Elaine Kindler

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Elaine’s ministry began at St. Mary's in May 2008.  The title of 'Program Administrator' covers many things from processing faith formation registrations and payments, to ordering supplies, to whatever else helps to keep the program running smoothly and efficiently.  She always has a plethora of projects going on, all of which she amazingly keeps well-organized. She is gifted in inviting and training our many, and needed, volunteers.  Her favorite aspect of all she does is getting to know faith formation families and catechists, and being able to pray for them. She has a passion for our Faith and is a dedicated Eucharistic Adorer and Prayer Warrior!

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Elaine is the second of four children.  A Valparaiso University graduate, she lived in England for 13 ½ years; was married for seven; and has two children waiting for her in heaven.  At her home parish in New Hampshire, she serves on the PPC, sings in the choir and serves as cantor.  Some of her favorites? Singing in worship, dogs, the Boston Red Sox, counted cross-stitch, good jokes, jig-saw puzzles, and “Singing in the Rain.”  

Elaine’s work has been eclectic: serving as executive director of Aid for Women pregnancy care center, creative  communications manager at Citicorp Telemarketing, drama director at Coventry Cathedral.  Add a few years as a self-employed consultant in not-for-profit management, public relations, marketing communications and fundraising (MD, IL, England), plus some radio production, and some retail and bar-maid experience for good luck.  Basically, she is prepared for just about anything and always has a song in her heart. 

Her spiritual journey was also eclectic: born and raised as a Missouri Synod Lutheran, she evolved to follow the Anglican faith, then Episcopalian, then Christian Reformed and finally found her way home to the Catholic Faith in 2001.  She is a Cursillista and a Companion to the Community of Celebration.  Along the journey, her spiritual gifts were identified as an administrator, an encourager and an evangelist (this was a surprise!). 

Elaine believes that God used each position and spiritual home to draw her closer to himself.  She’s thankful to not only work in a Catholic church but in the faith formation program where every day she learns just a bit more about God and our faith.  Caution: she’s not as serious as this makes her sound!