A Wonderful Presence

There is a new assistant in the Institute for Ministry's administrative offices. And she is just as eager to maintain the institute's reputation for caring service to Sacred Heart's commuter students.

Ms. Debi Piontkowski has been on the job since September 2003 as support staff to IFM Dean Patricia Rennie and Assistant Dean Peter Williamson. Her primary responsibility is working with the AOD Departments of Religious Education and Parish Life. Debi registers ecclesial ministry certification candidates for "topics" courses held at the seminary throughout the year, while coordinating the many duties of hosting individual class days. Debi also supports the lay student admissions process, working alongside Dean Rennie, Asst. Dean Williamson and Secretary Joanne Sayyae.

Debi is no stranger to archdiocesan administrative support work. Previously she served as administrative assistant in the AOD's Office of Catechetics/Religious Education. She later became head secretary to the director of the Office of Catechetics. Catholic education is a special interest in her personal life. For the past four years, she has been a third-grade catechist at St. Blase Parish in Sterling Heights, where her daughter, Lindsey, a sixth-grader, is an altar server.

Debi is no stranger, as well, to her new seminary coworkers. She had taken twenty topics catechist formation courses during the 2001-02 winter semester while working toward catechist certification. Before accepting her new position, she interacted regularly with the IFM to provide archdiocesan tuition aid for Sacred Heart lay students.

"I went from working with great people, to working with great people," says Debi. "I feel blessed, because that doesn't happen often when making a job change."

Dean Rennie also feels blessed that Debi is part of the team. "Debi has a wonderful phone presence and is friendly and helpful to everyone. I am delighted to have her on board with us."

"I'm a people person, so I really enjoy working here!" Debi laughs. "I feel I am really where God wants me to be."

The next time you call or stop by the IFM office, give a welcome to Debi Piontkowski. But think twice about inviting her out for a friendly game of pool, at least with money on the table. Debi is a seasoned pool shooter in the competitive Hamtramck billiards leagues. You might leave the billiards hall with a wallet a little lighter than when you entered!