(taped by phone 01/02/07)

BIO: Irene was the diocesan director with decades of service in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Busy in “retirement,”  she finds herself wearing many hats- as a parish dre/cym, as a consultant, and as an active leader in national committees.  Irene received the National Catholic Youth Ministry award in 1992 and was recognized for her lifetime of service by the NFCYM in 2004.

QUOTE TO NOTE: (To empower young people to lives as disciples) means calling them forth, challenging them, encouraging them and walking with them to live the values that Jesus modeled for us in every day life, at school, at work, with our families and our friends – - – To be a person of compassion and empathy, of loving care and concern, in service to those in need and a champion of worthy causes and centered in prayer and worship.

OBSCURE FACTOID:  Although Irene is the first to be posted up, she was third interview.  She was, also, the third in a row to suggest that God would meet them at the Pearly Gates with a warm “Welcome Home.”

BEHIND THE SCENES:  Irene was extremely gracious. She gave a wonderful interview and while I was editing it, I inadvertently lost the file.  Calling three hours later with much apologies, Irene repeated her interview and this is what we have before us. Music is from here.

BLOG REFLECTION: can be read here for Jan. 3.