A Message from Hannah Schmitz 5/9

Hello, St. Peter’s Community!

It’s hard to imagine that two years ago when I arrived in New Jersey in August of 2024, I had no idea what taylor ham was, had never been to New York City, and was used to pumping my own gas!

These last two years have been a period of growth and transformation for me. I have been able to work in a wide variety of ministry settings here at St. Peter’s including the Office of Faith Formation, Youth Ministry, the Communications Ministry, and Music Ministry. It has truly been such a joy to meet and work with so many wonderful, amazing people. I have learned so much from each of these opportunities and know that I will take lessons from each ministry into my next step.

I feel very blessed to have met so many kind and faithful people through my time at St. Peter’s. It would consume my entire word count to list them all here, but I especially want to extend my gratitude to Marissa Dabakian, who was my fearless mentor throughout this whole process. Words cannot express how thankful I am to have had her support and guidance.

Although I am excited to graduate from Echo and return home to Ohio to my family, please know that all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. This has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am so grateful for everyone who has made my time here so special.

This parish has welcomed a shy Midwestern girl into a community that feels like family. And so thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being my New Jersey family. I will never forget you all!

I would like to close with a quote from Isaiah 40:31, as it has been my guiding verse during my time in New Jersey:

“They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.”

May the strength and peace of our Lord be with us always!

With love and gratitude,
Hannah

Hannah Schmitz, Notre Dame ECHO Apprentice