Marita Parker
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Director of Discipleship Formation x205mparkercatholicpartnerparishes.orgDear Beloved of God:
Peace in the heart of Jesus Christ!
My name is Marita Parker and I am the new Director of Discipleship Formation for the Catholic Partner Parishes of Saint James and Saint Katharine Drexel. What a joy it is to have been called to this role in service of God’s Kingdom in Washington County!
Some of you already know me, as I served as Director of Faith Formation at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish from 2016-2019. Prior to that, I was the Director of Religious Education at Saint Ann Parish in Waynesburg for three years. Before entering into pastoral ministry, I worked in Catholic education, teaching both middle and high school religion while also coordinating campus ministry. I have been blessed
to serve on the faculty of Saint Vincent Seminary for the last ten years as lecturer of moral theology, teaching dozens of men preparing for the priesthood and several lay students who have gone on to fruitful ministry. Since 2019, I have worked for the Diocese of Pittsburgh as Consultant in Support of Local Evangelization, leading a project called the Leaven Initiative. I hold a B.A. in Catholic Theology, an M.A. in Systematic Theology, and have completed doctoral coursework and candidacy exams in Theology.
While I have been called to work for the Church, my vocation is to be a wife and mother. My husband Dan and I have been married for 7.5 years. We have been entrusted with the gift of two sons, Daniel (4) and Henry (2). We also have two little saints – lost in early pregnancy last year – waiting and interceding for us in Heaven. We live in Greene County, in an area known as “Cabbage Flats,” and are members of Saint Matthias Parish.
When I used to have spare time, I enjoyed performing in musicals, singing in the Pittsburgh Diocesan Choir, and serving as a cantor and vocal soloist. My husband and I were also avid participants in a motorsport event called solo/autocross!
I look forward to walking with you as we seek intimacy in the heart of Jesus, discover our deepest identity and fulfilment in Him, and joyfully bear witness to the transformation that Jesus brings to our families, parishes, and community!
With Joy in the Lord,
Marita Parker
