Faithful compassion Recipient creates connections through prayer

Our parish is blessed with people who dedicate their lives to serving Christ by serving others. Every year, the
St. Ann’s Council of Catholic Women celebrates one of them. SACCW’s Woman of the Year is Jo Mirabal. Her peers and ministry team members agree that this acknowledgement of her service to so many is well deserved.

“Jo is a compassionate and caring woman that truly lives her faith,” said Connie Perry, co-president of the Women’s Council. “She is the epitome of faith and humility here at St. Ann and wherever she goes.”

Jan Colpo agrees: “Jo is the perfect choice as woman of the year because of her selfless involvement in several ministries, years of catechesis, and rolling up her sleeves to help anyone with anything,” said the council co-president. “Jo is a humble and faithful servant of our Lord.”

A parishioner since 1994, Mirabal was touched by the initial acceptance of the church community. Her four children participated in Life Teen and received their sacraments here. Mirabal credits her ability to get involved with ministry as part of her willingness to serve. Over the years she has been involved with several ministries, including religious education, Apple Annie, Day Guild, Life Teen. She currently heads the Prayer and Praise Ministry.

Along with other honorees from across the archdiocese, Mirabal will be recognized this spring at a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Hartmayer at the Cathedral of Christ the King.



Here are excerpts of our recent conversation with her.

Parts of your ministry encompass behind-the-scenes work. What is meaningful to you about this kind of service?

Acts like bringing the Eucharist
to the sick, feeding a meal to the hungry, and praying for those who are hurting are all as important as being the leader of a ministry or big event. While some people have jobs and responsibilities that make it hard to volunteer, there is always a way to help. These things do not always get seen by anyone but God, who always knows your heart.

What calls you to give of your time?

Through my experiences with Prayer and Praise and the parish healing Masses, I have witnessed the power of God. Miracles happen around us all the time! By trying

to see the miracle, we will see God working with us and through us.