A cradle Catholic from a large family, I grew up in St. Michael Parish in Annandale and attended Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria. From my first diocesan WorkCamp I was hooked, and three decades later, I still describe it as my favorite week of the year. It reinforced for me what I’d learned from my parents: that service begins at home, and that everyone has gifts to share.
Both WorkCamp and a retreat ministry taught me more about Jesus and
the relationship he was seeking to have with me. They also primed me to find Catholic
community in college at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. There I discovered friends who shared my values and a desire to grow in my relationship with the Lord. Over the next few years, I served in leadership within the campus ministry and had a particular love for retreat planning, having witnessed how powerfully the Holy Spirit can move when we give him time and space.
After some time as a teaching assistant, I accepted a position in what’s now the Office of Youth,
Campus and Young Adult Ministries, supporting the parish directors of youth ministry. I went on
to discern religious life, work in the diocesan marriage tribunal and become a weekly volunteer
with a small group ministry for teen girls at Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville. I also earned my certificate in youth ministry along the way.
In accepting my new role as administrative assistant for the Catholic campus ministry at George Mason University in Fairfax, I’m looking forward to getting to know the community of Catholic Patriots and supporting those in college looking to discover or deepen their faith in Christ. Having worked for so many years with younger teens, it’s exciting to now have the opportunity to assist those in the next chapter, one that proved invaluable in my own growth in faith and commitment to a life of service.
Our diocesan church is a young church, and my own passion for service is the result of countless adults who walked alongside me as a young person. They listened to me patiently, challenging me when necessary, and modeling for me what it means to love and serve Jesus without reservation. To be in a position to do that for others is a tremendous gift.
Richardson is an administrative assistant for Catholic campus ministry at George Mason University in Fairfax.
Corpus Christi