As I prepare to retire from my role as Director of Youth Ministry, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and love. It has truly been one of the greatest blessings of my life to serve alongside such an incredible community and to walk with so many amazing teens on their journey of faith.

To our parishioners - thank you. Your constant support and generosity have helped make our Youth Ministry vibrant and impactful. It is this unwavering support that has been a constant source of encouragement and strength to me. Whether you attended a car wash, contributed to the Boston Mission Trip Silent Auction, donated to our homeless collections, or made sandwiches for those in need, you’ve shown our teens what it means to live out the Gospel with love and action. We are all better for your example.

To the teens - working with you has been nothing short of inspiring. Watching you grow in your relationship with Jesus, build lasting friendships, and serve with compassion and joy has brought me so much happiness and hope. You are the heart of this ministry. Your energy, openness, and courage in living your faith are powerful reminders that God is doing great things in and through you.

To the parents - thank you for encouraging your teens to be part of Youth Ministry. Your witness, your presence at Mass, and your commitment to faith in your homes plant seeds that flourish here in Youth Ministry. Faith begins at home and is nurtured by your love and example. Thank you for trusting me to walk alongside your children.

To our Teen Leaders - past, present, and future - your leadership has been the lifeblood of this program. You make everyone feel welcome. You guide with joy, pray with sincerity, and share your faith without hesitation. You really know how to have fun too! Our gatherings would not be the same without your dedication and heart.

To my assistant Sandra - thank you is not enough. As I step away from my role, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a steady, joyful, and creative partner in Youth Ministry. You've embraced all my wild ideas with enthusiasm—and somehow managed to improve them every time. Your love for the teens, your care in every detail, and your incredible organization have been such a gift to this ministry and to me personally. I will miss you
deeply, but I’m so grateful that you are staying on to work with Maureen. I know the program will thrive with your heart and talent guiding it forward.

To all the staff, parish priests and liaisons – thank you for being more than just coworkers—you’ve truly been like family. You've supported Youth Ministry with open hearts (and amazing patience), listened to me on the good days and the not-so-good ones, and never batted an eye at my many “just one more thing” requests. I’ve always felt I could count on you for anything—and I usually did! Your kindness, humor, and friendship have meant the world to me.

And to Father Michael - thank you for your guidance, your encouragement, and your steadfast support of Youth Ministry. Even when we may have tested the boundaries of creativity (think Yankee signs all over the property), your forgiveness and understanding never wavered. You've always seen the value of this ministry and its place in the life of our parish, and I am so grateful for your spiritual leadership.

As I step into retirement, I look forward to spending more time with my family and enjoying our new home in Delaware. St. Catherine of Siena has been my home for over 25 years, and I will always remain connected to this parish and all of you. I plan to stay active in our community, and I will carry the memories of our Youth Ministry—at St. Catherine’s, St. Mary’s, and St. Therese—with deep affection and gratitude. Thank you for being such a meaningful part of my life. You are in my prayers always.

Many thanks and blessings,
Manuela Hanshaw, Director of Youth Ministry
St. Catherine of Siena, St. Mary’s and St. Therese Parishes