Sister Marie Shields
Columbus, OH

Making the Gospel come alive."

St. Matthias Parish in Columbus has steadily evolved into a rich, multicultural community with members from Nigeria, Brazil, Haiti, Philippines, Southeast Asia along with American-born women and men.

For the past 24 years, Sister Marie Shields has served as the pastoral assistant at the parish. In this ministry she provides spiritual guidance to church members. She also plans and arranges educational, social, and recreational programs for the congregation. But perhaps one of her most important responsibilities it to work with the pastor to make the gospel relevant and helpful to modern people, taking into consideration the various needs of each culture at St. Matthias.

“We have such a beautiful mix of cultures in our parish and we are all learning how to appreciate one another’s gifts that come from our loving God,” Sister Marie said. “I feel privileged to be here and to use all that God has been given me. It is wonderful to be chosen to help this way.”