Office Angels Provide Essential Day-to-Day Assistance: “We Never Know What Each Day Will Bring”

Debbie Horn encounters parishioners and community members in moments of joy and moments of grief through her work in the parish office.

“I see people from all walks and phases of life each day as parishioners come into the office to talk about weddings, funerals, Baptisms, and many other needs and situations,” Debbie says. “We also have people walk in off the street who are in need and those needs have increased in recent years. We help anyone who lives within the parish’s boundaries, and if they don’t, we have a number of places to refer them to.”

St. Vincent de Paul’s Office Angels are parishioners who offer their time to accompany others from our parish and our community as they navigate the challenges of daily life.

“The Office Angels greet people as they come in or call and take care of whatever their needs might be,” says Debbie, Receptionist and Bulletin Editor. “They answer phones, sort mail, do Mass cards, and help people looking for faith formation information.”

Debbie and her husband joined St. Vincent’s in 1982 and, after she converted to Catholicism, Debbie and her two children all received their First Communions at the parish. They felt welcome at the parish from the beginning because of the warmth and openness of parishioners.

In 1996, Debbie helped in the parish office, and her involvement progressed from there.

“I wanted to be involved, and I knew that the office ladies needed help,” Debbie says. “Right away I loved working with them and working for the church. It was a calling for me, and when one of them retired, I moved into the full-time position.”

The Office Angels support Debbie and the life of the parish office by giving of their time throughout the week. Many of the office angels are women, but men also give of their time in this way.

“They’re all looking for ways to give back to the church, and this is an essential way,” Debbie says. “Having the office angels available to help answer the phone and talk with parishioners who come to the office, helps me focus on other tasks. I cannot thank them enough.”

Being an Office Angel is an opportunity to become closer to the parish and more directly involved in parish life. If you’re wondering if you’d like to serve in this way, please reach out to Debbie and come shadow others in the office.

“We always tell our Office Angels to bring a book, because we never know what each day will bring,” Debbie says. “Come in and check it out and see if it might be something you’re interested in.”

If you would like more information about St. Vincent de Paul’s Office Angels, please reach out to Debbie Horn at 817-478-8206.