FAITHFUL IMPACT Sister Jeremy Gallet, SP, departed from the position of Director of the Office of Worship, where she had served for the last seven years. “Under your leadership, our community gave honor and glory to our God in dignified, well-planned and sacred worship. We are all indebted to you,” Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes wrote in a message to Sister Jeremy.
Sister Jeremy Gallet, SP, who has been the Director of the Office of Worship for the last seven years, departed the position on Jan. 14. She has since begun a new ministry in Indiana in the area of teaching and formation with her religious community, the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary of the Woods.
On Jan. 12, the Diocese held a farewell ceremony at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, which was also livestreamed on YouTube, to thank Sister Jeremy for her dedicated service. The ceremony included prayer, an Episcopal Blessing, and a chance for people to express their gratitude to Sister Jeremy.
Since he could not attend, a message from Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes was read aloud. “Thank you for building on what we had before you came, and for carrying it on to new heights and places ... you pioneered new outreaches in the ministry and people responded so positively that you saw your work increase and increase and increase. God be with you for sharing generously of the talents he gave you,” Bishop Barnes said in his message.
“Under your leadership, our community gave honor and glory to our God in dignified, well-planned and sacred worship. We are all indebted to you,” continued Bishop Barnes in his message.
One of the many who spoke was Chris Estrella, Coordinator of Liturgical Music within the Office of Worship. “There’s so much that could be said about the incredible work that you’ve done to enhance and continue the growth of the prayer of our people in this diocese,” said Estrella.
“You’ve taken this multicultural melting pot of a people and you brought a personal touch to enhance and uplift the prayer of the people in our parishes and in our community, and that’s something that cannot be understated,” he added.
After the remarks from attendees, Bishop Alberto Rojas imparted an Episcopal Blessing to Sister Jeremy and then honored her with the Amar Es Entregarse Award, given to members of the local Church over the years who exemplify Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes’ Episcopal Motto Amar Es Entregarse (Love is the total giving of oneself).
Before the conclusion of the ceremony, Sister Jeremy spoke to express her appreciation for the Diocese and its people. She said that she felt a deep connection to the Diocese ever since she arrived. “There’s something about this diocese that is special, and it’s not because it’s wealthy or has the most educated people or anything, but the depth of faith that infuses people and the response and the hunger for education was something that I haven’t experienced anywhere else, and so that has enriched my life,” said Sister Jeremy.
“I thank all of you for walking the way with me. You’ve been very supportive ... I just hope that whoever replaces me loves [the Diocese] as much as I do,” she concluded.