Dear Cathedral Community,
I pray this message finds you all in good health and spirits. I am writing to inform you about some upcoming staff changes within our cathedral community.
Firstly, I express my deep appreciation for Kathy Frisoli, who has served as Executive Assistant to the Dean for the past five years. Kathy has decided to pursue a new career path and will be leaving this position to attend nursing school. Her dedication and hard work have been invaluable to our team. Kathy’s authenticity, joyful personality, and remarkable administrative and media skills have been a source of joy and comfort for me and many as we navigated many stages in our life together. Please join me in thanking Kathy for her years of service and wishing her blessings in her new endeavors.
Thankfully, Kathy has agreed to stay on staff in a very part-time position as Media Coordinator, working remotely. Her willingness to support God’s mission in our midst is the gift that keeps on giving.
Kathy has noted “ It is with great excitement and sadness that I am announcing that I am leaving the Cathedral in my role as an Executive Assistant to the Dean to pursue my passion in nursing. Working with Dean Lina made me really think about a person's calling in life and what a calling means. She has been an inspiration for me for service to others. Also, in the Cathedral we deal with the realities of death and when we lose someone here, I always think about any regrets I would have. Pursuing a nursing degree has always been something I have wanted to do, but for a variety of reasons I did not do it. I am proud to say this spring I was accepted into Naugatuck Valley Community College’s nursing program. I hope to one day work in an emergency room. Even though I am leaving my role, I am not leaving the Cathedral totally. I will be the media coordinator still posting on Facebook, creating our enews, and creating flyers for our events. I have loved working here in this way and I will really miss it. It was a very hard decision because I love this job. I am glad that Dean Lina said I could stay on as media coordinator. I don’t think I could leave this place completely”.
Considering Kathy’s transition, I am pleased to announce that Gregory Simmons, our current Event Coordinator and Administrative Assistant, will be taking on an expanded role as Assistant to the Dean and Event Coordinator. Her experience, organizational skills, and commitment to our common mission makes her an excellent fit for this position. I have full confidence in Gregory’s ability to thrive in her new role, and I am excited to see her take on these additional responsibilities.
Gregory says: "We will all miss Kathy very much! I am excited to be stepping into this new role and feel blessed to be learning from Kathy's experience, wisdom, and enthusiasm."
Additionally, I will be hiring a part-time administrative staff person to provide support to Canon Finn, Deacon Videla, and the office in general. This addition will help ensure the smooth operation of our various programs and services. We are actively in the process of identifying suitable candidates and will make an announcement once the hiring process is complete.
Please note that this staff reorganization will not have a negative impact on our 2023 budget.
Change is a natural part of any organization, and while we will miss Kathy’s presence (and basket of candies!), I am confident that these staff changes will allow us to continue serving our community with the same level of dedication and excellence. We now will shift from Kathy’s wonderful chocolates and candies to Gregory’s healthy carrot sticks! (inside joke). And all will be well.
Faithfully,
Lina+
The Very Rev. Miguelina Howell, Cathedral Dean
