MINISTRY AS MAGNANIMITY: Highlighting an Alumna

I work at St. Benedict and St. Leo the Great parishes in Amherst, NY, as the Pastoral Associate of Liturgy and Communications. Originally I was hired as a Music Director, but my theological formation at St. Bernard’s has helped me expand into further roles in ministry outside of music

Currently, I wear many hats in ministry: directing the music program at St. Benedict (including a parish choir, young adult choir, and children’s choir), planning/playing music for all Masses (weekend/Holy Day Masses, funerals, weddings, school Masses), coordinating liturgies and special events, as well as handling our online communications. Additionally, along with my wonderful co-workers, I founded and run our young adult ministry, Young Adult Professionals (YAP Buffalo), which helps young adults develop spiritually, personally, and professionally.

My heart is in building relationships with our parishioners, school children, and the broader Church and local community I want to expand what we think of as Church: Church is not only the celebration of Mass, it’s also when we go out to sing at nursing homes, when we distribute meals to those in need, or simply connect with others over some coffee and donuts. I find beauty in the incredible diversity of our Church – it’s one of the few places where people of all ages, backgrounds, incomes, and ethnicities come together to pray with and learn from each other. I also love my work as a musician, as I get to pray and connect with many different churches and communities across western New York.

Thanks largely to my studies at St Bernard’s (and particularly my thesis writing process), I learned a lot about how theology can work with other disciplines to bring about a more integrated understanding of faith and life. Additionally, I am now more confident in leading discussions and giving talks to groups on various topics in spirituality and theology. I also find that I am able to answer questions and articulate my faith more clearly (and as someone who works with young adults, they have many good questions that keep me growing and learning!)

Maria Chomicka, Class of 2022, works as the Pastoral Associate of Liturgy and Communications at St Benedict and St Leo the Great Parishes in Amherst, NY, where she coordinates communications and social media for both parishes, directs the music ministry at St. Ben's, and coordinates the Young Adult Professional group. She is trained professionally as an organist and pianist and can often be found playing at concerts and other events around western New York She recently finished her Master of Arts in Theological Studies at St Bernard's and is always seeking new ways to bring faith and music together, hoping to bring more beauty and love into the world