Curia staff experience service to others in a different way at annual Day of Service

Maura Baker

Staff Writer

The Diocese of Covington’s Curia staff held its second annual Day of Service, April 3. An extension of Bishop John Iffert’s “Campaign of Mercy,” the annual Day of Service begins and ends with reflection and prayer — offering staff a break from routine and an opportunity to serve the diocese in a different way, both physically and spiritually.

Curia employees divided their work in groups between different ministries — some played with and cared for children, or served lunch at ACUE schools, while others played bingo with seniors or helped clear out the now closed Holy Family School, Covington.

Kelly Linkugel was a member of the planning committee for the Day of Service, and said that she “thought it was very evident from my colleagues how much they all cared about this day and how much we could collaborate and make sure we were serving different segments — not just older folks, or kids — we made sure we got a full circle of people to take care of.”

“I think the Day of Service was a meaningful day for everyone who was involved in it,” said Sister Margaret Stallmeyer, another member of the event’s committee, “We all were stretched and experienced different than what we have every day. It was a time for us to see the diocese, see the work that’s going on in this Church and this community and to recognize the role that we have in strengthening the Church and the community.”

“The annual Day of Service is a really good opportunity for the Curia staff to move beyond the office,” said Sister Margaret, “and to experience time with the people whom we are serving here in the Curia in a different way. It all becomes real for us, and I think that’s a blessing.”