St. Vivian Online Discussion Forum: A Parish Treasure

Thread initiated by Jim Meyer on 7/30/04.

The members of this parish need to recognize what a treasure they have in Julie Borgerding. I've been in this parish 53 years and have met some truly remarkable people, yet few have lived the gospel with the grace and enthusiasm of Julie.

This talented young woman has given so much of herself to the music ministry at St. Vivian. For the past several years she has been the primary pianist at three out of four masses each weekend. She also plays bass (both guitar and violin) and the electronic keyboard. She'll even sing with the groups if others are there to play the instruments she usually handles.

I first met Julie before she was even involved in music ministry. When she was in junior high at St. Vivian School, she volunteered to keep score for her youner brother Andy's basketball team. My son Mark was on that team, and my son Matt helped coach it. Julie was the most dedicated member of that team.

I've had the pleasure of watching her talents evolve through her high school and college years. But her vast musical talent pales in comparison to her true understanding of the Christian principles she lives daily.

Julie is a person of few words. She's somewhat shy and unassuming, yet she always smiles and greets everyone she meets with sincere joy. She volunteers cheerfully for any task. She shows her love for this parish and its parishioners by working tirelessly through long hours to help keep our music ministry thriving. I have never heard her utter a negative word about anyone. How many of us can say that about ourselves?

Julie's parents must be extremely proud, and our parish should also be proud that we helped nurture such a treasure and grateful that she continues to share her love of Christ with us. I am so honored to be her friend.

Jim,
That is a wonderful glowing profile of such a talented person. She also has the gift of seeing the good in people where others may only see the bad.
We can all learn a lot from this young lady

by Steve O'Quinn on 7/30/04 at 02:02 PM

I concur wholeheartedly with Jim and Steve. We are all blessed to have Julie's shining example. I'd like to mention that Julie worked tirelessly to enable the summer music program, sponsored by the local Pastoral Musician Directors, to be held at St. Vivian in spite of the fact that Tim McManus was away for three of the four evenings presentation.

To that I would add that her kindness and helpfulness encompasses all, not just her peers, as most of us tend to do. Best of all, for me, I count her as friend.

Finally, I see other dedicated young people at St. Vivian among the servers and lectors (I'm sure in other capacities as well)and so would like to suggest that we rejoice in the fine young people St. Vivian is blessed to have as they are our future.

by Lori Zenk on 8/2/04 at 1:43 PM

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