Sister Marla Gipson
I minister as a part-time Pastoral Associate for the Minster Cluster of parishes, St. Augustine and St. Joseph Churches, in Minster, Ohio. As such, I am the director for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (known as RCIA), the adult faith ministry, and some of the bereavement/pastoral care ministries. You might find me visiting the sick at the local nursing care facility, presiding over Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion, or teaching diocesan and parish Catechist certification courses. Or you might find me using media and giving presentations for adult faith development. As with any ministry related to parish life, no two days are alike. The ministry ultimately is about accompanying people who are learning to deepen their faith development and “walking with” those who are suffering from loss and physical diminishment. Alongside the part-time ministry at St. Augustine, I am doing additional graduate studies in the on-line Thanatology program at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Thanatology is the study of dying, end of life, and bereavement. As a Sister of the Precious Blood, I enjoy bringing the life-giving, reconciling presence of Jesus to all whom I encounter on a daily basis. It is there that I learn, grow and am also accompanied by others.