Have you ever noticed the beautiful altar cloths in church? Or the hanging fabric panels behind the altar
that appear in different colors depending on the liturgical season? Or the draping on the ceiling of the chapel entrance at Easter/Christmas? How about the color panels that hang from the ambo or on the walls in the chapel? Joanne Gasperik is an amazing seamstress and has custom made all of these (and more) for our church. She
usually orders the liturgical fabric from England and sews each creation with thoughtful planning. This alone has been a tremendous gift to our parish, but digging a little deeper it came to light that she does a few other things as well! The list is long! Joanne is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a greeter, and a member of the Arimatheans. She delivers Meals on Wheels, brings communion to the homebound, has been a teacher aide and a catechist for Religious Ed, and helped out with Vacation Bible School. She is often there to decorate the church with the Art and Environment team, serves at funeral luncheons, and volunteers at special events. And, when she heads to Florida in the winter time, she does similar ministries in her parish there (and is often
sewing for St. Francis while down south). She is humble in her work, quick to point out others who should be recognized for their volunteerism as well.
“It’s important not just to pray rotely, but to immerse yourself in the sacred word and symbolism,” she said. “In giving we receive…and every night go to sleep with a smile on your face knowing that you have made a difference.” Thank you, Joanne, for your gifts of time and talent to St. Francis de Sales and for all you do to make St. Francis de Sales a beautiful place to reflect, be inspired, and make a difference!