one point of difference is that there are more Hispanic students over the age of seven who go through the baptism program. This is in part due to the fact that when families first arrive in this country, they worry first about the physical needs of shelter, food and water before turning to matters of faith.

While Miller is currently taking Spanish classes and spent six weeks in Guatemala with a native family, she said she is sure to have a bilingual parent or sponsor attending each class. She also uses symbols to illustrate her points. For a baptism class for older kids, for example, she will baptize a baby doll and then a doll that is 10 year old, so they can see the difference.

Miller claims that having a friendly and welcoming attitude is her strongest asset. She tries to attend a majority of parish events. "I take any opportunity to greet people and get to know people," she said. "It’s fairly easy because I’ve been around long enough." She is pleased to know that people feel comfortable coming to her, even with complaints.

Miller does not teach a class but oversees the entire process. She is, however, especially involved with sacramental preparation. If anything, Miller feels she would enjoy working more closely with adults. "The RCIA groups tend to form a community and stay in contact," she said. "Being a part of that is a real blessing."

"She inspires people to put forth their best," said Father Grinnell. This is a great asset to all the catechetical programs at the parish. "She works extraordinarily well with adults."

To help support the adults, Miller organized and initiated a Lenten retreat day for the parish. It is modeled on the RCIA process and has had at least 100 parishioners participate during the last four years.

"It is a wonderful way to help people focus on their faith journey and is a great community builder," said Miller of the Lenten program. "It is also a good way to help parishioners become more aware of RCIA."

When asked about the blessings of her job, Miller referred to how she is able to share her faith with people and vice versa. "It is awesome when people help my faith grow." She said that she is a Eucharistic minister at Mass and she will see kids and/or adults who she coached through their first reception of the sacrament. "I remember their first time and see that they’re so happy," she said.

"Why would I retire?" Miller asked. "I like what I do."