Pastors, secretaries and administrative assistants from 52 parishes in the Diocese of Corpus Christi participated in an Administrative Assistants' Day of Prayer & Reflection on Oct. 22 at Pax Christi Retreat Center. Nationally known speaker and author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle was the primary presenter.
O'Boyle is recognized by many as the soothing voice of ideal Catholic womanhood. She has made frequent appearances on radio and television, published a number of many books and speaks at conferences devoted living according to strong Christian values, improving family relationships and making a powerful impact on communities.
In all of her work, she emphasizes the importance of every woman as a spiritual mother, whether they have biological children and traditional family units, or not. O'Boyle is a frequent guest on EWTN television and radio. She is also the TV host of EWTN's "Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms" and "Catholic Mom's Cafe" as well as a regular contributor to a wide range of newspapers, magazines, TV and online media outlets.
Her talk at the daylong retreat focused on three areas; “Love Like Jesus” (from Mother Teresa's Lessons), “You Did It to Me” (offering mercy in work) and “Nourished With Living Water” (our encounter with Christ). He urged her listeners to “be the skin of Christ” and encouraged them to make time for prayer in their workday.
In addition to O’Boyle, Monica Gatlin, an administrative assistant at the Diocese of Corpus Christi, made a presentation on the topic of helping those calling to the parish, especially on the telephone.
Bishop Michael Mulvey spent the entire day with the parish staffs. He welcomed them, helped with clearing tables after lunch, offered words of encouragement and presented recognition awards at the end of the conference.
Reminding them of the parable of the Samaritan woman at the well, Bishop Mulvey pointed out “Jesus Christ went to the woman where she was at, not where she should have been.” That is the example for all church workers, he said.
At the close of the conference, O’Boyle sold and autographed books.